Industrial stocks typically tout their stability and growth. Old Dominion Freight Lines(NASDAQ: ODFL) and Boeing(NYSE: BA) stand out in the transportation and aerospace sectors, with a long history of both. These giants demonstrate resilience as well, making them attractive picks for investors with $200 looking for a smart buy for long-term gains. Here's why these two stocks deserve your attention.
Old Dominion Freight Lines continues to deliver
Old Dominion Freight Lines dominates the less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping sector. As the largest LTL motor carrier in the United States, Old Dominion consolidates multiple small shipments into single trailers. This optimization of delivery routes ensures high efficiency and generates revenue through service fees, fuel surcharges, and premium logistics solutions. This gives Old Dominion a powerful advantage over challengers in its space.
Strong revenue and exceptional operating ratios
Old Dominion reported total revenue of $1.46 billion in the first quarter of 2024, a 1.2% year-over-year increase. Net income rose to $292.3 million, reflecting a 2.5% increase. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) grew to $1.34, up by 3.9% from the previous year. These figures highlight the company's ability to maintain profitability and grow consistently.
The operating ratio, a critical efficiency measure in the trucking industry, reached 73.5% for the quarter. This ratio slightly increased from the previous year's 73.4%, but an operating ratio below 80% indicates excellent efficiency. Old Dominion effectively controls costs relative to revenue, consistently turning a profit while managing expenses.
Market position and anticipated growth
Old Dominion's extensive network and superior service showcase its market leadership. With a 99% on-time delivery rate and a claims ratio of just 0.1%, the company sets industry benchmarks for reliability and customer satisfaction. A 2-for-1 stock split in March 2024, the seventh in its history, makes its shares more accessible to a broader range of investors and puts share costs just under the $200 range for the first time in a while.
For 2024, the shipper projects $750 million in capital expenditures. This includes $350 million for real estate and service center expansions, $325 million for new tractors and trailers, and $75 million for information technology enhancements. These investments ensure Old Dominion can scale operations and maintain its competitive edge. Ongoing capital investments signify the company's commitment to growth and efficiency.
Resilience amid a challenging landscape
Old Dominion faced a 3.2% decrease in LTL tons per day in the first quarter of this year. However, the company's strategic focus on yield management and operational efficiencies mitigated the impact. The company increased LTL revenue per hundredweight by 4.1%, excluding fuel surcharges, demonstrating skill at navigating downturns. The ongoing share repurchase program and consistent dividend payments underscore an ongoing commitment to returning value to shareholders.
Resilience during economic fluctuations remains crucial. The ability to maintain profitability and efficiency during downturns shows a strong management team and a robust business model. These signs together indicate Old Dominion can weather economic cycles, adapt, and grow.
Boeing navigates through turbulence
Despite facing numerous challenges, Boeing remains a formidable player in the aerospace and defense industry. The company designs and manufactures commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space technology. Its primary sources of revenue include aircraft sales, defense contracts, and aftermarket services. This regular no-brainer investment choice now poses the question of whether or not it can right its path and deliver for long-term investors.
Financial performance and market position
In the first quarter of 2024, Boeing reported revenue of $16.6 billion, an 8% decrease year over year that it attributes to lower commercial delivery volumes. Net loss narrowed to $355 million from $425 million last year, resulting in a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) loss per share of $0.56. Despite setbacks, Boeing's total company backlog grew to $529 billion, indicating robust product demand.
The commercial airplanes segment faced significant challenges, with revenue dropping by 31% to $4.7 billion and deliveries falling to 83 airplanes, a 36% decrease. However, Boeing's defense, space, and security segment showed resilience, with revenue rising by 6% to $7.0 billion and operating margins improving to 2.2%. Boeing's financial performance highlights its challenges and opportunities. The substantial backlog indicates a strong pipeline of future revenue, and efforts to address operational issues seem likely to lead to improved performance.
Strategic initiatives and further long-term prospects
Boeing's strategic initiatives to address quality and safety issues, especially in the 737 program, are crucial for long-term success. The company slowed 737 production to incorporate quality management system improvements. Though this impacts short-term revenue, it aids future stability and growth. Additionally, Boeing secured significant orders in the first quarter of 2024, including 85 737-10 airplanes for American Airlines and 28 777X airplanes for various customers. The commercial airplane backlog, valued at $448 billion, underpins future revenue prospects.
Boeing's ongoing quality-control issues and regulatory scrutiny undoubtedly impacted its reputation and financial performance. By addressing its issues directly, Boeing aims to restore confidence and reliability in its products, which is critical for maintaining and growing market share.
Boeing's challenges present both risks and opportunities for long-term investors. The company's ability to overcome these issues and leverage its operations for future growth makes it a compelling investment. Boeing's diversification across commercial, defense, and space sectors also provides a balanced revenue stream, reducing overall risk.
A great time to enter industrials with $200 or more
Industrial stocks like Old Dominion Freight Lines and Boeing promise a blend of stability and growth potential. Old Dominion's consistent performance and strategic growth initiatives make it a solid pick, with share prices that seem unlikely to stay under $200. Boeing's long-term prospects and substantial backlog offer significant upside for patient investors willing to weather the current turbulence.
For those looking to invest around $200, each of these stocks represents a no-brainer step toward building a diversified and growth-oriented portfolio. Both Old Dominion Freight Lines and Boeing position themselves to deliver strong returns for long-term investors. Old Dominion's operational efficiency and strategic investments indicate steady growth. Boeing's growing orders and strategic initiatives offer the potential for significant recovery over the next few years.
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Nicholas Robbins has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Old Dominion Freight Line. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $195 calls on Old Dominion Freight Line and short January 2026 $200 calls on Old Dominion Freight Line. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
