ODFL

Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) has demonstrated a strong streak of beating earnings estimates in its last two quarters, surpassing expectations by an average of 9.55%. With a positive Earnings ESP of +0.25% and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating, analysts suggest the company is well-positioned to beat estimates again in its upcoming earnings report expected on October 28, 2026.

Old Dominion Freight Line is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 28, with consensus estimates of $1.61 EPS (up 25.8% YoY) and $1.56B in revenues (up 10.7% YoY). With a positive Earnings ESP of +0.25% and Zacks Rank #2, the company is positioned as a likely earnings beat candidate. The company has beaten consensus estimates in all four of the last quarters.

Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) is scheduled to report Q3 2026 earnings on Oct. 28, with consensus estimates expecting EPS to rise 25.78% to $1.61 per share and revenues to grow 10.68% to $1.56 billion. The company is benefiting from improving freight demand, disciplined pricing strategy targeting 4-4.5% LTL revenue per hundredweight growth, strong 99% on-time service levels, and ample capacity. With an Earnings ESP of +0.25% and Zacks Rank #2, the company is predicted to beat earnings expectations.

The transportation sector is expected to see 9.6% earnings growth and 10.8% revenue growth in Q3 2026, driven by improving freight demand and cost-cutting initiatives. Four stocks identified as likely to beat earnings estimates are Union Pacific, United Parcel Service, Old Dominion Freight Line, and C.H. Robinson Worldwide, all showing positive Earnings ESP and strong historical beat records.

Knight-Swift Transportation (KNX) is set to report Q3 2026 earnings on Oct. 21 with analysts projecting EPS of 75 cents and revenues of $2.12 billion (up 10.06% YoY). The company shows a positive Earnings ESP of +1.31% and Zacks Rank #3, suggesting potential for an earnings beat.

However, rising operating expenses, supply-chain disruptions, and tight driver availability pose headwinds. The article also highlights Old Dominion Freight Line and C.H. Robinson Worldwide as comparable transportation stocks with positive earnings outlooks.

Marten Transport reported Q3 2026 earnings of $0.04 per share, missing the consensus estimate of $0.06 per share, and revenues of $223.23 million, falling short of expectations by 3.36%. The company has underperformed the S&P 500 year-to-date and received a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) rating due to unfavorable estimate revisions. The stock is expected to underperform the market in the near term.

Union Pacific (UNP) is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings of $3.47 per share (up 12.7% YoY) with revenues projected at $7.12 billion (up 14% YoY), driven by freight revenue growth of 14.8%. However, lower shipment volumes, Middle East tensions, and supply-chain disruptions may pressure results. The company has a positive earnings surprise history and an Earnings ESP of +0.28% with a Zacks Rank #3.

American Airlines is projected to report a Q3 2026 loss of 28 cents per share, down 64.71% year-over-year, despite revenues expected to rise 18.35% to $16.20 billion. High fuel costs from Middle East tensions, escalated labor and airport costs, and high debt levels are pressuring profitability, though solid bookings and network optimization support revenue growth.

JetBlue Airways is set to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 27 with expectations for a loss of 52 cents per share, wider than previous estimates. The airline faces significant headwinds from elevated fuel costs ($3.49/gallon expected), non-fuel expense pressures with CASM ex-fuel growth of 2.5-4.5%, operational disruptions, and a substantial $8.48 billion debt burden. The company's negative Earnings ESP of -6.22% and Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) suggest limited likelihood of beating consensus estimates.

Wabtec (WAB) is set to report Q3 2026 earnings on Oct. 21 with expected EPS growth of 17.24% and sales growth of 10.32%. Strong aftermarket and OEM demand are expected to drive Freight and Transit revenues up 8.1% and 12.8% respectively.

However, higher operating costs and supply-chain disruptions may pressure profits. The company has beaten earnings estimates in four consecutive quarters.

CSX is set to report Q3 2026 earnings on Oct. 21 with EPS estimated at 53 cents, up 20.45% year-over-year, and revenues expected to rise 10.35% to $3.96 billion. However, rail network disruptions, high labor costs, and coal sector headwinds pose challenges. The company's Earnings ESP of -2.23% and Zacks Rank #3 suggest no conclusive earnings beat is predicted.

United Airlines' Q3 2026 earnings estimate has been revised down 18.54% to $2.68 per share, reflecting a 3.6% year-over-year decline. High fuel costs from Middle East tensions, elevated labor expenses, and reduced flying are expected to pressure margins.

However, strong bookings and premium demand could drive revenues up 17.2% to $17.84 billion. The company's earnings surprise model does not predict a beat this quarter.

Alaska Air Group is set to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 20 with projected revenue growth of 14.5% year-over-year to $4.31 billion. However, EPS estimates have fallen 51.4% to 35 cents, implying a 66.7% year-over-year earnings decline.

While passenger revenues are expected to rise 10.2%, high fuel costs, inflation, and geopolitical uncertainty are pressuring profitability. The stock has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) rating with an Earnings ESP of +4.35%, suggesting limited likelihood of an earnings beat.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services is set to report Q3 2026 earnings on October 15, facing headwinds from rising freight costs, wage inflation, and weakness in its Final Mile Services segment. With an Earnings ESP of -6.99% and a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), the company is unlikely to beat consensus estimates. The Truckload and Integrated Capacity Solutions businesses also face margin pressures amid challenging market conditions.