Reviewing Proficient Auto Logistics (NASDAQ:PAL) & CBL International (NASDAQ:BANL)

CBL International (NASDAQ:BANL) and Proficient Auto Logistics (NASDAQ:PAL) are both small-cap transportation companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk and profitability.

Profitability

This table compares CBL International and Proficient Auto Logistics’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
CBL International	N/A	N/A	N/A
Proficient Auto Logistics	-7.77%	1.22%	0.80%

Volatility and Risk

CBL International has a beta of 0.82, indicating that its share price is 18% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Proficient Auto Logistics has a beta of 2.18, indicating that its share price is 118% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations for CBL International and Proficient Auto Logistics, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
CBL International	1	0	0	0	1.00
Proficient Auto Logistics	1	1	2	0	2.25

Proficient Auto Logistics has a consensus price target of $12.00, indicating a potential upside of 58.52%. Given Proficient Auto Logistics’ stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Proficient Auto Logistics is more favorable than CBL International.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

0.1% of CBL International shares are owned by institutional investors. 13.9% of Proficient Auto Logistics shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares CBL International and Proficient Auto Logistics”s revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
CBL International	$592.52 million	0.02	-$3.87 million	N/A	N/A
Proficient Auto Logistics	$430.42 million	0.49	-$33.45 million	($1.22)	-6.20

CBL International has higher revenue and earnings than Proficient Auto Logistics.

Summary

Proficient Auto Logistics beats CBL International on 8 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About CBL International

CBL International Limited, a marine fuel logistics company, provides vessel refueling solutions in Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Singapore, and internationally. It facilitates vessel refueling between ship operators and local physical distributors/traders by purchasing marine fuel, including both fossil fuel and alternative fuel. The company’s services to its customers include vessel refueling options available at ports; arranges vessel refueling activities and local physical delivery of marine fuel; and coordinates vessel refueling schedule. It also offers trade credit; handles unforeseeable circumstances and provides contingency solutions; fulfills special requests related to vessel refueling; and handles disputes relates to quality and quantity issues on marine fuel. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. CBL International Limited operates as a subsidiary of CBL (Asia) Limited.

About Proficient Auto Logistics

Proficient Auto Logistics, Inc. focuses on providing auto transportation and logistics services in North America. It primarily focuses on transporting and delivering finished vehicles from automotive production facilities, ports of entry, and rail yards to a network of automotive dealerships. The company operates approximately 1,130 auto transport vehicles and trailers, including 615 company-owned transport vehicles and trailers. It serves auto companies, electric vehicle producers, auto dealers, auto auctions, rental car companies, and auto leasing companies. The company was formerly known as AH Acquisition Corp. and changed its name to Proficient Auto Logistics, Inc. in October 2023. The company was incorporated in 2023 and is based in Jacksonville, Florida.