Covenant Logistics : 1st Quarter 2026 Press Release with Financial Tables

Published: 2026-04-23 17:29:20 ET CVLG

Published on 04/23/2026 at 05:29 pm EDT

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."

Three Months Ended March 31,

($000s, except per share information)

2026

2025

Total Revenue

$ 307,161

$ 269,355

Freight Revenue, Excludes Fuel Surcharge

$ 281,925

$ 243,219

Operating Income

$ 6,282

$ 7,627

Adjusted Operating Income (1)

$ 9,610

$ 10,857

Operating Ratio

98.0%

97.2%

Adjusted Operating Ratio (1)

96.6%

95.5%

Net Income

$ 4,420

$ 6,563

Adjusted Net Income (1)

$ 6,915

$ 8,995

Earnings per Diluted Share

$ 0.17

$ 0.24

Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share (1)

$ 0.26

$ 0.32

Represents non-GAAP measures.

Three Months Ended March 31,

($000s, except statistical information)

Combined Truckload

2026

2025

Total Revenue

$ 188,094

$ 188,302

Freight Revenue, excludes Fuel Surcharge

$ 163,013

$ 162,329

Segment Operating Income (1)

$ 8,408

$ 7,739

Adj. Seg. Operating Income (2)

$ 4,811

$ 6,210

Segment Operating Ratio (1)

95.5%

95.9%

Adj. Seg. Operating Ratio (2)

97.0%

96.2%

Average Freight Revenue per Tractor per Week

$ 5,576

$ 5,416

Average Freight Revenue per Total Mile

$ 2.76

$ 2.53

Average Miles per Tractor per Period

25,961

27,521

Weighted Average Tractors for Period

2,274

2,331

Expedited

Total Revenue

$ 84,671

$ 94,693

Freight Revenue, excludes Fuel Surcharge

$ 71,949

$ 80,249

Segment Operating Income (1)

$ 2,821

$ 5,590

Adj. Seg. Operating Income (2)

$ 683

$ 4,655

Segment Operating Ratio (1)

96.7%

94.1%

Adj. Seg. Operating Ratio (2)

99.1%

94.2%

Average Freight Revenue per Tractor per Week

$ 7,327

$ 7,323

Average Freight Revenue per Total Mile

$ 2.20

$ 2.13

Average Miles per Tractor per Period

42,772

44,260

Weighted Average Tractors for Period

764

852

Dedicated

Total Revenue

$ 103,423

$ 93,609

Freight Revenue, excludes Fuel Surcharge

$ 91,064

$ 82,080

Segment Operating Income (1)

$ 5,587

$ 2,149

Adj. Seg. Operating Income (2)

$ 4,128

$ 1,555

Segment Operating Ratio (1)

94.6%

97.7%

Adj. Seg. Operating Ratio (2)

95.5%

98.1%

Average Freight Revenue per Tractor per Week

$ 4,691

$ 4,316

Average Freight Revenue per Total Mile

$ 3.45

$ 3.10

Average Miles per Tractor per Period

17,459

17,875

Weighted Average Tractors for Period

1,510

1,479

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.

Represents non-GAAP measures.

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."

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."

"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."

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.

Three Months Ended March 31,

($000s)

2026

2025

Freight Revenue

$ 90,731

$ 56,850

Segment Operating Income (1)

$ 3,703

$ 3,540

Adj. Seg. Operating Income (2)

$ 3,587

$ 3,349

Segment Operating Ratio (1)

95.9%

93.8%

Adj. Seg. Operating Ratio (2)

96.0%

94.1%

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.

Represents non-GAAP measures.

"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.

Three Months Ended March 31,

($000s)

2026

2025

Freight Revenue

$ 27,552

$ 24,040

Segment Operating Income (1)

$ 1,778

$ 1,843

Adj. Seg. Operating Income (2)

$ 1,212

$ 1,298

Segment Operating Ratio (1)

93.6%

92.4%

Adj. Seg. Operating Ratio (2)

95.6%

94.6%

Represents non-GAAP measures.

"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."

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."

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 longterm 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."

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 https://www.covenantlogistics.com/investors under the icon "Earnings Info."

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."

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 [email protected]

Tripp Grant, Chief Financial Officer [email protected]

For copies of Company information contact:

Brooke McKenzie, Executive Administrative Assistant [email protected]

($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

($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%

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%

($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

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.

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%

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

(Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,

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

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.

"Amortization of intangibles" reflects the non-cash amortization expense relating to intangible assets.

(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

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

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.

"Amortization of intangibles" reflects the non-cash amortization expense relating to intangible assets.

Total may not sum due to rounding.

(Dollars in

thousands) Three Months Ended March 31,

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%

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.

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.

Represents indirect costs not directly attributable to any one reportable segment.

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Disclaimer

Covenant Logistics Group Inc. published this content on April 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 23, 2026 at 21:20 UTC.