Let’s dig into the relative performance of Schneider (NYSE:SNDR) and its peers as we unravel the now-completed Q4 ground transportation earnings season.
The growth of e-commerce and global trade continues to drive demand for shipping services, especially last-mile delivery, presenting opportunities for ground transportation companies. The industry continues to invest in data, analytics, and autonomous fleets to optimize efficiency and find the most cost-effective routes. Despite the essential services this industry provides, ground transportation companies are still at the whim of economic cycles. Consumer spending, for example, can greatly impact the demand for these companies’ offerings while fuel costs can influence profit margins.
The 15 ground transportation stocks we track reported a slower Q4. As a group, revenues were in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.
Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 11.8% since the latest earnings results.
Schneider (NYSE:SNDR)
Employing thousands of drivers across the country to make deliveries, Schneider (NYSE:SNDR) makes full truckload and intermodal deliveries regionally and across borders.
Schneider reported revenues of $1.34 billion, down 2.4% year on year. This print fell short of analysts’ expectations by 1.7%. Overall, it was a softer quarter for the company with full-year EPS guidance missing analysts’ expectations.
“In the second quarter of 2024, signs of seasonality returned to the freight market and were even more evident in the fourth quarter. The year ended positively as carriers continued to exit the market and demand aligned more closely to seasonal expectations,” said Mark Rourke, President and Chief Executive Officer of Schneider.
The stock is down 12.4% since reporting and currently trades at $26.09.
Read our full report on Schneider here, it’s free.
Best Q4: XPO (NYSE:XPO)
Owning a mobile game simulating freight operations for the Tour de France, XPO (NYSE:XPO) is a transportation company specializing in expedited shipping services.
XPO reported revenues of $1.92 billion, flat year on year, in line with analysts’ expectations. The business had an exceptional quarter with a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.
Although it had a fine quarter compared to its peers, the market seems unhappy with the results as the stock is down 11.6% since reporting. It currently trades at $120.54.
Is now the time to buy XPO? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
Weakest Q4: Avis Budget Group (NASDAQ:CAR)
The parent company of brands such as Zipcar and Budget Truck Rental, Avis (NASDAQ:CAR) is a provider of car rental and mobility solutions.
Avis Budget Group reported revenues of $2.71 billion, down 2% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 1%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.
As expected, the stock is down 10.5% since the results and currently trades at $80.30.
Read our full analysis of Avis Budget Group’s results here.
Ryder (NYSE:R)
As one of the first companies to introduce the idea of leasing trucks, Ryder (NYSE:R) provides rental vehicles to businesses and delivers packages directly to homes or businesses.
Ryder reported revenues of $3.19 billion, up 5.5% year on year. This result came in 1.5% below analysts' expectations. It was a slower quarter as it also recorded a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA estimates and EPS guidance for next quarter missing analysts’ expectations.
The stock is flat since reporting and currently trades at $159.10.
Read our full, actionable report on Ryder here, it’s free.
U-Haul (NYSE:UHAL)
Founded by a husband and wife duo, U-Haul (NYSE:UHAL) is a provider of rental trucks and storage facilities.
U-Haul reported revenues of $1.39 billion, up 3.7% year on year. This print surpassed analysts’ expectations by 3.1%. However, it was a mixed quarter as it recorded a significant miss of analysts’ EPS estimates.
The stock is down 3.3% since reporting and currently trades at $69.22.
Read our full, actionable report on U-Haul here, it’s free.
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