Management also discussed technology investments, including embedding AI into proprietary tools such as RyderShare and Ryder Guide, and the role of Baton, a Ryder technology lab, in building “an AI-enabled software and data platform” for next-generation customer-facing technology.Sanchez said the company’s “balanced growth strategy” has reshaped Ryder’s business mix, reduced reliance on used vehicle proceeds, and increased the share of revenue from asset-light supply chain and dedicated businesses. He said ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, Ryder achieved comparable earnings per share of $1,292, more than double the $595 reported in 2018, with a return on equity (ROE) of 17%, up from 13% in 2018 [12][25] - Operating cash flow increased to $2.6 billion in 2025, up more than 50% from $1.7 billion in 2018 [12][21] - For the fourth quarter, operating revenue was $2.6 billion, consistent with the prior year, while comparable earnings per share from continuing operations were $3.59, up 4% from the previous year [15][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) operating revenue decreased by 1%, with pre-tax earnings down to $136 million due to weaker market conditions [16][19] - Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) operating revenue increased by 3%, but earnings decreased by 8% due to lost business and production shutdowns in automotive [18][19] - Dedicated Transportation Solutions (DTS) operating revenue decreased by 4%, but EBT was above the prior year due to lower bad debt and acquisition synergies [19][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. economic growth is expected to be modest in 2026, with no significant change in freight market conditions anticipated [24][25] - U.S. Class 8 production is forecasted to decline by 4% in 2026, impacting the overall market dynamics [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ryder's balanced growth strategy has been transformative, reducing reliance on used vehicle proceeds and focusing on asset-light supply chain and dedicated businesses [8][10] - The company is investing in customer-centric technology and AI to enhance operational efficiency and customer service [9][10] - Ryder aims to achieve higher returns by focusing on profitable growth opportunities and strategic investments [22][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver earnings growth and increased returns in 2026, driven by strategic initiatives and a strong contractual portfolio [24][25] - The company anticipates that the earnings power of its contractual businesses will offset near-term headwinds in transactional parts of the business [31][34] Other Important Information - Ryder has generated $3 billion in free cash flow since 2021 and has repurchased 24% of shares outstanding while increasing the quarterly dividend by 57% [14][23] - The company expects to generate approximately $10.5 billion from operating cash flow and used vehicle sales proceeds over the next three years, creating $3.5 billion of incremental debt capacity [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Variability in Earnings Guidance for 2026 - The largest variability in earnings guidance is tied to the transactional business, particularly maintenance and omnichannel optimization initiatives [38][40] Question: Used Vehicle Sales Expectations - Used vehicle sales are expected to improve gradually throughout the year, with Q1 consistent with Q4 levels [45][46] Question: Impact of Market Conditions on Rental Business - The company has not seen meaningful improvement in rental and used vehicle sales, with guidance not reflecting significant market recovery [64][66] Question: Benefits of Baton Technology - Baton is expected to optimize fleet operations and enhance customer solutions through AI technology [67][68] Question: Flex Operating Structure in Dedicated Business - The flex operating structure is anticipated to optimize back-office resources and improve driver allocation, potentially offsetting margin headwinds [86][87]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, Ryder's comparable earnings per share were $1,292, more than double the $595 in 2018, with a return on equity (ROE) of 17%, up from 13% in 2018 [12][25] - Operating cash flow increased to $2.6 billion in 2025, up more than 50% from 2018 [12][21] - Fourth quarter operating revenue was $2.6 billion, in line with the prior year, with comparable earnings per share from continuing operations at $3.59, up 4% from the prior year [15][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) operating revenue decreased by 1%, with pre-tax earnings down to $136 million due to weaker market conditions [16] - Supply Chain operating revenue increased by 3%, but earnings decreased by 8% due to lost business and customer production shutdowns [18] - Dedicated operating revenue decreased by 4%, but EBT was above the prior year due to lower bad debt and acquisition synergies [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. economic growth is expected to be modest in 2026, with no significant change in freight market conditions anticipated [24] - U.S. Class 8 production is forecasted to decline by 4% in 2026 [24] - Rental demand was below the prior year, with rental utilization on the power fleet at 72%, down from 73% [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ryder's balanced growth strategy focuses on operational excellence, customer-centric innovation, and profitable growth, with a significant shift towards asset-light supply chain and dedicated businesses [8][10] - The company aims to optimize its omnichannel retail warehouse network and enhance proprietary technologies through AI [9][10] - Ryder's capital allocation priorities include investing in organic growth, strategic investments, and returning capital to shareholders [22][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver increasing value to customers and shareholders despite current market challenges [24][36] - The outlook for 2026 includes expected operating revenue growth of approximately 3% and a comparable EPS increase of 12% at the high end of the forecast range [24][25] - Management noted that the earnings power of the contractual portfolio is expected to drive higher operating cash flow and incremental debt capacity [21][22] Other Important Information - Ryder has generated $3 billion in free cash flow since 2021 and has repurchased 24% of shares outstanding [14][22] - The company expects to realize another $70 million in incremental benefits from strategic initiatives in 2026, bringing the total expected annual benefit to $170 million [13][31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Variability in EPS guidance for 2026 - Management indicated that the largest variability lies within the transactional business, particularly related to maintenance and omnichannel optimization [38][40] Question: Used vehicle sales expectations - Management expects Q1 to be consistent with Q4, with gradual improvement anticipated as the year progresses [45][46] Question: Impact of market conditions on rental and used vehicle sales - Management noted that while there are signs of capacity exiting the market, the impact on used vehicle pricing for Ryder is expected to be minimal [52][53] Question: Flex operating structure benefits - Management highlighted that the flex model is expected to optimize back-office resources and reduce driver dwell time, potentially offsetting margin headwinds in the dedicated business [86] Question: Performance of Supply Chain division - Management reported a record sales year in 2025 for the Supply Chain division, with expectations for continued growth driven by new business [54][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, Ryder achieved comparable earnings per share of $1,292, more than double the $595 reported in 2018, with a return on equity (ROE) of 17%, up from 13% in 2018 [11][12] - Operating cash flow increased to $2.6 billion in 2025, up more than 50% from $1.7 billion in 2018 [11][12] - For the fourth quarter, operating revenue was $2.6 billion, consistent with the prior year, while comparable earnings per share from continuing operations were $3.59, up 4% from the previous year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) operating revenue decreased by 1%, with pre-tax earnings down to $136 million due to weaker market conditions [14] - Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) operating revenue increased by 3%, but earnings decreased by 8% due to lost business and customer production shutdowns [16] - Dedicated Transportation Solutions (DTS) saw a 4% decrease in operating revenue, but EBT was above the prior year due to lower bad debt and acquisition synergies [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. economic growth is expected to be modest in 2026, with no significant change in freight market conditions anticipated [22] - Class 8 production is forecasted to decline by 4% in 2026, impacting overall market dynamics [22] - Rental demand remains weak, with utilization rates dropping to 66% in January from 74% in December [54] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ryder's balanced growth strategy focuses on operational excellence, customer-centric innovation, and profitable growth, with a significant shift towards asset-light supply chain and dedicated businesses [6][9] - The company is investing in customer-centric technology, including AI enhancements to improve operational efficiencies and customer service [8][9] - Ryder aims to leverage its high-quality contractual portfolio, which generates over 90% of its revenue, to support strategic growth opportunities [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to deliver increasing value to customers and shareholders despite current market challenges [22] - The outlook for 2026 includes expected operating revenue growth of approximately 3% and a comparable EPS increase of 12% at the high end of the forecast range [22][23] - Management noted that the earnings power of the contractual portfolio is expected to drive higher operating cash flow and support capital deployment capacity [19] Other Important Information - Ryder has generated $3 billion in free cash flow since 2021 and has repurchased 24% of shares outstanding while increasing the quarterly dividend by 57% [12] - The company expects to realize another $70 million in incremental benefits from strategic initiatives in 2026, bringing the total expected annual benefit to $170 million [12][29] - Ryder's balance sheet remains strong, with leverage at 250% at year-end, providing ample capacity for capital allocation priorities [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Variability in EPS guidance for 2026 - Management indicated that the largest variability lies within the transactional business, particularly related to maintenance and omnichannel optimization initiatives [35][36] Question: Used vehicle sales expectations - Management expects a gradual improvement in used vehicle sales throughout the year, with Q1 consistent with Q4 levels [38][39] Question: Impact of market conditions on rental and used vehicle sales - Management noted that while there are signs of capacity exiting the market, they have not yet seen a meaningful improvement in rental and used vehicle sales [41][62] Question: Flex operating structure benefits - The flex operating structure is expected to optimize back-office resources and improve driver allocation, potentially offsetting margin headwinds in the dedicated business [59] Question: Performance of Supply Chain Solutions - Management highlighted a record sales year in 2025 for Supply Chain Solutions, with new business expected to layer in throughout 2026 [44][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported operating revenue of $2.6 billion in Q3 2025, up 1% from the prior year, primarily due to contractual revenue growth in Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) and Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) [12] - Comparable EPS from continuing operations increased to $3.57, up 4% from $3.44 in the prior year, reflecting higher contractual earnings and benefits from share repurchases [13] - Return on equity (ROE) was 17%, up from the prior year, driven by higher contractual earnings and share repurchases, partially offset by lower rental demand and used vehicle sales [13] - Year-to-date free cash flow increased to $496 million from $218 million in the prior year due to reduced capital expenditures and lower income tax payments [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fleet Management Solutions operating revenue was in line with the prior year, with pre-tax earnings of $146 million, reflecting higher ChoiceLease performance but lower used vehicle sales and rental results [14] - Supply Chain operating revenue increased by 4%, driven by new business in omnichannel retail, although earnings decreased by 8% due to e-commerce network performance and higher medical costs [16] - Dedicated operating revenue decreased by 6% due to lower fleet count, but earnings before tax (EBT) remained in line with the prior year, reflecting acquisition synergies [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects 60% of 2025 revenue to come from asset-light businesses, up from 44% in 2018, indicating a shift in revenue mix towards supply chain and dedicated services [10] - The company anticipates a free cash flow forecast of $900 million to $1 billion for 2025, reflecting lower year-over-year capital spending [9][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on creating value through operational excellence and investment in customer-centric technology, aiming for earnings growth driven by resilient contractual businesses and strategic initiatives [6] - A new discretionary share repurchase program was authorized, reflecting the company's commitment to disciplined capital allocation [8] - The company expects to realize approximately $100 million in benefits from strategic initiatives by year-end 2025, benefiting all three business segments [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to outperform prior cycles, citing a strong performance from the transformed business model and the execution of the balanced growth strategy [11] - The company anticipates continued earnings growth in 2025, driven by contractual earnings and strategic initiatives, despite headwinds from the freight market [22] - Management noted that the prolonged freight downturn and economic uncertainty are causing some customers to delay decisions, but robust sales and pipeline activity in SCS are encouraging [22][26] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased approximately 22% of its shares outstanding since 2021 and increased the quarterly dividend by 57% [8] - The company expects to generate approximately $10.5 billion from operating cash flow and used vehicle sales proceeds over a three-year period, creating $3.5 billion of incremental debt capacity [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of CDL regulations on the business model - Management indicated that tighter driver markets could benefit the dedicated business as companies seek help in driver recruitment, with minimal impact expected on the lease side [30][31] Question: Drivers of earnings growth for 2026 - Management expects contractual earnings growth and benefits from strategic initiatives to drive earnings growth, with strong performance anticipated in supply chain solutions [33][34] Question: Used vehicle pricing and tariffs - Management noted uncertainty regarding the impact of truck tariffs on pricing but suggested that higher new truck prices could eventually benefit used truck values [41][42] Question: Supply chain performance and headwinds - Management acknowledged temporary headwinds in supply chain performance due to higher medical costs and lower e-commerce volumes but remains optimistic about future growth [52][53] Question: SelectCare performance volatility - Management views the recent lower activity in SelectCare as temporary, expecting a return to normal levels in the fourth quarter [57] Question: Non-domicile CDL role and timing of impacts - Management indicated that the impact of CDL regulations would unfold over time, with expectations of increased demand for dedicated services as the driver market tightens [62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ryder reported operating revenue of $2.6 billion in Q3 2025, up 1% from the prior year, primarily due to contractual revenue growth in Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) and Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) [13] - Comparable earnings per share from continuing operations were $3.57, up 4% from $3.44 in the prior year, reflecting higher contractual earnings and benefits from share repurchases [13] - Return on equity (ROE) was 17%, up from the prior year, driven by higher contractual earnings and share repurchases, partially offset by lower rental demand and used vehicle sales [14] - Year-to-date free cash flow increased to $496 million from $218 million in the prior year due to reduced capital expenditures and lower income tax payments [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fleet Management Solutions operating revenue was in line with the prior year, with pretax earnings of $146 million, up year-over-year due to higher ChoiceLease performance, offset by lower used vehicle sales and rental results [14][15] - Supply Chain operating revenue increased 4%, driven by new business in omni-channel retail, but earnings decreased 8% due to e-commerce network performance and higher medical costs [19] - Dedicated operating revenue decreased 6% due to lower fleet count, but earnings before tax (EBT) was in line with the prior year, reflecting acquisition synergies [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that 93% of its revenue is generated in the U.S., positioning it well to benefit from increased domestic industrial manufacturing [6] - Rental demand was lower than historical seasonal trends, with rental utilization on the power fleet at 70%, down from 71% in the prior year [15] - Used vehicle pricing saw a year-over-year decline of 6% for tractors and 15% for trucks, although sequential pricing for trucks increased by 7% [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ryder is focused on creating value through operational excellence and investment in customer-centric technology, aiming for earnings growth driven by resilient contractual businesses and strategic initiatives [5][6] - The company expects its transformed business model to deliver ROE in the low to mid-20s when market conditions improve, with over 90% of operating revenue generated by multiyear contracts [7] - A new discretionary $2 billion share repurchase program was authorized, reflecting the company's commitment to disciplined capital allocation [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to outperform prior cycles, citing a strong foundation from its transformed business model [8] - The outlook for 2025 includes a comparable EPS forecast of $12.85 to $13.05, driven by higher contractual earnings and benefits from strategic initiatives [29] - Management acknowledged ongoing headwinds from the freight market downturn but remains optimistic about robust sales and pipeline activity in SCS [29][30] Other Important Information - The company has returned $457 million to shareholders in 2025 through share repurchases and dividends, with a 57% increase in the quarterly dividend since 2021 [9] - The forecast for free cash flow remains unchanged at $900 million to $1 billion, reflecting lower capital expenditures and an estimated annual benefit of $200 million from tax bonus depreciation [10][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of CDL regulations on the business model - Management indicated that tighter driver markets could benefit the dedicated business as companies seek assistance in driver recruitment, with minimal impact expected on the lease side [38][40] Question: Drivers of earnings growth for next year - Management expects contractual earnings growth and strong performance in supply chain to drive revenue and earnings growth, despite muted sales in lease and dedicated due to freight market softness [42][45] Question: Used vehicle pricing and tariffs - Management noted that any price increases would likely be passed through to lease rates, and higher new truck pricing could eventually support used truck prices [52][56] Question: Supply Chain Solutions headwinds - Management acknowledged temporary headwinds in e-commerce network performance but remains optimistic about future growth and margin targets [65][66] Question: Bonus depreciation impact - The bonus depreciation is expected to provide a cash tax benefit of approximately $200 million annually, with no significant impact on operating margins [84][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ryder reported operating revenue of $2.6 billion in Q3 2025, up 1% from the prior year, primarily due to growth in contractual revenue [11] - Comparable EPS from continuing operations increased to $3.57, up 4% from $3.44 in the prior year, reflecting higher contractual earnings and benefits from share repurchases [11] - Return on equity (ROE) was 17%, up from the prior year, driven by higher contractual earnings and share repurchases, partially offset by lower rental demand and used vehicle sales [11] - Year-to-date free cash flow increased to $496 million from $218 million in the prior year due to reduced capital expenditures and lower income tax payments [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) operating revenue was in line with the prior year, with pre-tax earnings of $146 million, reflecting higher ChoiceLease performance [12] - Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) operating revenue increased 4%, driven by new business in omnichannel retail, but earnings decreased 8% due to e-commerce network performance and higher medical costs [15] - Dedicated Transportation Solutions (DTS) operating revenue decreased 6% due to lower fleet count, but EBT was in line with the prior year, reflecting acquisition synergies [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - 93% of Ryder's revenue is generated in the U.S., positioning the company to benefit from increased domestic industrial manufacturing [5] - The rental demand was lower than historical seasonal trends, with rental utilization on the power fleet at 70%, down from 71% the prior year [12] - Used vehicle pricing declined 6% for tractors and 15% for trucks year-over-year, reflecting ongoing weakness in market conditions [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Ryder's balanced growth strategy focuses on operational excellence and investment in customer-centric technology, aiming to improve full-cycle returns and unlock long-term shareholder value [5] - The company expects earnings growth in 2025 driven by resilient contractual businesses and strategic initiatives, with a forecasted ROE of 17% [22] - Ryder has authorized a new discretionary share repurchase program, reflecting a commitment to disciplined capital allocation [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's cycle-tested business model, which has demonstrated resiliency during the freight cycle downturn [6] - The company anticipates continued earnings growth from multi-year strategic initiatives, with expected annual pre-tax earnings benefits of approximately $150 million [24] - Management noted that while there are near-term headwinds in lease and dedicated sales due to market conditions, robust sales activity in SCS is encouraging [22] Other Important Information - Ryder's forecast for free cash flow remains unchanged at $900 million to $1 billion, reflecting lower capital spending and an annual cash flow benefit of approximately $200 million from tax bonus depreciation [8] - The company has repurchased approximately 22% of its shares outstanding since 2021 and increased the quarterly dividend by 57% [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of CDL regulations on business model - Management indicated that tighter driver markets could benefit the dedicated business as companies seek assistance in driver recruitment [30][32] Question: Drivers of earnings growth for 2026 - Management expects contractual earnings growth and benefits from strategic initiatives to drive earnings growth, with strong performance anticipated in supply chain solutions [34][35] Question: Challenges in used vehicle pricing - Management acknowledged challenges in used vehicle pricing but noted that higher new truck pricing could eventually support used truck values [39][40] Question: Supply chain performance and headwinds - Management highlighted that recent headwinds in supply chain performance were temporary and attributed to specific customer issues, with expectations for recovery [49][50] Question: Bonus depreciation impact on financials - Management clarified that the bonus depreciation will provide a cash tax benefit of approximately $200 million annually, with no significant impact on operating margins [61][62]