First look: Covenant Logistics reports Q4 net loss

Core Insights - Covenant Logistics Group reported a fourth-quarter net loss due to impairment charges and increased insurance costs, despite core operating performance aligning with management expectations [1][2] - Adjusted earnings per share were $0.31, down from $0.49 in Q4 2024, while total revenue increased by 6.5% year-over-year to $295.37 million [1][2] Financial Performance - The company missed analysts' revenue estimates of $299.2 million and earnings per share expectations of $0.33 for the quarter [2] - Truckload revenue decreased slightly to $188.9 million, a 0.8% decline year-over-year, with declines in the expedited business offsetting growth in the dedicated segment [3] - Dedicated freight revenue rose by 12.6%, supported by an expanded specialized agriculture fleet, while expedited freight revenue fell by 12.2% due to lower utilization and pricing pressure [3] Segment Performance - Managed Freight segment revenue grew nearly 29% following the acquisition of a truckload brokerage now operating as Star Logistics Solutions, although profitability was pressured by elevated capacity costs during peak season [4] Strategic Outlook - The company plans to exit unprofitable business segments, modestly reduce its overall truckload fleet, and focus on higher-return freight while improving free cash flow and reducing leverage in 2026 [5] Impairment and Costs - The fourth quarter included approximately $19.4 million in non-cash impairment charges related to goodwill and tractors pulled from service, alongside $11.6 million in claims costs primarily from an auto liability claim settlement [6]