FedEx Freight sees volumes stabilize, eyes Q4 margin improvement

FedEx Freight reported stable volumes and expects improved operating leverage next year as a standalone company, according to the nation's largest less-than-truckload carrier. The company's local and dedicated LTL sales teams are driving business wins and improving the freight mix across the network. FedEx Freight completed its separation from FedEx in June and reported fourth-quarter results after the market closed.

Revenue for the period increased 9% year-over-year to $3.28 billion, with revenue per day up 8%. Adjusted earnings per share were $2.15, 70 cents lower year-over-year. The revenue increase was driven by a 9% rise in revenue per hundredweight, while tonnage remained level, thanks to a slight decline in shipments per day offset by an increase in weight per shipment. Yield, excluding fuel costs, grew by 0.3% year-over-year, while revenue per shipment increased by 2%.

The company has re-priced around 25% of its contract business since the spinoff and noted an improvement in net revenue churn. FedEx Freight anticipates both volumes and yield to rise in the fourth quarter. September marked the ninth consecutive month of expansion for the U.S. manufacturing sector, a key source of LTL freight.

FedEx Freight's 2027 general rate increase is expected to average 6.9%, taking effect on January 8. The company reported an 84.5% adjusted operating ratio, which was 90 basis points better than the previous year. Guidance for the fourth quarter includes revenue between $2.3 billion and $2.37 billion, with a 13% year-over-year increase at the midpoint of the range. Higher diesel fuel surcharges will primarily drive the increase, as diesel prices were 48% higher year-over-year in the third quarter.

The company is expected to decide on a dividend and stock buybacks soon, with share repurchases potentially offsetting dilution due to FedEx unwinding its equity position. FedEx Freight shares rose 3% in after-hours trading on Thursday.