Covenant Logistics Group reported a fourth-quarter net loss, but told analysts it is increasingly confident that freight fundamentals are improving, positioning the carrier for stronger operating performance in the second half of 2026. Executives said adjusted fourth-quarter results came in largely as expected despite disruptions from a prolonged U.S. government shutdown, elevated insurance claims and capacity costs, and startup expenses in warehousing. Chattanooga-based Covenant Logistics Group (NYSE: C ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated freight revenue increased by 7.8% or approximately $19.5 million to $270.6 million [6] - Consolidated adjusted operating income shrank by 39.4% to $10.9 million due to margin compression in several segments [7] - Net indebtedness increased by $76.9 million to $296.6 million, yielding an adjusted leverage ratio of approximately 2.3 times and a debt-to-capital ratio of 42.3% [7] - Average age of tractors increased to 24 months from 20 months year-over-year [8] - Adjusted return on average invested capital was 5.6% compared to 8.1% in the prior year [8] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The expedited segment reported an adjusted operating ratio of 97.2%, which did not meet expectations due to external challenges including a U.S. government shutdown [8] - Dedicated segment achieved a 92.2 adjusted operating ratio, the best for any quarter during the year, with a fleet growth of 90 average tractors or approximately 6.3% [9] - Managed freight saw significant revenue improvement due to the Star Logistics Solutions acquisition, but margins were compressed due to rising costs [10] - Warehousing segment experienced a 4.6% increase in freight revenue but a decline in adjusted operating income due to startup costs and operational inefficiencies [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The freight market is evolving towards equilibrium, with spot rates rising meaningfully and increased bid activity from shippers [3] - Bids in January were up 33% compared to the fourth quarter, indicating heightened interest from shippers [23] - Concerns about capacity and increased cargo theft have influenced shippers' demand for high-value programs [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to reduce balance sheet leverage and improve return on capital through fleet optimization and targeted rate increases [5] - Focus on growing high-service niches within the dedicated segment while reducing exposure to commoditized freight [9] - The acquisition of Star Logistics Solutions is expected to be accretive to earnings in the first half of 2026, diversifying the business mix [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about improving freight fundamentals and the ability to capture operating leverage in 2026 [12] - The first quarter is expected to be impacted by seasonality and extreme weather, but improvements are anticipated later in the year [12] - Management highlighted the importance of rate increases to improve margins and expressed optimism about ongoing conversations with customers [16][54] Other Important Information - The company has deferred some trades and moved a group of assets to held-for-sale status to improve operations and balance sheet [4] - The strategic focus for 2026 includes integrating the Star acquisition and preparing for new business opportunities [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for price increases in the expedited segment? - Management indicated that the average price increase is around 3.5% for the first three weeks of January, with optimism about ongoing conversations with customers [15][16] Question: How is the warehousing segment performing? - Revenue is up, but profit is down due to startup costs; management expects improvement in the coming quarters [25][30] Question: What is the outlook for managed freight revenue? - Revenue is expected to be flat to up on a sequential basis, with growth anticipated in the third and fourth quarters [64] Question: How will the company respond to potential demand recovery in 2026? - The strategy will focus on reclaiming profits lost over the past four years and ensuring rates are acceptable before increasing capacity [95][96] Question: What percentage of the customer book renews in each quarter? - Approximately 40% of customers renew in the second quarter, with 60% expected to take multiple rate increases [99][100]

Covenant Logistics Group (NYSE:CVLG) Q4 2025 Earnings call January 30, 2026 10:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsDavid R. Parker - CEODustin Koehl - COOJoey Hogan - EVPPaul Bunn - PresidentTripp Grant - CFOConference Call ParticipantsDan Moore - AnalystJason Seidl - AnalystJeff Kauffman - AnalystReed Saiya - AnalystScott Group - AnalystOperatorWelcome to today's Covenant Logistics Group Q4 2025 Earnings Release and Investor Conference Call. Our host for today's call is Tripp Grant. At this time, all participants ...