3 Transportation-Services Stocks to Add to Your Portfolio Now

Industry Overview - The Zacks Transportation-Services industry is facing challenges such as inflation-induced elevated interest rates, supply-chain disruptions, and weak freight rates [1] - The Cass Freight Shipment Index declined by 0.7% year over year in November, indicating a deteriorating trend since January 2024 [1] - The industry has declined by 7.5% year to date, compared to a 27.8% appreciation of the S&P 500 Index [2] Company Performance - Matson, Inc. (MATX) has a market capitalization of $4.77 billion and a Zacks Rank 1, with expected earnings growth rates of 78.7% for Q4 2024 and 58.7% for the full year [9][10] - Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD) has a market capitalization of $16.23 billion and a Zacks Rank 2, with expected earnings growth rates of 27.5% for Q4 2024 and 8.4% for the full year [11][12] - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (CHRW) has a market capitalization of $12.87 billion and a Zacks Rank 2, with expected earnings growth rates of over 100% for Q4 2024 and 33.3% for the full year [13][15] Financial Strategies - Industry players are actively making dividend payments and repurchasing shares, indicating financial strength and confidence in business [5] - Expeditors announced a 5.8% increase in its quarterly dividend in May 2024, while Matson also announced a quarterly dividend increase in June [5]