Old Dominion Freight Line(US:ODFL) ZACKS·2026-01-02 18:06Core Viewpoint - Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (ODFL) is currently facing multiple challenges that make it an unattractive investment option [1] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ODFL's fourth quarter of 2025 earnings has decreased by 10.2% over the past 90 days, while the current year's earnings estimate has been revised downward by 1.2% in the same timeframe, indicating a lack of confidence from brokers [2] - For the fourth quarter of 2025, ODFL's earnings are expected to decline by 13.82% year over year, and for the full year 2025, a decline of 12.23% year over year is anticipated [7] Price Performance - ODFL's shares have lost 8.4% over the past six months, contrasting with a 2.6% growth in the transportation-truck industry [4][6] Operational Challenges - The company is experiencing weak freight demand and ongoing supply chain issues, which have negatively impacted shipment volumes and rates, leading to a deterioration in the operating ratio from 72% in 2023 to 73.4% in 2024 despite cost-cutting efforts [8] - The trucking industry, including ODFL, is facing a persistent driver shortage, complicating recruitment as older drivers retire and younger generations show less interest in low-paying jobs [9] Industry Context - ODFL operates within an industry that has a Zacks Industry Rank of 194 out of 248 groups, placing it in the bottom 20% of Zacks industries, which suggests that the company's performance is heavily influenced by the overall industry conditions [10]