tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Covenant Logistics Group (CVLG)
NYSE:CVLG

Covenant Logistics Group (CVLG) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
215 Followers

Top Page

CVLG

Covenant Logistics Group

(NYSE:CVLG)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 63 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:63Neutral
Price Target:
$27.00
â–²(24.94% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by mixed financial performance—strong growth but pressured profitability and weak free cash flow—while technicals are supportive. Valuation is reasonable but not compelling given earnings and cash-flow risks, and the latest earnings call points to a difficult near-term operating environment with rising indebtedness.
Positive Factors
Strong revenue growth
Sustained top-line expansion increases scale, network density and pricing leverage across logistics services. Higher revenue growth supports investments in fleet, technology and cross-selling, strengthening long-term competitive position despite margin pressure.
Diversified service portfolio
A multi-channel business model (truckload, managed logistics, dedicated fleets, warehouse services) spreads demand risk, enables cross-selling, and captures more supply-chain value. Diversification supports steadier cash flows and resilience to segment-specific shocks.
Manageable reported leverage
A moderate debt-to-equity level and healthy equity ratio provide financing flexibility for capital spending and working-capital cycles. This balance sheet capacity supports fleet renewal and strategic investments without immediate solvency pressure, given prudent leverage metrics.
Negative Factors
Severe free cash flow weakness
Extremely deteriorated free cash flow undermines the firm’s ability to self-fund capex, repay debt, or reliably sustain dividends. Persistent cash-generation shortfalls constrain strategic flexibility, elevate refinancing and liquidity risk, and can force dilutive or costly financing actions.
Compressed profit margins
Very low gross and net margins leave limited buffer for fuel, labor, or claims inflation. Declining operating income signals pressure in asset-based segments; margin fragility reduces reinvestment capacity and makes earnings sensitive to small cost or pricing shocks.
Rising net indebtedness
An upward trend in net debt and leverage limits financial flexibility and raises interest and covenant risk. Higher indebtedness during a soft freight cycle can restrict capacity to pursue growth, force cutbacks, or increase financing costs when market conditions worsen.

Covenant Logistics Group (CVLG) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Covenant Logistics Group Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCovenant Logistics Group (CVLG) is a leading provider of integrated logistics and transportation solutions, primarily operating in the trucking and freight sectors. The company offers a wide range of services including truckload, logistics, and dedicated contract carriage, serving both domestic and international markets. With a focus on technology-driven solutions and operational efficiency, CVLG aims to provide exceptional service to its clients while optimizing supply chain management.
How the Company Makes MoneyCovenant Logistics Group generates revenue through multiple streams, primarily from its trucking services, which include long-haul and short-haul transportation of freight. The company's revenue model is based on the transportation of goods for customers across various industries, using both owned assets and contract carriers. Key revenue streams include truckload services, logistics management, and dedicated fleet services. Additionally, CVLG benefits from strategic partnerships with major retailers and manufacturers that require reliable logistics solutions. The company also leverages technology to improve route efficiency and reduce operational costs, enhancing profitability.

Covenant Logistics Group Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Revenue By Segment
Revenue By Segment
Shows how much revenue each business segment generates, highlighting which areas drive growth and profitability for the company.
Chart InsightsCovenant Logistics Group's Dedicated segment shows robust growth, driven by a strategic expansion of its fleet and new business wins, despite overall challenges. However, the Expedited and Truckload segments face margin pressures due to inflation and high claims expenses, as highlighted in the earnings call. Managed Freight saw sequential setbacks from customer loss, while Warehousing experienced revenue declines. The company's increased indebtedness and a soft freight market pose risks, but management remains optimistic about future capacity constraints and regulatory impacts potentially boosting market conditions.
Data provided by:The Fly

Covenant Logistics Group Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 29, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 29, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call presented a mixed picture: encouraging top-line momentum (7.8% revenue growth), improving market signals in early January (≈3.5% initial rate gains and bids up 33%), Dedicated segment strength, and a strategic acquisition expected to be accretive. Offsetting these positives were substantial margin pressures (adjusted operating income down 39.4%), elevated net indebtedness and leverage, equipment-market write-downs and underused assets, and near-term operational headwinds in Expedited and Warehousing. Management has a clear plan (fleet optimization, modest 2026 CapEx, focusing on higher-yield freight, and leveraging the Star acquisition) and early market signs are constructive, but material profitability and balance-sheet improvements remain to be realized.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Consolidated Revenue Growth
Consolidated freight revenue increased 7.8% year-over-year (≈+$19.5M) to $270.6M in Q4 2025, reflecting top-line momentum despite other pressures.
Dedicated Segment Momentum
Dedicated reported a 92.2% adjusted operating ratio (best quarter of the year) and grew the fleet by ~90 tractors (~+6.3% YoY), showing improving margins and strong win rates in high-service niches.
Early 2026 Market Improvement and Pricing Momentum
Spot rates rose meaningfully in Q4 and in the first three weeks of January revenue trends improved vs prior year; management reported an average ~3.5% rate improvement in early January and bid activity was up ~33% vs Q4, with a few low- to mid-single-digit contractual price increases secured for Q1 and anticipated additional increases in Q2.
Strategic Acquisition — Star Logistics Solutions
Acquired a small truckload brokerage (Star Logistics Solutions) in Q4 with two niche customer bases (government emergency response and high-service CPG). Management expects Star to be accretive to earnings in the first half of 2026 and to diversify and add freight-cycle upside.
Capital and Fleet Optimization Plan
Announced intentional fleet reductions, moved certain assets to held-for-sale, lowered disposition price expectations, and set a modest net CapEx guidance of $40M–$50M for 2026 to reduce leverage and improve return on capital.
Managed Freight and Warehousing Revenue Contributions
Managed Freight freight revenue improved in Q4 driven by the Star acquisition (Q4 Managed Freight freight revenue referenced ~ $80M including acquisition). Warehousing freight revenue rose 4.6% YoY (+$1.1M) from a large customer launch; minority investment in TEL contributed $3.1M pre-tax income (vs $3.0M prior year).
Negative Updates
Sharp Decline in Adjusted Operating Income
Consolidated adjusted operating income declined 39.4% year-over-year to $10.9M in Q4 2025, reflecting margin compression across multiple segments despite revenue growth.
Expedited Segment Underperformance
Expedited posted a disappointing adjusted operating ratio of 97.2% for the quarter, missed operational expectations, and was materially impacted by a U.S. government shutdown that persisted for nearly half the quarter; management is reducing fleet exposure and targeting higher-yield freight to address this.
Margin Compression in Managed Freight and Warehousing
Managed Freight saw margin compression due to rising costs to secure quality brokerage capacity despite revenue gains from the acquisition. Warehousing adjusted operating income declined by $1.6M due to start-up inefficiencies and higher labor (including overtime) despite a 4.6% revenue increase.
Increased Net Indebtedness and Elevated Leverage
Net indebtedness rose $76.9M to $296.6M vs Dec 31, 2024, producing an adjusted leverage ratio of ~2.3x and a debt-to-capital ratio of 42.3%, partly driven by share repurchases and acquisition-related payments.
Equipment/Used-Equipment Market Pressure and Asset Actions
Management deferred trades and accumulated underutilized equipment amid declining used equipment values, increased average tractor age to 24 months (from 20), marked a group of assets to held-for-sale at reduced disposition expectations, and expects a modestly smaller fleet—pressures that reduced adjusted ROIC to 5.6% from 8.1% prior year.
Near-Term Risks: Seasonality, Weather and Potential Shutdown
Management flagged a potentially soft Q1 due to seasonality, extreme weather events, a still-developing freight market situation and the risk of additional government shutdowns that could further pressure results and margin recovery timing.
Company Guidance
The company guided that freight fundamentals are improving — spot rates rose and the first three weeks of January show ~3.5% average rate improvement with bid activity up ~33% versus Q4 — and management expects additional low- to mid-single-digit rate increases to take effect in Q1 and early Q2; they acquired Star (to be accretive in H1 2026) and see Managed Freight stabilizing around mid-single-digit operating margins over time. They signaled a deliberate equipment and capital plan: moved assets to held‑for‑sale with lowered disposition price expectations, plan a modestly smaller fleet by year‑end 2026 (Expedited trimming roughly ~25 tractors/quarter while Dedicated grew ~90 tractors or ~6.3% year‑over‑year), and target only $40–50 million of net CapEx in 2026 to reduce leverage. Financial targets and recent metrics include consolidated freight revenue of $270.6M (+7.8% or ≈$19.5M), consolidated adjusted operating income of $10.9M (-39.4%), net indebtedness of $296.6M (+$76.9M) yielding adjusted leverage ~2.3x and debt‑to‑capital 42.3%, return on average invested capital of 5.6% (vs. 8.1% prior year), segment ORs of 97.2% (Expedited) and 92.2% (Dedicated) with long‑run goals of Expedited in the 80s and Dedicated ~88–90%, warehousing revenue up 4.6% ($1.1M) but adj. operating income down $1.6M, and TEL pre‑tax income of $3.1M for the quarter; overall the theme is execution to improve returns, reduce balance‑sheet leverage and capture operating leverage as 2026 demand/market dynamics strengthen.

Covenant Logistics Group Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Mixed fundamentals: strong revenue growth but low and pressured margins (TTM gross margin 4.09%, net margin 2.81%). Balance sheet leverage is manageable (TTM debt-to-equity 0.73), but cash generation is a key weakness given sharply negative free cash flow growth and low FCF-to-net income (1.27%).
Income Statement
65
Positive
Covenant Logistics Group shows a mixed performance in its income statement. The TTM gross profit margin is low at 4.09%, indicating potential pricing or cost challenges. However, the company has maintained a positive net profit margin of 2.81% in the TTM, despite a significant revenue growth rate of 79.2%. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are moderate, suggesting operational efficiency. The revenue growth trajectory is strong, but the declining margins over the years could pose a risk.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a stable financial position with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73 in the TTM, indicating manageable leverage. The return on equity is moderate at 7.48%, showing decent profitability from shareholders' investments. The equity ratio is healthy, suggesting a strong asset base relative to liabilities. However, the increasing debt levels over the years could be a concern if not managed properly.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
The cash flow statement reveals challenges, with a negative free cash flow growth rate of -2006.13% in the TTM, indicating cash flow issues. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is not available, but the free cash flow to net income ratio is low at 1.27%, suggesting limited cash generation relative to profits. The company needs to improve its cash flow management to support growth and operations.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.15B1.13B1.10B1.22B1.05B838.56M
Gross Profit179.90M189.65M164.20M185.99M147.28M109.55M
EBITDA140.24M146.00M150.15M137.87M117.24M55.40M
Net Income32.22M35.92M55.23M108.68M60.73M-42.72M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.03B997.57M954.44M796.64M651.66M676.72M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments268.34M35.62M2.29M68.67M8.41M8.41M
Total Debt309.11M296.89M293.46M179.63M74.25M111.59M
Total Liabilities601.89M559.23M551.02M419.52M301.96M386.07M
Stockholders Equity423.72M438.34M403.42M377.13M349.70M290.64M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-30.48M-30.07M-132.77M58.76M37.93M-31.01M
Operating Cash Flow110.03M122.89M84.84M159.23M73.22M63.04M
Investing Cash Flow-92.65M-107.67M-235.92M-86.21M10.34M138.05M
Financing Cash Flow-49.89M18.11M84.71M-12.77M-83.56M-236.27M

Covenant Logistics Group Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price21.61
Price Trends
50DMA
22.98
Positive
100DMA
22.04
Positive
200DMA
22.49
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.74
Positive
RSI
49.23
Neutral
STOCH
27.16
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CVLG, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 21.61 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 25.31, below the 50-day MA of 22.98, and below the 200-day MA of 22.49, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.74 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 49.23 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 27.16 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for CVLG.

Covenant Logistics Group Risk Analysis

Covenant Logistics Group disclosed 42 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Covenant Logistics Group reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Covenant Logistics Group Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
64
Neutral
$1.00B58.572.53%2.07%-9.74%-42.57%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
63
Neutral
$616.16M91.456.84%1.23%1.62%-22.52%
63
Neutral
$2.05B84.191.78%1.84%-3.42%-43.86%
58
Neutral
$781.45M-22.61-4.35%0.87%-19.56%-54.39%
56
Neutral
$2.03B34.444.61%0.62%-5.34%-48.16%
52
Neutral
$421.54M-10.46-6.66%2.76%-7.55%-130.67%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CVLG
Covenant Logistics Group
24.60
-2.13
-7.95%
HTLD
Heartland Express
10.09
-0.94
-8.52%
MRTN
Marten Transport
12.30
-2.54
-17.12%
WERN
Werner Enterprises
34.25
-0.06
-0.16%
ARCB
ArcBest
90.22
-0.57
-0.62%
ULH
Universal Logistics
16.01
-26.09
-61.97%

Covenant Logistics Group Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Covenant Logistics Group Adopts 2026 Executive Bonus Plan
Positive
Dec 22, 2025

On December 16, 2025, Covenant Logistics Group’s board compensation committee approved a new short-term cash incentive plan for its named executive officers, effective January 1, 2026, setting bonus targets as a percentage of year-end annualized base salary at 100% for CEO David R. Parker and President M. Paul Bunn, 70% for James S. Grant, and 60% for Dustin Koehl and Joey Ballard. Under the 2026 Senior Executive Bonus Program, executives can earn up to 150% of their bonus targets based on achieving adjusted earnings per share objectives and up to an additional 25% tied to the completion of strategic projects, aligning leadership compensation more closely with financial performance and key strategic initiatives.

The most recent analyst rating on (CVLG) stock is a Buy with a $31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Covenant Logistics Group stock, see the CVLG Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
Covenant Logistics Declares Quarterly Dividend for 2025
Positive
Nov 21, 2025

On November 20, 2025, Covenant Logistics Group‘s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share for Class A and Class B common stock. This dividend, part of a previously approved program, will be payable to stockholders of record on December 5, 2025, and is expected to be distributed on December 26, 2025. This announcement reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to returning value to its shareholders through regular dividends.

The most recent analyst rating on (CVLG) stock is a Hold with a $20.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Covenant Logistics Group stock, see the CVLG Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 25, 2025