Macquarie upgraded ZTO Express (NYSE: ZTO) from Neutral to Outperform, indicating a positive outlook on the company's future performance.The average one-year target price for ZTO is $22.36, which is below its current price of $24.09, suggesting mixed analyst expectations.ZTO's stock has experienced volatility, with a 52-week range between $16.34 and $24.14, and a market capitalization of approximately $19.2 billion.ZTO Express (NYSE: ZTO) is a leading express delivery company in China, providing logistics s ...

Core Insights - Schneider National reported revenue of $1.4 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.5% but a revenue surprise of -3.78% compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.45 billion [1] - The company's EPS was $0.13, down from $0.20 in the same quarter last year, resulting in an EPS surprise of -37.68% against the consensus estimate of $0.21 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - The consolidated operating ratio was reported at 97.4%, higher than the five-analyst average estimate of 95.9% [4] - The intermodal operating ratio was 93.3%, slightly below the four-analyst average estimate of 93.4% [4] - The truckload operating ratio was 96.2%, compared to the average estimate of 94.6% by four analysts [4] - The logistics operating ratio was 99.2%, exceeding the four-analyst average estimate of 97.5% [4] Revenue Breakdown - Fuel surcharge revenue was $145.7 million, surpassing the average estimate of $138.43 million, marking a year-over-year increase of 9.2% [4] - Intermodal revenue was $268.2 million, below the estimated $288.24 million, representing a year-over-year decrease of 2.9% [4] - Logistics revenue reached $329.3 million, slightly below the average estimate of $339.54 million, with a year-over-year increase of 1.7% [4] - Truckload revenue was reported at $610 million, lower than the estimated $637.21 million, but showing a year-over-year increase of 8.9% [4] - Other revenue was $89.3 million, below the average estimate of $93.53 million, with a year-over-year increase of 0.6% [4] - Inter-segment eliminations revenue was reported at -$42.9 million, better than the estimated -$48.85 million, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 0.9% [4] - Dedicated revenue (excluding fuel surcharge) was $425.7 million, below the estimated $443.15 million, with a year-over-year increase of 13.4% [4] - Network revenue (excluding fuel surcharge) was $183.9 million, below the average estimate of $195.07 million, representing a year-over-year decrease of 0.7% [4] Stock Performance - Schneider National's shares have returned +13.9% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.8% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - Schneider National reported quarterly earnings of $0.13 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.21 per share, representing a -37.68% earnings surprise [1] - The company posted revenues of $1.4 billion for the quarter, which was 3.78% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate, compared to $1.34 billion in the same quarter last year [2] - The stock has increased by approximately 13.9% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.9% [3] Earnings Performance - Over the last four quarters, Schneider National has surpassed consensus EPS estimates only once [2] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.16, with expected revenues of $1.44 billion, and for the current fiscal year, the estimate is $1.09 on $6 billion in revenues [7] Market Outlook - The company's earnings outlook is crucial for assessing future stock performance, with recent estimate revisions trending unfavorably, resulting in a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) [6] - The Transportation - Services industry, to which Schneider National belongs, is currently ranked in the top 32% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable industry outlook [8] Comparisons with Peers - Expeditors International, another company in the same industry, is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.46 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of -13.1% [9] - The consensus EPS estimate for Expeditors has been revised 2.7% higher over the last 30 days, with expected revenues of $2.8 billion, down 5.4% from the previous year [10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a GAAP loss of $0.04 per diluted share for Q4 2025, compared to a profit of $0.43 in the prior year, primarily due to $52.9 million in non-cash impairment charges [16][15] - Revenue excluding fuel surcharge decreased by 0.4%, while operating income declined by $51.5 million year-over-year, largely attributed to the impairment charges [15][16] - Adjusted EPS for Q4 2025 was $0.31, down from $0.36 in Q4 2024, with the consolidated adjusted operating ratio increasing by 30 basis points year-over-year to 94% [16][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Truckload revenue excluding fuel surcharge declined by 2.4% year-over-year, with adjusted operating income down by $9.2 million or 10.7% due to a 3.3% decline in loaded miles [19][18] - The LTL segment grew revenue excluding fuel surcharge by 7% year-over-year, with shipments per day up 2.1%, although adjusted operating income decreased by 4.8% [21][20] - Logistics revenue declined by 4.8% year-over-year, with gross margin dropping to 15.5%, down 230 basis points from the previous quarter [23][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The truckload market experienced stable demand but lacked the typical seasonal lift until late in Q4, with a tightening spot market observed in December [4][12] - Market trends showed improved rejection rates and spot rates exiting 2025 at their best levels since early 2022, despite muted demand [12][11] - The secondary equipment market weakened, impacting gains on sales, which were approximately $4 million below expectations [19][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its largest truckload fleet and improve cost structures to enhance margins as market conditions recover [8][10] - Investments in technology and operational efficiencies are expected to yield benefits starting in 2026, with a focus on AI and other methods to improve revenue capture [9][10] - The company is committed to a more deliberate pace of network expansion to restore margins while growing into existing investments [10][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the truckload market's potential recovery in 2026, driven by capacity reductions and regulatory enforcement [10][11] - The company is monitoring market trends closely and is prepared to adjust capacity deployment to capitalize on valuable opportunities as conditions shift [14][38] - Management acknowledged the challenges of Q1 due to seasonality but indicated confidence in improving margins through cost management and potential rate increases [39][40] Other Important Information - The company combined its Abilene truckload brand into its Swift business to enhance efficiency and productivity [15][20] - The logistics segment is tightening carrier qualification standards in response to increased cargo theft and market volatility [23][24] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Outlook for Q1 and seasonality impacts - Management noted that Q1 is typically challenging due to seasonality, and while there is confidence in cost improvements, the benefits of rate increases may not be fully realized until later in the year [31][39] Question: LTL market dynamics and network expansion - Management acknowledged softer demand in the LTL market but highlighted opportunities for growth through a unified brand strategy and expanded network capabilities [49][53] Question: Brand strategy and bid season insights - The company is focusing on a unified brand approach to enhance customer relationships and is optimistic about the upcoming bid season, expecting constructive conversations around rates [58][62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, revenue excluding fuel surcharge decreased slightly by 40 basis points, and operating income declined by $51.5 million year-over-year, largely due to $52.9 million of non-cash impairment charges [14][15] - Adjusted EPS was $0.31 for Q4 2025 compared to $0.36 for Q4 2024, while the consolidated adjusted operating ratio was 94%, up 30 basis points year-over-year [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Truckload revenue excluding fuel surcharge declined 2.4% year-over-year, with adjusted operating income down $9.2 million or 10.7% year-over-year, primarily due to a 3.3% decline in loaded miles [18] - LTL business grew revenue excluding fuel surcharge by 7% year-over-year, with shipments per day up 2.1%, although adjusted operating income decreased by 4.8% [20] - Logistics revenue for Q4 declined 4.8% year-over-year, with gross margin down 230 basis points from the previous quarter [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The truckload market saw generally stable demand but lacked the typical seasonal lift until late in the quarter, with truckload volumes lower than expected [4] - Market spot rates and the spot versus contract spread improved, exiting 2025 at the best level since early 2022 [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on cost-cutting initiatives and improving operational efficiency, with expectations for technology investments to yield benefits in 2026 [8][25] - The integration of the Abilene truckload brand into the Swift business aims to enhance efficiency and productivity [19][61] - The company anticipates a more deliberate pace of network expansion to restore margins while supporting annualized revenue growth of $2 billion [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the truckload market's potential recovery in 2026, citing capacity reductions and regulatory enforcement as positive indicators [10][11] - The company is monitoring market trends and is prepared to adjust capacity deployment to capitalize on valuable opportunities as conditions shift [12] Other Important Information - The logistics segment is leveraging technology to improve cost efficiencies and responsiveness, which is expected to contribute to earnings in 2026 [25] - The company has seen a rise in cargo theft, prompting tighter carrier qualification standards [23] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Outlook for Q1 and seasonality impacts - Management noted that while there are positive indicators for the market, Q1 results may not reflect the anticipated improvements due to seasonal factors and the need for further recovery in volumes [31][34] Question: LTL market dynamics and network expansion - Management acknowledged softer demand in the LTL market but highlighted opportunities for growth through expanded network capabilities and new customer relationships [49][51] Question: Brand integration strategy and bid season insights - The company is moving towards a unified brand strategy to enhance customer relationships and sales efforts, with constructive conversations around contract rates in the bid season [59][65]

Core Viewpoint - Saia Inc. is rebranding its logistics arm LinkEx to "Saia Logistics," aiming to unify its freight and logistics services under one name for a more streamlined customer experience [1][2]. Group 1: Rebranding and Strategy - The rebranding reflects the close collaboration between Saia's freight and LinkEx teams, consolidating their less-than-truckload (LTL) network and logistics capabilities [2]. - The change is purely a brand alignment, with no alterations to ownership, service, pricing, agreements, or daily operations, ensuring continuity for customers [3]. - The unification under the Saia brand is intended to enhance customer understanding of the comprehensive solutions offered, supporting the company's long-term growth strategy [3]. Group 2: Customer Experience and Services - Customers will continue to work with the same contacts and processes, maintaining the relationships they have established [4]. - Saia Logistics will provide a full range of services, including truckload, expedited, warehousing, distribution, final mile, international, and integrated logistics, alongside its leading LTL network [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Saia Inc. operates 213 terminals across the United States and is recognized for its safety record and environmental efforts [6]. - The company has received accolades such as the "Top Companies for Women to Work for in Transportation" by Women In Trucking [6].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Transportation-Services industry is facing challenges due to weak freight rates, high inflation, and supply-chain disruptions, compounded by tariff uncertainties and geopolitical tensions [1][2][4]. - Companies in this industry provide transport, logistics, leasing, and maintenance services, with a direct correlation to economic health [3]. Current Trends - Freight demand remains weak, with the Cass Freight Shipments Index declining by 7.6% year over year in November, marking a continuous decline for nine months [4]. - Rising cost pressures, including labor shortages and increased maintenance costs, are eroding profit margins, with ongoing inflation potentially narrowing margins further [5]. - The U.S. Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cuts may provide some relief by lowering borrowing costs and potentially boosting economic growth [6]. Industry Performance - The Zacks Transportation-Services industry ranks 166 out of 243 Zacks industries, placing it in the bottom 32% [7][8]. - The industry's earnings outlook is negative, with a 28.3% year-over-year decrease in aggregate earnings estimates for 2026 [9]. - Over the past year, the industry has underperformed the S&P 500, gaining only 3.3% compared to the S&P 500's 16.9% increase [12]. Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.46X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 5.6X and slightly above the sector's 1.31X [15]. Notable Companies - **Expeditors International of Washington (EXPD)**: A leading third-party logistics provider with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy). Despite weak volumes, cost-cutting measures are positively impacting earnings, which have beaten estimates by an average of 13.9% over the last four quarters [18][19]. - **ZTO Express (Cayman) (ZTO)**: A major express delivery player in China, also holding a Zacks Rank of 1. The company has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 3.1% [22][23]. - **C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW)**: An asset-light logistics player with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold). The company has consistently surpassed earnings estimates, with an average beat of 10.4% over the last four quarters [26].

Company Overview - Atlas Energy Solutions is a leading provider of proppant and logistics services to the oil and gas sector, focusing on the Permian Basin [6] - The company generates revenue primarily through the sale and delivery of proppant materials and integrated logistics solutions for hydraulic fracturing operations [9] - As of November 11, 2025, Atlas Energy Solutions had a market capitalization of $1.26 billion and a revenue of $1.12 billion for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4] Recent Developments - B & T Capital Management DBA Alpha Capital Management increased its stake in Atlas Energy Solutions by 306,363 shares, raising the position value by approximately $2.64 million [1] - Following this purchase, B & T Capital's total stake in Atlas Energy Solutions reached 725,000 shares, valued at about $8.25 million as of September 30, 2025 [2][7] - The additional shares brought Atlas Energy's representation in B & T's portfolio to 1.3% of its total assets under management (AUM) [8] Market Performance - Shares of Atlas Energy Solutions were priced at $10.18 as of November 11, 2025, reflecting a decline of 51.29% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 by 62.26 percentage points [8] - The company offers a dividend yield of 9.72% and is currently priced 62.10% below its 52-week high [8] Industry Context - The Permian Basin, where Atlas Energy Solutions operates, produces approximately 45% of the total crude oil in the United States, indicating significant potential for future income [10] - The company serves exploration and production companies in the Permian Basin, targeting upstream oil and gas producers as its core customer base [9]

Core Insights - Soapstone Management sold its entire stake in Saia, amounting to 23,750 shares valued at $6.51 million, during the third quarter of 2025, resulting in a complete exit from the stock [2][3] - The sale reduced Soapstone's exposure to Saia by 4.4% of its reportable assets, and as of September 30, 2025, Saia no longer contributed to the fund's assets under management (AUM) [3] Company Overview - Saia, Inc. is a prominent North American provider of less-than-truckload (LTL) freight transportation, operating a large fleet and extensive terminal network [5][8] - As of December 5, 2025, Saia's stock price was $330.91, with a market capitalization of $8.81 billion, revenue of $3.23 billion, and net income of $283.62 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4] Market Performance - Saia shares experienced a one-year decline of 36%, underperforming the S&P 500 by 49 percentage points [3] - Despite recent challenges, Saia has been acquiring terminals from former competitor Yellow, positioning itself for potential recovery as market conditions improve [11] Investment Perspective - The LTL industry is currently in a cyclical trough, and while Soapstone's exit may reflect a search for better short-term opportunities, Saia is viewed as a long-term buy-and-hold investment, still 45% below its all-time high [10][12]

Investment Overview - DHL Group plans to invest approximately 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) in its business units in India by 2030, focusing on infrastructure developments across various sectors including e-commerce, digitalization, new energy, life sciences, and healthcare [1][3] Infrastructure Developments - Upgrades will occur at DHL's first automated sorting center in New Delhi and facilities for its Indian air and ground delivery subsidiary, Blue Dart [2] - The automated sorting facility, located at Indira Gandhi International Airport, spans 34,000 square feet and is designed to expedite processing of inbound shipments, enhancing transit times [4] - The facility has a processing capacity of 2,000 pieces per hour for packages up to 50 kilograms, featuring 18 sorting chutes, 11 truck docks, and 18 bag and box sorting conveyors [4] Market Outlook - DHL's CEO, Tobias Meyer, expressed confidence in India's dynamic market, citing the country's diversification strategy and business-friendly policies as a solid foundation for long-term investments [3] - India is projected to achieve the third largest absolute trade growth over the next five years, accounting for 6 percent of the global total, following China (12 percent) and the U.S. (10 percent) [3] - The annual trade volume in India is expected to grow by 7 percent during this period [4] Funding and Support - DHL has reportedly injected Blue Dart with 250 million euros ($291.9 million) in new funding, although it has not confirmed if this is part of the same investment initiative [5] - Infrastructure upgrades for Blue Dart will include two low-emission warehouses: an integrated operating facility in Bijwasan and a ground hub in Haryana [6]