Mixed quarter as Covenant (NYSE: CVLG) grows revenue but margins tighten
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Covenant Logistics Group reported first quarter 2026 results, with total revenue rising 14.0% to $307,161 (000s) and freight revenue up 15.9% to $281,925 (000s).
GAAP operating income declined to $6,282 (000s) and net income to $4,420 (000s), or $0.17 per diluted share, from $0.24 a year earlier. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted net income was $6,915 (000s) and adjusted EPS $0.26, both below the prior year as weather disruptions and fuel headwinds pressured margins.
Expedited freight revenue fell 10.3% on a smaller tractor fleet, while Dedicated freight revenue grew 10.9% with better tractor productivity. Managed Freight freight revenue jumped 59.6% but with a weaker operating ratio, and Warehousing revenue rose 14.6%. Net indebtedness fell to $245,256 (000s), cutting the net indebtedness to total capitalization ratio to 37.6%.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Revenue grew double‑digits, but earnings and margins compressed.
Covenant Logistics Group delivered strong top-line growth in Q1 2026, with total revenue up 14.0% to $307,161 (000s) and freight revenue up 15.9%. However, operating income fell to $6,282 (000s) and net income to $4,420 (000s), reflecting higher costs and weather and fuel headwinds.
Segment trends were mixed: Expedited freight revenue declined 10.3%, while Dedicated grew 10.9% and Managed Freight expanded 59.6% but with margin pressure. On the balance sheet, net indebtedness dropped by about $51,000 (000s), improving the net indebtedness to total capitalization ratio from 42.3% to 37.6% as of March 31, 2026. Future filings may show whether improving freight demand supports sustained margin recovery.
8-K Event Classification
2 items: 2.02, 9.01
2 items
Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Total revenue: $307,161 (000s)
Freight revenue: $281,925 (000s)
Net income: $4,420 (000s)
+5 more
8 metrics
Total revenue
$307,161 (000s)
Three months ended March 31, 2026; up 14.0% year over year
Freight revenue
$281,925 (000s)
Three months ended March 31, 2026; up 15.9% year over year
Net income
$4,420 (000s)
Q1 2026 GAAP net income vs $6,563 (000s) in Q1 2025
Diluted EPS
$0.17
Q1 2026 GAAP diluted earnings per share vs $0.24 prior year
Adjusted EPS
$0.26
Q1 2026 non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS vs $0.32 in Q1 2025
Managed Freight freight revenue
$90,731 (000s)
Three months ended March 31, 2026; up 59.6% year over year
Net indebtedness
$245,256 (000s)
As of March 31, 2026; down from $296,297 (000s) at December 31, 2025
Net indebtedness to capitalization
37.6%
As of March 31, 2026; improved from 42.3% at December 31, 2025
Key Terms
Adjusted operating income, Operating ratio, Managed Freight, net indebtedness to total capitalization, +1 more
5 terms
Adjusted operating income financial
"Adjusted operating income was $9,610 (000s) versus $10,857 (000s) in 2025."
Adjusted operating income is a company's profit from its main activities, excluding certain one-time or unusual costs and gains. It helps investors see how well the business is performing in its normal operations, without distractions from rare events or expenses. This way, they get a clearer picture of the company’s true profitability.
Operating ratio financial
"Operating ratio was 98.0% compared with 97.2% in the prior-year quarter."
A company's operating ratio is a simple percentage that shows how much of its revenue is eaten up by the costs of running the business — calculated by dividing operating expenses by operating revenue. For investors it signals efficiency and profit potential: a lower operating ratio means the company keeps more of each dollar it earns (like a household with lower bills keeping more of its paycheck), while a higher ratio suggests tighter margins and less room to absorb shocks.
Managed Freight financial
"For the quarter, Managed Freight achieved a 59.6% year over year increase in freight revenue."
net indebtedness to total capitalization financial
"Our net indebtedness to total capitalization decreased to 37.6% at March 31, 2026."
non-GAAP measures financial
"We use adjusted operating income and adjusted earnings per diluted share, non-GAAP measures, as key measures of profitability."
Financial results that companies present using formulas or adjustments different from standard accounting rules (GAAP) to highlight what management considers the business’s ongoing performance. Investors care because these figures can make trends or profitability look clearer—like showing a car’s fuel efficiency after removing unusual trips—but they can also hide one‑time costs or aggressive assumptions, so comparing them with GAAP numbers helps judge reliability.
Earnings Snapshot
Total revenue: $307,161 (000s)
Q1 2026
Total revenue
$307,161 (000s)
+14.0% YoY
Freight revenue
$281,925 (000s)
+15.9% YoY
Net income
$4,420 (000s)
Diluted EPS
$0.17
Adjusted EPS
$0.26
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________________________________________________
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
___________________________________________________________________
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| | | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
| | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(423 ) 821-1212
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
| | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
| | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| | | |
| Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter). | |
| Emerging growth company | |
| If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐ | |
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Item 2.02
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Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
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| On April 23, 2026, Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the "Company"), issued a press release announcing its financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. A copy of the press release is attached to this report as Exhibit 99.1. | ||
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Item 9.01
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Financial Statements and Exhibits.
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| (d) |
Exhibits.
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EXHIBIT NUMBER |
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
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| 99.1 | Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. press release, announcing its financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. | |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File. | |
| The information contained in Items 2.02 and 9.01 of this report and the exhibit hereto shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing. | ||
| The information in Items 2.02 and 9.01 of this report and the exhibit hereto may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act and such statements are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such statements are made based on the current beliefs and expectations of the Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results or events may differ from those anticipated by forward-looking statements. Please refer to the italicized paragraph at the end of the attached press release and various disclosures by the Company in its press releases, stockholder reports, and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for information concerning risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may affect future results. | ||
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
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COVENANT LOGISTICS GROUP, INC.
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(Registrant)
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Date: April 23, 2026
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By:
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/s/ James S. Grant
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James S. Grant
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Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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COVENANT LOGISTICS GROUP ANNOUNCES First QUARTER 2026
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE – April 23, 2026 - Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. (NYSE: CVLG) (“Covenant” or the “Company”) announced today financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. The Company’s conference call to discuss the quarter will be held at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, David R. Parker, commented: “Our first quarter earnings were $0.17 per diluted share or $0.26 per diluted share on a non-GAAP adjusted basis. These results fell short of our expectations, largely as a result of severe weather shutdowns and fuel cost headwinds in January and February. However, freight volumes and rates improved in March, and we were encouraged by our positive operating performance and the momentum we carried into the second quarter. This momentum includes an expanding pipeline of new customers seeking committed capacity, rate increases with select existing customers, and the traditional seasonal improvement in freight volumes. Expedited and Managed Freight are expected to benefit first from the improving freight market. Given the characteristics of these segments, we believe there is significant operational leverage that will allow for sequential improvement throughout the year based on shifting market conditions. Our plan for the remainder of 2026 is to improve yields and reallocate assets to operations that improve our margins and returns. Based on a rapidly growing pipeline of customer demand, we expect to make significant progress assuming the current market momentum continues.
“Our 49% equity method investment with Transport Enterprise Leasing (“TEL”) contributed pre-tax net income of $3.7 million, or $0.10 per share, was comparable to the 2025 quarter of $3.8 million, or $0.10 per share.”
First Quarter Financial Performance:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
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($000s, except per share information)
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2026 | 2025 | ||||||
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Total Revenue
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$
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307,161 |
$
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269,355 | ||||
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Freight Revenue, Excludes Fuel Surcharge
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$
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281,925 |
$
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243,219 | ||||
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Operating Income
|
$
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6,282 |
$
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7,627 | ||||
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Adjusted Operating Income(1)
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$
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9,610 |
$
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10,857 | ||||
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Operating Ratio
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98.0 |
%
|
97.2 |
%
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||||
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Adjusted Operating Ratio (1)
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96.6 |
%
|
95.5 |
%
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||||
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Net Income
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$
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4,420 |
$
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6,563 | ||||
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Adjusted Net Income (1)
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$
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6,915 |
$
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8,995 | ||||
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Earnings per Diluted Share
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$
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0.17 |
$
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0.24 | ||||
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Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share (1)
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$
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0.26 |
$
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0.32 | ||||
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(1)
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Represents non-GAAP measures.
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Truckload Operating Data and Statistics
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
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($000s, except statistical information)
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2026 | 2025 | ||||||
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Combined Truckload
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||||||||
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Total Revenue
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$
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188,094 |
$
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188,302 | ||||
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Freight Revenue, excludes Fuel Surcharge
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$
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163,013 |
$
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162,329 | ||||
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Segment Operating Income (1)
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$
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8,408 |
$
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7,739 | ||||
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Adj. Seg. Operating Income (2)
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$
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4,811 |
$
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6,210 | ||||
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Segment Operating Ratio (1)
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95.5 |
%
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95.9 |
%
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||||
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Adj. Seg. Operating Ratio (2)
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97.0 |
%
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96.2 |
%
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||||
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Average Freight Revenue per Tractor per Week
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$
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5,576 |
$
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5,416 | ||||
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Average Freight Revenue per Total Mile
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$
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2.76 |
$
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2.53 | ||||
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Average Miles per Tractor per Period
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25,961 | 27,521 | ||||||
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Weighted Average Tractors for Period
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2,274 | 2,331 | ||||||
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Expedited
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||||||||
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Total Revenue
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$
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84,671 |
$
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94,693 | ||||
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Freight Revenue, excludes Fuel Surcharge
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$
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71,949 |
$
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80,249 | ||||
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Segment Operating Income (1)
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$
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2,821 |
$
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5,590 | ||||
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Adj. Seg. Operating Income (2)
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$
|
683 |
$
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4,655 | ||||
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Segment Operating Ratio (1)
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96.7 |
%
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94.1 |
%
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||||
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Adj. Seg. Operating Ratio (2)
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99.1 |
%
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94.2 |
%
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||||
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Average Freight Revenue per Tractor per Week
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$
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7,327 |
$
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7,323 | ||||
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Average Freight Revenue per Total Mile
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$
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2.20 |
$
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2.13 | ||||
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Average Miles per Tractor per Period
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42,772 | 44,260 | ||||||
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Weighted Average Tractors for Period
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764 | 852 | ||||||
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Dedicated
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||||||||
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Total Revenue
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$
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103,423 |
$
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93,609 | ||||
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Freight Revenue, excludes Fuel Surcharge
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$
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91,064 |
$
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82,080 | ||||
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Segment Operating Income (1)
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$
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5,587 |
$
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2,149 | ||||
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Adj. Seg. Operating Income (2)
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$
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4,128 |
$
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1,555 | ||||
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Segment Operating Ratio (1)
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94.6 |
%
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97.7 |
%
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||||
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Adj. Seg. Operating Ratio (2)
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95.5 |
%
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98.1 |
%
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||||
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Average Freight Revenue per Tractor per Week
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$
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4,691 |
$
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4,316 | ||||
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Average Freight Revenue per Total Mile
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$
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3.45 |
$
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3.10 | ||||
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Average Miles per Tractor per Period
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17,459 | 17,875 | ||||||
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Weighted Average Tractors for Period
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1,510 | 1,479 | ||||||
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(1)
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Segment operating income and segment operating ratio exclude indirect costs not directly attributable to any one reportable segment, amortization of intangible assets, impairment of goodwill, and contingent consideration liability adjustments to match the information our Chief Operating Decision Maker uses to evaluate the operating results of our reportable segments. The prior year periods have been conformed to this presentation.
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(2)
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Represents non-GAAP measures.
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Combined Truckload Revenue
Paul Bunn, the Company’s President commented on truckload operations, “For the quarter, total revenue in our truckload operations slightly decreased 0.1%, to $188.1 million. The decrease in total revenue consisted of $0.7 million more freight revenue and $0.9 million less fuel surcharge revenue, which varies with the cost of fuel.”
Expedited Truckload Revenue
Mr. Bunn added, “Freight revenue in our Expedited segment decreased $8.3 million, or 10.3%. Average total tractors decreased by 88 units or 10.4% to 764, compared to 852 in the prior year quarter. Average freight revenue per tractor per week was comparable to the prior year quarter, as higher rates were offset by fewer miles per tractor.”
Dedicated Truckload Revenue
“For the quarter, freight revenue in our Dedicated segment increased $9.0 million, or 10.9%. Average total tractors increased by 31 units or 2.1% to 1,510, compared to 1,479 in the prior year quarter. Average freight revenue per tractor per week increased 8.7% as a result of improved productivity from our agricultural protein related fleet which was negatively impacted by avian influenza during the prior year period.”
Combined Truckload Operating Expenses
Mr. Bunn continued, “Our combined truckload operating expenses increased approximately 22 cents per total mile or 8%, primarily resulting from changes in business mix that offer higher revenue per mile and more consistent volumes accompanied by lower miles per unit and higher costs. General inflation and elevated fuel prices as a result of the recent Iran conflict also impacted our costs.
Managed Freight Segment
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
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($000s)
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2026 | 2025 | ||||||
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Freight Revenue
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$
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90,731 |
$
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56,850 | ||||
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Segment Operating Income (1)
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$
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3,703 |
$
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3,540 | ||||
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Adj. Seg. Operating Income (2)
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$
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3,587 |
$
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3,349 | ||||
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Segment Operating Ratio (1)
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95.9 |
%
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93.8 |
%
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||||
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Adj. Seg. Operating Ratio (2)
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96.0 |
%
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94.1 |
%
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||||
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(1)
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Segment operating income and segment operating ratio exclude indirect costs not directly attributable to any one reportable segment, amortization of intangible assets, and contingent consideration liability adjustments to match the information our Chief Operating Decision Maker uses to evaluate the operating results of our reportable segments. The prior year periods have been conformed to this presentation.
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(2)
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Represents non-GAAP measures.
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“For the quarter, Managed Freight achieved a 59.6% year over year increase in freight revenue, primarily attributable to the integration of assets acquired during the fourth quarter of 2025. However, the segment operating ratio and adjusted segment operating ratio were negatively impacted compared to the same quarter last year due to heightened costs associated with securing capacity. Although margin compression is a headwind in the current quarter, we believe it is a signal of stronger freight fundamentals, allowing for improved pricing opportunities later in the year.
Warehousing Segment
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
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($000s)
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2026 | 2025 | ||||||
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Freight Revenue
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$
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27,552 |
$
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24,040 | ||||
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Segment Operating Income (1)
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$
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1,778 |
$
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1,843 | ||||
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Adj. Seg. Operating Income (2)
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$
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1,212 |
$
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1,298 | ||||
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Segment Operating Ratio (1)
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93.6 |
%
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92.4 |
%
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||||
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Adj. Seg. Operating Ratio (2)
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95.6 |
%
|
94.6 |
%
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||||
|
(1)
|
Segment operating income and segment operating ratio exclude indirect costs not directly attributable to any one reportable segment, amortization of intangible assets, and contingent consideration liability adjustments to match the information our Chief Operating Decision Maker uses to evaluate the operating results of our reportable segments. The prior year periods have been conformed to this presentation.
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(2)
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Represents non-GAAP measures.
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“For the quarter, Warehousing’s freight revenue increased $3.5 million, primarily from onboarding a significant new customer in the fourth quarter of 2025. Segment operating income and adjusted segment operating income were comparable to the prior year period because new business startup expenses and operational inefficiencies more than offset the additional revenue. Looking ahead, we expect activities within this startup to normalize and operating income margins to recover to the high-single digit range.”
Capitalization, Liquidity and Capital Expenditures
Tripp Grant, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, added the following comments: “At March 31, 2026, our total indebtedness, composed of total debt and finance lease obligations, net of cash (“net indebtedness”), decreased by $51.0 million to approximately $245.3 million as compared to December 31, 2025. In addition, our net indebtedness to total capitalization decreased to 37.6% at March 31, 2026 from 42.3% at December 31, 2025.
“The decrease in net indebtedness in the first quarter was primarily a result of selling a large amount of unproductive used equipment and buying very little new equipment.
“At March 31, 2026, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling $11.2 million. Under our ABL credit facility, we had $29.0 million in outstanding borrowings, undrawn letters of credit outstanding of $19.9 million, and immediate available borrowing capacity of $57.5 million.
“At the end of the quarter, we had $1.6 million in assets held for sale that we anticipate disposing of within twelve months. The average age of our tractors increased to 26 months compared to 20 months a year ago. Given the mix change between our high mileage expedited fleet and lower mileage dedicated fleets, going forward, we anticipate the average age of our equipment to range from 25 to 28 months.
“Our expectations for net capital equipment expenditures in 2026 remains unchanged and currently ranges from $40 million to $50 million, which is a significant reduction compared to 2025.”
Outlook
Mr. Parker concluded, “Solid economic demand and shrinking industry-wide driver capacity are creating a favorable environment for building project pipelines and improving yield and revenue per tractor. With most of our revenue under contracts ranging from one to three years in duration, we expect to see gradual improvement beginning this quarter and extending for several quarters to come. As contracts become available, we intend to be nimble in allocating our equipment and people toward the relationships that produce long-term value through adequate margin and returns. Our momentum continues to build this year, and I can feel the energy and enthusiasm of our team who are running the business. While we will always be required to navigate certain circumstances in this business, it is much more fun to navigate them with a strong tail wind.”
Conference Call Information
The Company will host a live conference call tomorrow, April 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time to discuss the quarter. Individuals may access the call by dialing 877-550-1505 (U.S./Canada) and 0800-524-4760 (International). An audio replay will be available for one week following the call at 800-645-7964, access code 3895#. For additional financial and statistical information regarding the Company that is expected to be discussed during the conference call, please visit our website at www.covenantlogistics.com/investors under the icon “Earnings Info.”
About Covenant Logistics Group
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, offers a portfolio of transportation and logistics services to customers throughout the United States. Primary services include asset- based expedited and dedicated truckload capacity, as well as asset-light warehousing, transportation management, and freight brokerage capability. In addition, Transport Enterprise Leasing is an affiliated company providing revenue equipment sales and leasing services to the trucking industry. Covenant's Class A common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol, “CVLG.”
(1) See GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation in the schedules included with this release. In addition to operating income, segment operating income, operating ratio, segment operating ratio, net income, and earnings per diluted share, we use adjusted operating income, adjusted segment operating income, adjusted operating ratio, adjusted segment operating ratio, adjusted net income, and adjusted earnings per diluted share, non-GAAP measures, as key measures of profitability. Adjusted operating income, adjusted segment operating income, adjusted operating ratio, adjusted segment operating ratio, adjusted net income, and adjusted earnings per diluted share are not substitutes for operating income, segment operating income, operating ratio, segment operating ratio, net income, and earnings per diluted share measured in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures. We believe our presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is useful because it provides investors and securities analysts with supplemental information that we use internally for purposes of assessing profitability. Further, our Board and management use non-GAAP operating income, segment operating income, operating ratio, segment operating ratio, net income, and earnings per diluted share measures on a supplemental basis to remove items that may not be an indicator of performance from period-to-period. Although we believe that adjusted operating income, adjusted segment operating income, adjusted operating ratio, adjusted segment operating ratio, adjusted net income, and adjusted earnings per diluted share improves comparability in analyzing our period-to-period performance, they could limit comparability to other companies in our industry, if those companies define such measures differently. Because of these limitations, adjusted operating income, adjusted segment operating income, adjusted operating ratio, adjusted segment operating ratio, adjusted net income, and adjusted earnings per diluted share should not be considered measures of income generated by our business or discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. Management compensates for these limitations by primarily relying on GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures on a supplemental basis.
This press release contains certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such statements are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such statements may be identified by their use of terms or phrases such as “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “could,” “continue,” “would,” “may,” “will,” "intends," “outlook,” “focus,” “seek,” “potential,” “mission,” “continue,” “goal,” “target,” “objective,” derivations thereof, and similar terms and phrases. Forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, which could cause future events and actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. In this press release, statements relating to equipment age, net capital equipment expenditures and related priorities, benefits, and returns, capital allocation alternatives, expectations for the general freight market, including rates and capacity, our ability to achieve our desired business mix, the driver market, future margin and return on capital, progress toward our strategic goals and the expected impact of achieving such goals, and the statements under “Outlook” are forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements: Our business is subject to economic, credit, business, and regulatory factors affecting the truckload industry that are largely beyond our control; We may not be successful in achieving our strategic plan; We operate in a highly competitive and fragmented industry; We may not grow substantially in the future and we may not be successful in improving our profitability; We may not make acquisitions in the future, or if we do, we may not be successful in our acquisition strategy; Global conflicts could adversely impact our business and financial results; Increases in driver compensation or difficulties attracting and retaining qualified drivers could have a materially adverse effect on our profitability and the ability to maintain or grow our fleet; Our engagement of independent contractors to provide a portion of our capacity exposes us to different risks than we face with our tractors driven by company drivers; We derive a significant portion of our revenues from our major customers; Fluctuations in the price or availability of fuel, the volume and terms of diesel fuel purchase commitments, surcharge collection, and hedging activities may increase our costs of operation; We depend on third-party providers, particularly in our Managed Freight reportable segment; We depend on the proper functioning and availability of our management information and communication systems and other information technology assets (including the data contained therein) and a system failure or unavailability, including those caused by cybersecurity breaches internally or with third-parties, or an inability to effectively upgrade such systems and assets could cause a significant disruption to our business; If we are unable to retain our key employees, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be harmed; Seasonality and the impact of weather and climate change and other catastrophic events affect our operations and profitability; We self-insure for a significant portion of our claims and have exposure outside of our insurance coverage, which could significantly increase the volatility of, and decrease the amount of, our earnings; Our self-insurance for auto liability claims and our use of a captive insurance company could adversely impact our operations; We have experienced, and may experience additional, erosion of available limits in our aggregate insurance policies; We may experience additional expense to reinstate insurance policies due to liability claims; We operate in a highly regulated industry; If our independent contractor drivers are deemed by regulators or judicial process to be employees, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected; Developments in labor and employment law and any unionizing efforts by employees or employees of related businesses could have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations; The Compliance Safety Accountability program adopted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration could adversely affect our profitability and operations, our ability to maintain or grow our fleet, and our customer relationships; Receipt of an unfavorable Department of Transportation safety rating at any of our motor carriers could have a materially adverse effect on our operations and profitability; Compliance with and changes to various environmental laws and regulations; Regulatory changes related to climate change could increase our costs significantly; Changes to trade regulation, export controls, duties, or tariffs; Litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations; Conflicting views on environmental and societal matters may have a negative impact on our business, impose additional costs on us, and expose us to additional risks; A large-scale outbreak of avian flu or related illness among the nation’s poultry flock may adversely affect the revenues of our Dedicated segment; Our ABL credit facility and other financing arrangements contain certain covenants, restrictions, and requirements, and we may be unable to comply with such covenants, restrictions, and requirements; In the future, we may need to obtain additional financing that may not be available or, if it is available, may result in a reduction in the percentage ownership of our stockholders; Our indebtedness and finance and operating lease obligations could adversely affect our ability to respond to changes in our industry or business; Our profitability may be materially adversely impacted if our capital investments do not match customer demand or if there is a decline in the availability of funding sources for these investments; Increased prices for new revenue equipment, design changes of new engines, future uses of autonomous tractors, volatility in the used equipment market, decreased availability of new revenue equipment, and the failure of manufacturers to meet their sale or trade-back obligations to us could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and profitability; Our 49% owned subsidiary, Transport Enterprise Leasing, faces certain additional risks particular to its operations, any one of which could adversely affect our operating results; We could determine that our goodwill and other intangible assets are impaired, thus recognizing a related loss; Our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and his wife control a large portion of our stock and have substantial control over us, which could limit other stockholders' ability to influence the outcome of key transactions, including changes of control; Provisions in our charter documents or Nevada law may inhibit a takeover, which could limit the price investors might be willing to pay for our Class A common stock; The market price of our Class A common stock may be volatile; We cannot guarantee the timing or amount of repurchases of our Class A common stock, or the declaration of future dividends, if any; Changes in taxation could lead to an increase of our tax exposure; If we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, there could be an elevated possibility of a material misstatement, and such a misstatement could cause investors to lose confidence in our financial statements, which could have a material adverse effect on our stock price; and The effects of a widespread outbreak of an illness or disease, or any other public health crisis, as well as regulatory measures implemented in response to such events, could negatively impact the health and safety of our workforce and/or adversely impact our business and results of operations. Readers should review and consider these factors along with the various disclosures by the Company in its press releases, stockholder reports, and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the forward-looking information.
For further information contact:
M. Paul Bunn, President
PBunn@covenantlogistics.com
Tripp Grant, Chief Financial Officer
TGrant@covenantlogistics.com
For copies of Company information contact:
Brooke McKenzie, Executive Administrative Assistant
BMcKenzie@covenantlogistics.com
|
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
|
|
Key Financial and Operating Statistics
|
| Income Statement Data | ||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||
|
($s in 000s, except per share data)
|
2026 | 2025 | % Change | |||||||||
|
Revenues
|
||||||||||||
|
Freight revenue
|
$
|
281,925 |
$
|
243,219 | 15.9 |
%
|
||||||
|
Fuel surcharge revenue
|
25,236 | 26,136 | (3.4 |
%)
|
||||||||
|
Total revenue
|
$
|
307,161 |
$
|
269,355 | 14.0 |
%
|
||||||
|
Operating expenses:
|
||||||||||||
|
Salaries, wages, and related expenses
|
109,268 | 104,952 | ||||||||||
|
Fuel expense
|
28,297 | 28,168 | ||||||||||
|
Operations and maintenance
|
17,914 | 15,750 | ||||||||||
|
Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation
|
89,218 | 56,805 | ||||||||||
|
Operating taxes and licenses
|
2,989 | 3,586 | ||||||||||
|
Insurance and claims
|
12,646 | 15,283 | ||||||||||
|
Communications and utilities
|
2,034 | 1,468 | ||||||||||
|
General supplies and expenses
|
14,199 | 13,595 | ||||||||||
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
23,976 | 21,795 | ||||||||||
|
Loss on disposition of property and equipment, net
|
338 | 326 | ||||||||||
|
Total operating expenses
|
300,879 | 261,728 | ||||||||||
|
Operating income
|
6,282 | 7,627 | ||||||||||
|
Interest expense, net
|
3,886 | 2,857 | ||||||||||
|
Income from equity method investment
|
(3,687 |
)
|
(3,776 |
)
|
||||||||
|
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
|
6,083 | 8,546 | ||||||||||
|
Income tax expense
|
1,663 | 1,983 | ||||||||||
|
Net income
|
$
|
4,420 |
$
|
6,563 | ||||||||
|
Basic earnings per share
|
||||||||||||
|
Income from continuing operations
|
$
|
0.18 |
$
|
0.25 | ||||||||
|
Diluted earnings per share
|
||||||||||||
|
Income from continuing operations
|
$
|
0.17 |
$
|
0.24 | ||||||||
|
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (000s)
|
25,082 | 26,538 | ||||||||||
|
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (000s)
|
26,434 | 27,877 | ||||||||||
| Segment Freight Revenues | ||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||
|
($s in 000's)
|
2026 | 2025 | % Change | |||||||||
|
Expedited - Truckload
|
$
|
71,949 |
$
|
80,249 | (10.3 |
%)
|
||||||
|
Dedicated - Truckload
|
91,064 | 82,080 | 10.9 |
%
|
||||||||
|
Combined Truckload
|
163,013 | 162,329 | 0.4 |
%
|
||||||||
|
Managed Freight
|
90,731 | 56,850 | 59.6 |
%
|
||||||||
|
Warehousing
|
27,552 | 24,040 | 14.6 |
%
|
||||||||
|
Other
|
629 | - | 100.0 |
%
|
||||||||
|
Consolidated Freight Revenue
|
$
|
281,925 |
$
|
243,219 | 15.9 |
%
|
||||||
| Truckload Operating Statistics | ||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | % Change | ||||||||||
|
Average freight revenue per loaded mile
|
$
|
3.34 |
$
|
2.98 | 12.1 |
%
|
||||||
|
Average freight revenue per total mile
|
$
|
2.76 |
$
|
2.53 | 9.1 |
%
|
||||||
|
Average freight revenue per tractor per week
|
$
|
5,576 |
$
|
5,416 | 3.0 |
%
|
||||||
|
Average miles per tractor per period
|
25,961 | 27,521 | (5.7 |
%)
|
||||||||
|
Weighted avg. tractors for period
|
2,274 | 2,331 | (2.4 |
%)
|
||||||||
|
Tractors at end of period
|
2,234 | 2,393 | (6.6 |
%)
|
||||||||
|
Trailers at end of period
|
7,265 | 6,516 | 11.5 |
%
|
||||||||
| Selected Balance Sheet Data | ||||||||
|
($s in '000's, except per share data)
|
3/31/2026 | 12/31/2025 | ||||||
|
Total assets
|
$
|
1,016,828 |
$
|
1,047,548 | ||||
|
Total stockholders' equity
|
$
|
407,604 |
$
|
403,997 | ||||
|
Total indebtedness, comprised of total debt and finance leases, net of cash
|
$
|
245,256 |
$
|
296,297 | ||||
|
Net Indebtedness to Capitalization Ratio
|
37.6 |
%
|
42.3 |
%
|
||||
|
Leverage Ratio(1)
|
2.37 | 2.89 | ||||||
|
Tangible book value per end-of-quarter basic share
|
$
|
8.95 |
$
|
8.69 | ||||
|
(1)
|
Leverage Ratio is calculated as total indebtedness, comprised of total debt and finance leases, net of cash, divided by the trailing twelve months sum of operating income, depreciation and amortization, and gain on disposition of property and equipment, net.
|
|
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
|
|
|
Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)
|
|
|
Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Ratio(1)
|
|
|
(Dollars in thousands)
|
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
|
GAAP Presentation
|
2026 | 2025 | bps Change | |||||||||
|
Total revenue
|
$
|
307,161 |
$
|
269,355 | ||||||||
|
Total operating expenses
|
300,879 | 261,728 | ||||||||||
|
Operating income
|
$
|
6,282 |
$
|
7,627 | ||||||||
|
Operating ratio
|
98.0 |
%
|
97.2 |
%
|
80 | |||||||
|
Non-GAAP Presentation
|
2026 | 2025 | bps Change | |||||||||
|
Total revenue
|
$
|
307,161 |
$
|
269,355 | ||||||||
|
Fuel surcharge revenue
|
(25,236 |
)
|
(26,136 |
)
|
||||||||
|
Freight revenue (total revenue, excluding fuel surcharge)
|
281,925 | 243,219 | ||||||||||
|
Total operating income
|
6,282 | 7,627 | ||||||||||
|
Adjusted for:
|
||||||||||||
|
Amortization of intangibles (2)
|
3,000 | 2,371 | ||||||||||
|
Contingent consideration liability adjustment
|
328 | 710 | ||||||||||
|
Transaction costs
|
- | 149 | ||||||||||
|
Adjusted operating income
|
$
|
9,610 |
$
|
10,857 | ||||||||
|
Adjusted operating ratio
|
96.6 |
%
|
95.5 |
%
|
110 | |||||||
|
(1)
|
Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation G, this table reconciles consolidated GAAP operating income and operating ratio to consolidated non-GAAP adjusted operating income and adjusted operating ratio.
|
|
(2)
|
"Amortization of intangibles" reflects the non-cash amortization expense relating to intangible assets.
|
|
Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS(1)
|
|
|
(Dollars in thousands)
|
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | |||||||
|
GAAP Presentation - Net income
|
$
|
4,420 |
$
|
6,563 | ||||
|
Adjusted for:
|
||||||||
|
Amortization of intangibles (2)
|
3,000 | 2,371 | ||||||
|
Contingent consideration liability adjustment
|
328 | 710 | ||||||
|
Transaction costs
|
- | 149 | ||||||
|
Total adjustments before taxes
|
3,328 | 3,230 | ||||||
|
Provision for income tax expense at effective rate
|
(833 |
)
|
(798 |
)
|
||||
|
Tax effected adjustments
|
$
|
2,495 |
$
|
2,432 | ||||
|
Non-GAAP Presentation - Adjusted net income
|
$
|
6,915 |
$
|
8,995 | ||||
|
GAAP Presentation - Diluted earnings per share ("EPS")
|
$
|
0.17 |
$
|
0.24 | ||||
|
Adjusted for:
|
||||||||
|
Amortization of intangibles (2)
|
0.11 | 0.09 | ||||||
|
Contingent consideration liability adjustment
|
0.01 | 0.03 | ||||||
|
Transaction costs
|
- | 0.01 | ||||||
|
Total adjustments before taxes
|
0.12 | 0.12 | ||||||
|
Provision for income tax expense at effective rate
|
(0.03 |
)
|
(0.04 |
)
|
||||
|
Tax effected adjustments
|
$
|
0.09 |
$
|
0.08 | ||||
|
Non-GAAP Presentation - Adjusted EPS(3)
|
$
|
0.26 |
$
|
0.32 | ||||
|
(1)
|
Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation G, this table reconciles consolidated GAAP net income to consolidated non-GAAP adjusted net income and consolidated GAAP diluted earnings per share to non-GAAP consolidated Adjusted EPS.
|
|
(2)
|
"Amortization of intangibles" reflects the non-cash amortization expense relating to intangible assets.
|
|
(3)
|
Total may not sum due to rounding.
|
|
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc
|
|
Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited)
|
|
Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Ratio (1)
|
|
(Dollars in thousands)
|
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
GAAP Presentation
|
2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Expedited | Dedicated | Combined Truckload | Managed Freight | Warehousing | Expedited | Dedicated | Combined Truckload | Managed Freight | Warehousing | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total revenue
|
$
|
84,671 |
$
|
103,423 |
$
|
188,094 |
$
|
90,731 |
$
|
27,707 |
$
|
94,693 |
$
|
93,609 |
$
|
188,302 |
$
|
56,850 |
$
|
24,203 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total segment operating expenses (2)
|
81,850 | 97,836 | 179,686 | 87,028 | 25,929 | 89,103 | 91,460 | 180,563 | 53,310 | 22,360 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Segment operating income (2)
|
$
|
2,821 |
$
|
5,587 |
$
|
8,408 |
$
|
3,703 |
$
|
1,778 |
$
|
5,590 |
$
|
2,149 |
$
|
7,739 |
$
|
3,540 |
$
|
1,843 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Segment operating ratio (2)
|
96.7 |
%
|
94.6 |
%
|
95.5 |
%
|
95.9 |
%
|
93.6 |
%
|
94.1 |
%
|
97.7 |
%
|
95.9 |
%
|
93.8 |
%
|
92.4 |
%
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Non-GAAP Presentation
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total revenue
|
$
|
84,671 |
$
|
103,423 |
$
|
188,094 |
$
|
90,731 |
$
|
27,707 |
$
|
94,693 |
$
|
93,609 |
$
|
188,302 |
$
|
56,850 |
$
|
24,203 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Fuel surcharge revenue
|
(12,722 |
)
|
(12,359 |
)
|
(25,081 |
)
|
- | (155 |
)
|
(14,444 |
)
|
(11,529 |
)
|
(25,973 |
)
|
- | (163 |
)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Freight revenue (total revenue, excluding fuel surcharge)
|
71,949 | 91,064 | 163,013 | 90,731 | 27,552 | 80,249 | 82,080 | 162,329 | 56,850 | 24,040 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total segment operating income (2)
|
$
|
2,821 |
$
|
5,587 | 8,408 |
$
|
3,703 |
$
|
1,778 |
$
|
5,590 |
$
|
2,149 | 7,739 |
$
|
3,540 |
$
|
1,843 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted for:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Other (3)
|
(2,138 |
)
|
(1,459 |
)
|
(3,597 |
)
|
(116 |
)
|
(566 |
)
|
(935 |
)
|
(594 |
)
|
(1,529 |
)
|
(191 |
)
|
(545 |
)
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted segment operating income
|
683 | 4,128 | 4,811 | 3,587 | 1,212 | 4,655 | 1,555 | 6,210 | 3,349 | 1,298 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted segment operating ratio
|
99.1 |
%
|
95.5 |
%
|
97.0 |
%
|
96.0 |
%
|
95.6 |
%
|
94.2 |
%
|
98.1 |
%
|
96.2 |
%
|
94.1 |
%
|
94.6 |
%
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
(1)
|
Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation G, this table reconciles consolidated GAAP segment operating income and segment operating ratio to consolidated non-GAAP adjusted segment operating income and adjusted segment operating ratio.
|
|
(2)
|
Segment operating expenses, segment operating income, and segment operating ratio exclude indirect costs not directly attributable to any one reportable segment, amortization of intangible assets, impairment of goodwill, and contingent consideration liability adjustments to match the information our Chief Operating Decision Maker uses to evaluate the operating results of our reportable segments. The prior year periods have been conformed to this presentation.
|
|
(3)
|
Represents indirect costs not directly attributable to any one reportable segment.
|
FAQ
How did Covenant Logistics Group (CVLG) perform in Q1 2026?
Covenant Logistics Group grew total revenue 14.0% to $307,161 (000s) in Q1 2026, with freight revenue up 15.9%. However, GAAP net income fell to $4,420 (000s) and diluted EPS to $0.17, reflecting higher costs and operating headwinds.
How did Covenant’s trucking segments perform in Q1 2026?
In Q1 2026, Combined Truckload freight revenue was $163,013 (000s), up 0.4%. Expedited freight revenue fell 10.3% to $71,949 (000s), while Dedicated freight revenue rose 10.9% to $91,064 (000s), helped by stronger productivity in agricultural protein-related operations.
What growth did Covenant Logistics see in Managed Freight and Warehousing?
Managed Freight freight revenue increased 59.6% year over year to $90,731 (000s) in Q1 2026, though operating ratios weakened. Warehousing freight revenue grew 14.6% to $27,552 (000s), with operating income roughly comparable after startup costs for a significant new customer.
How did Covenant Logistics’ leverage and liquidity change by March 31, 2026?
By March 31, 2026, net indebtedness declined to $245,256 (000s), down from $296,297 (000s). The net indebtedness to total capitalization ratio improved to 37.6%. The company held $11.2 million in cash and had $57.5 million of immediate ABL borrowing capacity.
What are Covenant Logistics’ 2026 capital expenditure expectations?
Covenant Logistics expects 2026 net capital equipment expenditures of $40–$50 million. Management describes this as a significant reduction compared with 2025, reflecting a focus on selling unproductive equipment and limiting new purchases while reallocating assets to higher-return operations.