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For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.

The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.

Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.

Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.

VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.

It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.

Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Landstar System (LSTR - Free Report) Landstar System is an asset-light provider of integrated transportation management solutions, incorporated in 1991. Based in Jacksonville, FL, the company provides services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico as well as other countries in North America. The company delivers safe, specialized transportation services to a broad range of customers by connecting them with over 101,000 third-party capacity owner partners. Its business model is such that a large part of its operating costs is directly proportional to revenues.

LSTR is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

Momentum investors should take note of this Transportation stock. LSTR has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 3.2% over the past four weeks.

Seven analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.18 to $5.73 per share. LSTR also boasts an average earnings surprise of +2.6%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, LSTR should be on investors' short list.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Landstar System, Inc. (NASDAQ:LSTR), announced today it will release its 2026 second quarter results after the market closes on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, and will then hold its quarterly conference call with analysts and investors at 4:30 p.m. ET that afternoon to discuss the second quarter results. To access the webcast, visit investor.landstar.com; click on "Webcasts"; and then "Landstar's Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Release Conference Call."

For those unable to participate in the live call, or for those who do not have access to the Internet, the call will be available on telephone replay for 48 hours. The telephone replay number for the U.S. and Canada is (800) 819-5743 and for international calls is (203) 369-3828.

About Landstar:

Landstar System, Inc., is a technology-enabled, asset-light provider of integrated transportation management solutions delivering safe, specialized transportation services to a broad range of customers utilizing a network of agents, third-party capacity providers and employees. Landstar transportation services companies are certified to ISO 9001:2015 quality management system standards and RC14001:2015 environmental, health, safety and security management system standards. Landstar System, Inc. is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Its common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market® under the symbol LSTR.

For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.

Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.

It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.

Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.

VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +24% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.

Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Landstar System (LSTR - Free Report) Landstar System is an asset-light provider of integrated transportation management solutions, incorporated in 1991. Based in Jacksonville, FL, the company provides services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico as well as other countries in North America. The company delivers safe, specialized transportation services to a broad range of customers by connecting them with over 101,000 third-party capacity owner partners. Its business model is such that a large part of its operating costs is directly proportional to revenues.

LSTR is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.

Momentum investors should take note of this Transportation stock. LSTR has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 3.3% over the past four weeks.

For fiscal 2026, seven analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.13 to $5.57 per share. LSTR boasts an average earnings surprise of +2.6%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, LSTR should be on investors' short list.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 16, 2026) - Lodestar Metals Corp. (TSXV: LSTR) (OTC PINK: SVTNF) (FSE: PR90) ("Lodestar" or the "Company") a junior exploration company focused on unlocking world-class gold potential in Nevada, is pleased to announce the acquisition of an important mining patent on its flagship Gold Run project.

"The purchase agreement on the Black Diamond patent is another important step forward for Lodestar," said Lowell Kamin, President & CEO of Lodestar Metals. "Research into the mining history at Black Diamond and recent fieldwork have elevated the potential of this exciting prospect area and given us more flexibility to drill and unlock its value."

Figure 1: Gridded silver-in-soil image showing rock assays for silver (ppm) clearly demonstrating extensive silver mineralisation over at least 550 metres strike

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3029/292737_d7db0eb4c4a5ebdb_001full.jpg

Black Diamond Mining Patent

A privately-owned mineral patent (the "Black Diamond Patent" or the "Patent"), measuring 600m by 80m, partially covers the northern portion of the Independence Trend, one of Lodestar's highest-priority drill target areas (Figure 1). The Patent covers much of the Black Diamond structure, where historical records document high-grade silver mineralization that was historically mined. Under the 1872 Mining Act, surface and mineral rights on unpatented mining claims with established mineral potential could be transferred to private ownership, creating a patented mining claim. Lodestar executed a lease-and-purchase agreement for the Black Diamond Patent for the consideration set forth below. This is a significant opportunity for Lodestar, given that the Patent has been held for over 100 years and has never been drilled.

Previous work over the Black Diamond Patent has shown compelling evidence to support the validity of the target area for future exploration efforts:

Extensive historical rock chip sampling, as well as that by Lodestar in 2024, demonstrates that silver mineralisation at surface ranges from 20 g/t and up to 3,307 g/t over at least 550 metres of strike (Figure 1) (see NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Gold Run property, May 12, 2025).

Soil sampling by Lodestar shows a high tenor silver-in-soil anomaly over the Black Diamond Patent over the same 550m strike with soil values over 1 g/t silver and up to 33 g/t silver (see News Release Oct 28, 2025).

Historical DDIP work indicates at least one strong, untested chargeability anomaly along the western edge of the Black Diamond Patent (Figure 2), which is a target for the current round of drilling (see News Release Dec 2, 2025).

New DDIP work by Lodestar Metals showed a second DDIP anomaly with depth extent down to 200m (Figure 2) along the western edge of the Patent area, further supporting the validity of the prospect area (see News Release March 10, 2026).

Figure 2: 3D Image looking northwest showing the Black Diamond Mining Patent (dash white) and highlight rock assays for silver and gold (coloured cubes) and associated DDIP chargeability anomalies.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3029/292737_d7db0eb4c4a5ebdb_002full.jpg

The geology of the Black Diamond area is characterized by extensive irregular thrust faults and a close association with felsic dykes that were mapped by Cambior in 1997 (Figures 1 and 3). Rock chip assays by Lodestar at Black Diamond in 2024 indicate a close association of high grade silver with various other metals: gold up to 2.7 g/t, copper up to 0.5%, lead up to 1%, zinc up to 0.4% and pathfinder metals arsenic up to 1000 ppm, molybdenum up to 49 ppm, and antimony up to 955 ppm. This metal association suggests possible polymetallic, intrusion-related mineralization.With the Black Diamond Patent lease, Lodestar has the flexibility to drill near-surface targets for silver mineralization. The Patent area is being assessed for drilling in the current program.

Figure 3: Interpreted bedrock geology map of the Gold Run Project showing the highlight gold intercepts from previous drilling, location of DDIP lines, and the location of the newly acquired Mining Patent.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3029/292737_d7db0eb4c4a5ebdb_003full.jpg

Terms of the Lease and Purchase Agreement

Under the terms of the Lease and Purchase Agreement, Lodestar may acquire the Patent by making cash payments totalling USD $75,000 as follows: USD $20,000 on signing; USD $20,000 on the first anniversary; and USD $35,000 on the second anniversary. Upon acquisition of the Patent, Lodestar will grant a 2% net smelter return royalty to the vendor, which may be repurchased in its entirety for USD $75,000.

Disclaimers

1 Summaries of drill targets and intercepts, and supporting technical data were provided in the Company's December 2, 2025, News Release.
2 The Company has identified historical drill intercepts in the Property's historical database, which was acquired. The Company has not verified the intercepts, and there is limited available information regarding sampling methodologies, analytical procedures, and associated QAQC protocols. The historical intercepts are considered relevant for exploration targeting, which is intended to validate and assess the continuity and reliability of the reported mineralization. Readers are cautioned that the historical information should not be relied upon until it has been independently verified.

Qualified Person

Ty Magee, P. Geo., a Qualified Person, as defined by NI 43-101, and a consultant to the Company, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

ABOUT LODESTAR METALS

Lodestar Metals Corp. is a Canadian gold exploration company focused on advancing the drill-ready Gold Run Project in Nevada, strategically located on a major Carlin-type gold trend and adjacent to some of the largest gold deposits in North America. With decades of combined geological and capital markets expertise, Lodestar follows a disciplined, step-by-step approach to discovery. The Company's strategy is clear: focus capital on high-value targets, move quickly on known mineralization, and build a compliant gold resource that delivers lasting shareholder value. For more information, please visit www.lodestarmetals.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Lodestar cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by several material factors, many of which are beyond Lodestar's control. Such factors include, among other things, risks and uncertainties relating to Lodestar's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions, and results may differ materially from the estimates.

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292737

Source: Lodestar Metals Corp.

Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.

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The market expects Landstar System (LSTR - Free Report) to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended March 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook is important in assessing the company's earnings picture, but a powerful factor that might influence its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on April 28, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis freight shipper and warehouser is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.11 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +30.6%.

Revenues are expected to be $1.18 billion, up 2% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.87% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Landstar?For Landstar, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.60%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination indicates that Landstar will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Landstar would post earnings of $1.19 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.24, delivering a surprise of +4.20%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Landstar appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Landstar System, Inc. (NASDAQ: LSTR) (“Landstar” or the “Company”) today reported its financial results for the 2026 first quarter. The Company reported total revenue of $1.171 billion in the 2026 first quarter, an increase of 2% as compared to revenue of $1.153 billion in the 2025 first quarter, and basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $1.16 in the 2026 first quarter, an increase of 36% as compared to EPS of $0.85 per share in the 2025 first quarter. As a reminder, EPS in the 2025 first quarter was unfavorably impacted by approximately $0.10 related to the previously disclosed supply chain fraud matter. The Company also reported a 14% increase in gross profit and a 7% increase in variable contribution (defined as revenue less the cost of purchased transportation and commissions to agents) in the 2026 first quarter, as compared in each case to the 2025 first quarter.

“The Landstar team of independent business owners and employees executed well in a dynamic transportation backdrop, with our network generating higher truck transportation revenues and increased BCO utilization year-over-year,” said Landstar President and Chief Executive Officer Frank Lonegro. “I was particularly pleased with our variable contribution performance which reflected Landstar’s first year-over-year increase in variable contribution since the third quarter of 2022. We were encouraged by our improved first quarter results, attributable to a strengthening rate environment and the Company’s unwavering commitment to safety, security and service.”

 1Q 2026 1Q 2025 Change ($)Change (%) Revenue$1,171,291 $1,152,502 $18,789 1.6% Gross profit$112,542 $98,305 $14,237 14.5% Variable contribution$172,151 $161,310 $10,841 6.7% Operating income$53,236 $39,419 $13,817 35.1% Basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”)$1.16 $0.85 $0.31 36.5% (1) Dollars above in thousands, except per share amounts.(2) Please refer to the Consolidated Statements of Income and the Reconciliation of Gross Profit to Variable Contribution included below.  Landstar continues to return capital to stockholders through the Company’s stock purchase program and dividends. During the 2026 first quarter, Landstar purchased 150,923 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $22.6 million. The Company is currently authorized to purchase up to an additional 1,115,195 shares of the Company’s common stock under its longstanding share purchase program. Landstar also announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share payable on June 9, 2026, to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 19, 2026.

During the 2026 first quarter, truck revenue was $1,082 million, or 3% higher, as compared to the 2025 first quarter truck revenue of $1,050 million. Truck revenue per load increased approximately 6% in the 2026 first quarter compared to the 2025 first quarter, while the number of loads hauled via truck decreased approximately 2% compared to the 2025 first quarter.

Truck transportation revenue hauled by independent business capacity owners (“BCOs”) and truck brokerage carriers in the 2026 first quarter was 92% of revenue, compared to 91% of revenue in the 2025 first quarter. Truckload transportation revenue hauled via van equipment in the 2026 first quarter was $603 million, compared to $595 million in the 2025 first quarter. Truckload transportation revenue hauled via unsided/platform equipment in the 2026 first quarter was $369 million, compared to $340 million in the 2025 first quarter. Revenue from other truck transportation, which is largely related to power-only services, in the 2026 first quarter was $87 million, compared to $92 million in the 2025 first quarter. Revenue hauled by rail, air and ocean cargo carriers was $67 million, or 6% of revenue, in the 2026 first quarter, compared to $83 million, or 7% of revenue, in the 2025 first quarter.

Gross profit in the 2026 first quarter was $113 million, as compared to $98 million in the 2025 first quarter. Variable contribution in the 2026 first quarter was $172 million, compared to $161 million in the 2025 first quarter. Reconciliations of gross profit to variable contribution and gross profit margin to variable contribution margin for the 2026 and 2025 first quarters are provided in the Company’s accompanying financial disclosures.

The Company’s balance sheet continues to be very strong, with cash and short-term investments of approximately $411 million as of March 28, 2026. Trailing twelve-month return on average shareholders’ equity was 14%. Return on invested capital, representing net income divided by the sum of average equity plus average debt, was 13%.  

Landstar will provide a live webcast of its quarterly earnings conference call this afternoon at 4:30 p.m. ET. To access the webcast, visit www.investor.landstar.com; click on “Webcasts,” then click on “Landstar’s First Quarter 2026 Earnings Release Conference Call.” A slide presentation to accompany the webcast presentation is also available on Landstar’s investor relations website at https://investor.landstar.com/.

About Landstar:
Landstar System, Inc., is a technology-enabled, asset-light provider of freight transportation and logistics solutions focused on safety, security and service to a broad range of customers utilizing a network of agents, third-party capacity providers and employees. Landstar transportation services companies are certified to ISO 9001:2015 quality management system standards and RC14001:2015 environmental, health, safety and security management system standards. Landstar System, Inc. is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Its common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market® under the symbol LSTR.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
In this earnings release and accompanying financial disclosures, the Company provides the following information that may be deemed non-GAAP financial measures: variable contribution and variable contribution margin. The Company believes variable contribution and variable contribution margin are useful measures of the variable costs that we incur at a shipment-by-shipment level attributable to our transportation network of third-party capacity providers and independent agents in order to provide services to our customers. The Company also believes that it is appropriate to present each of the financial measures that may be deemed a non-GAAP financial measure, as referred to above, for the following reasons: (1) disclosure of these matters will allow investors to better understand the underlying trends in the Company’s financial condition and results of operations; (2) this information will facilitate comparisons by investors of the Company’s results as compared to the results of peer companies; and (3) management considers this financial information in its decision making.

Forward Looking Statements Disclaimer:
The following is a “safe harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained in this press release that are not based on historical facts are “forward-looking statements.” This press release contains forward-looking statements, such as statements which relate to Landstar’s business objectives, plans, strategies and expectations. Terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “intention,” “expects,” “plans,” “predicts,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “will,” the negative thereof and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are by nature subject to uncertainties and risks, including but not limited to: decreased demand for transportation services; U.S. trade relationships and potential or imposed tariffs; an increase in the frequency or severity of accidents or other claims; unfavorable development of existing accident claims; dependence on third party insurance companies; dependence on independent commission sales agents; dependence on third party capacity providers; the impact of the Russian conflict with Ukraine on the operations of certain independent commission sales agents, including the Company’s second largest such agent by revenue in the 2025 fiscal year; substantial industry competition; disruptions or failures in the Company’s computer systems; cyber and other information security incidents; dependence on key vendors; potential changes in taxes; status of independent contractors; regulatory and legislative changes; regulations focused on diesel emissions and other air quality matters; regulations requiring the purchase and use of zero-emission vehicles; intellectual property; acquisitions and investments; and other operational, financial or legal risks or uncertainties detailed in Landstar’s Form 10-K for the 2025 fiscal year, described in Part I, Item 1A Risk Factors, and in other SEC filings from time to time. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results or events to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. Investors should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

 Landstar System, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
  Thirteen Weeks Ended March 28,
 March 29, 2026
 2025
     Revenue$1,171,291  $1,152,502 Investment income 2,974   3,598      Costs and expenses:    Purchased transportation 906,997   897,878 Commissions to agents 92,143   93,314 Other operating costs, net of gains on asset sales/dispositions 14,800   11,829 Insurance and claims 35,564   39,852 Selling, general and administrative 60,965   61,582 Depreciation and amortization 10,560
   12,226      Total costs and expenses 1,121,029   1,116,681      Operating income 53,236   39,419 Interest and debt expense (income) 518   (159)     Income before income taxes 52,718   39,578 Income taxes 13,278   9,772      Net income$39,440  $29,806      Basic and diluted earnings per share$1.16  $0.85      Average basic and diluted shares outstanding 34,022,000   35,203,000      Dividends per common share$0.40  $0.36      Landstar System, Inc. and SubsidiaryConsolidated Balance Sheets(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)(Unaudited)     March 28, December 27, 2026
 2025
ASSETS   Current assets:   Cash and cash equivalents$353,255  $396,694 Short-term investments 57,697   55,531 Trade accounts receivable, less allowance
of $8,606 and $12,490 692,016   670,137 Other receivables, including advances to independent
contractors, less allowance of $15,791 and $18,759 48,402   52,784 Assets held for sale 11,788   12,231 Other current assets 20,443   28,949 Total current assets 1,183,601   1,216,326     Operating property, less accumulated depreciation
and amortization of $480,097 and $473,642 255,738   261,322 Goodwill 34,005   34,005 Other assets 128,854   124,282 Total assets$1,602,198  $1,635,935     LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY   Current liabilities:   Cash overdraft$54,432  $56,654 Accounts payable 396,654   369,567 Current maturities of long-term debt 26,121   28,342 Insurance claims 56,794   87,343 Dividends payable -   68,117 Liabilities held for sale 8,468   6,961 Other current liabilities 88,251   78,856 Total current liabilities 630,720   695,840     Long-term debt, excluding current maturities 43,145   48,480 Insurance claims 96,502   62,706 Deferred income taxes and other non-current liabilities 32,855   33,244     Shareholders' equity:   Common stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 160,000,000
shares, issued 68,619,240 and 68,590,708 686   686 Additional paid-in capital 263,740   261,256 Retained earnings 2,878,506   2,852,680 Cost of 34,691,030 and 34,531,982 shares of common
stock in treasury (2,336,869)  (2,313,245)Accumulated other comprehensive loss (7,087)  (5,712)Total shareholders' equity 798,976   795,665 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$1,602,198  $1,635,935  Landstar System, Inc. and SubsidiarySupplemental Information(Unaudited)     Thirteen Weeks Ended March 28, March 29, 2026
 2025
Revenue generated through (in thousands):       Truck transportation   Truckload:   Van equipment$603,406  $594,795 Unsided/platform equipment 368,569   340,408 Less-than-truckload 23,788   22,436 Other truck transportation (1) 86,518   92,079 Total truck transportation 1,082,281   1,049,718 Rail intermodal 19,314   17,487 Ocean and air cargo carriers 47,969   65,637 Other (2) 21,727   19,660  $1,171,291  $1,152,502     Revenue on loads hauled via BCO Independent Contractors (3)
included in total truck transportation$475,348  $427,057     Number of loads:       Truck transportation   Truckload:   Van equipment 277,711   288,063 Unsided/platform equipment 114,554   117,245 Less-than-truckload 34,925   35,580 Other truck transportation (1) 46,390   44,012 Total truck transportation 473,580   484,900 Rail intermodal 6,590   6,150 Ocean and air cargo carriers 6,710   9,120   486,880   500,170     Loads hauled via BCO Independent Contractors (3)
included in total truck transportation 207,610   194,070     Revenue per load:       Truck transportation   Truckload:   Van equipment$2,173  $2,065 Unsided/platform equipment 3,217   2,903 Less-than-truckload 681   631 Other truck transportation (1) 1,865   2,092 Total truck transportation 2,285   2,165 Rail intermodal 2,931   2,843 Ocean and air cargo carriers 7,149   7,197     Revenue per load on loads hauled via BCO Independent Contractors (3)$2,290  $2,201     Revenue by capacity type (as a % of total revenue):       Truck capacity providers:   BCO Independent Contractors (3) 41%  37%Truck Brokerage Carriers 52%  54%Rail intermodal 2%  2%Ocean and air cargo carriers 4%  6%Other 2%  2%         March 28, March 29, 2026
 2025
Truck Capacity Providers:       BCO Independent Contractors (3) 7,663   7,871 Truck Brokerage Carriers:   Approved and active (4) 37,647   47,323 Other approved 27,420   33,275   65,067   80,598 Total available truck capacity providers 72,730   88,469     Trucks provided by BCO Independent Contractors (3) 8,476   8,620         (1) Includes power-only, expedited, straight truck, cargo van, and miscellaneous other truck transportation revenue generated by the transportation logistics segment. Power-only refers to shipments where the Company furnishes a power unit and an operator but not trailing equipment, which is typically provided by the shipper or consignee.(2) Includes primarily reinsurance premium revenue generated by the insurance segment and intra-Mexico transportation services revenue generated by Landstar Metro.(3) BCO Independent Contractors are independent contractors who provide truck capacity to the Company under exclusive lease arrangements.
(4) Active refers to Truck Brokerage Carriers who moved at least one load in the 180 days immediately preceding the fiscal quarter end.
    Landstar System, Inc. and SubsidiaryReconciliation of Gross Profit to Variable Contribution(Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)  Thirteen Weeks Ended March 28, March 29, 2026
 2025
    Revenue$1,171,291  $1,152,502     Costs of revenue:   Purchased transportation 906,997   897,878 Commissions to agents 92,143   93,314     Variable costs of revenue 999,140   991,192     Trailing equipment depreciation 6,268   6,977 Information technology costs (1) 2,603   3,675 Insurance-related costs (2) 35,938   40,524 Other operating costs 14,800   11,829     Other costs of revenue 59,609   63,005     Total costs of revenue 1,058,749   1,054,197     Gross profit$112,542  $98,305     Gross profit margin 9.6%  8.5%    Plus: other costs of revenue 59,609   63,005     Variable contribution$172,151  $161,310     Variable contribution margin 14.7%  14.0%    (1) Includes costs of revenue incurred related to internally developed software including ASC 350-40 amortization, implementation costs, hosting costs and other support costs utilized to support the Company's independent commission sales agents, third party capacity providers, and customers, included as a portion of depreciation and amortization and of selling, general and administrative in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2) Primarily includes (i) insurance premiums paid for commercial auto liability, general liability, cargo and other lines of coverage related to the transportation of freight; (ii) the related cost of claims incurred under those programs; and (iii) brokerage commissions and other fees incurred relating to the administration of insurance programs available to BCO Independent Contractors that are reinsured by the Company, which are included in selling, general and administrative in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

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Landstar System (LSTR - Free Report) reported $1.17 billion in revenue for the quarter ended March 2026, representing a year-over-year increase of 1.6%. EPS of $1.16 for the same period compares to $0.85 a year ago.

The reported revenue represents a surprise of +0.98% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.16 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $1.11, the EPS surprise was +4.2%.

While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street expectations to determine their next course of action, some key metrics always provide a better insight into a company's underlying performance.

As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately.

Here is how Landstar performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:

Number of loads - Total: 486,880 versus the three-analyst average estimate of 488,977.Number of loads - Ocean and air cargo carriers: 6,710 versus 7,486 estimated by three analysts on average.Revenue per load - Ocean and air cargo carriers: $7,149.00 compared to the $7,550.72 average estimate based on three analysts.Revenue per load - Rail Intermodal: $2,931.00 versus the three-analyst average estimate of $2,935.95.Investment income: $2.97 million compared to the $2.94 million average estimate based on five analysts. The reported number represents a change of -17.3% year over year.Revenue: $1.17 billion versus $1.16 billion estimated by five analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +1.6% change.Revenue- Other: $21.73 million versus the four-analyst average estimate of $20.06 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +10.5%.Revenue- Rail Intermodal: $19.31 million versus $21.27 million estimated by three analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +10.5% change.Revenue- Truck Transportation: $1.08 billion compared to the $1.06 billion average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of +3.1% year over year.Revenue- Ocean and air cargo carriers: $47.97 million compared to the $57.05 million average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of -26.9% year over year.Revenue- Truck Transportation- Other Truck transportation: $86.52 million versus $99.89 million estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a -6% change.Revenue- Truck Transportation- Less-than-truckload: $23.79 million compared to the $22.85 million average estimate based on two analysts. The reported number represents a change of +6% year over year.View all Key Company Metrics for Landstar here>>>

Shares of Landstar have returned +14.8% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +12.8% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

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Published in earnings earnings-estimates-revisions earnings-surprise

Landstar System Inc (NASDAQ:LSTR) reported better-than-expected earnings for the first quarter on Tuesday.

The company posted quarterly earnings of $1.16 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.12 per share. The company reported quarterly sales of $1.171 billion which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.156 billion.

Landstar System shares rose 2.4% to trade at $186.82 on Wednesday.

These analysts made changes to their price targets on Landstar System following earnings announcement.

Considering buying LSTR stock? Here’s what analysts think:

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Posted by Defense World Staff on Apr 29th, 2026

Cwm LLC raised its stake in shares of Landstar System, Inc. (NASDAQ:LSTR – Free Report) by 196.5% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 6,149 shares of the transportation company’s stock after acquiring an additional 4,075 shares during the period. Cwm LLC’s holdings in Landstar System were worth $884,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Boston Partners lifted its stake in Landstar System by 24.1% during the 3rd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 1,761,526 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $216,242,000 after acquiring an additional 341,808 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP lifted its stake in Landstar System by 31.8% during the 3rd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 964,297 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $118,184,000 after acquiring an additional 232,682 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in Landstar System by 2.9% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 746,506 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $91,492,000 after acquiring an additional 21,163 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp lifted its stake in Landstar System by 4.3% during the 3rd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 646,691 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $79,258,000 after acquiring an additional 26,905 shares during the period. Finally, Reinhart Partners LLC. lifted its stake in Landstar System by 36.4% during the 3rd quarter. Reinhart Partners LLC. now owns 581,293 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $71,245,000 after acquiring an additional 155,260 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 97.95% of the company’s stock.

Landstar System Price Performance Shares of NASDAQ:LSTR opened at $182.41 on Wednesday. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $160.58 and its 200-day moving average price is $147.67. Landstar System, Inc. has a twelve month low of $119.32 and a twelve month high of $182.78. The company has a quick ratio of 1.75, a current ratio of 1.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.20 billion, a PE ratio of 55.11 and a beta of 0.80.

Landstar System (NASDAQ:LSTR – Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, April 28th. The transportation company reported $1.16 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.11 by $0.05. Landstar System had a net margin of 2.42% and a return on equity of 17.68%. The company had revenue of $1.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $1.15 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.95 EPS. The firm’s revenue was up 1.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts expect that Landstar System, Inc. will post 5.44 EPS for the current year.

Landstar System announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, April 28th that authorizes the company to buyback 1,115,195,000,000 shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the transportation company to repurchase up to 3.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are generally an indication that the company’s board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Landstar System Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 19th will be issued a dividend of $0.40 per share. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, May 19th. Landstar System’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 48.34%.

Key Stories Impacting Landstar System Here are the key news stories impacting Landstar System this week:

Positive Sentiment: Q1 results beat expectations — Landstar reported EPS of $1.16 (vs. ~ $1.10 consensus) and revenue of $1.171B (slightly above estimates); net income and operating profit rose year‑over‑year, supporting upside to short‑term earnings momentum. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Operating cash flow improved materially — cash from operations increased ~60% year‑over‑year to about $89M, which strengthens the company’s ability to fund capital needs, dividends or buybacks. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Board authorized a share repurchase program — Landstar approved repurchases equal to roughly 3.3% of outstanding shares, a signal management views the stock as attractive and that buybacks could be a near‑term support for the share price. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst coverage and targets are mixed — recent analyst targets range widely (median ~ $155), showing differing views on growth vs. valuation; that leaves room for both upside and downside revisions. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Institutional repositioning is active — recent 13F/hedge fund flows show large, mixed moves in and out of LSTR, which can increase volatility but does not clearly bias direction. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Top‑line growth remains modest — revenue rose only ~1.6–1.9% year‑over‑year, suggesting limited near‑term sales acceleration and keeping performance sensitive to freight demand cycles. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Valuation and balance‑sheet notes — LSTR trades at a high trailing P/E (~55) and cash on hand was down YoY while liabilities edged higher; those factors limit upside for investors expecting multiple expansion. Read More. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have issued reports on LSTR shares. TD Cowen restated a “hold” rating on shares of Landstar System in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Weiss Ratings cut shares of Landstar System from a “hold (c-)” rating to a “sell (d+)” rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 14th. Susquehanna increased their price objective on shares of Landstar System from $160.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 22nd. Benchmark reiterated a “hold” rating on shares of Landstar System in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Landstar System from $134.00 to $162.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $155.55.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on LSTR

Landstar System Profile (Free Report)

Landstar System, Inc provides integrated transportation management solutions through a network of independent agents and third-party capacity providers. The company specializes in truckload brokerage, intermodal, air and ocean freight, expedited and heavy-haul services, along with value-added offerings such as cargo insurance, customs brokerage and supply chain management. Landstar’s proprietary technology platform enables real-time load matching, shipment tracking and data analytics to optimize fleet utilization and improve customer service.

Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Landstar pioneered an asset-light brokerage model that has evolved into a global logistics operation.

Read More Five stocks we like better than Landstar System Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LSTR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Landstar System, Inc. (NASDAQ:LSTR – Free Report).

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It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.

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Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.

Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.

VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.

It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.93% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.

For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Landstar System (LSTR - Free Report) Landstar System is an asset-light provider of integrated transportation management solutions, incorporated in 1991. Based in Jacksonville, FL, the company provides services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico as well as other countries in North America. The company delivers safe, specialized transportation services to a broad range of customers by connecting them with over 101,000 third-party capacity owner partners. Its business model is such that a large part of its operating costs is directly proportional to revenues.

LSTR is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

Momentum investors should take note of this Transportation stock. LSTR has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 11.2% over the past four weeks.

Five analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.14 to $5.55 per share. LSTR also boasts an average earnings surprise of +2.6%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, LSTR should be on investors' short list.

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.

Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.

Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.

Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.

VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.

It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.7% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

But it can feel overwhelming to pick the right stocks for you and your investing goals with over 800 top-rated stocks to choose from.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.

Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.

A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Landstar System (LSTR - Free Report) Landstar System is an asset-light provider of integrated transportation management solutions, incorporated in 1991. Based in Jacksonville, FL, the company provides services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico as well as other countries in North America. The company delivers safe, specialized transportation services to a broad range of customers by connecting them with over 101,000 third-party capacity owner partners. Its business model is such that a large part of its operating costs is directly proportional to revenues.

LSTR is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.

Momentum investors should take note of this Transportation stock. LSTR has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 6.8% over the past four weeks.

Six analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.14 to $5.55 per share. LSTR also boasts an average earnings surprise of +2.6%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, LSTR should be on investors' short list.

Key Takeaways LSTR supports shareholders through dividends and buybacks while maintaining a low debt profile. LSTR is hurt by reduced demand for freight services and increased truck capacity. LSTR shares have gained in the past year, but lag its industry and peers like JBHT and KNX. Landstar System, Inc.’s (LSTR - Free Report) efforts to develop its heavy haul services and cross-border transportation with Mexico and reward shareholders are commendable. The positive sentiment surrounding LSTR stock is evident from the fact that the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the second quarter of 2026 and the third quarter of 2026 earnings has been revised upward in the past 60 days. The consensus mark for 2026 and 2027 earnings has also been projected northward in the past 60 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The favorable estimate revisions indicate brokers’ confidence in the stock.

Given this encouraging backdrop, let’s delve deeper to find out whether it is worth buying, selling or holding the LSTR stock at current prices.

Tailwinds Working in Favor of LSTR StockLandstar's efforts to develop its heavy haul services in addition to the cross-border transportation with Mexico are commendable. Cross-border transportation offers significant growth opportunities to LSTR as companies are increasingly sourcing products from Mexico because it moves production lines close to the United States, not only saving production costs but also making the supply chain more secure. Development of the company's heavy haul services should also boost profitability. Heavy haul business refers to the transportation of loads that are larger and heavier than the prepared roadways and bridges can bear, and they need specialized equipment and expert drivers. By bolstering its heavy haul capabilities, LSTR will be able to deliver goods between different sectors (mining, construction and manufacturing) that need transportation of large machinery and equipment.

Landstar’s strong balance sheet increases financial flexibility. The company ended first-quarter 2026 with cash and cash equivalents (and short-term investments) of $353.25 million, much higher than the current debt level of $26.1 million. This implies that the company has sufficient cash to meet its current debt obligations. Meanwhile, long-term debt has decreased to $43.14 million at first-quarter 2026-end from $48.5 million at fourth-quarter 2025-end.

A solid balance sheet enables the company to reward shareholders with dividends and share repurchases. As a reflection of its shareholder-friendly stance, in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, LSTR paid dividends of $115.6 million, $117.1 million, $120.5 million and $124.7 million, respectively. Dividend-paying stocks like LSTR are generally safe bets for creating wealth, as these payouts act as a hedge against economic uncertainty, which characterizes current times.

Landstar is also active on the buyback front. LSTR repurchased shares worth $285.9 million in 2022, $53.9 million in 2023, $81.4 million in 2024 and $179.8 million in 2025. During the first quarter of 2026, Landstar purchased 150,923 shares for $22.6 million. Landstar is currently authorized to purchase up to an additional 1,115,195 shares under its longstanding share purchase program. Buybacks not only reduce the total outstanding share count, thereby increasing earnings per share, but also signal management's belief in the intrinsic value of the stock.

Impressive Valuation Picture for LSTR StockLandstar looks cheap from a valuation standpoint. Considering the forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio (P/S-F12M), LSTR is trading at a discount compared to the industry.

The stock has a forward 12-month P/S-F12M of 1.29X compared with 2.70X for the industry over the past five years. These factors indicate that the stock’s valuation is attractive.

LSTR P/S Ratio (Forward 12 Months) Vs. Industry Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

LSTR Stock’s Price PerformanceShares of LSTR stock have gained 45.8% over the past year, underperforming the transportation-truck industry’s 59.2% surge, as well as that of other industry players, J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT - Free Report) and Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. (KNX - Free Report) , within the same time frame.

LSTR Stock’s One-Year Price Comparison Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Headwinds Weighing on LSTR StockLandstar is being hurt by reduced demand for freight services and increased truck capacity. Due to the weakness in freight demand, shipment volumes and rates are low. The top line has been suffering mainly due to the below-par performance of its key segment, namely, truck transportation. Revenues are likely to be weak in the future as well.

Risks associated with the economic slowdown, geopolitical tensions and tariff-induced economic uncertainty continue to bother the stock’s performance. As things stand now, consumer spending and business investments remain low, and production levels have decreased in response to reduced demand, affecting demand for goods transportation and resulting in a freight recession (The Cass Freight Shipments Index, which declined 4.4% year over year in April 2026, 4.5% year over year in March 2026, 7.2% year over year in February 2026 and 7.1% in January 2026. This measure has also deteriorated year over year in each of the past 12 months in 2025, which confirms the overall declining trend). We currently believe that these factors indicate persistent weakness in freight demand through the remainder of this year.

The still-high inflation reading continues to hurt consumer sentiment and growth expectations. With labor and material costs showing no signs of letting off, the ability to pass these increases through to the consumer will determine the profitability of trucking companies like LSTR.

The truck industry, of which Landstar is an integral part, has been persistently battling a driver shortage for several years. As old drivers are retiring, trucking companies are finding it difficult to find new drivers to take their place since the low-paying job does not appeal to the younger generation.

Time to Hold LSTR StockIt is understood that LSTR stock is currently attractively valued. Moreover, Landstar's efforts to develop its heavy haul services are commendable and should boost profitability. Cross-border transportation with Mexico also offers significant growth opportunities. A solid balance sheet allows the company to continue paying dividends and buying back shares, reflecting its pro-shareholder stance.

Despite these positives, we advise investors not to buy LSTR stock now, as it continues to be hurt by reduced demand for freight services and increased truck capacity. Due to the demand weakness, shipment volumes and rates are low. Driver shortage continues to be another major concern. Considering all these factors, we advise investors to wait for a better entry point and not buy LSTR now. For those who already own the stock, it will be prudent to stay invested. The company’s current Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) justifies our analysis. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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Stock to Watch: Landstar System (LSTR - Free Report) Landstar System is an asset-light provider of integrated transportation management solutions, incorporated in 1991. Based in Jacksonville, FL, the company provides services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico as well as other countries in North America. The company delivers safe, specialized transportation services to a broad range of customers by connecting them with over 101,000 third-party capacity owner partners. Its business model is such that a large part of its operating costs is directly proportional to revenues.

LSTR is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.

Momentum investors should take note of this Transportation stock. LSTR has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 26% over the past four weeks.

Seven analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.17 to $5.57 per share. LSTR also boasts an average earnings surprise of +2.6%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, LSTR should be on investors' short list.