Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to us, including our consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the officers who certify our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board.
 
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2022.
 
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer under the oversight of our Board, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013),” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on its assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2022, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
 
 
●
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;
 
●
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and
 
●
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving its control objectives.
 
An internal control system, no matter how well-conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of such internal controls are met. Further, the design of an internal control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. As a result of the inherent limitations in all internal control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all our control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.
 
We acquired AAT on February 9, 2022, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, AAT’s internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets and total revenues representing approximately 7.2% and 2.7%, respectively, of the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022.
 
The Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, has been audited by Grant Thornton, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm as stated in its report which is included herein.
 
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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2022, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.
 
ITEM 9C.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
 
Not applicable.
 
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PART III
 
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
The information required by this Item will be included in the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2022, in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Company's 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "2023 Proxy Statement"), and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
The information required by this Item will be included in the 2023 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 
The following table provides certain information, as of December 31, 2022, with respect to our compensation plans and other arrangements under which shares of our Class A common stock are authorized for issuance.
 
Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
Plan category
 
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
 
 
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
 
Number of securities remaining eligible for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
 
 
 
(a)
 
 
 
(b)
 
 
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
 
 
1,575,667
 
(1)
 
$
18.04
 
 
 
872,509
 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
 
 
-
 
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
Total
 
 
1,575,667
 
 
 
$
18.04
 
 
 
872,509
 
 
(1)
Represents unvested restricted shares and unvested stock options granted under the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended. The weighted average stock price on the date of grant for outstanding restricted stock awards was $19.12, which is not reflected in column (b), because restricted stock awards do not have an exercise price. The amount in column (b) represents the weighted average exercise price of the outstanding unvested stock options.
 
The information required by this Item will be included in the 2023 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
The information required by this Item will be included in the 2023 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
 
The remaining information required by this Item will be included in the 2023 Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
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PART IV
 
ITEM 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
1.
Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our audited consolidated financial statements are set forth at the following pages of this report:
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements (PCAOB ID Number 248 )
52
    Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 53
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
54
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
55
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
56
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
57
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
58
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
59
 
 
 
 
 
2.
Financial Statement Schedules.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial statement schedules are not required because all required information is included in the financial statements or is not applicable.
 
 
 
 
 
3.
Exhibits.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K are listed under paragraph (b) below and on the Exhibit Index appearing at the end of this report. Management contracts and compensatory plans or arrangements are indicated by an asterisk.
 
 
 
 
(b)
 
Exhibits.
 
 
 
The following exhibits are filed with this Form 10-K or incorporated by reference to the document set forth next to the exhibit listed below.
 
Exhibit Number
Reference
Description
2.1   Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement by and between Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC and Advance Business Capital LLC, dated as of July 8, 2020 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed November 3, 2020)
3.1
 
Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K, filed July 2, 2020)
3.2
 
Sixth Amended and Restated Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K, filed August 9, 2021)
4.1
 
Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K, filed July 2, 2020)
4.2
 
Sixth Amended and Restated Bylaws (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K, filed August 9, 2021)
4.3 # Description of the Registrant's Securities
10.1
*
Form of Indemnification Agreement for Executive Officers and Directors (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed August 5, 2021)
10.2
*
Form of Restricted Stock Award Notice under the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed August 9, 2006)
10.3
*
Form of Restricted Stock Special Award Notice under the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed August 9, 2006)
10.4
 
Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated September 23, 2008, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Textron Financial Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Form 10-K, filed March 30, 2010)
10.5
*
Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's Schedule 14A, filed April 19, 2013)
10.6
 
Amendment No. 1 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated March 27, 2009, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Textron Financial Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed May 15, 2009)
10.7
 
Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated February 25, 2010, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Textron Financial Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed May 17, 2010)
10.8
 
Third Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated July 30, 2010, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed November 9, 2010)
10.9
 
Fourth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated August 31, 2010, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed November 9, 2010)
10.10
 
Fifth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated September 1, 2011, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K, filed October 28, 2011)
 
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10.11
 
Sixth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated effective as of October 24, 2011, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K, filed October 28, 2011)
10.12
 
Seventh Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated effective as of March 29, 2012, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K, filed April 2, 2012)
10.13
 
Eighth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated effective as of December 31, 2012, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K, filed January 31, 2013)
10.14
 
Ninth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Related Security Documents, dated effective as of August 6, 2014, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed November 13, 2014)
10.15
 
Tenth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Related Security Documents, dated effective as of September 8, 2014, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, Inc., Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed November 13, 2014)
10.16
 
Joinder, Supplement and Eleventh Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated effective as of August 6, 2015, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, LLC, Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Driven Analytic Solutions, LLC, Covenant Properties, LLC, Bank of America, N.A., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed November 9, 2015)
10.17
 
Twelfth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated effective as of February 25, 2016, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, LLC, Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Driven Analytic Solutions, LLC, Covenant Properties, LLC, Bank of America, N.A., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed May 10, 2016)
10.18
 
Thirteenth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated effective as of December 16, 2016, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, LLC, Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Driven Analytic Solutions, LLC, Bank of America, N.A., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company's Form 10-K, filed March 14, 2017)
10.19
 
Fourteenth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated effective as of November 28, 2017, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, LLC, Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., Star Transportation, Inc., Driven Analytic Solutions, LLC, Transport Management Services, LLC, Bank of America, N.A., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Company's Form 10-K, filed February 28, 2018)
10.20
 
Fifteenth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated effective as of June 19, 2018, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, LLC, Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC, Star Transportation, Inc., Covenant Logistics, Inc., Driven Analytic Solutions, LLC, Transport Management Services, LLC, Bank of America, N.A., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed August 8, 2018)
10.21
 
Sixteenth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated effective as of July 3, 2018, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, LLC, Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC, Star Transportation, Inc., Covenant Logistics, Inc., Driven Analytic Solutions, LLC, Transport Management Services, LLC, Landair Holdings, Inc., Landair Transport, Inc., Landair Logistics, Inc., Landair Leasing, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed November 9, 2018)
10.22   Seventeenth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2020, among Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, LLC, Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC, Star Transportation, Inc., Covenant Logistics, Inc., Transport Management Services, LLC, Landair Holdings, Inc., Landair Transport, Inc., Landair Logistics, Inc., Landair Leasing, Inc., and Bank of America, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed November 3, 2020)
10.23   Eighteenth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2020, among Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, LLC, Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC, Star Transportation, Inc., Covenant Logistics, Inc., Transport Management Services, LLC, Landair Holdings, Inc., Landair Transport, Inc., Landair Logistics, Inc., Landair Leasing, Inc., and Bank of America, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Form 10-K, filed March 5, 2021)
10.24 * First Amendment to the Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on April 8, 2019 in connection with the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders)
10.25
* Second Amendment to the Company’s Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's Schedule 14A, filed June 8, 2020)
 
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10.26 * Form of Restricted Stock Award Notice under the Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed August 9, 2019)
10.27 * Form of Restricted Stock Award Notice under the Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (Double Trigger Change in Control) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q, filed August 10, 2020)
10.28 * Form of Restricted Stock Award Notice under the Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q, filed August 5, 2021)
10.29 * Form of Option Award Notice under the Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Form 10-K, filed March 5, 2021)
10.30 * Form of Executive Severance Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 10-Q, filed November 3, 2020)
10.31   Account Management Agreement, Amendment to Purchase Agreement and Mutual Release, by and among Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC, Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., Triumph Bancorp, Inc., and Advance Business Capital LLC, dated as of September 23, 2020 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed November 3, 2020)
10.32   Draw Note in the face amount of $45.0 million by Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. and Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC with TBK Bank, SSB as Lender and Agent, dated as of September 23, 2020 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed November 3, 2020)
10.33   Nineteenth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2022, among Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, LLC, Southern Refrigerated Transport, LLC, Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC, Star Transportation, LLC, Covenant Logistics, Inc., Transport Management Services, LLC, Landair Holdings, Inc., Landair Transport, Inc., Landair Logistics, Inc., Landair Leasing, Inc., AAT Carriers, Inc., and Bank of America, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q, filed August 5, 2022)
10.34 * Covenant Logistics Group Supplemental Savings Plan, effective July 1, 2022 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q, filed August 5, 2022)
21
#
List of Subsidiaries
23.1
#
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Grant Thornton LLP
31.1
##
Certification pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by David R. Parker, the Company's Principal Executive Officer
31.2
##
Certification pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by James S. Grant, the Company's Principal Financial Officer
32.1
##
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by David R. Parker, the Company's Chief Executive Officer
32.2
##
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by James S. Grant, the Company's Chief Financial Officer
101.INS
 
Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE
 
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
 
References:
#
Filed herewith.
## Furnished herewith.
*
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
ITEM 16.
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
 
None.
 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
COVENANT Logistics GROUP, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: February 28, 2023
By:
/s/ James S. Grant
 
 
 
James S. Grant
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in his capacity as such and as duly authorized on behalf of the issuer.
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
Signature and Title
 
Date
 
 
 
/s/ David R. Parker
 
February 28, 2023
David R. Parker
 
 
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ James S. Grant
 
February 28, 2023
James S. Grant
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer and principal accounting officer)
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Bradley A. Moline
 
February 28, 2023
Bradley A. Moline
 
 
Director
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Rachel Parker-Hatchett
 
February 28, 2023
Rachel Parker-Hatchett
 
 
Director
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Robert E. Bosworth
 
February 28, 2023
Robert E. Bosworth
 
 
Director
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Herbert J. Schmidt
 
February 28, 2023
Herbert J. Schmidt
 
 
Director
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ W. Miller Welborn
 
February 28, 2023
W. Miller Welborn
 
 
Director
 
 
     
/s/ D. Michael Kramer
  February 28, 2023
D. Michael Kramer
   
Director
   
     
/s/ Benjamin Carson Sr.
  February 28, 2023
Benjamin Carson Sr.
   
Director
   
 
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
 
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. (a Nevada holding company) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated February 28, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion.
 
Basis for opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
Critical audit matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that is communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
 
Auto Liability Self-Insurance Reserves
As described further in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has significant self-insured amounts related to its auto liability and has exposure to fluctuations in the number and severity of claims and to variations between estimated and actual ultimate payouts. The Company records a liability for the uninsured portion of pending claims and claims related expenses including legal and other direct costs associated with the claim. Estimates require judgment concerning the nature and severity of the claim, historical trends, and other relevant information based on specific facts and circumstances for individual claims. We identified the estimation of the Company’s auto liability accrual subject to self-insured insurance retention amounts as a critical audit matter. Incurred auto claim liabilities are determined by projecting the estimated ultimate loss related to a claim, less actual costs paid to date, based upon the nature and severity of the claim and historical trends.
 
The principal considerations for assessing auto liability claims as a critical audit matter are the high level of estimation uncertainty related to determining the severity of these types of claims, as well as the inherent subjectivity in management’s judgment in estimating the total costs to settle or dispose of these claims.
 
Our audit procedures related to this critical audit matter included the following, among others:
 
 
●
We tested the design and operating effectiveness of key controls over the accrued auto liability, including, but not limited to, controls to validate that claims were reported and recorded accurately and controls related to the review and approval of initial claim reserves, subsequent changes to claim reserves, and projected claim liabilities.
 
●
We tested a sample of underlying claims through analysis of accident reports and insurance and legal records to validate information utilized by management in determining the accrual was complete and accurate.
 
●
We reconciled claims data to the actuarial software used to determine loss development factors and used in management’s estimation methodology.
 
●
We utilized a specialist in evaluating management’s calculated loss development factors to test that the factors provide a reasonable basis for determining estimated loss reserves.
 
●
We performed a retrospective review of prior year and current year reserves to validate those changes in estimated losses were appropriate and supported by current year claim development.
 
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2020.
 
Charlotte, North Carolina
February 28, 2023
 
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
 
Opinion on internal control over financial reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. (a Nevada holding company) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022, and our report dated February 28, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
 
Basis for opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
Our audit of, and opinion on, the Company's internal control over financial reporting does not include the internal control over financial reporting of AAT Carriers, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, whose financial statements reflect total assets and revenues constituting 7.2% and 2.7%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022. As indicated in Management's Report, AAT Carriers, Inc. was acquired during 2022. Management's assertion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting of AAT Carriers, Inc.
 
Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
 
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
 
Charlotte, North Carolina
February 28, 2023
 
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COVENANT Logistics  GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31 , 2022 and 2021
(In thousands, except share data)
 
    2022
    2021
 
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 68,665     $ 8,412  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $ 2,934 in 2022 and $ 4,112 in 2021
    119,770       142,362  
Drivers' advances and other receivables, net of allowance of $ 585 in 2022 and $ 542 in 2021
    3,798       8,792  
Inventory and supplies
    3,516       3,323  
Prepaid expenses
    15,746       12,536  
Assets held for sale
    5,956       2,925  
Income taxes receivable
    4,838       10,177  
Other short-term assets
    367       -  
Total current assets
    222,656       188,527  
                 
Property and equipment, at cost
    619,686       518,406  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    ( 211,951 )     ( 171,923 )
Net property and equipment
    407,735       346,483  
                 
Goodwill
    58,217       42,518  
Other intangibles, net
    48,169       20,475  
Other assets
    58,843       52,384  
Noncurrent assets from discontinued operations
    1,025       1,275  
                 
Total assets
  $ 796,645     $ 651,662  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
    33,896       29,907  
Accrued expenses
    50,984       38,001  
Accrued purchased transportation
    7,779       24,689  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    18,897       5,722  
Current portion of finance lease obligations
    5,326       6,848  
Current portion of operating lease obligations
    18,179       15,811  
Current portion of insurance and claims accrual
    21,060       21,210  
Other short-term liabilities
    -       557  
Total current liabilities
    156,121       142,745  
                 
Long-term debt
    90,367       20,347  
Long-term portion of finance lease obligations
    432       3,969  
Long-term portion of operating lease obligations
    46,428       21,554  
Insurance and claims accrual
    15,859       21,438  
Deferred income taxes
    98,716       84,661  
Other long-term liabilities
    7,494       2,149  
Other long-term liabilities of discontinued operations
    4,100       5,100  
Total liabilities
    419,517       301,963  
Commitments and contingencies
    -       -  
Stockholders' equity:
               
Class A common stock, $ .01 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 16,125,786 shares issued and 11,207,570 outstanding as of December 31, 2022; and 40,000,000 authorized; 16,125,786 shares issued and 14,414,159 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2021
    161       161  
Class B common stock, $ .01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 2,350,000 shares issued and outstanding
    24       24  
Additional paid-in-capital
    152,886       149,406  
Treasury stock at cost; 4,918,216 and 1,711,627 shares as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively
    ( 106,500 )     ( 23,662 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    1,086       ( 1,306 )
Retained earnings
    329,471       225,076  
Total stockholders' equity
    377,128       349,699  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 796,645     $ 651,662  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
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COVENANT Logistics   GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,  2022 and 2021
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
2022
 
 
2021
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Freight revenue
 
$
1,046,396
 
 
$
949,913
 
Fuel surcharge revenue
 
 
170,462
 
 
 
96,090
 
Total revenue
 
$
1,216,858
 
 
$
1,046,003
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries, wages, and related expenses
 
 
402,276
 
 
 
350,246
 
Fuel expense
 
 
166,410
 
 
 
103,641
 
Operations and maintenance
 
 
79,051
 
 
 
59,269
 
Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation
 
 
325,624
 
 
 
331,685
 
Operating taxes and licenses
 
 
11,931
 
 
 
10,899
 
Insurance and claims
 
 
50,547
 
 
 
38,788
 
Communications and utilities
 
 
5,385
 
 
 
4,558
 
General supplies and expenses
 
 
37,762
 
 
 
29,673
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
57,512
 
 
 
53,881
 
Gain on disposition of property and equipment, net
 
 
( 40,322
)
 
 
( 3,799
)
Total operating expenses
 
 
1,096,176
 
 
 
978,841
 
Operating income
 
 
120,682
 
 
 
67,162
 
Interest expense, net
 
 
3,083
 
 
 
2,791
 
Income from equity method investment
 
 
( 25,193
)
 
 
( 14,782
)
Income from continuing operations
 
 
142,792
 
 
 
79,153
 
Income tax expense
 
 
34,860
 
 
 
20,962
 
Income from continuing operations
 
 
107,932
 
 
 
58,191
 
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
 
 
750
 
 
 
2,540
 
Net income
 
$
108,682
 
 
$
60,731
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
7.19
 
 
$
3.46
 
Income from discontinued operations
 
$
0.05
 
 
$
0.15
 
Net income
 
$
7.24
 
 
$
3.61
 
Diluted income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
6.95
 
 
$
3.42
 
Income from discontinued operations
 
$
0.05
 
 
$
0.15
 
Net income
 
$
7.00
 
 
$
3.57
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
 
 
15,006
 
 
 
16,803
 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
 
 
15,524
 
 
 
17,020
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
 
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COVENANT Logistics   GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 , 2022 and 2021
(In thousands)
 
    2022
    2021
 
                 
Net income
  $ 108,682     $ 60,731  
                 
Other comprehensive income:
               
                 
Unrealized gain on effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax of ($776) and ($263) in 2022 and 2021, respectively
    2,254       817  
                 
Reclassification of cash flow hedge losses into statement of operations, net of tax of ($47) , and ($78) in 2022 and 2021, respectively
    138       191  
                 
Unrealized holding gain on investments classified as available-for-sale
    -       ( 63 )
Total other comprehensive income
    2,392       945  
                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 111,074     $ 61,676  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
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COVENANT Logistics  GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 and 2021
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
 
Paid-In
 
 
Treasury
 
 
Comprehensive
 
 
Retained
 
 
Stockholders
 
 
 
Class A
 
 
Class B
 
 
Capital
 
 
Stock
 
 
(Loss) Income
 
 
Earnings
 
 
Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balances at December 31, 2020
 
$
173
 
 
$
24
 
 
$
143,438
 
 
$
( 17,067
)
 
$
( 2,251
)
 
$
166,325
 
 
$
290,642
 
Net income
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
60,731
 
 
 
60,731
 
Share repurchase
 
 
( 1
)
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
( 8,367
)
 
 
-
 
 
 
( 1,980
)
 
 
( 10,348
)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
945
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
945
 
Stock-based employee compensation expense
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
9,059
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
9,059
 
Issuance of restricted shares, net
 
 
( 11
)
 
 
-
 
 
 
( 3,091
)
 
 
1,772
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
( 1,330
)
Balances at December 31, 2021
 
$
161
 
 
$
24
 
 
$
149,406
 
 
$
( 23,662
)
 
$
( 1,306
)
 
$
225,076
 
 
$
349,699
 
Net income
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
108,682
 
 
 
108,682
 
Cash dividend
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
( 4,287
)
 
 
( 4,287
)
Share repurchase
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
( 84,723
)
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
( 84,723
)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
2,392
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
2,392
 
Stock-based employee compensation expense
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
6,587
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
6,587
 
Exercise of stock options
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
50
 
 
 
334
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
384
 
Issuance of restricted shares, net
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
( 3,157
)
 
 
1,551
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
-
 
 
 
( 1,606
)
Balances at December 31, 2022
 
$
161
 
 
$
24
 
 
$
152,886
 
 
$
( 106,500
)
 
$
1,086
 
 
$
329,471
 
 
$
377,128
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
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COVENANT Logistics   GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 , 2022 and 2021
(In thousands)
 
 
 
2022
 
 
2021
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
108,682
 
 
$
60,731
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
 
 
367
 
 
 
1,338
 
(Reversal) deferral of gain on sales to equity method investee, net
 
 
( 39
)
 
 
52
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
57,512
 
 
 
53,881
 
Deferred income tax benefit
 
 
13,968
 
 
 
18,413
 
Income tax expense arising from restricted share vesting and stock options exercised
 
 
( 526
)
 
 
( 334
)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
 
6,587
 
 
 
9,059
 
Equity in income of affiliate
 
 
( 25,193
)
 
 
( 14,782
)
Return on investment in affiliated company
 
 
14,700
 
 
 
4,900
 
Gain on disposition of property and equipment
 
 
( 40,322
)
 
 
( 3,799
)
Return on investment in available-for-sale securities
 
 
-
 
 
 
( 63
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Receivables and advances
 
 
39,465
 
 
 
( 36,544
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
 
( 3,832
)
 
 
( 710
)
Inventory and supplies
 
 
( 193
)
 
 
( 204
)
Insurance and claims accrual
 
 
( 5,729
)
 
 
( 31,653
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 
 
( 6,217
)
 
 
12,933
 
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
 
 
159,230
 
 
 
73,218
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition of AAT Carriers, Inc., net of cash acquired
 
 
( 38,501
)
 
 
-
 
Other investments
 
 
( 241
)
 
 
( 13
)
Redemption of available-for-sale securities
 
 
-
 
 
 
1,508
 
Acquisition of property and equipment
 
 
( 100,468
)
 
 
( 35,285
)
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment
 
 
53,002
 
 
 
44,134
 
Net cash flows (used) provided by investing activities
 
 
( 86,208
)
 
 
10,344
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in checks outstanding in excess of bank balances
 
 
( 216
)
 
 
( 1,215
)
Cash dividend
 
 
( 4,287
)
 
 
-
 
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
 
 
95,151
 
 
 
-
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 
 
384
 
 
 
-
 
Repayments of notes payable
 
 
( 11,956
)
 
 
( 14,397
)
Repayments of finance lease obligations
 
 
( 5,516
)
 
 
( 5,626
)
Proceeds under revolving credit facility
 
 
60,226
 
 
 
644,874
 
Repayments under revolving credit facility
 
 
( 60,226
)
 
 
( 695,513
)
Payment of minimum tax withholdings on stock compensation
 
 
( 1,606
)
 
 
( 1,332
)
Common stock repurchased
 
 
( 84,723
)
 
 
( 10,348
)
Net cash flows used in financing activities
 
 
( 12,769
)
 
 
( 83,557
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
60,253
 
 
 
5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
 
8,412
 
 
 
8,407
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
68,665
 
 
$
8,412
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest, net of capitalized interest
 
$
3,306
 
 
$
2,762
 
Income taxes
 
$
16,653
 
 
$
10,236
 
Non-cash transactions during the year for:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equipment acquired under finance leases
 
$
458
 
 
$
-
 
Contingent consideration associated with acquisition
 
$
16,210
 
 
$
-
 
Other contingent liabilities
 
$
( 1,000
)
 
$
( 3,412
)
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
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COVENANT Logistics   GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31,  2022 and 2021
 
 
1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Nature of Business
 
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., a Nevada holding company, together with its wholly owned subsidiaries offers transportation and logistics services to customers throughout the continental United States. 
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., a holding company incorporated in the state of Nevada in 1994, and its wholly owned subsidiaries: Covenant Transport, Inc., a Tennessee corporation; Star Transportation, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company, each d/b/a Covenant Transport Services and Covenant Logistics; Southern Refrigerated Transport, LLC, an Arkansas limited liability company; Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; Covenant Logistics, Inc., a Nevada corporation; Covenant Asset Management, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; CTG Leasing Company, a Nevada corporation; IQS Insurance Risk Retention Group, Inc., a Vermont corporation; Heritage Insurance, Inc., a Tennessee corporation; Landair Holdings, Inc., a Tennessee corporation (collectively "Landair"); Landair Transport, Inc., a Tennessee corporation; Landair Logistics, Inc., a Tennessee corporation; Landair Leasing, Inc., a Tennessee corporation; AAT Carriers, Inc., a Tennessee corporation ("AAT"), and Transport Management Services, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company.
 
References in this report to "it," "we," "us," "our," the "Company," and similar expressions refer to Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
We have
four reportable segments, which include:
 
●
Non-dedicated truckload services ("Expedited"), which services customers with high service freight and delivery standards, such as 1,000 miles in 22 hours, or 15 -minute delivery windows. 
●
Dedicated contract truckload services (“Dedicated”), which consists of our truckload business that involves longer-term contracts that allocate a specified number of tractors and trailers to a specific customer, with fixed and variable compensation. 
●
Managed Freight services, which consists of our brokerage and transportation management services ("TMS") and provides logistics capacity by outsourcing the carriage of customers' freight to third parties, as well as, comprehensive logistics services on a contractual basis to customers who prefer to outsource their logistics needs.
●
Warehousing services (“Warehousing”), provides day-to-day warehouse management services to customers who have chosen to outsource this function. We also provide shuttle and switching services related to shuttling containers and trailers in or around freight yards and to/from warehouses.
 
The following table summarizes our revenue by our four reportable segments, at the service offering level, as used by our chief operating decision maker in making decisions regarding allocation of resources, etc., for the years ended December 31, 2022  and  2021 :
 
    Year ended December 31,
 
(in thousands)
  2022
    2021
 
Revenues:
               
Expedited
  $ 452,713     $ 337,063  
Dedicated
    362,997       324,541  
Managed Freight
    320,985       321,236  
Warehousing
    80,163       63,163  
Total revenues
  $ 1,216,858     $ 1,046,003  
 
Investment in Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC
 
Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC ("TEL") is a tractor and trailer equipment leasing company and used equipment reseller. We evaluated our investment in TEL to determine whether it should be recorded on a consolidated basis. Our percentage of ownership interest ( 49 %), an evaluation of control, and whether a variable interest entity ("VIE") existed were all considered in our consolidation assessment. Based on the analysis, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of TEL and TEL should not be consolidated. We have accounted for our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting given our 49% ownership interest and ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. Under the equity method, the cost of our investment is adjusted for our share of equity in the earnings of TEL and reduced by distributions received and our proportionate share of TEL's net income is included in our earnings.
 
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On a periodic basis, we assess whether there are any indicators that the fair value of our investment in TEL may be impaired. The investment is impaired only if the estimate of the fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment, and such decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss would be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the fair value of the investment. As a result of TEL's earnings, no impairment indicators were noted that would provide for impairment of our investment during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 .
 
Risks and Uncertainties
 
We are continuing to monitor the progression of the COVID- 19 pandemic, further government response, including, vaccine, testing, and mask mandates, and development of treatments and vaccines and their potential effect on our short-term and long-term financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. These events could have an impact in future periods on certain estimates used in the preparation of our financial results, including, but not limited to impairment of goodwill, other intangible assets and other long-lived assets, income tax provision and recoverability of certain receivables. Local, state and national governments continue to emphasize the importance of transportation and have designated it as an essential service. Adverse developments in the pandemic could the impact our operations and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
 
Our insurance program includes multi-year policies with specific insurance limits that may be eroded over the course of the policy term. If that occurs, we will be operating with less liability coverage insurance at various levels of our insurance tower. For the policy period that ran from April 1, 2018  to March 31, 2021, the aggregate limits available in the coverage layer $ 9.0 million in excess of $ 1.0 million were estimated to be fully eroded based on claims expense accruals. We replaced our $9.0 million in excess of $1.0 million layer with a new $ 7.0 million in excess of $ 3.0 million policy that runs from January 28, 2021 to April 1, 2024. Due to the erosion of the $9.0 million in excess of $1.0 million layer, any adverse developments in claims filed between April 1, 2018 and March  31, 2021, could result in additional expense accruals. Due to these developments, we may experience additional expense accruals, increased insurance and claims expenses, and greater volatility in our insurance and claims expenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
 
On July 8, 2020, we sold a portfolio of accounts receivable, contract rights, and associated assets consisting of approximately $ 103.3 million in net funds employed (the “Portfolio”) previously held by Transport Financial Services ("TFS"), a division of Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, to a subsidiary of Triumph Bancorp, Inc. ("Triumph") for approximately $ 122.3 million, consisting of $ 108.4 million in cash and $ 13.9 million in Triumph stock, plus an earn-out opportunity of up to $ 9.9 million. After the transaction closed, the Company and Triumph became involved in a dispute over the nature of approximately $ 66.0 million of the assets included in the Portfolio. The dispute was resolved on September 23, 2020 with an amendment of the purchase agreement and related funding arrangements that reduced the purchase price of the Portfolio to approximately $ 108.4 million, representing the cash amount received by us at closing. Additionally, the earnout opportunity was terminated and we were required to sell, and subsequently sold, the Triumph stock we received at closing for $ 28.1 million and remitted the proceeds to Triumph upon settlement.
 
The amended purchase agreement specifically identified approximately $ 62.0 million of accounts within the Portfolio, which related to advances on services that had not yet been performed, that were placed in a loss sharing pool to be repaid with proceeds other than those generated from ordinary working capital factoring. To the extent losses on covered accounts are incurred, we will indemnify Triumph on a dollar for dollar basis for up to the first $ 30.0 million of losses, and on a 50 % basis for up to the next $30.0  million of losses, for total indemnification exposure of up to $ 45.0 million. The amended purchase agreement resulted in a gain on the sale of the Portfolio of $ 3.7 million, net of related expenses. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company recorded $ 44.2 million of contingent liabilities, reflected as other long-term liabilities from discontinued operations in our consolidated balance sheet, because as of December 31, 2020 it was probable and estimable that such amount would be due to Triumph under the amended purchase agreement. During the first quarter of 2021, we received an indemnification call from Triumph of $ 35.6 million related to the TFS Settlement, all of which was reserved during the fourth quarter of 2020. Additionally, Triumph was able to collect some funds related to our fourth quarter 2020 accrual that allowed us the opportunity to reverse $ 3.4 million of our accrual during the first quarter of 2021. During the second quarter of 2021 we repaid $ 31.0 million of the borrowings under the Draw Note and during the third quarter of 2021 we repaid the remaining balance. As of December 31, 2022, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Draw Note and a remaining contingent liability of $ 4.1 million. The payment of amounts with respect to the indemnification obligations could create volatility in our reported future financial results and could have an adverse effect on our cash flows, available liquidity, and total indebtedness. 
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Revenue, drivers' wages, and other direct operating expenses generated by our Expedited and Dedicated reportable segments are recognized proportionally as the transportation service is performed based on the percentage of miles completed as of the period end. Revenue is recognized on a gross basis at amounts charged to our customers because we control and are primarily responsible for the fulfillment of the promised service. Revenue includes transportation revenue, fuel surcharges, loading and unloading activities, equipment detention, and other accessorial services.
 
Revenue generated by our Managed Freight reportable segment is recognized upon completion of the services provided. Revenue is recorded on a gross basis, without deducting third party purchased transportation costs, as we act as a principal with substantial risks as primary obligor. Revenue for the Warehousing reportable segment is generally recognized as the service is performed, based upon a weekly rate.
 
There are no assets or liabilities recorded in conjunction with revenue recognized, other than accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts. We recognized in-process revenue of $ 1.4 million and $ 0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and  2021, respectively. We had accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, of $ 119.8 million and $ 142.4 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
 
Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make decisions based upon estimates, assumptions, and factors we consider as relevant to the circumstances. Such decisions include the selection of applicable accounting principles and the use of judgment in their application, the results of which impact reported amounts and disclosures. Changes in future economic conditions or other business circumstances may affect the outcomes of our estimates and assumptions. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those anticipated.
 
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Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at acquisition to be cash equivalents. Additionally, we are also subject to concentrations of credit risk related to deposits in banks in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits.
 
Accounts Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risk
 
We extend credit to our customers in the normal course of business, which are generally due within 30 - 45 days of the services performed. We perform ongoing credit evaluations and generally do not require collateral. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at their invoiced amounts, net of allowance for doubtful accounts. We evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Accounts outstanding longer than contractual payment terms are considered past due and are reviewed individually for collectability. We maintain reserves for potential credit losses based upon loss history and specific receivables aging analysis. Receivable balances are written off when collection is deemed unlikely.
 
Accounts receivable are comprised of a diversified customer base that mitigates the level of concentration of credit risk. During 2022  and  2021 , our top ten customers generated 43 % and  53 % of total revenue, respectively.  No customers in  2022  or  2021  accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue. The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheet for accounts receivable approximates fair value based on the fact that the receivables collection averaged approximately  40  days and  44 days in 2022  and 2021 , respectively.
 
The following table provides a summary (in thousands) of the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for 2022  and  2021 : 
 
Years ended December 31:
  Beginning balance January 1,
    Additional provisions to allowance
    Write-offs and other adjustments
    Ending balance December 31,
 
                                 
2022
  $ 4,112     $ 367     $ ( 1,544 )   $ 2,934  
                                 
2021
  $ 2,992     $ 1,338     $ ( 218 )   $ 4,112  
 
Inventories and Supplies
 
Inventories and supplies consist of parts, tires, fuel, and supplies. Tires on new revenue equipment are capitalized as a component of the related equipment cost when the tractor or trailer is placed in service and recognized through depreciation over the life of the vehicle. Replacement tires and parts on hand at year end are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value with cost determined using the first -in, first -out (FIFO) method. Replacement tires are expensed when placed in service.
 
Assets Held for Sale
 
Assets held for sale include property and revenue equipment no longer utilized in continuing operations which are available and held for sale. Assets held for sale are no longer subject to depreciation, and are recorded at the lower of depreciated book value or fair market value less selling costs. We periodically review the carrying value of these assets for possible impairment. We expect to sell these assets within twelve months.
 
Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation for book purposes is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation of revenue equipment is our largest item of depreciation. We generally depreciate new tractors over five years to salvage values that range from 10 % to 35 % of their cost. We generally depreciate new trailers over seven years for refrigerated trailers and ten years for dry van trailers to salvage values of approximately 28 % and 29 % of their cost, respectively. We annually review the reasonableness of our estimates regarding useful lives and salvage values of our revenue equipment and other long-lived assets based upon, among other things, our experience with similar assets, conditions in the used revenue equipment market, and prevailing industry practice. Changes in the useful life or salvage value estimates, or fluctuations in market values that are not reflected in our estimates, could have a material effect on our results of operations. 
 
We lease certain revenue equipment under finance and operating leases with terms of approximately 48 to 84 months. Amortization of assets under finance and operating leases are included in depreciation and amortization expense and revenue and equipment rentals and purchased transportation, respectively.
 
Pursuant to applicable accounting standards, revenue equipment and other long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever an event occurs that indicates impairment may exist. Expected future cash flows are used to analyze whether an impairment has occurred. If the sum of expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the long-lived asset, then an impairment loss is recognized. We measure the impairment loss by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying value. Fair value is determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis or the appraised value of the assets, as appropriate. There were no impairment events during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 or 2021.
 
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A portion of our tractors are protected by non-binding indicative trade-in values or binding trade-back agreements with the manufacturers. The remainder of our tractors and substantially all of our owned trailers are subject to fluctuations in market prices for used revenue equipment. Moreover, our trade-back agreements are contingent upon reaching acceptable terms for the purchase of new equipment. Declines in the price of used revenue equipment or failure to reach agreement for the purchase of new tractors with the manufacturers issuing trade-back agreements could result in impairment of, or losses on the sale of, revenue equipment.
 
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
We classify intangible assets into two categories: (i) intangible assets with finite lives subject to amortization and (ii) goodwill. We test goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. We test intangible assets with finite lives for impairment if conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Such conditions may include an economic downturn in a geographic market or a change in the assessment of future operations. We record an impairment charge when the carrying value of the finite lived intangible asset is not recoverable by the cash flows generated from the use of the asset.
 
We determine the useful lives of our identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors we consider when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any agreement, the history of the asset, our long-term strategy for the use of the asset, any laws or other local regulations which could impact the useful life of the asset, and other economic factors, including competition and specific market conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have finite lives are amortized, generally on a straight-line basis, over their remaining useful lives, ranging from 3 to 15 years.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
Pursuant to applicable accounting standards, revenue equipment and other long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever an event occurs that indicates an impairment may exist. Expected future cash flows are used to analyze whether an impairment has occurred. If the sum of expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the long-lived asset, then an impairment loss is recognized. We measure the impairment loss by comparing the fair value of the asset less its disposal cost to its carrying value. Fair value is determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis or the appraised value of the assets, as appropriate.
 
Insurance and Other Claims
 
The primary claims arising against us consist of auto liability (personal injury and property damage), workers' compensation, cargo, commercial liability, and employee medical expenses. At  December 31, 2022 , our insurance program involves self-insurance with the following risk retention levels (before giving effect to any commutation of an auto liability policy):
 
 
●
auto liability - $ 7.0 million in excess of $ 3.0 million policy that runs from January 28, 2021 to April 1, 2024
 
●
workers' compensation - $ 1.3 million
 
●
cargo - $ 0.3 million
 
●
employee medical - $ 0.4 million
 
●
physical damage - 100 %
 
Due to our significant self-insured retention amounts, we have exposure to fluctuations in the number and severity of claims and to variations between our estimated and actual ultimate payouts. We record a liability for the estimated cost of the uninsured portion of pending claims and the estimated allocated loss adjustment expenses including legal and other direct costs associated with a claim. Estimates require judgments concerning the nature and severity of the claim, historical trends, advice from third -party administrators and insurers, the size of any potential damage award based on factors such as the specific facts of individual cases, the jurisdictions involved, the prospect of punitive damages, future medical costs, and inflation estimates of future claims development, and the legal and other costs to settle or defend the claims. We have significant exposure to fluctuations in the number and severity of claims. If there is an increase in the frequency or severity of claims, or we are required to accrue or pay additional amounts if the claims prove to be more severe than originally assessed, or any of the claims would exceed the limits of our insurance coverage, our profitability could be adversely affected.
 
In addition to estimates within our self-insured retention layers, we also must make judgments concerning claims where we have third party insurance and for claims outside our coverage limits. Upon settling claims and expenses associated with claims where we have third party coverage, we are generally required to initially fund payment to the claimant and seek reimbursement from the insurer. We had no receivables from insurers for claims and expenses we paid on behalf of insurers at December 31, 2022  and 2021 . When such receivables exist, they are included in drivers' advances and other receivables on our consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, we accrue claims above our self-insured retention and record a corresponding receivable for amounts we expect to collect from insurers upon settlement of such claims. We have $ 0.7 million and $ 0.9 million as other short-term assets and a corresponding accrual in the short-term portion of insurance and claims accruals and $ 0.0 million and $ 7.3 million as other long-term assets and as a corresponding accrual in the long-term portion of insurance and claims accruals on our consolidated balance sheet for claims above our self-insured retention for which we believe it is reasonably assured that the insurers will provide their portion of such claims at December 31, 2022  and 2021 , respectively. We evaluate collectability of the receivables based on the credit worthiness and surplus of the insurers, along with our prior experience and contractual terms with each. If any claim occurrence were to exceed our aggregate coverage limits, we would have to accrue for the excess amount. Our critical estimates include evaluating whether a claim may exceed such limits and, if so, by how much.
 
We also make judgments regarding the ultimate benefit versus risk of commuting certain periods within our auto liability policy. If we commute a policy, we assume 100 % risk for covered claims in exchange for a policy refund.
 
Our prior auto liability policies have sometimes included a release premium refund or commutation option that we have sometimes exercised. The most recent policy we commuted ran from October 1, 2014 through March 31, 2018, and resulted in a premium release of $ 7.3 million. Management cannot predict whether or not future claims or the development of existing claims will justify a commutation of other policy periods, and accordingly, no related amounts were recorded at December 31, 2022. We carry excess policy layers above the primary auto liability policy described above.
 
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Interest
 
We capitalize interest on major projects during construction. Interest is capitalized based on the average interest rate on related debt. Capitalized interest was $ 0.3 million in  2022 and less than $ 0.1 million in 2021 .
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, available-for-sale securities, accounts payable, debt, and interest rate swaps. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and current debt approximates their fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. Interest rates that are currently available to us for issuance of long-term debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value of our long-term debt, which primarily consists of revenue equipment installment notes. The fair value of our revenue equipment installment notes approximated the carrying value at December 31, 2022 , as the weighted average interest rate on these notes approximates the market rate for similar debt. Borrowings under our revolving Credit Facility approximate fair value due to the variable interest rate on the facility. Additionally, certain investments intended to serve the purposes of capital preservation and to fund insurance losses are designated as available-for-sale and are valued based on quoted prices in active markets. The fair value of our interest rate swap agreement is determined using the market-standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed-cash payments and the discounted expected variable-cash receipts. The variable-cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. These analyses reflect the contractual terms of the swap, including the period to maturity, and use observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair value calculation also includes an amount for risk of non-performance of our counterparties using "significant unobservable inputs" such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default, which we have determined to be insignificant to the overall fair value of our interest rate swap agreements.
 
Income Taxes
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We have reflected the net liability after offsetting our deferred tax assets and liabilities in the deferred income taxes line in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We believe the future tax deductions will be realized principally through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income, except for when a valuation allowance has been provided as discussed in Note 10.
 
In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions. We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management's evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of income tax expense.
 
Our policy is to recognize income tax benefit arising from the exercise of stock options and restricted share vesting based on the ordering provisions of the tax law as prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code, including indirect tax effects, if any.
 
Lease Accounting
 
At the commencement date of a new lease agreement with contractual terms longer than twelve months, we recognize an asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet and categorize the lease as either finance or operating. Certain lease agreements have lease and non-lease components, and we have elected to account for these components separately.
 
Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are initially recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the term of the lease. When the rate implicit in the lease is readily determinable, this rate is used for calculating the present value of remaining lease payments; otherwise, our incremental borrowing rate is used. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at the lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of the lease. Right-of-use assets also include prepaid lease expenses and initial direct costs of executing the leases, which are reduced by landlord incentives. Options to extend or terminate a lease agreement are included in or excluded from the lease term, respectively, when those options are reasonably certain to be exercised. Right-of-use assets are tested for impairment in the same manner as long-lived assets.
 
Finance lease obligations are utilized to finance a portion of our revenue equipment and are entered into with certain finance companies who are not parties to our Credit Facility and may contain guarantees of the residual value of the related equipment by us. As such, the residual guarantees are included in the related debt balance as a balloon payment at the end of the related term as well as included in the future minimum finance lease payments. These lease agreements require us to pay personal property taxes, maintenance, and operating expenses. Our operating lease obligations do not typically include residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
 
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Right-of-use assets are included in net property and equipment. For finance leases, right-of-use assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the expected useful life or the lease term, and the carrying amount of the lease liability is adjusted to reflect interest expense, which is recorded in interest expense, net. Operating lease right-of-use assets are amortized over the lease term on a straight-line basis, and the lease liability is measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments. Variable lease payments not included in the lease liability for mileage charges on leased revenue equipment are expensed as incurred. Operating lease costs are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease within operating expenses.
 
Capital Structure
 
The shares of Class A and B common stock are substantially identical except that the Class B shares are entitled to two votes per share and immediately convert to Class A shares if beneficially owned by anyone other than our Chief Executive Officer or certain members of his immediate family, while Class A shares are entitled to one vote per share. The terms of any future issuances of preferred shares will be set by our Board.
 
Income Per Share
 
Basic income per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted income per share reflects the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in our earnings. There were approximately 358,000  shares and  217,000 shares issuable upon conversion of unvested restricted shares for the years ended  December 31, 2022 and  2021 , respectively. There were no  unvested shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share as the effect of any assumed exercise of the related awards would not have been anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2022 and  2021 . There were approximately 161,000  shares and  no shares issuable upon conversion of unvested employee stock options for the years ended  December 31, 2022 and  2021 , respectively. There were  104 and 124,000  unvested options excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share since the effect of any assumed exercise of the related awards would be anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2022 and  2021 , respectively.
 
The following table sets forth the calculation of net income per share included in the consolidated statements of operations for each of the two years ended December 31:
 
(in thousands except per share data)
               
    2022
    2021
 
Numerators:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 107,932     $ 58,191  
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
    750       2,540  
Net income
  $ 108,682     $ 60,731  
Denominator:
               
                 
Denominator for basic income per share – weighted-average shares
    15,006       16,803  
Effect of dilutive securities:
               
Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested restricted shares
    358       217  
Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested employee stock options
    160       -  
Denominator for diluted income per share adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions
    15,524       17,020  
                 
Basic income per share:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 7.19     $ 3.46  
Income from discontinued operations
  $ 0.05     $ 0.15  
Net income
  $ 7.24     $ 3.61  
Diluted income per share:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ 6.95     $ 3.42  
Income from discontinued operations
  $ 0.05     $ 0.15  
Net income
  $ 7.00     $ 3.57  
 
Stock-Based Employee Compensation
 
We issue several types of stock-based compensation, including awards that vest based on service, market, and performance conditions or a combination of the conditions. Performance-based and market-based awards vest contingent upon meeting certain performance or market criteria, respectively, established by the Compensation Committee of the Board. All awards require future service. For performance-based awards, determining the appropriate amount to expense in each period is based on likelihood and timing of achieving the stated targets for performance-based awards and requires judgment, including forecasting future financial results. The estimates are revised periodically based on the probability and timing of achieving the required performance and adjustments are made as appropriate. Awards that are only subject to time vesting provisions are amortized using the straight-line method.
 
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Reclassifications
 
An adjustment has been made to the consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2021, to identify the non cash expense for the reduction of the contingent liability of $ 3.4 million. This change in classification does not affect previously reported cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash  Flows or our previously reported consolidated results of operations.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
Accounting Standards not yet adopted
 
In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016 - 13,   Financial Instruments - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments , which will require an entity to measure credit losses for certain financial instruments and financial assets, including trade receivables. Under this update, on initial recognition and at each reporting period, an entity will be required to recognize an allowance that reflects the entity’s current estimate of credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the financial instrument. This update became effective for us for our annual reporting period beginning January 1, 2023, including interim periods within that reporting period. The adoption of this standard will have an immaterial impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
There are no other new accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
 
2.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
As of June 30, 2020, our previously identified Factoring reportable segment was classified as discontinued operations as it: (i) was a component of the entity, (ii) met the criteria as held for sale, and (iii) had a material effect on the Company's operations and financial results. On July 8, 2020, we closed on the disposition of substantially all of the operations and assets of TFS, which included substantially all of the assets and operations of our Factoring reportable segment. The sale consisted primarily of $ 103.3 million of net accounts receivable, which included $ 108.7 million of gross accounts receivable, less advances and rebates of $ 5.4 million.
 
We have reflected the former Factoring reportable segment as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented. Prior periods have been adjusted to confirm to the current presentation.
 
The following table summarizes the results of our discontinued operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
 
(in thousands)
  Twelve months ended December 31,
 
    2022
    2021
 
Operating expenses
  $ -     $ 25  
(Reversal of) loss contingency
    ( 1,000 )     ( 3,412 )
Operating income
    1,000       3,387  
Income before income taxes
    1,000       3,387  
Income tax expense
    250       847  
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax
  $ 750     $ 2,540  
 
Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021,  relates to the gain on the reversal of our contingent loss liability in the amount of $ 1.0 million and $ 3.4 million, respectively. Reversal of contingent loss liability relates to the reduced exposure of future indemnification by the Company to Triumph as a result of the collection of covered receivables identified in the amended purchase agreement, as described in Note 1.
 
The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities included as discontinued operations as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 :
 
(in thousands)
  December 31, 2022
    December 31, 2021
 
Noncurrent deferred tax asset
    1,025       1,275  
Noncurrent assets from discontinued operations
    1,025       1,275  
Total assets from discontinued operations
  $ 1,025     $ 1,275  
                 
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ -     $ -  
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
    -       -  
Contingent liabilities
    4,100       5,100  
Total liabilities from discontinued operations
  $ 4,100     $ 5,100  
 
There were no net cash flows related to discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 or 2021.
 
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Refer to Note 1, "Significant Accounting Policies" of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further information about the amended TFS purchase agreement.
 
 
3.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Accordingly, fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The fair value of the commodity contracts, including our former fuel hedges, is determined based on quotes from the counterparty which were verified by comparing them to the exchange on which the related futures are traded, adjusted for counterparty credit risk. The fair value of our interest rate swap agreements is determined using the market-standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed-cash payments and the discounted expected variable-cash receipts. The variable-cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. These analyses reflect the contractual terms of the swap, including the period to maturity, and use observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair value calculation also includes an amount for risk of non-performance of our counterparties using "significant unobservable inputs" such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default, which we have determined to be insignificant to the overall fair value of our interest rate swap agreements. The fair value of available-for-sale securities is based upon quoted prices in active markets. The fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement is based on inputs that are not observable in the market and is estimated using a probability-weighted method. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability include the financial projections over the earn-out period, the volatility of the underlying financial metrics, and estimated discount rates. A three -tier fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the inputs in measuring fair value as follows:
 
●
Level 1. Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
●
Level 2. Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
●
Level 3. Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
 
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 
(in thousands)
                       
    December 31, 2022
    December 31, 2021     Input Level
 
Interest rate swaps
    1,466
      ( 1,808
)
    2
 
Contingent consideration
    ( 17,023
)
    -
      3
 
 
There were no available-for-sale securities recorded as of  December 31, 2022 or December 31, 2021. Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, commodity contracts, accounts payable, debt, and interest rate swaps. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and current debt approximates their fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. 
 
Interest rates that are currently available to us for issuance of long-term debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value of our long-term debt, which primarily consists of revenue equipment installment notes. The fair value of our revenue equipment installment notes approximated the carrying value as of  December 31, 2022, as the weighted average interest rate on these notes approximates the market rate for similar debt. Borrowings under our revolving Credit Facility (as defined herein) approximate fair value due to the variable interest rate on that facility. There were no fuel hedge derivatives outstanding as of December 31, 2022.
 
The contingent consideration arrangement requires us to pay up to $ 20.0 million of additional consideration to AAT's former shareholders based on AAT's results during the first two post-acquisition years. The fair value of the contingent consideration is adjusted at each reporting period based on changes to the expected cash flows and related assumptions. During the year ended  December 31, 2022, the fair value of the contingent consideration increased to $ 17.0 million from $ 0.0 million at December 31, 2021. Of the $ 17.0 million increase, $ 16.2 million relates to the initial valuation of the contingent consideration arrangement and the remaining increase of $ 0.8 million is the result of the subsequent adjustment to fair market value. The adjustment to the fair value of the contingent consideration liability was recorded as a component of general supplies and expenses within the consolidated statements of operations. The contingent consideration liability is included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. 
 
The following table provides a summary (in thousands) of the activity for the contingent consideration liability for 2022 :
 
(in thousands)
                               
    December 31, 2021
    Additions
    Adjustments to fair market value
    December 31, 2022
 
Contingent consideration
   $ -      $ ( 16,210 )    $ ( 813 )    $ ( 17,023 )
 
 
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4.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
Our Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Incentive Plan") governs the issuance of equity awards and other incentive compensation to management and members of the Board. On July 1, 2020, the stockholders, upon recommendation of the Board, approved the Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to our Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"). The Second Amendment (i) increased the number of shares of Class A common stock available for issuance under the Incentive Plan by an additional 1,900,000 shares, (ii) added a fungible share reserve feature, under which shares subject to stock options and stock appreciation rights will be counted as one share for every share granted and shares subject to all other awards will be counted as 1.80 shares for every share granted, (iii) added a double-trigger vesting requirement upon a change in control, (iv) eliminated the Compensation Committee’s discretion to accelerate vesting, except in cases involving death or disability, (v) increased the maximum award granted or payable to any one participant under the Incentive Plan for a calendar year from 200,000 shares of Class A common stock or $ 2,000,000 , in the event the award is paid in cash, to 500,000 shares of Class A common stock or $ 4,000,000 , in the event the award is paid cash, (vi) re-set the date through which awards may be made under the Incentive Plan to June 1, 2030, and (vii) made other miscellaneous, administrative and conforming changes.
 
The Incentive Plan permits annual awards of shares of our Class A common stock to executives, other key employees, non-employee directors, and eligible participants under various types of options, restricted share awards, or other equity instruments. At December 31, 2022 ,  872,509 of the 4,200,000  shares noted above were available for award under the Incentive Plan. No participant in the Incentive Plan may receive awards of any type of equity instruments in any calendar-year that relates to more than 500,000 shares of our Class A common stock or $ 4,000,000 . To the extent available, we have issued treasury stock to satisfy all share-based incentive plans.
 
Included in salaries, wages, and related expenses within the consolidated statements of operations is stock-based compensation expense of $ 6.0 million and $ 7.5 million, in 2022  and  2021 , respectively. Included in general supplies and expenses within the consolidated statements of operations is stock-based compensation expense for non-employee directors of $ 0.6 million and $ 0.4 million in  2022  and  2021 , respectively. All the stock compensation expense recorded in 2022  and  2021  relates to restricted shares granted, other than $ 2.2 million and $ 2.4 million in 2022  and  2021 , respectively, which relates to stock options. Associated with stock compensation expense was $ 0.4 million and $ 0.3 million of income tax benefit in 2022  and expense in  2021 , respectively, related to the exercise of restricted share vesting. We received $ 0.4  million and $ 0.0 million related to the exercise of stock options during 2022  and  2021 . Associated with the exercise of stock options during 2022  and  2021  was $ 0.1 million and $ 0.0 million of income tax benefit, respectively. Forfeitures are recognized as they're incurred.
 
The Incentive Plan allows participants to pay the federal and state minimum statutory tax withholding requirements related to awards that vest or allows the participant to deliver to us shares of Class A common stock having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount of such required withholding taxes. To satisfy withholding requirements for shares that vested, certain participants elected to deliver to us 55,306  and  60,752  Class A common stock shares, which were withheld at weighted average per share prices of $ 29.03  and $ 21.87 , respectively, based on the closing prices of our Class A common stock on the dates the shares vested in 2022  and  2021 , respectively, in lieu of the federal and state minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. We remitted $ 1.6 million and $ 0.5 million in 2022  and  2021 , respectively, to the proper taxing authorities in satisfaction of the employees' minimum statutory withholding requirements. The payment of minimum tax withholdings on stock compensation are reflected within the issuances of restricted shares from treasury stock in the accompanying consolidated statement of stockholders' equity.
 
The following table summarizes our restricted share award activity for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022  and  2021 :
 
    Number of stock awards (in thousands)
    Weighted average grant date fair value
 
                 
Unvested at December 31, 2020
    645     $ 16.25  
                 
Granted
    252     $ 21.34  
Vested
    ( 218 )   $ 16.57  
Forfeited
    ( 117 )   $ 15.31  
Unvested at December 31, 2021
    562     $ 18.12  
                 
Granted
    155     $ 22.08  
Vested
    ( 223 )   $ 18.79  
Forfeited
    ( 5 )   $ 13.94  
Unvested at December 31, 2022
    489     $ 19.12  
 
The unvested shares at  December 31, 2022 will vest based on when and if the related vesting criteria are met for each award. All awards require continued service to vest. Unrecognized compensation expense for outstanding shares was $ 4.2 million as of  December 31, 2022 , which is probable to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately  2.1 years. The fair value of restricted share awards that vested in 2022  and  2021  was approximately $ 3.4 million and $ 4.9 million, respectively. All restricted shares awarded to executives and other key employees pursuant to the Incentive Plan provide the holder with voting and other stockholder-type rights, but will not be issued until the relevant restrictions are satisfied.
 
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The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022  and 2021 :
 
    Number of options (in thousands)
    Weighted average exercise price
    Weighted average grant date fair value
    Weighted average remaining contractual term
    Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)
 
                                         
Outstanding at December 31, 2020
    721     $ 15.77     $ 7.26       9.8 years     $ ( 692 )
                                         
Options granted
    450     $ 21.24     $ 9.85                  
Options exercised
    -     $ -                        
Options forfeited
    ( 60 )   $ 15.77     $ 7.26                  
Outstanding at December 31, 2021
    1,111     $ 17.99     $ 8.31       9.0 years     $ 9,382  
                                         
Options granted
    -     $ -                        
Options exercised
    ( 24 )   $ 15.77     $ 4.90                  
Options forfeited
    -     $ -                        
Outstanding at December 31, 2022
    1,087     $ 18.04     $ 8.39       8.0 years     $ 17,968  
                                         
Exercisable at December 31, 2022
    141     $ 15.77     $ 4.90       7.9 years     $ 2,649  
 
Unrecognized compensation cost for outstanding options was $ 4.5 million at  December 31, 2022 .
 
 
5.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
A summary of property and equipment, at cost, as of December 31, 2022  and 2021 is as follows:
 
(in thousands)
  Estimated Useful Lives (Years)
    2022
    2021
 
Revenue equipment
    3 - 10     $ 468,527     $ 400,282  
Communications equipment
    5 - 10       4,470     $ 4,257  
Land and improvements
    0 - 15       11,719     $ 16,341  
Buildings and leasehold improvements
    7 - 40       96,550     $ 72,180  
Construction in-progress
    -       16,077     $ 866  
Other
    2 - 10       22,343     $ 24,480  
            $ 619,686     $ 518,406  
 
Depreciation expense was $ 53.2 million and $ 49.8 million in 2022  and 2021 , respectively. This depreciation expense excludes net gains on the sale of property and equipment totaling $ 40.3 million and $ 3.8 million in 2022  and 2021 , respectively.
 
We lease certain revenue equipment under finance and operating leases with terms of approximately 48 to 84 months. At December 31, 2022  and 2021 , property and equipment included finance and operating leases. Our finance leases had capitalized costs of $ 12.7 million and $ 45.5 million and accumulated amortization of $ 7.4 million and $ 22.3 million at December 31, 2022  and 2021 , respectively. Amortization of these leased assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the consolidated statement of operations and totaled $ 2.3 million and $ 3.6 million during 2022 and 2021, respectively. See Note 9.   Leases  for additional information about our finance and operating leases.
 
 
6.
ACQUISITION OF AAT CARRIERS, INC.
 
On February 9, 2022, we acquired 100 % of the outstanding stock of AAT headquartered in Chattanooga, TN. AAT specializes in highly regulated, time-sensitive loads for the U.S. government. The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred was $ 54.7 million. The Stock Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants, and indemnification provisions. The Stock Purchase Agreement includes an earnout component of up to an aggregate of $ 20.0 million based on AAT's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization reported for the first and second years following closing. The total purchase price, including any earnout achieved, is expected to range from $ 38.5 million to $ 57.0 million depending on the results achieved by AAT.
 
AAT’s results have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are reported within our Expedited reportable segment.
 
The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred consisted of the following:
 
    February 9, 2022
 
(in thousands)
       
Cash paid pursuant to Stock Purchase Agreement
  $ 40,347  
Cash acquired included in historical book value of AAT's assets and liabilities
    ( 1,846 )
Contingent consideration
    16,210  
Net purchase price
  $ 54,711  
 
The contingent consideration arrangement requires us to pay up to $ 20.0 million of additional consideration to AAT's former shareholders based on AAT's results during the first two post-acquisition years. We estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration using a probability-weighted model. This fair value measurement is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represents a Level 3 measurement.
 
The following table provides a summary (in thousands) of the activity for the contingent consideration liability for 2022 :
 
(in thousands)
                               
    December 31, 2021
    Additions
    Adjustments to fair market value
    December 31, 2022
 
Contingent consideration
   $ -      $ ( 16,210 )    $ ( 813 )    $ ( 17,023 )
 
Because of our  338 (h) 10 election, all goodwill related to the acquisition is deductible for tax purposes, and there are no deferred income taxes arising from the acquisition.
 
The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date.
 
 
    February 9, 2022
 
Accounts receivable
  $ 842  
Prepaid expenses
    33  
Other short-term assets
    19  
Net property and equipment
    7,994  
Credentialing intangible asset
    32,000  
Total identifiable assets acquired
    40,888  
         
Accounts payable
    ( 19 )
Accrued expenses
    ( 1,396 )
Finance lease obligations
    ( 458 )
Other long-term liabilities
    ( 3 )
Total liabilities assumed
    ( 1,876 )
Net identifiable assets acquired
    39,012  
Goodwill
    15,699  
Net assets acquired
  $ 54,711  
 
The goodwill recognized is attributable primarily to expected cost synergies in the areas of fuel, purchases of revenue equipment. Refer to Note 7, "Goodwill and Other Assets" for a summary of changes to goodwill during the period as well as information related to the identifiable intangible asset acquired.
 
The amounts of revenue and earnings of AAT included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations from the acquisition date to the period ended December 31, 2022 are as follows:
 
(in thousands)
  Year Ended
 
    December 31, 2022
 
Total revenue
  $ 33,061  
Net income
  $ 13,263  
 
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7.
GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS
 
AAT's results have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition within our Expedited reportable segment. 
 
The Landair trade name has a residual value of $ 0.5  million. 
 
Amortization expense of $ 4.3 million and $ 4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2022  and  2021 , respectively, was included in depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
A summary of other intangible assets, by reportable segment as of  December 31, 2022  and  2021  is as follows:
 
(in thousands)
  December 31, 2022
         
    Gross intangible assets
    Accumulated amortization
    Net intangible assets
    Remaining Life (months)
 
Trade name:
                               
Dedicated
  $ 2,402     $ ( 2,130 )   $ 272          
Managed Freight
    999       ( 885 )     114          
Warehousing
    999       ( 885 )     114          
Total trade name
    4,400       ( 3,900 )     500       -  
Customer relationships:
                               
Dedicated
    14,072       ( 5,277 )     8,795          
Managed Freight
    1,692       ( 635 )     1,057          
Warehousing
    12,436       ( 4,663 )     7,773          
Total customer relationships:
    28,200       ( 10,575 )     17,625       90  
Credentialing:
                               
Expedited
    32,000       ( 1,956 )     30,044       169  
Total credentialing
    32,000       ( 1,956 )     30,044          
Total other intangible assets
  $ 64,600     $ ( 16,431 )   $ 48,169       138  
 
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(in thousands)
  December 31, 2021
         
    Gross intangible assets
    Accumulated amortization
    Net intangible assets
    Remaining Life (months)
 
Trade name:
                               
Dedicated
  $ 2,402     $ ( 2,130 )   $ 272          
Managed Freight
    999       ( 885 )     114          
Warehousing
    999       ( 885 )     114          
Total trade name
    4,400       ( 3,900 )     500       -  
Customer relationships:
                               
Dedicated
    14,072       ( 4,104 )     9,968          
Managed Freight
    1,692       ( 494 )     1,198          
Warehousing
    12,436       ( 3,627 )     8,809          
Total customer relationships
    28,200       ( 8,225 )     19,975       102  
Total other intangible assets
  $ 32,600     $ ( 12,125 )   $ 20,475          
 
The above finite-lived intangible assets have a weighted average remaining life of  138 months and  102 months as of  December 31, 2022  and 2021 , respectively.
 
The expected amortization expense of these assets for the next five years is as follows:
 
    (In thousands)
 
2023
  $ 4,483  
2024
    4,483  
2025
    4,483  
2026
    4,483  
2027
    4,483  
Thereafter
    25,254  
 
The assignment of goodwill and intangible assets to our reportable segments was not complete as of December 31, 2022. The carrying amount of goodwill was $ 58.2 million at December 31, 2022, compared to $ 42.5 million at December 31, 2021, as a result of the AAT acquisition. A summary of the changes in carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment is as follows:
 
(in thousands)
  December 31, 2021
                    December 31, 2022
 
    Gross/net goodwill
    Acquired goodwill for AAT
    Accumulated impairment loss
    Gross/net goodwill
 
Expedited
  $ -     $ 15,699     $ -     $ 15,699  
Dedicated
    15,320       -       -       15,320  
Managed Freight
    5,448       -       -       5,448  
Warehousing
    21,750       -       -       21,750  
Total goodwill
  $ 42,518     $ 15,699     $ -     $ 58,217  
 
A summary of other assets as of December 31, 2022  and 2021 is as follows:
 
(in thousands)
  2022
    2021
 
Investment in TEL
  $ 54,727     $ 44,196  
Other long-term receivables
    1,260       7,329  
Other assets, net
    2,856       859  
Total other assets, net
  $ 58,843     $ 52,384  
 
Other long-term receivables primarily represents amounts related to extended warranties on our revenue equipment on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022, as well as amounts recorded as a receivable in other assets and as a corresponding accrual in the long-term portion of insurance and claims accruals on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2021, for claims above our self-insured retention for which we believe it is reasonably assured that the insurers will provide their portion of such claims.
 
The Company conducted its annual impairment assessments and tests of goodwill for each reporting unit as of October 1, 2022.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test is the Company's assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the reporting unit's carrying amount, including goodwill. When performing the qualitative assessment, the Company considers the impact of factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic and industry conditions, overall financial performance of each reporting unit, litigation and new legislation. If based on the qualitative assessments, the Company believes it more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the reporting unit's carrying amount, or periodically as deemed appropriate by management, the Company will prepare an estimation of the respective reporting unit's fair value utilizing a quantitative approach.
 
If the estimation of fair value indicates that impairment potentially exists, the Company will then measure the amount of the impairment, if any. Goodwill impairment exists when the estimated implied fair value of goodwill is less than its carrying value. Changes in strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these fair value estimates and require adjustments to recorded asset balances. As a result of the most recent goodwill impairment analysis performed ( October 1, 2022), the Company determined that it was not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the reporting unit's carrying amount.
 
Additionally, the Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment is recognized on assets classified as held and used when the sum of undiscounted estimated cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset is less than the carrying value. If such measurement indicates a possible impairment, the estimated fair value of the asset is compared to its net book value to measure the impairment charge, if any. No such events were identified as of December 31, 2022.
 
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8.
DEBT
 
Current and long-term debt and lease obligations consisted of the following at December 31, 2022  and 2021 :
 
(in thousands)
  December 31, 2022
    December 31, 2021
 
    Current
    Long-Term
    Current
    Long-Term
 
Borrowings under Credit Facility
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Borrowings under the Draw Note
    -       -       -       -  
Revenue equipment installment notes; weighted average interest rate of 4.7 % at December 31, 2022, and 1.2 % December 31, 2021, due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from May 2025 to June 2027, secured by related revenue equipment
    17,656       71,267       4,537       2  
Real estate notes; interest rate of 5.8 % at December 31, 2022 and 1.8 % at December 31, 2021 due in monthly installments with a fixed maturity at August 2035, secured by related real estate
    1,241       19,100       1,185       20,345  
Total debt
    18,897       90,367       5,722       20,347  
Principal portion of finance lease obligations, secured by related revenue equipment
    5,326       432       6,848       3,969  
Principal portion of operating lease obligations, secured by related equipment
    18,179       46,428       15,811       21,554  
Total debt and lease obligations
  $ 42,402     $ 137,227     $ 28,381     $ 45,870  
 
We and substantially all of our subsidiaries are parties to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Facility") with Bank of America, N.A., as agent (the "Agent") and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (together with the Agent, the "Lenders"). The Credit Facility is a $ 110.0 million revolving credit facility, with an uncommitted accordion feature that, so long as no event of default exists, allows us to request an increase in the revolving credit facility of up to $ 75.0 million subject to Lender acceptance of the additional funding commitment. The Credit Facility includes a letter of credit sub facility in an aggregate amount of $ 105.0 million and a swing line sub facility in an aggregate amount equal to the greater of $ 10.0 million or 10 % of the Lenders' aggregate commitments under the Credit Facility from time-to-time. The Credit Facility matures in May 2027.
 
Borrowings under the Credit Facility are classified as either "base rate loans" or "SOFR loans." Base rate loans accrue interest at a base rate equal to the greater of the Agent’s prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.5 %, or SOFR for a one month period as of such day, plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25 % to 0.75%; while SOFR loans accrued interest at SOFR, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.25 % to 1.75 %. The applicable rates are adjusted quarterly based on average pricing availability. The unused line fee is the product of 0.25 % times the average daily amount by which the Lenders' aggregate revolving commitments under the Credit Facility exceed the outstanding principal amount of revolver loans and the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility. The obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by us and secured by a pledge of substantially all of our assets, with the notable exclusion of any real estate, revenue equipment pledged under other financing agreements, including revenue equipment installment notes and finance leases, and revenue equipment that we do not designate as being included in the borrowing base.
 
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Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base limited to the lesser of (A) $110.0 million, minus the sum of the stated amount of all outstanding letters of credit; or (B) the sum of (i) 87.5 % of eligible accounts receivable, plus (ii) the least of (a) 85 % of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible revenue equipment, (b) 100 % of the net book value of eligible revenue equipment, (c) 60.0 % of the Lenders' aggregate revolving commitments under the Credit Facility, or (d) $ 65.0 million. We had $ 0.0 million borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility as of December 31, 2022 , undrawn letters of credit outstanding of approximately $ 23.9 million, and available borrowing capacity of $ 86.1 million. Based on availability as of December 31, 2022  and 2021 , there was no fixed charge coverage requirement.
 
The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for a facility of this nature and provides that, upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default, payment of all amounts payable under the Credit Facility may be accelerated, and the Lenders' commitments may be terminated. If an event of default occurs under the Credit Facility and the Lenders cause, or have the ability to cause, all of the outstanding debt obligations under the Credit Facility to become due and payable, this could result in a default under other debt instruments that contain acceleration or cross-default provisions. The Credit Facility contains certain restrictions and covenants relating to, among other things, debt, dividends, liens, acquisitions and dispositions outside of the ordinary course of business, and affiliate transactions. Failure to comply with the covenants and restrictions set forth in the Credit Facility could result in an event of default.
 
Pricing for the revenue equipment installment notes is quoted by the respective financial affiliates of our primary revenue equipment suppliers and other lenders at the funding of each group of equipment acquired and include fixed annual rates for new equipment under retail installment contracts. The notes included in the funding are due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from  May 2025 to  June 2027 . The notes contain certain requirements regarding payment, insuring of collateral, and other matters, but do not have any financial or other material covenants or events of default except certain notes totaling $ 83.4 million are cross-defaulted with the Credit Facility. Additional borrowings from the financial affiliates of our primary revenue equipment suppliers and other lenders are expected to be available to fund new tractors expected to be delivered in 2023, while any other property and equipment purchases, including trailers, are expected to be funded with a combination of available cash, notes, operating leases, finance leases, and/or from the Credit Facility.
 
In August 2015, we financed a portion of the purchase of our corporate headquarters, a maintenance facility, and certain surrounding property in Chattanooga, Tennessee by entering into a $ 28.0 million variable rate note with a third party lender. Concurrently with entering into the note, we entered into an interest rate swap to effectively fix the related interest rate to 4.2 %. The note contains certain restrictions and covenants that are usual and customary for a note of this nature. Failure to comply with the covenants and restrictions set forth in the note could result in an event of default. We expect to be in compliance with our debt covenants for the next 12 months.
 
In connection with the TFS Settlement, in September 2020, TBK Bank, SSB, as lender and agent for Triumph (“TBK Bank”), provided the Company with a $ 45 million line of credit (the “Draw Note”), the proceeds of which are to be used solely to satisfy our indemnification obligations under the TFS Settlement. We may borrow pursuant to the Draw Note until September 23, 2025. Any amount outstanding under the Draw Note will accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to one and one -half ( 1.5 ) percentage points over LIBOR, provided, however, that LIBOR shall be deemed to be at least 0.25 %. Accrued interest is due monthly and the outstanding principal balance is due on September 23, 2026. To secure our obligations under the TFS Settlement and the Draw Note, we pledged certain unencumbered revenue equipment with an estimated net orderly liquidation value of $ 60 million. The Draw Note includes usual and customary events of default for a facility of this nature and provides that, upon occurrence and continuation of an event of default, payment of all amounts payable under the Draw Note may be accelerated. During the first quarter of 2021, we received an indemnification call from Triumph of $ 35.6 million related to the TFS Settlement, which was funded by drawing on the Draw Note. During the second quarter of 2021 we repaid $ 31.0 million of the borrowings under the Draw Note and during the third quarter of 2021 we repaid the remaining balance. As of December 31, 2022, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Draw Note.
 
As of December 31, 2022 , the scheduled principal payments of debt, excluding finance leases for which future payments are discussed in Note 9  are as follows:
 
    (in thousands)
 
2023
  $ 13,915  
2024
    21,626  
2025
    23,117  
2026
    4,322  
2027
    3,377  
Thereafter
    13,579  
 
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9.
LEASES
 
Finance lease obligations are utilized to finance a portion of our revenue equipment and are entered into with certain finance companies who are not parties to our Credit Facility. The leases in effect at December 31, 2022  terminate in  January 2023 through  November 2033 and contain guarantees of the residual value of the related equipment by us. As such, the residual guarantees are included in the related debt balance as a balloon payment at the end of the related term as well as included in the future minimum finance lease payments. These lease agreements require us to pay personal property taxes, maintenance, and operating expenses. Our operating lease obligations do not typically include residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
 
A summary of our lease obligations for the twelve months ended  December 31, 2022  and  2021  are as follows:
 
(dollars in thousands)
  Twelve Months Ended
    Twelve Months Ended
 
    December 31, 2022
    December 31, 2021
 
                 
Finance lease cost:
               
Amortization of right-of-use assets
  $ 2,314     $ 3,620  
Interest on lease liabilities
    377       637  
Operating lease cost
    20,538       19,583  
Short-term lease cost
    13,625       4,419  
Variable lease cost
    232       89  
                 
Total lease cost
  $ 37,086     $ 28,348  
                 
Other information
               
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
               
Operating cash flows from finance leases
  $ 377     $ 637  
Operating cash flows from operating leases
  $ 17,114     $ 17,188  
Financing cash flows from finance leases
  $ 5,516     $ 5,626  
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities
  $ 458     $ -  
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
  $ 48,515     $ 15,795  
Weighted-average remaining lease term—finance leases
  5.7 years
    1.0 years
 
Weighted-average remaining lease term—operating leases
  4.6 years
    4.9 years
 
Weighted-average discount rate—finance leases
    5.1 %     4.7 %
Weighted-average discount rate—operating leases
    9.1 %     6.4 %
 
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recognized $ 7.5 million of expense related to the early abandonment and disposal charges related to revenue equipment held under operating leases as the equipment was a source of significant operational headwinds throughout the year due to poor fuel economy, unusually high maintenance costs, and elevated downtime. At  December 31, 2022  and 2021,  right-of-use assets of $ 58.9 million and $ 35.7 million for operating leases, respectively, and $ 5.3 million and $ 23.2 million for finance leases, are included in net property and equipment in our consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease right-of-use asset amortization is included in revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation, communication and utilities, and general supplies and expenses, depending on the underlying asset, in the consolidated statement of operations. Amortization of finance leased assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
 
Our future minimum lease payments as of  December 31, 2022 , summarized as follows by lease category:
 
(in thousands)
  Operating     Finance  
2023
  $ 22,653     $ 5,138  
2024
    18,147       108  
2025
    11,719       108  
2026
    8,433       108  
2027
    7,730       108  
Thereafter
    10,572       640  
Total minimum lease payments
  $ 79,254     $ 6,210  
Less: amount representing interest
    ( 14,647 )     ( 452 )
Present value of minimum lease payments
  $ 64,607     $ 5,758  
Less: current portion
    ( 18,179 )     ( 5,326 )
Lease obligations, long-term
  $ 46,428     $ 432  
 
Certain leases contain cross-default provisions with other financing agreements and additional charges if the unit's mileage exceeds certain thresholds defined in the lease agreement.
 
Rental expense is summarized as follows for each of the two years ended December 31:
 
(in thousands)
  2022
    2021
 
Revenue equipment rentals
  $ 26,478     $ 20,114  
Building and lot rentals
    7,567       3,651  
Other equipment rentals
    350       326  
Total rental expense
  $ 34,395     $ 24,091  
 
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10.
INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021  is comprised of:
 
(in thousands)
  2022
    2021
 
Federal, current
  $ 16,123     $ 9,875  
Federal, deferred
    12,774       6,584  
State, current
    5,136       2,777  
State, deferred
    827       1,727  
Income tax expense
  $ 34,860     $ 20,962  
 
Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021  is summarized below:
 
(in thousands)
  2022
    2021
 
Computed "expected" income tax expense
  $ 29,986     $ 16,643  
State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect
    4,711       3,787  
831(b) election
    ( 1 )     ( 8 )
Tax contingency accruals
    ( 230 )     ( 295 )
Valuation allowance, net
    -       ( 242 )
Tax credits
    ( 379 )     ( 295 )
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation
    ( 446 )     ( 259 )
Change in prior year estimates
    ( 145 )     ( 86 )
Executive compensation disallowance
    1,778       1,705  
Other, net
    ( 414 )     11  
Income tax expense
  $ 34,860     $ 20,962  
 
The amount of income tax expense (benefit) allocated to discontinued operations for TFS is $ 0.2 million expense and $ 0.8 million benefit for the years ended December 31, 2022 and  2021, respectively.
 
Income tax expense varies from the amount computed by applying the applicable federal corporate income tax rate of 21 % for  2022  and  2021 , to income before income taxes primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal income tax effect, adjusted for permanent differences. The IRS has issued guidance that allows meals and entertainment per diem to be 100% deductible for tax years 2021 and 2022. Accordingly, there is no adjustment in 2022 as our per diem plan qualifies for this treatment.
 
The temporary differences and the approximate tax effects that give rise to our net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2022  and 2021 are as follows:
 
(in thousands)
  2022
    2021
 
Deferred tax assets:
               
Insurance and claims
  $ 9,320     $ 9,453  
Net operating loss carryovers
    3,583       4,448  
Tax credits
    416       2,499  
Leased liability
    16,292       9,599  
Finance lease obligation
    1,360       2,800  
State bonus
    2,945       2,165  
Other
    5,206       2,361  
Total deferred tax assets
    39,122       33,325  
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Property and equipment
    ( 74,481 )     ( 68,090 )
Investment in partnership
    ( 42,151 )     ( 34,400 )
ROU Asset- leases
    ( 14,836 )     ( 9,178 )
Other
    ( 2,396 )     ( 783 )
481(a) - finance leases
    -       ( 2,177 )
Prepaid expenses
    ( 3,974 )     ( 3,358 )
Total deferred tax liabilities
    ( 137,838 )     ( 117,986 )
                 
Net deferred tax liability
  $ ( 98,716 )   $ ( 84,661 )
 
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The net deferred tax liability of $ 98.8 million primarily relates to differences in cumulative book versus tax depreciation of property and equipment, partially off-set by net operating loss carryovers and insurance claims that have been reserved but not paid. The carrying value of our deferred tax assets assumes that we will be able to generate, based on certain estimates and assumptions, sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions to utilize these deferred tax benefits. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to establish a valuation allowance against the carrying value of the deferred tax assets, which would result in additional income tax expense. On a periodic basis, we assess the need for adjustment of the valuation allowance. The Company has determined that, based on forecasted taxable income resulting from the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, primarily generated by accelerated depreciation for tax purposes in prior periods, and tax planning strategies available to us, a valuation allowance was not necessary at December 31, 2022 for our deferred tax assets since it is more likely than not they will be realized from future reversals of temporary differences. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to modify our valuation allowance against the carrying value of the deferred tax assets.
 
As of December 31, 2022 , we had a $ 0.4 million liability recorded for unrecognized tax benefits, which includes interest and penalties of less than $ 0.1 million. We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. As of December 31, 2021 , we had a $ 0.6 million liability recorded for unrecognized tax benefits, which included interest and penalties of $ 0.1 million. Interest and penalties recognized for uncertain tax positions provided for de minimus expense in 2022 and 2021.
 
The following tables summarize the annual activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands) for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 :
 
    2022
    2021
 
Balance as of January 1,
  $ 596     $ 887  
Decreases related to lapsing of statute of limitations
    ( 204 )     ( 291 )
Balance as of December 31,
  $ 392     $ 596  
 
If recognized, approximately $ 0.4 million and $ 0.6 million of unrecognized tax benefits would impact our effective tax rate as of both December 31, 2022  and 2021 , respectively. Any prospective adjustments to our reserves for income taxes will be recorded as an increase or decrease to our provision for income taxes and would impact our effective tax rate.
 
Our  2019 through 2021 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS for U.S. federal tax purposes, our major taxing jurisdiction. In the normal course of business, we are also subject to audits by state and local tax authorities. We do not anticipate total unrecognized tax benefits to materially change in the next twelve months.
 
Our federal net operating loss ("NOL") was fully consumed in 2021. We have $ 1.0 million of federal tax credits available to offset future tax. Our state net operating loss carryforwards and state tax credits of $ 68.9 million and $ 0.4 million, respectively, expire beginning in 2023 and 2029 based on jurisdiction.
 
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") was signed into law. The CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions for refundable payroll tax credits, deferral for employer-side social-security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations, and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. The Company considered the impacts of the legislation in the 2021 and 2020 financial statements.
 
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the "ARPA") into law. The new law includes several provisions meant to stimulate the U.S. economy. Of relevance to the Company, ARPA extended the reach of IRC Section 162 (m) to include compensation paid to the eight highest-paid individuals other than the chief executive officer and chief financial officer (rather than the three highest), however, this change is not effective until 2027. There is no material impact to the financial statements at this time.
 
President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (the "IRA") into law on August 16, 2022. We do not anticipate the IRA will have a significant impact on income tax expense or on other taxes. One of the most impactful provisions of the IRA includes the establishment of a Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax ("CAMT"). However, this tax only applies to corporations with three -year average earnings in excess of $1.0 billion. We will continue to monitor the CAMT each year to determine if we will become an applicable corporation. Additionally, the IRA enacted an excise tax on stock buybacks, which imposes a 1% tax on stock buybacks, subject to netting provisions regarding stock awarded to employees as part of their compensation. We do not believe this will have a material impact on our active buyback program, but will continue to monitor IRS guidance and regulations on how the buyback tax will be imposed and administered.
 
 
11.
EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT
 
We own a 49.0 % interest in TEL, a tractor and trailer equipment leasing company and used equipment reseller. There is no loss limitation on our 49.0% interest in TEL. We have not guaranteed any of TEL's debt and have no obligation to provide funding, services, or assets. There are no current put rights to purchase or sell with any owners. TEL’s majority owners are generally restricted from transferring their interests in TEL, other than to certain permitted transferees, without our consent. There are no third party liquidity arrangements, guarantees, and/or other commitments that may affect the fair value or risk of our interest in TEL. For the years ended December 31, 2022  and  2021 , we sold tractors and trailers to TEL for $ 0.0 million and $ 0.3 million, respectively, and received $ 0.8 million and $ 0.9 million, respectively, for providing various maintenance services, certain back-office functions, and for miscellaneous equipment. We did not purchase any equipment from TEL in  2022  or  2021 . Additionally, we paid $ 6.1 million and $ 0.8 million to TEL for leases of revenue equipment and maintenance in 2022  and  2021 , respectively. We recorded net reversal of gains of less than $ 0.1 million for the year ended  December 31, 2022  and deferral of gains of approximately $ 0.1 million for the year ended  December 31, 2021  representing 49 % of the gains on tractors and trailers sold to TEL less any gains previously deferred and recognized when the equipment was sold to a third party. Deferred gains totaling $ 0.2 million at December 31, 2022  and 2021 , respectively, are being carried as a reduction in our investment in TEL. 
 
We have accounted for our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting and thus our financial results include our proportionate share of TEL's net income, which amounted to $ 25.2 million in 2022  and $ 14.8 million in 2021 . We received an equity distribution from TEL for $ 14.7 million, and $ 4.9 million in  2022  and  2021 , which was distributed to each member based on its respective ownership percentage. 
 
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Our accounts receivable and payable from TEL and investment in TEL as of  December 31, 2022  and 2021 , are as follows:
 
Description:
Balance Sheet Line Item:
  2022
    2021
 
Accounts receivable from TEL
Driver advances and other receivables
  $ 9     $ 802  
Accounts payable to TEL
Accrued expenses
  $ 763     $ -  
Investment in TEL
Other assets
  $ 54,727     $ 44,196  
 
Our accounts receivable from TEL related to cash disbursements made pursuant to our performance of certain back-office and maintenance functions on TEL's behalf. Our accounts payable to TEL related to operating lease payments owed to TEL. Our investment in TEL is comprised of $ 4.9 million cash investment and our equity in TEL's earnings since our investment, partially offset by dividends received since our investment for minimum tax withholdings as noted above. Additionally, the abovementioned deferred gains on sales of equipment to TEL are carried as a reduction in our investment in TEL.
 
See TEL's summarized financial information below.
 
(in thousands)
  As of the years ended December 31,
 
    2022
    2021
 
Current Assets
  $ 62,064     $ 32,948  
Non-current Assets
    418,660       313,270  
Current Liabilities
    83,326       63,330  
Non-current Liabilities
    294,222       201,618  
Total Equity
  $ 103,177     $ 81,270  
 
(in thousands)
  As of the years ended December 31,
 
    2022
    2021
 
Revenue
  $ 149,347     $ 104,873  
Cost of Sales
    28,815       8,876  
Operating Expenses
    60,861       58,627  
Operating Income
    59,671       37,370  
Net Income
  $ 51,907     $ 30,078  
 
 
12.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
Deferred Profit Sharing Employee Benefit Plan
 
We have a deferred profit sharing and savings plan under which all of our employees with at least six months of service are eligible to participate. Employees may contribute a percentage of their annual compensation up to the maximum amount allowed by the Internal Revenue Code. We may make discretionary contributions as determined by a committee of our Board. We made contributions of $ 1.9 million in 2022  and 2021 , respectively, to the profit sharing and savings plan.
 
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan
 
The Supplemental Savings Plan (the "SSP") is our nonqualified deferred compensation plan started during 2022 for the benefit of eligible key managerial employees whose contributions to our deferred profit sharing and savings plan are limited because of IRS regulations affecting highly compensated employees. Under the terms of the SSP, participants may elect to defer compensation on a pre-tax basis within annual dollar limits we establish. At December 31, 2022, there were 15 active participants in the SSP. We may make discretionary contributions as we so determine each year. Each participant is fully vested in all deferred compensation and earnings; however these amounts are subject to general creditor claims until distributed to the participant. Under current federal tax law, we are not allowed a current income tax deduction for the compensation deferred by participants, but we are allowed a tax deduction when a distribution payment is made to a participant from the SSP. The accumulated benefit obligation was $ 0.2 million as of December 31, 2022 and is included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. We purchased life insurance policies with the intent to fund the future liability. The aggregate market value of the life insurance policies was $ 0.2 million as of December 31, 2022, and was included in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
 
The accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate market value of the life insurance policies were as follows (in thousands):
 
    December 31, 2022
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
  $ 226  
Aggregate market value
    220  
 
 
13.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
Other than those associated with TEL, there are no  material related party transactions. See Note 11 for discussions of the related party transactions associated with TEL.
 
 
14.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
 
From time-to-time, we are a party to ordinary, routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, most of which involves claims for personal injury and/or property damage incurred in connection with the transportation of freight.
 
On February 11, 2021, a lawsuit was filed against Covenant Transport on behalf of Wesley Maas (a California resident and former driver) who is seeking to have the lawsuit certified as a class action. The lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, California. The Complaint alleges claims for failure to pay all lawful wages, failure to provide lawful meal and rest periods or compensation in lieu thereof, failure to timely pay wages, failure to comply with itemized wage statement provisions, failure to indemnify for expenditures, and violations of California Labor Code and unfair competition laws. Based on our present knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, advice of outside counsel, management believes that the recent resolution and dismissal of a prior class action lawsuit alleging similar claims, taking into account existing reserves, is not likely to have a materially adverse effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements, however, any future liability claims could impact this analysis. Covenant Transport intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter. We do not currently have enough information to make a reasonable estimate as to the likelihood, or amount of a loss, or a range of reasonably possible losses as a result of this claim, as such there have been no related accruals recorded as of December 31, 2022.
 
We maintain insurance to cover liabilities arising from the transportation of freight for amounts in excess of certain self-insured retentions. Refer to Note 1, "Significant Accounting Policies" of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for information about our insurance program. 
 
We had $ 23.9 million and $ 26.4 million of outstanding and undrawn letters of credit as of December 31, 2022  and 2021 , respectively. The letters of credit are maintained primarily to support our insurance programs. Additionally, we had $ 45.0 million of availability on a line of credit from Triumph solely to fund any indemnification owed to Triumph in relation to the sale of TFS.
 
We had commitments outstanding at December 31, 2022 , to acquire revenue equipment totaling approximately $ 156.6 million versus commitments at December 31, 2021 of approximately $ 73.8 million. These commitments are cancelable upon stated notice periods, subject to certain adjustments in the underlying obligations and benefits. These purchase commitments are expected to be financed by operating leases, finance leases, long-term debt, proceeds from sales of existing equipment, and/or cash flows from operations.
 
 
15.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
Our four reportable segments are:
 
●
Expedited: The Expedited reportable segment primarily provides truckload services to customers with high service freight and delivery standards, such as 1,000 miles in 22 hours, or 15 -minute delivery windows. Expedited services generally require two -person driver teams on equipment either owned or leased by the Company.
●
Dedicated: The Dedicated reportable segment provides customers with committed truckload capacity over contracted periods with the goal of three to five years in length. Equipment is either owned or leased by the Company.
●
Managed Freight: The Managed Freight reportable segment includes our brokerage and transport management services ("TMS"). Brokerage services provide logistics capacity by outsourcing the carriage of customers' freight to third parties. TMS provides comprehensive logistics services on a contractual basis to customers who prefer to outsource their logistics needs.
●
Warehousing: The Warehousing reportable segment provides day-to-day warehouse management services to customers who have chosen to outsource this function. We also provide shuttle and switching services related to shuttling containers and trailers in or around freight yards and to/from warehouses.
 
The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Substantially all intersegment sales prices are market based. We evaluate performance based on operating income of the respective business units.
 
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The following table summarizes our reportable segment information for 2022  and  2021 :
 
(in thousands)
                                       
Year Ended December 31, 2022
  Expedited
    Dedicated
    Managed Freight
    Warehousing
    Consolidated
 
Total revenue from external customers
  $ 452,713     $ 362,997     $ 320,985     $ 80,163     $ 1,216,858  
Intersegment revenue
    5,505       -       -       -       5,505  
Operating income
    60,552       21,087       36,858       2,185       120,682  
Depreciation and amortization
    30,101       25,449       247       1,715       57,512  
 
(in thousands)
                                       
Year Ended December 31, 2021
  Expedited
    Dedicated
    Managed Freight
    Warehousing
    Consolidated
 
Total revenue from external customers
  $ 337,063     $ 324,541     $ 321,236     $ 63,163     $ 1,046,003  
Intersegment revenue
    7,429       -       -       -       7,429  
Operating income (loss)
    33,064       ( 1,357 )     32,461       2,994       67,162  
Depreciation and amortization
    25,364       25,960       595       1,962       53,881  
 
(in thousands)
  For the years ended December 31,
 
    2022
    2021
 
Total external revenues for reportable segments
  $ 1,216,858     $ 1,046,003  
Intersegment revenues for reportable segments
    5,505       7,429  
Elimination of intersegment revenues
    ( 5,505 )     ( 7,429 )
Total consolidated revenues
  $ 1,216,858     $ 1,046,003  
 
Balance sheet data by reportable segment is not maintained by the Company.
 
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16.
EQUITY
 
On January 25, 2021, our Board approved the repurchase of up to $ 40.0 million of our outstanding Class A common stock. Under such authorization, we repurchased 0.5 million shares of our Class A common stock for $ 8.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021. On August 5, 2021, our Board increased such authorization to $ 40.0 million. As of January 1, 2022, there was approximately $ 38.0 million remaining under such authorization. On February 10, 2022, our Board adopted a 10b5 - 1 plan for the purchase of up to $ 30.0 million in shares subject to defined trading parameters. Under such authorization, we repurchased 0.7 million shares of our Class common stock for $ 15.2 million during the first quarter of 2022,  completing the repurchase program in May 2022 with a total of 1.4 million shares of our Class A common stock repurchased for $ 30.0 million. On May 18, 2022, our Board approved a new stock repurchase authorization of up to $ 75.0 million of our Class A common stock, with any remaining amount available under prior authorizations being excluded and no longer available. Under such authorization, we repurchased 2.0  million shares of our Class A common stock for $ 54.7  million through December 31, 2022. 
 
On January 26, 2022, our Board declared a cash dividend of $ 0.0625 per share, which was paid on March 25, 2022, to stockholders of record on March 4, 2022.  On May 18, 2022, our Board declared a cash dividend of $ 0.0625 per share, which was paid on June 24, 2022, to stockholders of record on June 3, 2022. On August 17, 2022, our Board declared a cash dividend of $ 0.08  per share, which was paid on September 30, 2022, to stockholders of record on September 2, 2022.  On November 16, 2022, our Board declared a cash dividend of $ 0.08  per share, which was paid on December  30, 2022, to stockholders of record on December 2, 2022.
 
 
17.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
On January 13, 2023, the Company sold a Tennessee based terminal property for approximately $ 12 million in cash net of transaction costs and expects to record a pretax gain on sale of property of approximately $ 8 million in the first quarter of 2023.
 
On February 15, 2023, our Board approved a quarterly cash dividend program of $ 0.11 per share, subject to quarterly approval by our Board. Our Board has approved the dividend, which will be for stockholders of record as of March 3, 2023, and payable on March 31, 2023.
 
On January 30, 2023, the Board approved an amendment to the Company's stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to an aggregate $ 55 million of our Class A common stock. The amendment added an incremental approximately $ 37.5 million to the approximately $ 17.5 million that was then-remaining under the program. We repurchased an additional 0.3  million shares of our Class A common stock for $ 10.8 million from January 1, 2023 through February 24, 2023.
 
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