PATI Patriot Transportation Holding, Inc. - 10-K

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS.

Our future results may be affected by a number of factors over which we have little or no control. The following issues, uncertainties, and risks, among others, should be considered in evaluating our business and outlook. Also, note that additional risks not currently identified or known to us could also negatively impact our business or financial results.

Risks Related to the Merger

Risks related to the merger could materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, projected results, and future prospects.

Completion of the merger is subject to a number of closing conditions, including obtaining the approval of our shareholders and upon UPT’s ability to obtain debt financing (as defined in the merger agreement). We can provide no assurance that all closing conditions will otherwise be satisfied (or waived, if applicable), and, even if all closing conditions are satisfied (or waived, if applicable), we can provide no assurance as to the terms, conditions and timing of such approvals or the timing of the completion of the merger. Many of the conditions to completion of the merger are not within our control, and we cannot predict when or if these conditions will be satisfied (or waived, if applicable). Any adverse consequence of the pending merger could be exacerbated by any delays in completion of the merger or termination of the merger agreement.

Each party’s obligation to consummate the merger is subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the other party (subject to customary materiality qualifications) and compliance in all material respects with the covenants and agreements contained in the merger agreement as of the closing of the merger, including, with respect to us, covenants to conduct our business in the ordinary course and to not engage in certain kinds of material transactions prior to closing. In addition, the merger agreement may be terminated under certain specified circumstances, including, but not limited to, in connection with a change in the recommendation of our Board to enter into an agreement for a Superior Proposal (as defined in the merger agreement). As a result, we cannot assure you that the merger will be completed, even if our shareholders approve the merger, or that, if completed, it will be

exactly on the terms set forth in the merger agreement or within the expected time frame. In addition, we are subject to the following risks related to the merger:

legal proceedings, judgments or settlements, including those that may be instituted against the Company, the Board, the Company’s executive officers and others following the announcement of the merger;

disruptions of current plans and operations caused by the announcement and pendency of the merger;

disruption of management’s attention from the Company’s ongoing business operations due to the merger;

potential difficulties in employee retention due to the announcement and pendency of the merger;

the response of customers, suppliers and drivers to the announcement and pendency of the merger;

disruptions in the execution of plans, strategies, goals and objectives of management for future operations caused by the merger; and

the price of the Company’s common stock price may decline significantly if the merger is not completed.

The occurrence of any of these events individually or in combination could affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, projected results, and future prospects.

Strategic Risks

Our operations and financial results are subject to the demand for hauling petroleum products in our markets, which is determined by factors outside our control.

We derive approximately 86% of our revenues from the hauling of petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel fuel and ethanol. The demand for these services is determined by motor fuel consumption in our markets, which is affected by gasoline prices, general economic conditions, employment levels, remote work, consumer confidence and spending patterns . Gasoline prices can be highly volatile and are impacted by factors outside of our control (including production decisions made by oil producing nations).

Developments related to climate change, fuel efficiency, vehicle manufacturing and increased acceptance of electric vehicles are expected to reduce demand for petroleum products.

Increasing concern regarding the impacts of climate change resulting from greenhouse gas emissions has resulted in proposed regulations to improve fuel efficiency and legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act that create incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles, as well as legislative proposals such as carbon taxes and cap and trade programs. Many major automobile manufacturers have plans to increase production of electric vehicles over time. These factors, together with increasing social consciousness about climate change and consumer acceptance of electric vehicles, could reduce demand for petroleum products over time.

Human Capital Risks

Our ability to recruit and retain drivers is critical to our financial results and the ability to grow our business.

Our industry is subject to a shortage of qualified drivers. This shortage is exacerbated during periods of economic expansion, in which attractive employment opportunities, including in the construction and manufacturing industries, may offer better compensation and better hours. We suffer from high turnover. We have implemented driver pay increases to address this shortage in the hopes of reducing turnover, however our efforts to reduce turnover may be unsuccessful.

There is substantial competition for qualified personnel, particularly drivers, in the trucking industry. Supply chain challenges could continue to reduce the number of eligible drivers in our markets. This results in temporary under-utilization of our equipment, difficulty in meeting our customers’ demands and increased compensation levels, each

of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. A decrease in quality drivers could lead to an increased frequency in the number of accidents, potential claims exposure and, indirectly, insurance costs.

Difficulty in attracting qualified drivers limits our ability to accept or service new business opportunities or could require us to increase the wages we pay in order to attract and retain drivers. If we are unable to hire qualified drivers to service new or existing business, we may have to temporarily send drivers from other terminals to those struggling markets, causing us to incur significant costs relating to out-of-town driver pay and expenses.

If our relationship with our employees were to deteriorate, we may be faced with unionization efforts, labor shortages, disruptions or stoppages, which could adversely affect our business and reduce our operating margins and income.

Our operations rely heavily on our employees, and any labor shortage, disruption or stoppage caused by poor relations with our employees, whether as a result of the pending merger or another reason, could reduce our operating margins and income. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements, although unions have traditionally been active in the U.S. trucking industry. Our workforce has been subject to union organization efforts from time to time, and we could be subject to future unionization efforts as our operations expand. Unionization of our workforce could result in higher compensation and working condition demands that could increase our operating costs or constrain our operating flexibility. We believe we are exempt from overtime pay rules under regulations of the Department of Transportation (“DOT”). However, our operating costs would increase if this exemption were rescinded or if a court determined that we were not exempt from these overtime pay rules.

If we lose key members of our senior management, our business may be adversely affected.

Our ability to implement our business strategy successfully and to operate profitably depends in large part on the continued employment of our senior management team, led by Robert Sandlin, President and CEO. If Mr. Sandlin or the other members of senior management become unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, our business or financial results could be adversely affected.

Operational Risks

We may be adversely affected by fluctuations in the price and availability of fuel.

We require large amounts of diesel fuel to operate our tractors. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, cost of fuel (including fuel taxes) represented approximately 11.9%, 15.1%, and 12.6%, respectively, of our total revenue. The market price for fuel can be extremely volatile and can be affected by a number of economic and political factors. In addition, changes in federal or state regulations can impact the price of fuel, as well as increase the amount we pay in fuel taxes.

We typically incorporate a fuel surcharge provision in all customer contracts. The intended effect of that provision is to neutralize the impacts of fluctuations in the price of diesel fuel on both the Company and our customer. The amount of the fuel surcharge is typically set at the beginning of each month and is based on the actual price of diesel fuel recorded in the preceding month. This provision produces a lag in the timing of the recovery of the price move for both the Company and our customer. However, our customers may be able to negotiate contracts that minimize or eliminate our ability to pass on fuel price increases.

We currently do not hedge our fuel purchases to protect against fluctuations in fuel prices.

Our operations may also be adversely affected by any limit on the availability of fuel. Disruptions in the political climate in key oil producing regions in the world, particularly in the event of wars or other armed conflicts, could severely limit the availability of fuel in the United States. In the event our customers face significant difficulty in obtaining fuel, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be materially adversely affected.

We operate in a highly competitive industry, and competitive pressures may adversely affect our operations and profitability.

The tank lines transportation business is extremely competitive and fragmented. We compete with many other carriers of varying sizes as well as our customers’ private fleets. Numerous competitive factors could impair our ability to maintain our current level of revenues and profitability and adversely affect our financial condition. These factors include the following:

we compete with many other fuels delivery service providers, particularly smaller regional competitors, some of which may have more equipment in, or stronger ties to, the geographic regions in which they operate or other competitive advantages;

some of our competitors periodically reduce their prices to gain business, which may limit our ability to maintain or increase prices, implement new pricing strategies or maintain significant growth in our business;

many customers periodically accept bids from multiple carriers, and this process may depress prices or result in the loss of some business to competitors;

many customers are looking to reduce the number of carriers they use, and in some instances we may not be selected to provide services;

consolidation in the fuels delivery industry could create other large carriers with greater financial resources than we have and other competitive advantages relating to their size;

the development of alternative power sources for cars and trucks could reduce demand for gasoline; and

advances in technology require increased investments to maintain competitiveness, and we may not have the financial resources to invest in technology improvements or our customers may not be willing to accept higher prices to cover the cost of these investments.

If we are unable to address these competitive pressures, our operations and profitability may be adversely affected.

Our operations present hazards and risks, which are not fully covered by insurance. If a significant accident happens, for which we are not fully insured, our operations and financial results could be adversely affected.

The primary accident risks associated with our business are:

motor-vehicle related bodily injury and property damage;

workers’ compensation claims;

environmental pollution liability claims;

cargo loss and damage; and

general liability claims.

We currently maintain insurance for:

motor-vehicle related bodily injury and property damage claims;

workers’ compensation insurance coverage on our employees; and

general liability claims.

Our insurance program includes a self-insured deductible of $250,000 per incident for bodily injury and property damage. The deductible on workers’ compensation is $500,000. In addition, the Company maintains a minimum of $10 million of insurance coverage which is the largest amount required by any of our customers. The deductible per incident could adversely affect our profitability, particularly in the event of an increase in the frequency or severity of incidents. Additionally, we are self-insured for damage to the equipment that we own and lease, as well as for cargo losses and such self-insurance is not subject to any maximum limitation. In addition, even where we have insurance, our insurance policies may not provide coverage for certain claims against us or may not be sufficient to cover all possible liabilities.

Our self-insured retentions require us to make estimates of expected loss amounts and accrue such estimates as expenses. Changes in estimates may materially and adversely affect our financial results. In addition, our insurance does not cover claims for punitive damages.

We are subject to changing conditions and pricing in the insurance marketplace that in the future could change dramatically the cost or availability of various types of insurance. To the extent these costs cannot be passed on to our customers in increased prices, increases in insurance costs could reduce our future profitability and cash flow.

Moreover, any accident or incident involving us, even if we are fully insured or not held to be liable, could negatively affect our reputation among customers and the public, thereby making it more difficult for us to compete effectively, and could significantly affect the cost and availability of insurance in the future. Because we provide “last mile” fuels delivery services, we generally perform our services in more crowded areas, which increases the possibility of an accident involving our trucks.

If we fail to develop, integrate or upgrade our information technology systems, we may lose customers or incur costs beyond our expectations.

We rely heavily on information technology and communications systems to operate our business and manage our network in an efficient manner. We have equipped our tractors with various mobile communications systems and electronic logging devices that enable us to monitor our tractors and communicate with our drivers in the field and enable customers to track the location and monitor the progress of their cargo through the Internet.

Increasingly, we compete for customers based upon the flexibility and sophistication of our technologies supporting our services. The failure of hardware or software that supports our information technology systems, the loss of data contained in the systems, or the inability of our customers to access or interact with our website, could significantly disrupt our operations and cause us to lose customers. If our information technology systems are unable to handle additional volume for our operations as our business and scope of service grow, our service levels and operating efficiency will decline. In addition, we expect customers to continue to demand more sophisticated fully integrated information systems. If we fail to hire and retain qualified personnel to implement and maintain our information technology systems or if we fail to upgrade or replace these systems to handle increased volumes, meet the demands of our customers and protect against disruptions of our operations, we may lose customers, which could seriously harm our business.

Our business could be negatively impacted by cyberattacks targeting our computer and telecommunications systems and infrastructure, or targeting those of our third-party service providers.

Our business, like other companies in our industry, has become increasingly dependent on digital technologies, including technologies that are managed by third-party service providers on whom we rely to help us collect, host or process information. Such technologies are integrated into our business operations. Use of the internet and other public networks for communications, services, and storage, including "cloud" computing, exposes all users (including our business) to cybersecurity risks.

While we and our third-party service providers commit resources to the design, implementation, and monitoring of our information systems, there is no guarantee that our security measures will provide absolute security. Despite these security measures, we may not be able to anticipate, detect, or prevent cyberattacks, particularly because the methodologies used by attackers change frequently or may not be recognized until launched, and because attackers are increasingly using techniques designed to circumvent controls and avoid detection. We and our third-party service providers may therefore be vulnerable to security events that are beyond our control, and we may be the target of cyber-attacks, as well as physical attacks, which could result in information security breaches and significant disruption to our business.

As cyberattacks continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to respond to cyberattacks, to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures, or to investigate and remediate any information.

We operate in a highly regulated industry, and increased costs of compliance with, or liability for violation of, existing or future regulations could significantly increase our costs of doing business.

As a motor carrier, we are subject to regulation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) and DOT, and by various federal and state agencies. These regulatory authorities exercise broad powers governing various aspects such as operating authority, safety, hours of service, hazardous materials transportation, financial reporting and acquisitions. There are additional regulations specifically relating to the trucking industry, including testing and specification of equipment, product-handling requirements and drug testing of drivers. In 2019, Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Inc. underwent a compliance review by the FMCSA in which we retained our satisfactory DOT safety rating. Any downgrade in our DOT safety rating (as a result of new regulations or otherwise) could adversely affect our business.

The trucking industry is subject to possible regulatory and legislative changes that may affect the economics of the industry by requiring changes in operating practices, emissions or by changing the demand for common or contract carrier services or the cost of providing trucking services. Possible changes include:

increasingly stringent environmental regulations, including changes intended to address climate change;

restrictions, taxes or other controls on emissions;

regulation specific to the energy market and logistics providers to the industry;

changes in the hours-of-service regulations, which govern the amount of time a driver may drive in any specific period;

driver and vehicle electronic logging requirements;

requirements leading to accelerated purchases of new tractors;

mandatory limits on vehicle weight and size;

driver hiring restrictions;

increased bonding or insurance requirements; and

mandatory regulations imposed by the Department of Homeland Security.

From time to time, various legislative proposals are introduced, including proposals to increase federal, state, or local taxes, including taxes on motor fuels and emissions, which may increase our operating costs, require capital expenditures or adversely impact the recruitment of drivers.

Restrictions on emissions or other climate change laws or regulations could also affect our customers that use significant amounts of energy or burn fossil fuels in producing or delivering the products we carry. We also could lose revenue if our customers divert business from us because we have not complied with their sustainability requirements.

Our business may be adversely affected by additional security measures and regulations applicable to the transport of hazardous materials.

Federal, state and municipal authorities have implemented and continue to implement various security measures, including checkpoints and travel restrictions on large trucks and fingerprinting of drivers in connection with new hazardous materials endorsements on their licenses. Such measures may have costs associated with them which we are forced to bear. While we believe we are in compliance with these regulations, if existing requirements are interpreted differently by governmental authorities or additional new security measures are required, the timing of our deliveries may be disrupted and we may fail to meet the needs of our customers or incur increased expenses to do so. Such developments could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Moreover, large trucks containing petroleum products are potential terrorist targets, and we may be obligated to take measures, including possible capital expenditures intended to protect our trucks. In addition, the insurance premiums charged for some or all of the coverage maintained by us could continue to increase dramatically or such coverage could be unavailable in the future.

Our operations involve hazardous materials and could result in significant environmental liabilities and costs.

Our activities, which involve the transportation, storage and disposal of fuels and other hazardous substances and wastes, are subject to various federal, state and local health and safety laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including, among others, those governing the transportation, management and disposal of hazardous materials, vehicle emissions, underground and above ground storage tanks and the cleanup of contaminated sites. Our operations involve risks of fuel spillage or seepage, hazardous waste disposal and other

activities that are potentially damaging to the environment. If we are involved in a spill or other accident involving hazardous substances, or if we are found to be in violation of or liable under applicable laws or regulations, it could significantly increase our cost of doing business.

Most of our truck terminals are located in industrial areas, where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination may have occurred. Under environmental laws, we could be held responsible for the costs relating to any contamination at those or other of our past or present facilities and at third-party waste disposal sites, including cleanup costs, fines and penalties and personal injury and property damages. Under some of these laws, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (also known as the Superfund law) and comparable state statutes, liability for the entire cost of the cleanup of contaminated sites can be imposed upon any current or former owner or operator, or upon any party who sent waste to the site, regardless of the lawfulness of any disposal activities or whether a party owned or operated a contaminated property at the time of the release of hazardous substances. From time to time, we have incurred remedial costs and/or regulatory penalties with respect to spills and releases in connection with our operations and, notwithstanding the existence of our environmental management program, such obligations may be incurred in the future. The discovery of contamination or the imposition of additional obligations or liabilities in the future could result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or our business reputation.

Risks Relating to Our Common Stock

Your percentage of ownership in the Company may be diluted in the future.

In the future, your percentage ownership in the Company may be diluted because of equity issuances for acquisitions, capital market transactions or other corporate purposes, including equity awards that we will grant to our directors, officers and employees. Our employees have options to purchase shares of our common stock and we anticipate our compensation committee will grant additional stock options or other stock-based awards to our employees. Such awards will have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. From time to time, we will issue additional options or other stock-based awards to our employees under our employee benefits plans.

In addition, our amended and restated articles of incorporation authorizes us to issue, without the approval of our shareholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designation, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, including preferences over our common stock respecting dividends and distributions, as our board of directors generally may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could dilute the voting power or reduce the value of our common stock. For example, we could grant the holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we could assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the common stock.

Certain shareholders have effective control of a significant percentage of our common stock and likely will control the outcome of any shareholder vote.

Two of our directors, John D Baker II and Thompson S. Baker II, and their respective family members, beneficially own a significant percentage of our common stock. As a result, these individuals effectively may have the ability to direct the election of all members of our board of directors and to exercise a controlling influence over our business and affairs, including any determinations with respect to mergers or other business combinations involving us, our acquisition or disposition of assets, our borrowing of monies, our issuance of any additional securities, our repurchase of common stock and our payment of dividends. In connection with the pending merger, John D Baker II and Thompson S. Baker II entered into an Irrevocable Proxy and Agreement, pursuant to which, among other things, they have granted an irrevocable proxy to vote the shares of Company common stock owned by such shareholders in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement.

Provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws and certain provisions of Florida law could delay or prevent a change in control of us.

The existence of some provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws and Florida law could discourage, delay

or prevent a change in control of us that a shareholder may consider favorable. These include provisions:

providing that our directors may be removed by our shareholders only for cause;

establishing supermajority vote requirements for our shareholders to approve certain business combinations;

establishing supermajority vote requirements for our shareholders to amend certain provisions of our articles of incorporation and our bylaws;

authorizing a large number of shares of stock that are not yet issued, which would allow our board of directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, thereby protecting the continuity of our management, or which could be used to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of us;

prohibiting shareholders from calling special meetings of shareholders or taking action by written consent; and

imposing advance notice requirements for nominations of candidates for election to our board of directors at the annual shareholder meetings.

These provisions apply even if a takeover offer may be considered beneficial by some shareholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our board of directors determines is not in our and our shareholders’ best interests.

Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION.

Overview

The business of the Company, conducted through our wholly owned subsidiary, Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Inc. (Tank Lines), which is a Southeastern U.S. based tank truck company, is to transport petroleum and other liquids and dry bulk commodities.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Years ended September 30

(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)

Change

Revenues

Operating profit

Income before income taxes

Net income

Per common share:

Basic

Diluted

Total Assets

Total Debt

Shareholders' Equity

Common Shares Outstanding

Book Value Per Common Share

Our revenues are primarily based on a set rate per volume of product hauled to arrive at a desired rate per mile traveled. The rate also incorporates the cost of fuel at an assumed price plus fuel surcharges to address the fluctuation in fuel prices. Over time, the fuel surcharge tables in the industry have become so numerous and varied, both by

carriers and customers, that they have simply become a part of the overall rating structure to arrive at that desired price per mile by market. We consider fuel surcharge revenue to be revenue from services rather than other revenues. As a result, the Company determined there is no reason to report fuel surcharges as a separate revenue line item and fuel surcharges are reported as part of Operating revenues.

The Company’s operations are influenced by a number of external and internal factors. External factors include levels of economic and industrial activity, driver availability and cost, government regulations regarding driver qualifications and limitations on the hours drivers can work, petroleum product demand in the Southeast which is driven in part by tourism and commercial aviation, and fuel costs. Internal factors include revenue mix, equipment utilization, Company imposed restrictions on hiring drivers under the age of 21 or drivers without at least one year of driving experience, auto and workers’ compensation accident frequencies and severity, administrative costs, and group health claims experience.

Our operating costs primarily consist of the following:

Compensation and Benefits - Wages and employee benefits for our drivers and terminal support personnel is the largest component of our operating costs. These costs are impacted by such factors as miles driven, driver pay increases, driver turnover and training costs and additional driver pay due to temporary out-of-town deployments to cover business.

Fuel Expenses - Our fuel expenses will vary depending on miles driven as well as such factors as fuel prices (which can be highly volatile), the fuel efficiency of our fleet and the average haul length.

Repairs and Tires – This category consists of vehicle maintenance and repairs (excluding shop personnel) and tire expense (including amortization of tire cost and road repairs). These expenses will vary based on such factors as miles driven, the age of our fleet, and tire prices.

Other Operating Expenses – This category consists of tolls, hiring costs, out-of-town driver travel cost, terminal facility maintenance and other operating expenses. These expenses will vary based on such factors as, driver availability and out-of-town driver travel requirements, business growth and inflation among others.

Insurance and Losses – This includes costs associated with insurance premiums, and the self-insured portion of liability, workers’ compensation, health insurance and cargo claims and wreck repairs. We work very hard to manage these expenses through our safety and wellness programs, but these expenses will vary depending on the frequency and severity of accident and health claims, insurance markets and deductible levels.

Depreciation Expense – Depreciation expense consists of the depreciation of the cost of fixed assets such as tractors and trailers over the life assigned to those assets. The amount of depreciation expense is impacted by equipment prices and the timing of new equipment purchases. We expect the cost of new tractors and trailers to continue to increase, impacting our future depreciation expense.

Rents, Tags and Utilities Expenses – This category consists of rents payable on leased facilities and leased equipment, federal highway use taxes, vehicle registrations, license and permit fees and personal property taxes assessed against our equipment, communications, utilities and real estate taxes.

Sales, General and Administrative Expenses – This category consists of the wages, bonus accruals, benefits, travel, vehicle and office costs for our administrative personnel as well as professional fees and amortization charges for intangible assets purchased in acquisitions of other businesses.

Corporate Expenses – Corporate expenses consist of wages, bonus accruals, insurance and other benefits, travel, vehicle and office costs for corporate executives, director fees, stock option expense and aircraft expense.

Gains/Loss on Disposition of Property, Plant & Equipment – Our financial results for any period may be impacted by any gain or loss that we realize on the sale of used equipment, losses on wrecked equipment, and disposition of other assets. We periodically sell used equipment as we replace older tractors and trailers. Gains or losses on equipment sales can vary significantly from period to period depending on the timing of our equipment replacement cycle, market prices for used equipment and losses on wrecked equipment.

To measure our performance, management focuses primarily on transportation revenue growth, revenue miles, our preventable accident frequency rate (“PAFR”), our operating ratio (defined as our operating expenses as a percentage of our operating revenue), turnover rate (excluding drivers related to terminal closures) and average driver count (defined as average number of revenue producing drivers including owner operators (O.O.) under employment over the specified time period) as compared to the same period in the prior year.

ITEM

Operating Revenues

Revenue Miles

Revenue Per Mile

PAFR (incidents per 1M miles) goal of 1.87

Operating Ratio

Driver Turnover Rate

Avg. Driver Count incl. owner operators

COMPARATIVE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Fiscal Years ended September 30

(dollars in thousands)

Revenue miles (in thousands)

Operating Revenues

Cost of operations:

Compensation and benefits

Fuel expenses

Repairs & tires

Other operating

Insurance and losses

Depreciation expense

Rents, tags & utilities

Sales, general & administrative

Corporate expenses

Gain on sale of terminal sites

Loss (gain) on disposition of PP&E

Total cost of operations

Total operating profit

Fiscal Year 2023 versus 2022

The Company reported net income of $2,673,000, or $.74 per share for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, compared to $7,190,000, or $1.98 per share in the same period last year. Net income in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 included $6,281,000, or $1.73 per share, from one-time gains on real estate net of income taxes.

Revenue miles were up 579,000, or 2.7%, over the same period last year. Operating revenues for the period were $94,785,000, up $6,903,000 from the same period last year due to an increase in miles, rate increases and an improved business mix. Operating revenue per mile was up $.20, or 4.8%.

Compensation and benefits increased $5,587,000, mainly due to the increases in driver compensation, a $331,000 increase in training pay versus the same period last year and increases in owner operators. Fuel expense decreased $1,317,000 due to lower diesel prices. Insurance and losses decreased $1,103,000 due to lower risk and health insurance claims. Depreciation expense was down $127,000 in the period. Sales, general & administrative increased $1,286,000 due mainly to bonus accruals, increased travel and higher 401(k) match. Corporate expenses were up $204,000 due to $368,000 of costs related to the pending merger. Gain on sale of equipment was $1,047,000 versus $739,000 in the same period last year.

As a result, operating profit this period was $3,282,000 compared to $9,299,000 in the same period last year. Prior year gain on the sale of land was $8,330,000 due to the sale of our former terminal location in Tampa, FL. Operating ratio was 96.5 versus 89.4 in the same period last year.

Fiscal Year 2022 versus 2021

The Company reported net income of $7,190,000, or $1.98 per share, in fiscal year 2022 compared to $625,000, or $.18 per share, in fiscal year 2021. Net income in fiscal year 2022 included $6,281,000, or $1.73 per share, from gains on real estate sales net of income taxes. Net income in fiscal year 2021 included $1,170,000, or $.34 per share, from gains on real estate sales net of income taxes.

Revenue miles in fiscal year 2022 were down 2,539,000, or 11%, over the prior year due to a lower average driver count (down ~40 drivers from last year). Operating revenues for fiscal year 2022 were $87,882,000, up $6,614,000 from fiscal year 2021. Operating revenue per mile in fiscal year 2022 was up $.72, or 21.1% due to rate increases, higher fuel surcharges and an improved business mix.

Compensation and benefits increased $1,708,000 in fiscal year 2022, mainly due to the increased driver compensation package offset by a lower driver count and non-driver personnel reductions. Fuel expense increased $3,658,000 in fiscal year 2022 as a result of higher diesel prices. Insurance and losses increased $906,000 in fiscal year 2022, primarily as a result of the maximum limit COVID health claim ($420,000), a negative workers’ compensation adjustment from a prior year claim ($380,000), and two vehicle rollovers ($269,000).  Depreciation expense was down $1,117,000 in fiscal year 2022. SG&A expense was higher by $542,000 in fiscal year 2022 which included a one-time transaction bonus of $394,000 following the sale of the Tampa property for certain members of management. Gain on the sale of land was $8,330,000 in fiscal year 2022 due to the sale of our former terminal location in Tampa, FL compared to $1,614,000 in fiscal year 2021 due to the sale of our former terminal location in Pensacola, FL and the sale and partial leaseback of our terminal in Chattanooga, TN. Gain on the sale of assets was $739,000 in fiscal year 2022 versus a loss of ($179,000) in fiscal year 2021.

As a result, operating profit in fiscal year 2022 was $9,299,000 compared to $880,000 in fiscal year 2021. Operating ratio was 89.4 in fiscal year 2022 versus 98.9 in fiscal year 2021. Excluding the gain on sale of Tampa terminal and the one-time transaction bonus, adjusted operating profit in fiscal year 2022 was $1,363,000 as compared to an adjusted operating loss of ($734,000) in fiscal year 2021. The COVID medical claim, the prior year workers’ compensation claim and the two Q4 rollover incidents resulted in a total charge of $1,268,000 in fiscal 2022.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the financial results presented in accordance with GAAP, Patriot presents certain non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Patriot uses these non-GAAP financial measures to analyze its continuing operations and to monitor, assess, and identify meaningful trends in its operating and financial performance. These measures are not, and should not be viewed as, substitutes for GAAP financial measures.

Adjusted Operating Profit

Adjusted operating profit excludes the impact of the gain on sale of terminal sites and the one-time transaction bonus related to the sale. Adjusted operating profit is presented to provide additional perspective on underlying trends in Patriot’s core operating results. A reconciliation between operating profit and adjusted operating profit is as follows:

Twelve months ended

September 30, 2022

September 30, 2021

Operating profit

Adjustments:

Gain on sale of terminal sites

One-time transaction bonus

Adjusted operating profit (loss)

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company maintains its operating accounts with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and these accounts directly sweep overnight against the Wells Fargo revolver. Our revolver has a maximum amount available of $15 million and as of September 30, 2023, we had no debt outstanding on this revolver, $1,754,000 letters of credit and $13,246,000 available for additional borrowings. The Company expects our fiscal year 2024 cash generation to cover the cost of our operations and our budgeted capital expenditures.

Cash Flows - The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for each of the periods presented (in thousands of dollars):

Years Ended September 30,

Total cash provided by (used for):

Operating activities

Investing activities

Financing activities

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Outstanding debt at the beginning of the period

Outstanding debt at the end of the period

Operating Activities - Net cash provided by operating activities (as set forth in the cash flow statement) was $8,872,000 for the year ended September 30, 2023, $4,235,000 in 2022 and $2,772,000 in 2021. The total of net income plus depreciation and amortization less gains on sales of property and equipment increased $3,477,000 versus last year. These changes are described above under “Comparative Results of Operations”.

Investing Activities – Investing activities include the purchase of property and equipment, any business acquisitions and proceeds from sales of property and equipment upon retirement. For the year ended September 30, 2023, cash used in investing activities was $10,862,000 which included the proceeds from retirements net of the purchase of property, plant and equipment. For the year ended September 30, 2022, cash provided by investing activities was $5,661,000 which included the proceeds from retirements net of the purchase of property, plant and equipment.

For the year ended September 30, 2021, cash provided by investing activities was $2,173,000 which included the proceeds from retirements net of the purchase of property, plant and equipment.

Financing Activities – Financing activities primarily include net changes to our outstanding revolving debt and proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock through employee equity incentive plans and dividends. For the year ended September 30, 2023, cash provided by financing activities was $117,000 due to proceeds from exercised stock options offset by expired stock options. For the year ended September 30, 2022, cash used in financing activities was $12,493,000 due to dividends paid offset by proceeds from exercised stock options.

For the year ended September 30, 2021, cash used in financing activities was $10,008,000 primarily due to dividends paid. The Company had no outstanding long-term debt on September 30, 2023 or September 30, 2022.

Credit Facilities - The Company has a five-year credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank N.A. which provides a $15 million revolving line of credit with a $10 million sublimit for stand-by letters of credit. The amounts outstanding under the credit agreement bear interest at a rate of 1.1% over the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), which may change quarterly based on the Company’s ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated total capital. A commitment fee of 0.12% per annum is payable quarterly on the unused portion of the commitment. The credit agreement contains certain conditions and financial covenants, including a minimum tangible net worth. As of September 30, 2023, the tangible net worth covenant would have limited our ability to pay dividends or repurchase stock with borrowed funds to a maximum of $5,332,000 combined.

Cash Requirements - The Company projects that cash flows from operating activities, cash on hand and the funds available under its revolving credit agreement will be adequate to finance its capital expenditures, any dividends paid and its working capital needs for the next 12 months and the foreseeable future.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Except for the letters of credit described above under “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” the Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that either have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on its financial condition.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods. Accounting estimates are considered to be critical if (1) the nature of the estimates and assumptions is material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change; and (2) the impact of the estimates and assumptions on financial condition or operating performance is material. Actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions used. Management of the Company considers the following accounting policies critical to the reported operations of the Company:

Accounts Receivable Valuation . The Company is subject to customer credit risk that could affect the collection of outstanding accounts receivable. To mitigate these risks, the Company performs credit reviews on all new customers and periodic credit reviews on existing customers. A detailed analysis of late and slow pay customers is prepared monthly and reviewed by senior management. The overall collectability of outstanding receivables is evaluated, and allowances are recorded as appropriate. Significant changes in customer credit could require increased allowances and affect cash flows.

Property and Equipment and Impairment of Tangible and Intangible Assets . Property and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Provision for depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives:

Years

Buildings and improvements

Revenue equipment

Other equipment

The Company periodically reviews property and equipment for potential impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. The analysis consists of a review of future anticipated results considering business prospects and asset utilization. If the sum of these future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of the assets, the Company would record an impairment loss based on the fair value of the assets with the fair value of the assets generally based upon an estimate of the discounted future cash flows expected with regards to the assets and their eventual disposition as the measure of fair value. The Company performs an annual impairment test on goodwill and other intangible assets. Changes in estimates or assumptions could have an impact on the Company’s financials.

Claims and Insurance Accruals. The nature of the transportation business subjects the Company to risks arising from workers’ compensation, automobile liability, and general liability claims. The Company retains the exposure on liability claims of $250,000 and $500,000 for workers’ compensation claims and has third party coverage for amounts exceeding the retention up to the amount of the policy limits. The Company expenses during the year an estimate of risk insurance losses based upon independent actuarial analysis, insurance company estimates, and our monthly review of claims reserve changes. In making claim reserve changes we rely upon estimates of our insurance company adjusters, attorney evaluations, and judgment of our management. Our estimates require judgment concerning the nature, severity, comparative liability, jurisdiction, legal and investigative costs of each claim. Claims involving serious injury have greater uncertainty of the eventual cost. In the past, our estimate of the amount of individual claims has increased from insignificant amounts to the full deductible as we learn more information about the claim in subsequent periods. We obtain an independent actuarial analysis at least twice annually to assist in estimating the total loss reserves expected on claims including claim development and incurred but not reported claims. Payments made under a captive agreement for each year’s loss fund are scheduled in advance using actuarial

methodology. The captive agreement provides that we will share in the underwriting results, good or bad, within a $250,000 per occurrence layer of loss through retrospective premium adjustments. We also retain exposure on employee health benefits up to $250,000 per covered participant each calendar year plus a $84,500 aggregate deductible for any claims exceeding $250,000. We estimate claim liability using historical payment trends and specific knowledge of larger claims. Health claims are expensed as the health services are rendered so there is only a two-month lag in payments on average. We are usually aware of the larger claims before closing each accounting period reducing the amount of uncertainty of the estimate. Our accrued insurance liabilities for retiree benefits are recorded by actuarial calculation. Including the potential exposure in the captive we have $2.65 million of estimated insurance liabilities. In the event that actual costs for these claims are different than estimates we will have adjustments in future periods. It is likely that we will experience either gains or losses of 5-10% of prior year estimated insurance liabilities in any year. Our total accrued insurance liabilities excluding the captive as of September 30, 2023, 2022, and 2021 amounted to $2.2 million, $2.5 million, and $2.6 million, respectively.

Income Taxes. The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset-and-liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent items that will result in taxable income or a tax deduction in future years for which the related tax expense or benefit has already been recorded in our statement of earnings. Deferred tax accounts arise as a result of timing differences between when items are recognized in the consolidated financial statements compared with when they are recognized in the tax returns. The Company assesses the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income. To the extent recovery is not probable, a valuation allowance is established and included as an expense as part of our income tax provision. No valuation allowance was recorded at September 30, 2023, as all deferred tax assets are considered more likely than not to be realized. Significant judgment is required in determining and assessing the impact of complex tax laws and certain tax-related contingencies on the provision for income taxes. As part of the calculation of the provision for income taxes, we assess whether the benefits of our tax positions are at least more likely than not of being sustained upon audit based on the technical merits of the tax position. For tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, we accrue the largest amount of the benefit that is more likely than not of being sustained in our financial statements. Such accruals require estimates and judgments, whereby actual results could vary materially from these estimates. Further, a number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which an established accrual was made, is audited and resolved.

INFLATION

Most of the Company’s operating expenses are inflation-sensitive, with inflation generally producing increased costs of operations.

In addition to inflation, fluctuations in fuel prices can affect profitability. Most of the Company’s contracts with customers contain fuel surcharge provisions. Although the Company historically has been able to pass through most long-term increases in fuel prices and operating taxes to customers in the form of surcharges and higher rates, there is no guarantee that this will be possible in the future. See “Risk Factors—We may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in the price and availability of fuel.”

SEASONALITY

Our business is subject to seasonal trends common in the refined petroleum products delivery industry. We typically face reduced demand for refined petroleum products delivery services during the winter months and increased demand during the spring and summer months. Further, operating costs and earnings are generally adversely affected by inclement weather conditions. These factors generally result in lower operating results during the first and second fiscal quarters of the year and cause our operating results to fluctuate from quarter to quarter. Our fuel efficiency is somewhat lower in colder months.

Item 7.A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Interest Rate Risk . We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes through our variable-rate borrowings under the Credit Agreement. Under the Wells Fargo revolving credit line, the applicable margin for borrowings at September 30, 2023 was 1.1% over SOFR.

The Company did not have any variable or fixed rate debt outstanding at September 30, 2023, so a sensitivity analysis was not performed to determine the impact of hypothetical changes in interest rates on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows.

Commodity Price Risk . The price and availability of diesel fuel are subject to fluctuations due to changes in the level of global oil production, seasonality, weather, global politics and other market factors. Historically, we have been able to recover a significant portion of fuel price increases from our customers in the form of fuel surcharges. The typical fuel surcharge table provides some margin contribution at higher diesel fuel prices but also results in some margin erosion at lower diesel fuel prices. The price and availability of diesel fuel can be unpredictable as well as the extent to which fuel surcharges can be collected to offset such increases. In fiscal 2023 and 2022, a significant portion of fuel costs was recovered through rate and fuel surcharges.