v3.26.1
Note 10 - Equity Method Investment
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2026
Notes to Financial Statements  
Equity Method Investment [Text Block]

Note 10.

Equity Method Investment

 

We own a 49.0% interest in Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC ("TEL"), a tractor and trailer equipment leasing company and used equipment reseller. The activities that most significantly impact TEL’s economic performance include leasing strategy, equipment acquisition and disposition decisions, and pricing of lease arrangements, which are directed by the majority owners in accordance with TEL's operating agreement. 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. Similarly, we are generally restricted from transferring our interest in TEL, other than to certain permitted transferees, without their 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.

 

As of June 30, 2026, we had a revenue equipment operating lease liability to TEL of $6.7 million with final maturities at various dates ranging from April 2029 to August 2029. No other transactions with TEL were material for the three or six months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025.

 

We have evaluated our interest in TEL under the variable interest entity model including consideration of whether we have (i) the power to direct the activities of TEL that most significantly impact its economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to TEL. We have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of TEL because we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact TEL’s economic performance, which are directed by the majority owners in accordance with TEL's operating agreement. While we hold a significant equity interest in TEL, we do not have unilateral or controlling decision-making authority over significant activities. Accordingly, we do not consolidate TEL and 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 2026 net income through June 30, 2026, or $9.0 million.

 

Our accounts receivable from TEL, accounts payable to TEL, and investment in TEL as of  June 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025 are as follows (in thousands):

 

Description:

Balance Sheet Line Item:

 

June 30, 2026

  

December 31, 2025

 

Accounts receivable from TEL

Driver advances and other receivables

 $9  $13 

Accounts payable to TEL

Accrued expenses

 $231  $460 

Investment in TEL

Other assets

 $94,506  $85,512 

Operating lease obligations

Current and long-term portion of operating lease obligations

 $6,705  $7,800 

 

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 and our accounts payable to TEL primarily related to leased revenue equipment payment accruals.