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]

Ryder System (NYSE:R) 2025 Conference Summary Company Overview - Ryder System is an outsourced logistics and transportation solutions provider, primarily operating in North America with a focus on three main segments: Fleet Management Solutions, Dedicated Transportation Solutions, and Supply Chain Solutions. The company has a revenue of $13 billion and has been in operation for 90 years [3][4]. Strategic Transformation - Since 2018, Ryder has implemented a balanced growth strategy focusing on de-risking the business model, improving margins, and shifting towards an asset-light model. This includes pricing residuals conservatively, targeting higher returns, and revamping maintenance operations, resulting in significant cost savings [4][5][6]. - The company has invested approximately $1.1 billion in acquisitions over the past five years to enhance supply chain capabilities and scale [6][7]. Financial Performance - Ryder's earnings have doubled compared to 2018, even during a freight market downturn, with a return on equity of 18% compared to 13% in 2018 [7][8]. Freight Environment Assessment - The freight market has experienced four consecutive years of downturn, but recent trends indicate stabilization. Key metrics such as rental demand and used vehicle pricing have shown signs of stability, although no significant recovery is anticipated in the near term [8][10][11]. - Industrial production, housing starts, and consumer confidence are critical indicators being monitored, with no immediate signs of improvement [11][12]. Future Cost Initiatives - Ryder aims to achieve an additional $150 million in savings through operational excellence, customer-centric technology, and optimizing its omnichannel network. This includes a focus on maintenance cost initiatives and synergies from recent acquisitions [13][14][15]. Rental Fleet Utilization - Current rental fleet utilization is around 70%, with a target of mid-70s%. The company is prepared to capitalize on increased demand by quickly expanding its fleet when utilization improves [16][17]. Used Vehicle Pricing Outlook - Used vehicle pricing is expected to rebound due to lower OEM production levels and increasing costs of new vehicles. The company anticipates improvements in used vehicle pricing by late 2026 [18][19]. Driver Market Dynamics - A tightening driver market is beneficial for Ryder's dedicated business, as it encourages companies to outsource transportation needs. Ryder's focus on private fleets reduces exposure to broader driver market pressures [21][22][23]. Pricing Strategy - Ryder has maintained disciplined pricing strategies, which have been supported by rational competition in the market. The company expects to retain pricing discipline despite market softness [24][25][26]. Dedicated Transportation Opportunities - Ryder differentiates its dedicated services through specialized solutions and strong customer relationships, with a significant portion of dedicated sales coming from existing fleet management customers [27][30][31]. Supply Chain Growth Areas - The company sees significant growth potential in warehouse management and e-commerce, with a strong sales pipeline expected to translate into revenue growth starting in 2026 [32][34][35]. Reshoring and Nearshoring - Ryder is well-positioned to benefit from reshoring and nearshoring trends, particularly in the U.S. and Mexico, as companies seek to bring supply chains closer to home [38][39]. Technology and AI Investments - Ryder has invested in customer-centric technology and AI to enhance operational efficiency and customer service. This includes tools for fleet management and supply chain visibility [41][42][43][45]. M&A Strategy - The company continues to seek M&A opportunities that enhance scale and capabilities, particularly in supply chain logistics. Ryder is interested in tuck-in acquisitions similar to Cardinal and exploring opportunities in healthcare logistics [49][51]. Conclusion - Ryder is optimistic about its strategic initiatives and the potential for future growth, particularly as market conditions improve. The company is focused on achieving its cost-saving targets and enhancing its resilience in the logistics sector [53].