Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (NASDAQ:ODFL) is one of the 13 Best Freight Stocks to Invest in Now. The second quarter’s earnings miss causes mixed opinions among analysts, while the decline in LTL tons per day impacts the August revenue. Old Dominion Faces Analyst Split After Earnings Miss and August LTL Decline The company’s revenue during the quarter declined by 6.1% year-over-year and missed the analyst estimates by 0.7%. Its EPS was also a miss, standing at $1.27 against the analyst expectations o ...

This story was originally published on Trucking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Trucking Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Tonnage in August declined year over year for Old Dominion Freight Line, XPO and Saia while ArcBest reported a 2% increase in its asset-based operating segment. Shipments per day similarly declined across most of those carriers. Companies also noted declines in weight per shipment, except for Saia posting an incremental 0.1% increase YoY. “Old Do ...

Thomasville, North Carolina-based Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (ODFL) is one of the largest North American less-than-truckload (LTL) motor carriers and provides regional, inter-regional, and national LTL services. With a market cap of $31.2 billion, Old Dominion’s offerings also include various value-added services, including container drayage, truckload brokerage, and supply chain consulting. Companies worth $10 billion or more are generally described as “large-cap stocks.” Old Dominion fits right int ...

I have been working in the logistics sector for almost two decades. I have been into stock investing and macroeconomic analysis for almost a decade. Currently, I focus on ASEAN and NYSE/NASDAQ Stocks, particularly in banks, telco, logistics, and hotels. Since 2014, I have been trading on the PH stock market. I focus on banking, telco, and retail sectors. A colleague encouraged me to engage in the stock market as part of my portfolio diversification instead of putting all my savings in banks and properties. ...

I have been working in the logistics sector for almost two decades. I have been into stock investing and macroeconomic analysis for almost a decade. Currently, I focus on ASEAN and NYSE/NASDAQ Stocks, particularly in banks, telco, logistics, and hotels. Since 2014, I have been trading on the PH stock market. I focus on banking, telco, and retail sectors. A colleague encouraged me to engage in the stock market as part of my portfolio diversification instead of putting all my savings in banks and properties. ...

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Core Viewpoint - The August update from Old Dominion Freight Line indicates a continuation of negative trends in freight demand, but the company's long-term value proposition remains intact due to its pricing discipline and operational efficiency [2][3]. Financial Performance - Revenue per day decreased by 4.8% year over year, with LTL tons per day down 9.2%, driven by an 8.2% drop in shipments per day and a 1.2% decline in weight per shipment [5][6]. - In Q2, tons per day were down 7.7% and shipments per day slipped 6.7%, indicating a worsening freight environment [6]. - Q2 revenue fell 6.1% year over year, and earnings per share declined 14.2% [7]. Operational Metrics - The operating ratio increased to 74.6% from 71.9% a year ago due to lower volumes [8]. - Despite challenges, Old Dominion maintained a 99% on-time service level and a cargo claims ratio of just 0.1% [8]. Pricing Strategy - LTL revenue per hundredweight increased by 4.5% in the quarter to date, and 4.7% excluding fuel surcharges, showcasing the company's ability to protect pricing even in a slowing freight market [9]. Future Outlook - Old Dominion is positioned to benefit from a recovery in freight demand, with plans for $450 million in capital spending this year to enhance its operational capabilities [12]. - The company has returned $543 million to shareholders in the first half of 2025, indicating strong cash flow and commitment to reinvestment [12]. Competitive Position - Old Dominion's strategy of maintaining operational efficiency and pricing discipline during downturns allows it to gain market share, distinguishing it from weaker competitors [13].

Group 1 - Old Dominion Freight Line (NASDAQ: ODFL) is positioned to recover from the current cyclical bottom due to a likely reversal in the interest rate cycle [1] - An expected pickup in industrial activity is anticipated to support volumes for the company [1] - Pricing remains strong, indicating a favorable environment for the company's operations [1]

Core Insights - Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (ODFL) reported a decline in its less-than-truckload (LTL) segment performance for August 2025, indicating ongoing challenges in the domestic economy [1][3]. Financial Performance - ODFL's revenue per day decreased by 4.8% year over year in August 2025, driven by a 9.2% drop in LTL tons per day [2][6]. - The decline in LTL tons per day was attributed to an 8.2% reduction in LTL shipments per day and a 1.2% decrease in weight per shipment [2][6]. - Despite the volume decline, LTL revenue per hundredweight increased by 4.5%, and when excluding fuel surcharges, it rose by 4.7% year over year [2][6]. Management Commentary - The CEO of Old Dominion highlighted that the revenue results reflect the softness in the domestic economy, but the improvement in revenue per hundredweight showcases the company's commitment to superior service [3]. - The company remains confident in its ability to capture profitable market share in the long term while enhancing shareholder value [3]. Market Position - ODFL currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), with its shares declining by 18.4% over the past six months, compared to an 11.3% decline in the transportation-truck industry [4].

But the headline numbers don't tell the whole story. The company protected pricing power, with revenue per hundredweight, excluding fuel surcharges, up a little over 5%. Service levels stayed elite, with 99% on‑time deliveries and an industry‑best cargo claims ratio of just 0.1%. That combination -- holding yield and service while volumes are down -- is exactly what sets Old Dominion apart from most peers. A rare pullback in an elite trucking operator with a pristine balance sheet and reliable dividend. Old ...