Ryder(R) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]