Wall Street analysts forecast that Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL - Free Report) will report quarterly earnings of $1.52 per share in its upcoming release, pointing to a year-over-year increase of 19.7%. It is anticipated that revenues will amount to $1.54 billion, exhibiting an increase of 9.5% compared to the year-ago quarter.
Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been adjusted upward by 2.8% to its current level. This demonstrates the covering analysts' collective reassessment of their initial projections during this period.
Prior to a company's earnings release, it is of utmost importance to factor in any revisions made to the earnings projections. These revisions serve as a critical gauge for predicting potential investor behaviors with respect to the stock. Empirical studies consistently reveal a strong link between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.
While investors usually depend on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to assess the business performance for the quarter, delving into analysts' forecasts for certain key metrics often provides a more comprehensive understanding.
In light of this perspective, let's dive into the average estimates of certain Old Dominion metrics that are commonly tracked and forecasted by Wall Street analysts.
Analysts forecast 'Operating Ratio' to reach 72.6%. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of 74.6%.
Analysts expect 'LTL tonnage per day' to come in at 32 thousands of ton per day. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 33 thousands of ton per day.
The average prediction of analysts places 'LTL shipments per day' at 42.53 thousand. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 44.91 thousand in the same quarter last year.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'LTL revenue per hundredweight' should come in at $37.36 . The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $32.84 .
Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'LTL revenue per hundredweight, excluding fuel surcharges' should arrive at $29.69 . The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $28.17 .
The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Work days' will likely reach 64 days. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 64 days in the same quarter last year.
The consensus among analysts is that 'LTL weight per shipment (lbs.)' will reach $1503.0 pounds. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $1478.0 pounds.
It is projected by analysts that the 'LTL shipments' will reach 2,722 . The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 2,874 .
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'LTL tons' of 2045 thousands of tons. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of 2123 thousands of tons.
View all Key Company Metrics for Old Dominion here>>>
Shares of Old Dominion have demonstrated returns of +4.8% over the past month compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.6% change. With a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), ODFL is expected to beat the overall market performance in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Momentum investing is all about the idea of following a stock's recent trend, which can be in either direction. In the "long context," investors will essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." And for investors following this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving in that direction. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.
While many investors like to look for momentum in stocks, this can be very tough to define. There is a lot of debate surrounding which metrics are the best to focus on and which are poor quality indicators of future performance. The Zacks Momentum Style Score, part of the Zacks Style Scores, helps address this issue for us.
Below, we take a look at Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL - Free Report) , which currently has a Momentum Style Score of B. We also discuss some of the main drivers of the Momentum Style Score, like price change and earnings estimate revisions.
It's also important to note that Style Scores work as a complement to the Zacks Rank, our stock rating system that has an impressive track record of outperformance. Old Dominion Freight Line currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy). Our research shows that stocks rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and #2 (Buy) and Style Scores of "A or B" outperform the market over the following one-month period.
You can see the current list of Zacks #1 Rank Stocks here >>>
Set to Beat the Market? In order to see if ODFL is a promising momentum pick, let's examine some Momentum Style elements to see if this trucking company holds up.
Looking at a stock's short-term price activity is a great way to gauge if it has momentum, since this can reflect both the current interest in a stock and if buyers or sellers have the upper hand at the moment. It's also helpful to compare a security to its industry; this can show investors the best companies in a particular area.
For ODFL, shares are up 2.73% over the past week while the Zacks Transportation - Truck industry is up 2.92% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 6.28% compares favorably with the industry's 5.37% performance as well.
While any stock can see its price increase, it takes a real winner to consistently beat the market. That is why looking at longer term price metrics -- such as performance over the past three months or year -- can be useful as well. Over the past quarter, shares of Old Dominion Freight Line have risen 11.2%, and are up 40.25% in the last year. In comparison, the S&P 500 has only moved 5.37% and 20.16%, respectively.
Investors should also pay attention to ODFL's average 20-day trading volume. Volume is a useful item in many ways, and the 20-day average establishes a good price-to-volume baseline; a rising stock with above average volume is generally a bullish sign, whereas a declining stock on above average volume is typically bearish. ODFL is currently averaging 1,479,281 shares for the last 20 days.
Earnings OutlookThe Zacks Momentum Style Score encompasses many things, including estimate revisions and a stock's price movement. Investors should note that earnings estimates are also significant to the Zacks Rank, and a nice path here can be promising. We have recently been noticing this with ODFL.
Over the past two months, 10 earnings estimates moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. These revisions helped boost ODFL's consensus estimate, increasing from $5.32 to $5.56 in the past 60 days. Looking at the next fiscal year, 8 estimates have moved upwards while there have been 1 downward revision in the same time period.
Bottom LineTaking into account all of these elements, it should come as no surprise that ODFL is a #2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B. If you've been searching for a fresh pick that's set to rise in the near-term, make sure to keep Old Dominion Freight Line on your short list.
THOMASVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (Nasdaq: ODFL) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.29 per share of common stock, payable on September 16, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 2, 2026. This dividend payment represents a 3.6% increase to the quarterly cash dividend paid in September 2025. Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the safe harbor prov.
Looking for a stock that has been consistently beating earnings estimates and might be well positioned to keep the streak alive in its next quarterly report? Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Transportation - Truck industry, could be a great candidate to consider.
When looking at the last two reports, this trucking company has recorded a strong streak of surpassing earnings estimates. The company has topped estimates by 5.70%, on average, in the last two quarters.
For the most recent quarter, Old Dominion was expected to post earnings of $1.05 per share, but it reported $1.14 per share instead, representing a surprise of 8.57%. For the previous quarter, the consensus estimate was $1.06 per share, while it actually produced $1.09 per share, a surprise of 2.83%.
Price and EPS Surprise
Thanks in part to this history, there has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for Old Dominion lately. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the stock is positive, which is a great indicator of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with its solid Zacks Rank.
Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. 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.
Old Dominion has an Earnings ESP of +1.02% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner. The company's next earnings report is expected to be released on July 29, 2026.
Investors should note, however, that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss, but a negative value does reduce the predictive power of this metric.
Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.
Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
Key Takeaways Old Dominion is set to report Q2 results on July 29, with earnings and revenue estimates up y/y. ODFL's cost-based pricing and disciplined yield management are expected to support LTL revenue growth. Middle East tensions and supply-chain disruptions may weigh, as other-services revenue is seen down 40% Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL - Free Report) is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 29, before the market opens.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter 2026 earnings has been revised upward by 6.29% over the past 60 days to $1.52 per share. The consensus mark indicates a 19.69% increase from second-quarter 2025 actuals. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter 2026 revenues is pegged at $1.53 billion, indicating a 8.93% increase from the second quarter of 2025 actuals.
Old Dominion has an encouraging earnings surprise history. The company’s earnings have outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, delivering an average beat of 3.69%.
Let’s see how things have shaped up for ODFL this earnings season.
Factors Likely to Have Influenced ODFL's Q2 PerformanceWe expect ODFL's performance in the to-be-reported quarter to have benefited from its cost-based pricing approach, which helps offset inflationary cost pressures while supporting customer retention and freight volumes.
The company’s consistent execution of its disciplined yield management strategy is expected to have boosted its LTL revenue-per-hundredweight metric. LTL revenue per hundredweight increased 2.4% in 2024 and 3.9% year over year in 2025. The metric is expected to have continued improving in 2026 as the company optimized its pricing and freight mix.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Old Dominion’s second-quarter 2026 LTL services revenues is pegged at $1.51 billion, indicating an 8% increase from the year-ago reported figure.
On the contrary, the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and supply-chain disruptions are likely to have materially affected ODFL’s performance in the March-end quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for total revenues from other services is pinned at $7.57 million, indicating a 40% decline from the year-ago reported figure.
What Our Model Says About ODFLOur proven model conclusively predicts an earnings beat for ODFL this time. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Old Dominion has an Earnings ESP of +1.93% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Highlights of ODFL’s Q1 ResultsODFL reported solid first-quarter 2026 results, wherein its earnings and revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Quarterly earnings per share of $1.14 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.05 but dipped 4.2% year over year. Revenues of $1.33 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.31 billion but decreased 2.9% year over year.
Other Stocks to ConsiderHere are a few stocks from the broader Zacks Transportation sector that investors may consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this reporting cycle.
Herc Holdings Inc. (HRI - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +14.47% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. HRI is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 28, before the market opens.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter 2026 earnings has been revised upward by 7.04% over the past 60 days to 76 cents per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $1.15 billion, indicating a 16.75% increase from second-quarter 2025 actuals.
Schneider National (SNDR - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +1.50% and a Zacks Rank #1 at present. SNDR is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 earnings on July 30.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter 2026 earnings has remained flat at 22 cents over the past 60 days. SNDR’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in one of the preceding four quarters (missing the mark twice and met the mark once in the remaining three quarters). The average miss is 17.97%.
Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.
The earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 29, 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 management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus EstimateThis trucking company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.52 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +19.7%.
Revenues are expected to be $1.54 billion, up 9.5% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 2.83% 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 an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.
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 Old Dominion?For Old Dominion, 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 +1.02%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #2.
So, this combination indicates that Old Dominion will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.
Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. 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 Old Dominion would post earnings of $1.05 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.14, delivering a surprise of +8.57%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three 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.
Old Dominion 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.
An Industry Player's Expected ResultsAnother stock from the Zacks Transportation - Truck industry, Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $1.52 per share for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +19.7%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $1.54 billion, up 9.5% from the year-ago quarter.
The consensus EPS estimate for Old Dominion has been revised 2.8% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. However, a higher Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +1.02%.
This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), suggests that Old Dominion will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times.
Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.
On July 16, 2026, Old Dominion Freight Line Inc (ODFL) shares rose 5.3% to a current price of $237.15. Over the past year, the stock has experienced significant
THOMASVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (Nasdaq: ODFL) announced today that it plans to release its second quarter 2026 financial results before opening of trading on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The Company will also hold a conference call to discuss its financial results and outlook at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
An online, real-time webcast of Old Dominion’s quarterly conference call will be available at ir.odfl.com on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). The online replay will be available at approximately 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and continue for 30 days. A telephonic replay of the call can be accessed starting at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) and will be available through August 5, 2026, at 1-855-669-9658, access code 8521187.
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is one of the largest North American LTL motor carriers and provides regional, inter-regional and national LTL services through a single integrated, union-free organization. Our service offerings, which include expedited transportation, are provided through an expansive network of service centers located throughout the continental United States. Through strategic alliances, we also provide LTL services throughout North America. In addition to our core LTL services, we offer a range of value-added services including container drayage, truckload brokerage and supply chain consulting.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of ODFL either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
On June 17, 2026, Old Dominion Freight Line Inc ODFL shares fell 5.7% to a current price of $218.36. The stock has exhibited a range of performance over the past year, with a 52-week high of $252.03 and a low of $126.01. The recent decline follows a 39.6% year-to-date increase, showcasing both the volatility and potential growth of the stock.
GF Value™ verdict: The current price of $218.36 is 18.9% above the GF Value™ estimate of $183.61, indicating the stock is overvalued.GF Score™: ODFL has a strong GF Score™ of 93/100, suggesting it has solid fundamentals and potential for long-term returns.Most notable signal: The financial strength of ODFL is rated at a perfect 10/10, highlighting its robust financial position. Is ODFL Overvalued or Undervalued? Old Dominion Freight Line Inc's current price of $218.36 is significantly above its GF Value™ of $183.61, marking the stock as 18.9% overvalued. This valuation suggests that the market may be pricing in overly optimistic growth expectations or that the stock has experienced excessive upward momentum. The GF Valuation label categorizes ODFL as Modestly Overvalued, indicating that while the company possesses strong fundamentals, the current price may not accurately reflect its intrinsic value.
The margin of safety, defined as the difference between the intrinsic value and the market price, is negative in this case, posing a risk for potential investors. If the market corrects itself, ODFL's stock price could decline, leading to potential losses for shareholders. GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates.
How Does ODFL's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) 45.7x 32.9x Forward P/E 40.2x N/A Old Dominion Freight Line's current P/E (TTM) of 45.7x is substantially higher than its 5-year median P/E of 32.9x, indicating that the stock is trading at a premium compared to its historical valuation. This analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, reinforcing the conclusion that ODFL is overvalued based on its historical performance metrics.
What Does ODFL's GF Score™ Tell Us? Metric Rating GF Score™ 93 Financial Strength 10/10 Profitability 9/10 Growth 9/10 Valuation 5/10 Momentum 10/10 The GF Score™ for Old Dominion Freight Line Inc is an impressive 93/100, highlighting its strong fundamentals across several critical dimensions. The company excels in Financial Strength (10/10), Profitability (9/10), Growth (9/10), and Momentum (10/10). However, the Valuation rank of 5/10 indicates that, while the company's financial and operational metrics are strong, its current market valuation may not align with these strengths, contributing to the assessment of being overvalued.
What Are Insiders Doing with ODFL Stock? In the past three months, insiders have sold a total of $4.2 million worth of ODFL stock without any buying activity reported. This pattern of selling could indicate a lack of confidence among insiders regarding the stock's current valuation or future performance. Insider selling may signal that those with the most intimate knowledge of the company's operations believe that the stock is currently priced too high.
What This Means for Investors Based on the analysis of GF Value™, ODFL is currently overvalued at a price of $218.36 compared to its intrinsic value estimate of $183.61. Investors should approach ODFL with caution, given the significant premium over its GF Value™ and the recent insider selling activity.
For the complete analysis, visit the Old Dominion Freight Line Inc ODFL stock page. You can also explore the GF Value™ page for detailed valuation methodology, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find similar opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions What is ODFL's GF Score™?
ODFL has a GF Score™ of 93/100, indicating strong fundamentals and the potential for long-term returns based on key financial metrics.
Is ODFL overvalued or undervalued?
ODFL is currently overvalued, with a GF Value™ estimate of $183.61 compared to its market price of $218.36, suggesting a premium that may not be justified by its fundamentals.
What is ODFL's P/E ratio?
ODFL's P/E ratio is 45.7x (TTM), which is significantly above its 5-year median P/E of 32.9x, indicating that the stock is trading at a premium compared to its historical valuation.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
Shares in Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL +1.23%) declined by 11.9% last week after a downgrade from a Citi analyst. Even though the price rose to $228 from $225, the analyst downgraded the stock to sell from neutral.
The freight company is known for being a high-quality operator in the niche less-than-truckload (LTL) market in the U.S. The LTL market involves moving shipments that are too large for package delivery companies, such as UPS and FedEx, but too small to fill a trailer. It's a relatively complex operation as its trailers are often filled with shipments for multiple customers, implying sophisticated logistics and multiple network terminals.
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That said, it's still a market whose end demand fluctuates with freight growth. The good news is there are signs that the market is set to turn up in 2026. As previously discussed, leading industry freight data has already turned positive month over month and is likely to deliver year-over-year growth in due course.
The issue, at least from the stock's perspective, is that much of the good news appears to be already priced into the sector, with Old Dominion's stock still up 41% so far this year. As such, the analyst's call appears to reflect a valuation matter rather than any view on market direction, not least because shipment data and manufacturing sentiment indices continue to show improvement.
ODFL EV to EBITDA data by YCharts
Where next for Old Dominion stock? The outlook is improving, but valuations look toppy, all of which suggests Old Dominion is an excellent stock to monitor with a view to buying on any extended weakness. As such, the Citi analyst downgrade may actually encourage more investors to take a look at the stock.
Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Old Dominion Freight Line and United Parcel Service. The Motley Fool recommends FedEx. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
On June 15, 2026, Old Dominion Freight Line Inc ODFL shares fell 3.4% to a current price of $237.42. This decline comes amid a 52-week range that has seen a high of $252.03 and a low of $126.01, reflecting notable volatility in the stock's performance.
GF Value™ verdict: ODFL shares are currently priced at $237.42 compared to a GF Value™ of $183.53, indicating the stock is 29.4% overvalued.GF Score™: ODFL has a strong GF Score™ of 92/100, suggesting it has favorable fundamentals compared to its peers.Most notable signal: The financial strength rating of 10/10 indicates a robust financial position for the company. Is ODFL Overvalued or Undervalued? The current market price of Old Dominion Freight Line Inc ODFL is $237.42, which is significantly higher than its GF Value™ of $183.53. This discrepancy suggests that the stock is overvalued by approximately 29.4%. The GF Valuation label classifies ODFL as "Modestly Overvalued," indicating that while the company may be fundamentally strong, its stock price may not be justified by its intrinsic value at this time.
Investors looking at ODFL should consider the margin of safety that GF Value™ offers. Typically, a higher margin of safety provides a buffer against investment risks. With ODFL being overvalued, there is a risk that the stock price may not sustain its current levels, especially if market conditions shift or if the company’s performance does not meet expectations. GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates.
How Does ODFL's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) 49.7x 32.9x Forward P/E 43.8x N/A ODFL's current P/E ratio of 49.7x is substantially above its 5-year median P/E of 32.9x, indicating that the stock is trading at a premium compared to its historical valuations. Additionally, the forward P/E of 43.8x suggests that the stock is expected to maintain a high valuation relative to its earnings. This P/E analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, reinforcing the conclusion that ODFL is currently overvalued.
What Does ODFL's GF Score™ Tell Us? Metric Rating GF Score™ 92 Financial Strength 10/10 Profitability 9/10 Growth 9/10 Valuation 5/10 Momentum 8/10 The GF Score™ of 92 indicates that Old Dominion Freight Line Inc has strong fundamentals, particularly in Financial Strength, which is rated 10/10, reflecting a solid balance sheet and low financial risk. Profitability and Growth also rank highly at 9/10, suggesting that the company has been able to generate significant earnings and is positioned for future growth. However, the Valuation rank of 5/10 highlights concerns regarding its current stock price relative to its intrinsic value, underscoring the need for caution in the valuation assessment.
What Are Insiders Doing with ODFL Stock? In the past three months, insiders have sold $4.2 million worth of ODFL shares, with no reported purchasing activity. This trend of selling could suggest a lack of confidence in the stock's current valuation or future performance from those closest to the company. While insider selling can be a normal part of financial planning and liquidity needs, the absence of buying activity may raise questions about the outlook from company executives.
What This Means for Investors Based on the GF Value™ assessment, Old Dominion Freight Line Inc ODFL is currently overvalued. Investors should exercise caution given the significant gap between the market price and the estimated intrinsic value, as well as the recent insider selling activity.
For the complete analysis, visit the Old Dominion Freight Line Inc ODFL stock page. You can also explore the GF Value™ page for detailed valuation methodology, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find similar opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions What is ODFL's GF Score™?
ODFL has a GF Score™ of 92/100, indicating strong fundamentals that suggest it may generate higher long-term returns compared to its peers.
Is ODFL overvalued or undervalued?
ODFL is currently overvalued, with a GF Value™ of $183.53 compared to its market price of $237.42, which is a significant premium.
What is ODFL's P/E ratio?
ODFL's P/E ratio is 49.7x, which is 51% higher than its 5-year median P/E of 32.9x, indicating that the stock is trading above its historical valuation levels.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
Diluted EPS was $1.14. The estimated EPS was $1.06.Total revenue was $1,334.7 million. The estimated revenue was $1,311.68 million.Revenue decreased 2.9% year
For the quarter ended March 2026, Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL - Free Report) reported revenue of $1.33 billion, down 2.9% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $1.14, compared to $1.19 in the year-ago quarter.
The reported revenue represents a surprise of +1.51% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.31 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $1.05, the EPS surprise was +8.77%.
While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.
Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.
Here is how Old Dominion performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:
Operating Ratio: 76.2% versus the four-analyst average estimate of 78%.LTL tonnage per day: 30.58 Kton/D compared to the 30.40 Kton/D average estimate based on two analysts.LTL shipments per day: 41.04 thousand versus 40.83 thousand estimated by two analysts on average.LTL revenue per hundredweight: $34.52 versus the two-analyst average estimate of $34.38.LTL revenue per hundredweight, excluding fuel surcharges: $29.13 compared to the $29.01 average estimate based on two analysts.Work days: 63.00 Days versus 63.00 Days estimated by two analysts on average.LTL weight per shipment (lbs.): 1,491.00 lbs compared to the 1,488.97 lbs average estimate based on two analysts.LTL shipments: 2,585 compared to the 2,572 average estimate based on two analysts.LTL tons: 1,927.00 KTon versus the two-analyst average estimate of 1,914.89 KTon.View all Key Company Metrics for Old Dominion here>>>
Shares of Old Dominion have returned +13.5% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +12.2% 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.
Key Takeaways Q1 EPS of $1.14 beat estimates but were down 4.2% due to a decrease in revenues and a higher operating ratio.Q1 revenues of $1.33B down 2.9% as LTL tons/day fell 7.7%, partly offset by higher revenue per hundredweight.For 2026, ODFL continues to anticipate its aggregate capital expenditures to be around $265 million. Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (ODFL - Free Report) ) reported solid first-quarter 2026 results, wherein its earnings and revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Quarterly earnings per share of $1.14 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.05 but dipped 4.2% year over year. The decrease in ODFL’s revenue and an increase in operating ratio resulted in a year-over-year decline in the bottom line in the first quarter.
Revenues of $1.33 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.31 billion but decreased 2.9% year over year. The downside in ODFL’s first-quarter revenues was owing to a 7.7% decrease in LTL tons per day, which was partially offset by an increase in ODFL’s LTL revenue per hundredweight. The decrease in LTL tons per day reflects the net impact of a 7.9% decrease in LTL shipments per day and a 0.3% increase in LTL weight per shipment.
LTL revenue per hundredweight, excluding fuel surcharges, grew 4.4% year over year owing to the company’s long-term, disciplined approach to yield management.
Revenues from LTL services came in at $1.32 billion (down 2.9% year over year). Other services revenues fell 8.7% year over year to $12.8 million.
Marty Freeman, president and chief executive officer of Old Dominion, commented, “Old Dominion’s first quarter financial results reflect a continuation of encouraging trends that started developing late last year. While our first quarter revenue decreased on a year-over-year basis, demand for our LTL service improved as the quarter progressed. The improvement in demand, coupled with our ability to consistently deliver superior service to our customers, contributed to both the acceleration in our LTL volumes and improvement in our yield during the quarter. Our industry-leading service metrics for the first quarter once again included 99% on-time service and a claims ratio below 0.1%. These service standards form the foundation of our unmatched value proposition, which we believe will support our ability to win market share over the long term.”
Other Aspects of Q1 Earnings ReportIn the quarter under review, LTL weight per shipment rose 0.3%, and LTL revenue per shipment inched up 5.9% year over year. LTL shipments and LTL shipments per day were both down 7.9% on a year-over-year basis. LTL revenue per hundredweight, excluding fuel surcharges, grew 4.4% year over year.
Total operating expenses declined 1.9% year over year to $1.02 billion. The operating income decreased 6.1% year over year to $317.34 million. Operating ratio (operating expenses as a percentage of revenues) increased to 76.2% from 75.4% in the year-ago quarter.
Old Dominion exited the March-end quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $288.08 million compared with $120.09 million at the end of the prior quarter. Long-term debt at the end of the first quarter of 2026 was $19.9 million, flat sequentially.
During the first quarter of 2026, Old Dominion rewarded its shareholders with $88.1 million through its share repurchases and paid $60.5 million in the form of dividend payments.
ODFL generated $373.6 million of net cash from operating activities during the first quarter of 2026. Capital expenditures were $62.6 million for the first quarter of 2026.
OutlookFor 2026, ODFL continues to anticipate its aggregate capital expenditures to be around $265 million, which includes planned expenditures of $125 million for real estate and service center expansion projects, $95 million for tractors and trailers and $45 million for information technology and other assets.
Currently, Old Dominion carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Q1 Performances of Other Transportation CompaniesDelta Air Lines (DAL - Free Report) reported first-quarter 2026 earnings (excluding $1.08 from non-recurring items) of 64 cents per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 61 cents. Earnings increased 39.1% on a year-over-year basis due to high labor costs. Adjusted revenues in the March-end quarter were $14.2 billion, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $14 billion and increasing on a year-over-year basis.
United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL - Free Report) reported solid first-quarter 2026 results wherein the company’s earnings and revenues beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate as well as improved on a year-over-year basis.
UAL's first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) (excluding 95 cents from non-recurring items) of $1.19 surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.08 and increased 30.8% on a year-over-year basis. The reported figure lies within the guided range of $1.00-$1.50.
Operating revenues of $14.6 billion outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $14.3 billion and increased 10.5% year over year. Passenger revenues (which accounted for 90.1% of the top line) increased 11% year over year to $13.1 billion. UAL flights transported 42,486 passengers in the first quarter, up 4.1% year over year.
Cargo revenues fell 1.6% year over year to $422 million. Revenues from other sources rose 10.5% year over year to $1.02 billion.
J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT - Free Report) posted first-quarter 2026 earnings per share of $1.49, up 27% from $1.17 a year ago. The result topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $0.04, a 2.8% surprise.
Operating revenues totaled $3.06 billion, rising 4.6% year over year. Revenues beat the consensus mark of $2.94 billion, resulting in a 3.9% surprise, as demand proved resilient across several service offerings, led by Intermodal volume growth and higher revenue per load in select highway-related businesses.
Q1: 2026-04-29 Earnings SummaryEPS of $1.14 beats by $0.09
|
Revenue of
$1.33B
(-2.92% Y/Y)
beats by $20.73M
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (ODFL) Q1 2026 Earnings Call April 29, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Company Participants
Jack Atkins - Director of Investor Relations
Kevin Freeman - President, CEO & Director
Adam Satterfield - Executive VP, Assistant Secretary & CFO
Conference Call Participants
Jordan Alliger - Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division
Jason Seidl - TD Cowen, Research Division
Christian Wetherbee - Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Research Division
Scott Group - Wolfe Research, LLC
Eric Morgan - Barclays Bank PLC, Research Division
Ravi Shanker - Morgan Stanley, Research Division
Jonathan Chappell - Evercore ISI Institutional Equities, Research Division
Ken Hoexter - BofA Securities, Research Division
Thomas Wadewitz - UBS Investment Bank, Research Division
Brian Ossenbeck - JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division
Richa Talwar - Deutsche Bank AG, Research Division
Ariel Rosa - Citigroup Inc., Research Division
Jeffrey Kauffman - Vertical Research Partners, LLC
Stephanie Benjamin Moore - Jefferies LLC, Research Division
Matthew Milask - Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Research Division
Joe Enderlin - Stephens Inc., Research Division
Presentation
Operator
Good day, and welcome to the Old Dominion Freight Line First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call.
[Operator Instructions]
Please note, this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Jack Atkins. Please go ahead.
Jack Atkins
Director of Investor Relations
Thank you, Dorwin. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the first quarter 2026 conference call for Old Dominion Freight Line. Today's call is being recorded and will be available for replay beginning today and through April 29, 2026, by dialing 1-855-669-9658, access code 7699494. The replay of the webcast may also be accessed for 30 days at the company's website. This conference call may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements, among others, regarding Old Dominion's expected financial and operating performance.
Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. (NASDAQ:ODFL) on Wednesday reported upbeat first-quarter 2026 results.
Revenue declined 2.9% year over year to $1.335 billion, topping analyst expectations of $1.312 billion. The decrease was driven by a 7.7% drop in less-than-truckload (LTL) tons per day, reflecting a 7.9% decline in shipments per day during the quarter.
Net income decreased 6.4% to $238.3 million. Earnings came in at $1.14 per share, down 4.2% year over year but above the consensus estimate of $1.06.
For fiscal 2026, Old Dominion continues to expect aggregate capital expenditures of approximately $265 million.
Old Dominion shares gained 1.1% to trade at $211.61 on Thursday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on Old Dominion following earnings announcement.
Considering buying ODFL stock? Here’s what analysts think:
Photo via Shutterstock
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Norfolk, VA, May 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Old Dominion University proudly announces it is becoming a Health Promoting University, an evolution that integrates well-being into all aspects of campus life, including teaching, research, policies, environments and daily experiences. This holistic approach reflects Old Dominion University's dedication to educating tomorrow’s healthcare leaders, while conducting cutting-edge research and providing critical care through community outreach, alongside our medical partners.
"Our journey to reach this milestone was made possible due to partnership and perseverance," said Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. "This is a defining shift as health is no longer simply what we do – it is who we are. We are integrating well-being into our operations, systems and spaces, thereby establishing a culture that is enduring and evolving through a collective impact model."
Home to the largest academic health sciences center in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Old Dominion University’s journey has involved significant milestones, such as the 2024 integration of Eastern Virginia Medical School and the 2025 establishment of the Joan P. Brock Institute for Nutrition Science and Health. Now, in 2026, the University takes a step further in its expertise through a shared commitment to health promotion.
In partnership with the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), the leading authority on lifestyle medicine education, Old Dominion University will further health promotion. ACLM will support education, clinical practice, research, community outreach and engagement at Old Dominion University.
"Our Health Promoting University agenda will be grounded in evidence, guided by national benchmarks for campus health and measured through shared indicators that hold us accountable to our community," President Hemphill added. "As a preeminent public research institution, we are uniquely positioned to pursue this worthwhile responsibility through the collective efforts of our students, faculty and staff strengthening a culture that prioritizes care, connection and meaningful impact."
A Health Promoting University Advisory Council has been appointed to advance this initiative. This council includes executive-level sponsorship from Executive Vice President for Health Sciences Alfred Abuhamad, MD; Vice President for Student and Campus Life Brandi Hephner LaBanc, Ed.D.; and Vice President for Talent Management and Culture September Sanderlin. They are joined by Drs. Anca Dobrian, Veleka Gatling and Bridget Weikel, as well as a Well-Being Collective Working Group that guides the creation of a shared agenda shaped by community-wide engagement and collective impact.
The commitment to becoming a Health Promoting University builds upon Old Dominion University’s strong foundation. By fostering a culture where mental and physical health are supported, belonging and purpose are cultivated and connection and resilience are strengthened, Old Dominion University ensures that when students, faculty, staff and partners thrive, the entire community flourishes.
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ABOUT OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
Old Dominion University (ODU), located in Norfolk, is Virginia's forward-focused public doctoral research university with more than 24,000 students. A top R1 research institution offering rigorous academics, Old Dominion University is recognized nationally for academic excellence, social mobility and access. Military friendly and home to an energetic residential community and robust initiatives that currently contribute $3.8 billion annually to Virginia's economy, Old Dominion University is a leader in the commonwealth. Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, founded July 1, 2024, represents the most comprehensive health sciences center in the Commonwealth of Virginia. At the forefront of digital innovation, Old Dominion University partnered with Google in October 2025 to launch MonarchSphere powered by Google Cloud, a first-of-its-kind AI incubator for higher education.
It's arguably one of the least glamorous industries out there. Still, transportation is the heartbeat of any economy, particularly one as expansive as the U.S. This is also a diverse industry, comprising companies that move people (airlines, rideshare companies), commodities (railroads), packages (freight haulers), and more from place to place.
Combine those factors, and it's not surprising that some pros see transportation stocks as reliable indicators of the broader economy's health. That's a starting point for becoming educated about the transportation sector, but investors taking the long view of this industry should remember a couple of key points.
These transportation stocks could be solid bets for long-term investors. Image source: Getty Images
First, not all transportation companies are beholden to the same dynamics. For example, airlines rely on business and leisure travel demand, which are factors that don't directly affect, say, railroads. Second, those divergences make quality paramount when evaluating transportation stocks. Here are a few that may serve investors over the long haul.
Ride this railroad Among large-cap industrial stocks not in the aerospace and defense sector, Union Pacific (UNP +1.83%) has been an admirable performer in recent years, and there are reasons to believe that trend will continue, if not improve.
Where Union Pacific outshines its peers and thus shines for investors is in operational excellence. That much was on display in the first quarter when it set records across six key efficiency metrics, including freight car velocity and locomotive productivity. Admittedly, that's some railroad industry jargon, and some investors are apt to wonder what the payoff is for Union Pacific's mastery of efficiency.
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It's easily explained. Those efficiencies enhance the bottom line, as highlighted by first-quarter earnings-per-share growth of 6%. The first three months of 2026 probably won't be a one-off in terms of Union Pacific earnings excellence. The railroad operator expects to deliver a three-year earnings per share compound annual growth rate in the "high-single to low-double digit(s) through 2027." That earnings growth trajectory supports Union Pacific's dividend growth plans, potentially making the stock even more appealing to long-term investors.
Hopefully, this movie repeats Even new investors have likely heard the old saying, "History doesn't always repeat, but it often rhymes." Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL 0.71%) shareholders would likely be satisfied with either a sequel or a poem, because over the past 25 years, this trucking company has been one of the best-performing stocks of any stripe.
To be precise, just six stocks outpaced Old Dominion over that span. Interestingly, this transportation stock trades on the Nasdaq stock exchange, which is typically viewed as a haven for high-growth tech equities. On a related note, Old Dominion delivered better returns over the past quarter-century than Amazon.
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Those are nice superlatives, but they're in the rearview mirror. Old Dominion operates in a cost-intensive industry. That much was on display in the first quarter as the hauler's operating ratio weakened. Investors can take some heart in knowing that it won't be a permanent phenomenon because Old Dominion is considered one of the highest-quality trucking names and an industry margin leader.
The long-term outlook is supported by the company's commitment to returning capital to shareholders through buybacks and dividends, the latter of which increased by 7.7% last December.
Make the Kirby call Compared to some transportation stocks, Kirby (KEX +2.06%) toils in relative anonymity, but that doesn't diminish the fact that the stock has more than doubled over the past three years. Plus, there are reasons to believe this could be one of the best transportation stocks to own this year and beyond.
That thesis is cemented by Kirby's status as the king of shipping barges that operate on the Mississippi River. So there's a fair chance any product which arrived at its final destination via the Mighty Mississippi spent time on a Kirby barge. That implies a competitive moat which long-term investors may prize. Kirby's distribution and services business is also a compelling part of the equation because it gives the company a foothold in industries such as oilfield services and power generation.
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Power generation is a segment to keep an eye on, as Kirby reported 45% first-quarter revenue growth in that business, along with a rising order backlog. Strength in that unit may well be one reason Kirby boosted its 2026 earnings-per-share guidance to 5% to 15% growth from 0% to 12%. If those earnings trends prove consistent, Kirby has the makings of a long-term winner.
THOMASVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (Nasdaq: ODFL) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.29 per share of common stock, payable on June 17, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 3, 2026. This dividend payment represents a 3.6% increase to the quarterly cash dividend paid in June 2025. Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the P.
Key Takeaways ODFL supports shareholders through dividends and buybacks while maintaining a low debt profile.Pricing discipline adds strength, but weak freight demand weighs on the company. Driver shortages and economic uncertainty further pressure ODFL's performance. Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (ODFL - Free Report) ) looks expensive from a valuation standpoint. Considering the forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio (P/E-F12M), ODFL is trading at a premium compared to the industry.
The stock has a forward 12-month P/E-F12M of 37.03X compared with 33.79X for the industry over the past five years. The company’s forward 12-month P/E-F12M ratio is also above the median level of 29.81X over the past five years. These factors indicate that the stock’s valuation is unattractive. ODFL has a Value Score of F.
ODFL P/E Ratio (Forward 12 Months) Vs. Industry Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Now, the question is whether it is worth buying, holding, or selling the ODFL stock at current prices. Let us delve deeper to find out.
Headwinds Weighing on ODFL StockMacroeconomic concerns are leading to a tough freight environment. ODFL is being hurt by reduced demand for freight services. Due to the weakness in freight demand, shipment volumes and rates are low. 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 truck industry, of which Old Dominion 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.
ODFL Stock’s Price PerformanceShares of ODFL have gained 28.2% in the past year, underperforming the transportation-truck industry’s 50.9% 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.
ODFL Stock's One-Year Price Comparison Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Factors Working in Favor of ODFL Stock
ODFL’s disciplined approach to pricing is highly commendable. The company’s cost-based approach to pricing enables it to retain customers and supports tonnage even in times of weak demand. This is borne out by the LTL revenue per hundredweight indicator (a commonly used indicator for general pricing trends in the industry), which for ODFL improved 5.7% in the first quarter of 2026, despite demand weakness. The same metric improved 3.9% year over year in 2025 and 2.4% in 2024.
Old Dominion has a solid balance sheet. The company ended first-quarter 2026 with cash and cash equivalents of $288.08 million, higher than the current debt level of $20 million. This implies that the company has sufficient cash to meet its current debt obligations.
A solid balance sheet allows the company to reward shareholders with dividends and share repurchases. Notably, ODFL has been consistently making efforts to reward its shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, which are encouraging. As a reflection of its shareholder-friendly stance, ODFL paid dividends of $175.1 million and repurchased shares worth $453.6 million in 2023, despite the weakness pertaining to freight demand.
During 2024, ODFL paid out dividends worth $223.6 million and repurchased shares worth $967.3 million. During 2025, ODFL paid out dividends worth $235.6 million and repurchased shares worth $730.3 million. During the first quarter of 2026, ODFL paid $60.5 million through dividend payments and repurchased shares worth $88.1 million. Such shareholder-friendly initiatives should boost investor confidence and positively impact the bottom line.
What Do Earnings Estimates Say for ODFL?The positive sentiment surrounding ODFL 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 full-year 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.
Time to Retain ODFL StockIt is understood that ODFL stock is currently unattractively valued. Moreover, ODFL is suffering from revenue weakness as geopolitical uncertainty and high inflation continue to hurt consumer sentiment and growth expectations. The increase in inflation in the past few months shows that we are not yet out of the woods as far as inflation is concerned. Driver shortages continue to bother the trucking industry players.
Despite the headwinds, we advise investors not to sell ODFL stock now due to its cost-based approach to pricing, which enables it to retain customers and supports tonnage even in times of weak demand. ODFL’s solid balance sheet allows it to reward shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. Such shareholder-friendly moves boost investor confidence and positively impact the company's bottom line.
We advise investors to wait for a better entry point. 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.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL - Free Report) . Shares have added about 4% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Old Dominion due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Old Dominion Q1 Earnings Beat EstimatesOld Dominion reported solid first-quarter 2026 results, wherein its earnings and revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Quarterly earnings per share of $1.14 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.05 but dipped 4.2% year over year. The decrease in ODFL’s revenue and an increase in operating ratio resulted in a year-over-year decline in the bottom line in the first quarter.
Revenues of $1.33 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.31 billion but decreased 2.9% year over year. The downside in ODFL’s first-quarter revenues was owing to a 7.7% decrease in LTL tons per day which was partially offset by an increase in ODFL’s LTL revenue per hundredweight. The decrease in LTL tons per day reflects the net impact of a 7.9% decrease in LTL shipments per day and a 0.3% increase in LTL weight per shipment.
LTL revenue per hundredweight, excluding fuel surcharges, grew 4.4% year over year owing to the company’s long-term, disciplined approach to yield management. Revenues from LTL services came in at $1.32 billion (down 2.9% year over year). Other services revenues fell 8.7% year over year to $12.8 million.
Other Aspects of Q1 Earnings ReportIn the quarter under review, LTL weight per shipment rose 0.3% and LTL revenue per shipment inched up 5.9% year over year. LTL shipments and LTL shipments per day were both down 7.9% on a year-over-year basis. LTL revenue per hundredweight, excluding fuel surcharges, grew 4.4% year over year.
Total operating expenses declined 1.9% year over year to $1.02 billion. The operating income decreased 6.1% year over year to $317.34 million. Operating ratio (operating expenses as a % of revenues) worsened to 76.2% from 75.4% in the year-ago quarter.
Old Dominion exited the March-end quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $288.08 million compared with $120.09 million at the end of the prior quarter. Long-term debt at the end of the final quarter of 2026 was $19.9 million, flat sequentially.
During the first quarter of 2026, Old Dominion rewarded its shareholders with $88.1 million through its share repurchases and paid $60.5 million in the form of dividend payments.
ODFL generated $373.6 million of net cash from operating activities during the first quarter of 2026. Capital expenditures were $62.6 million for the first quarter of 2026.
OutlookFor 2026, ODFL continues to anticipate its aggregate capital expenditures to be around $265 million, which includes planned expenditures of $125 million for real estate and service center expansion projects, $95 million for tractors and trailers, and $45 million for information technology and other assets.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a upward trend in estimates review.
The consensus estimate has shifted 6.43% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Old Dominion has a average Growth Score of C, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with a D. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a score of F on the value side, putting it in the fifth quintile for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. Notably, Old Dominion has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerOld Dominion is part of the Zacks Transportation - Truck industry. Over the past month, Landstar System (LSTR - Free Report) , a stock from the same industry, has gained 10.5%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended March 2026 more than a month ago.
Landstar reported revenues of $1.17 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +1.6%. EPS of $1.16 for the same period compares with $0.85 a year ago.
For the current quarter, Landstar is expected to post earnings of $1.41 per share, indicating a change of +17.5% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +2.9% over the last 30 days.
The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Landstar. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of B.
THOMASVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (Nasdaq: ODFL) today reported certain less-than-truckload (“LTL”) operating metrics for May 2026. Revenue per day increased 12.3% as compared to May 2025 due to an increase in our LTL revenue per hundredweight that was partially offset by a 3.8% decrease in LTL tons per day. The change in LTL tons per day was attributable to a 5.3% decrease in LTL shipments per day that was partially offset by a 1.6% increase in LTL weight per.
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (Nasdaq: ODFL) today reported certain less-than-truckload (âLTLâ) operating metrics for May 2026. Revenue per day increased
On June 04, 2026, we present a detailed DCF analysis for Old Dominion Freight Line Inc (ODFL). The company has shown impressive price performance recently, with
Key Takeaways Old Dominion's LTL revenue per day increased 12.3% year over year in May 2026.ODFL's higher LTL revenue per hundredweight was partly offset by a 3.8% drop in LTL tons per day.Old Dominion QTD LTL revenue per hundredweight rose 15.6%, while ex-fuel revenue per hundredweight rose 5.4%. Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (ODFL - Free Report) has provided an update on the performance of its less-than-truckload (LTL) segment, which is its primary revenue generator, for May.
Old Dominion's revenue per day increased 12.3% year over year in May 2026, owing to an increase in LTL revenue per hundredweight, which was partially offset by a 3.8% decrease in LTL tons per day. The reduction in LTL tons per day was owing to a 5.3% decrease in LTL shipments per day, which was partially offset by a 1.6% increase in LTL weight per shipment.
Quarter to date, Old Dominion’s LTL revenue per hundredweight and LTL revenue per hundredweight, excluding fuel surcharges, increased 15.6% and 5.4%, respectively, year over year.
Marty Freeman, president and chief executive officer of Old Dominion, stated, “Old Dominion produced solid revenue growth for the first two months of the second quarter. While our LTL tons per day declined on a year-over-year basis in both April and May, demand has continued to improve as the quarter has progressed. In addition, our best-in-class service metrics support our yield management initiatives and the ongoing improvement in our LTL revenue per hundredweight. Our consistent investments in our network, our technology and our OD Family of employees throughout the economic cycle uniquely position us to support our customers as the business environment changes. As a result, we remain confident in our ability to win market share and drive profitable revenue growth over the long-term as we continue to execute on the fundamental elements of our strategic plan.”
ODFL’s Zacks Rank & Price PerformanceODFL currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Shares of ODFL have gained 20.4% over the past month, outperforming 14.2% growth of the transportation-truck industry.
ODFL Stock’s One-Month Price Comparison Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Stocks to ConsiderInvestors interested in the Zacks Transportation sector may consider International Seaways (INSW - Free Report) and Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD - Free Report) .
INSW currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
INSW has an expected earnings growth rate of more than 100% for the current year. The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 33.93%.
EXPD currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Expeditors has an expected earnings growth rate of 11.9% for the current year. The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 13.96%.
Wells Fargo analyst Christian Wetherbee, on June 5, maintained Old Dominion Freight Line with an Equal-Weight rating and raised the price target from $205 to $235.
Jim Lebenthal, partner at Cerity Partners, picked Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM).
On May 27, Mizuho analyst Nitin Kumar maintained Exxon Mobil with a Neutral rating and raised the price target from $159 to $175.
Don't forget to check out our premarket coverage here
Bryn Talkington, managing partner of Requisite Capital Management, recommended NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA).
According to recent news, Nvidia is deepening its push into Asia’s AI ecosystem through a series of partnerships in South Korea. The chip giant announced a multi-year technology partnership with memory maker SK Hynix, reinforcing access to high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, a key component powering advanced AI systems.
Price Action:
Old Dominion shares gained 1.8% to close at $247.01 on Monday. Exxon Mobil shares rose 1.2% to settle at $151.75 during the session. Nvidia shares rose 1.7% to settle at $208.64 on Monday. Photo: Hryshchyshen Serhii / Shutterstock
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The logistics sector is shifting as demand for efficient freight moves across North America. Investors must decide between Forward Air (FWRD +12.12%) and Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL 0.71%) for their industrial portfolio.
Forward Air specializes in expedited ground transportation and air freight services, often serving time-sensitive shipments. Old Dominion Freight Line is a massive less-than-truckload carrier known for its national network and service reliability. Both companies play vital roles in the transport industry, but they offer very different financial profiles and growth strategies.
The case for Forward AirForward Air operates as a North American freight and logistics provider focusing on expedited ground and air freight services. The company relies heavily on leased capacity providers to move shipments for its customers among industrial stocks across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Customer concentration adds risk, as the top ten clients account for roughly 26% of total sales and typically hold short-term contracts that can be terminated within 60 days.
In FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $2.5 billion, representing a slight increase of approximately 0.8% over the previous year. The company reported a net loss of approximately $107.8 million, which resulted in a negative net margin of roughly 4.3%. While still a loss, this performance is an improvement over the much larger net loss of close to $817.0 million recorded in fiscal 2024.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 19.1x, which measures total debt relative to shareholders’ equity. The current ratio, measuring the ability to pay short-term debts, is roughly 1.2x, while free cash flow was nearly $15.3 million. Note that stock-based compensation accounted for roughly 30.3% of operating cash flow, thereby inflating reported cash generation, since SBC is a non-cash expense added back in the cash flow statement.
Old Dominion Freight Line is a major North American carrier specializing in regional and national less-than-truckload shipping. Its customer base is highly diversified, with the largest single client accounting for only about 4% of total revenue. This high level of diversification helps protect the business from the loss of any individual partner while demand remains tied to the health of the domestic economy.
During FY 2025, the company generated revenue of approximately $5.5 billion, a decrease of roughly 5.5% from the prior year. Despite lower sales, the company remained profitable with a net income of close to $1.0 billion and a net margin of roughly 18.6%. This solid net margin demonstrates the company's ability to maintain high efficiency even when freight volumes experience seasonal or economic softness.
The company maintains a conservative financial profile, with a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 0.0x as of its December 2025 balance sheet. Its current ratio is roughly 1.4x, and free cash flow for the year was approximately $955.1 million. These figures reflect strong cash generation and a balance sheet in which total liabilities do not exceed equity, enabling continued investment in its service center network.
Risk profile comparisonForward Air faces risks from labor regulations that could reclassify its independent contractors as employees, significantly increasing costs. Its high debt load of over $1.7 billion in senior notes and term loans restricts financial flexibility and requires meeting strict lender covenants. The company also faces stiff competition from established logistics giants like United Parcel Service (UPS 1.06%) and FedEx (FDX 0.57%).
Old Dominion is sensitive to diesel fuel costs and broader economic shifts that can reduce freight volumes and shipment weights. While the company applies fuel surcharges, they often lag price changes and may not cover all costs. The company competes for market share against other large trucking firms such as XPO and Saia.
Valuation comparisonOld Dominion carries a higher forward P/E and P/S ratio than Forward Air, reflecting its superior profitability and debt-free balance sheet.
MetricForward AirOld Dominion Freight LineSector BenchmarkForward P/En/a44.9x30.4xP/S ratio0.1x9.2xSector benchmark uses the SPDR XLI sector ETF.
Valuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Which stock would I buy in 2026?Just about every business relies on trucking companies to transport retail goods, commodities, food, equipment, machinery, and more. Here we compare two such companies, Old Dominion and Forward Air. Which one is best for investors in 2026?
Old Dominion focuses on the less-than-truckload industry, which lets multiple shippers pay for space within the same truck. This lets the company diversify its business among many customers rather than relying on just a few big shippers. Demand and revenue have held up relatively well despite economic uncertainty. Of note to investors, however, is its valuation. It has a proven business model, but shares trade at a premium, reflecting this expectation.
Forward Air has faced significant challenges as it tries to improve its profitability and reduce its reliance on debt. It has been downsizing its operations and focusing on its expedited ground network, and these efforts have shown signs of progress. The company continues to post losses. If its restructuring strategy succeeds, however, investors could reap outsize returns.
Some investors have a high risk tolerance and are willing to bet on companies with high growth potential, while others are more risk-averse. In this case, the conservative choice also means paying a premium for shares, which imparts the risk that returns could fall short of expectations. While Old Dominion’s shares may not be a bargain right now, it would be my choice for a long-term investment in a diversified portfolio.
Shares of Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (ODFL) are up 52.8% in a year due to strong institutional support.
ODFL is a trucking and logistics company offering regional, inter-regional, and national less-than-truckload services, including container drayage, truckload brokerage, and supply chain consulting. The company’s first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings report showed quarterly revenue of $1.33 billion (beating expectations by almost $21 million), 99% on-time service, $373.6 million in cash from operations, and per-share earnings of $1.14 (beating expectations of $1.05).
It’s no wonder ODFL shares are up 58% so far this year – and they could rise more. MoneyFlows data shows how Big Money investors are again betting heavily on the stock.
Big Money Driving Old Dominion Institutional volumes reveal plenty. In the last year, ODFL has enjoyed strong investor demand, which we believe to be institutional support.
Each green bar signals unusually large volumes in ODFL shares. They reflect our proprietary inflow signal, pushing the stock higher:
Source: www.moneyflows.com Plenty of industrials names are under accumulation right now. But there’s a powerful fundamental story happening with Old Dominion.
Old Dominion Fundamental Analysis Institutional support and a healthy fundamental backdrop make this company worth investigating. As you can see, ODFL has strong profits and enterprise value:
Also, EPS is estimated to ramp higher this year by +16.4%.
Now it makes sense why the stock has been generating Big Money interest. ODFL has a track record of strong financial performance.
Marrying great fundamentals with MoneyFlows software has found some big winning stocks over the long term.
Old Dominion has been a top-rated stock at MoneyFlows for years. That means the stock has unusual buy pressure and growing fundamentals. We have a ranking process that showcases stocks like this on a weekly basis.
It’s made the rare Outlier 20 report 55 times since 2005, gaining 6,383% in that time. The blue bars below show when ODFL was a top pick in the last decade…this is a cornerstone holding:
Source: www.moneyflows.com Tracking unusual volumes reveals the power of money flows.
This is a trait that most outlier stocks exhibit…the best of the best. Big Money demand drives stocks upward.
Old Dominion Price Prediction The ODFL action isn’t new at all. Big Money buying in the shares is signaling to take notice. Given the historical gains in share price and strong fundamentals, this stock could be worth a spot in a diversified portfolio.
Disclosure: the author holds no position in ODFL at the time of publication.
If you are a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) or are a serious investor, take your investing to the next level and follow our free weekly MoneyFlows insights.
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Lucas is a well-versed equity investor and educator. He currently is co-founder of research and analytics firm, MAPsignals.com, which focuses on finding outlier stocks by following the Big Money.
