Ryder(US:R)2025-10-23 16:00Financial 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]