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Looking back on air freight and logistics stocks’ Q4 earnings, we examine this quarter’s best and worst performers, including Hub Group (NASDAQ:HUBG) and its peers.

The growth of e-commerce and global trade continues to drive demand for expedited shipping services, presenting opportunities for air freight companies. The industry continues to invest in advanced technologies such as automated sorting systems and real-time tracking solutions to enhance operational efficiency. Despite the advantages of speed and global reach, air freight and logistics companies are still at the whim of economic cycles. Consumer spending, for example, can greatly impact the demand for these companies’ offerings while fuel costs can influence profit margins.

The 6 air freight and logistics stocks we track reported a mixed Q4. As a group, revenues missed analysts’ consensus estimates by 0.7%.

While some air freight and logistics stocks have fared somewhat better than others, they have collectively declined. On average, share prices are down 4.2% since the latest earnings results.

Hub Group (NASDAQ:HUBG)

Started with $10,000, Hub Group (NASDAQ:HUBG) is a provider of intermodal, truck brokerage, and logistics services, facilitating transportation solutions for businesses worldwide.

Hub Group reported revenues of $973.5 million, down 1.2% year on year. This print fell short of analysts’ expectations by 3.2%. Overall, it was a slower quarter for the company with full-year EPS guidance missing analysts’ expectations.

“I am proud of the team’s performance in 2024 as our disciplined market approach resulted in Intermodal volume growth of 14% and ITS adjusted operating margin of 3.1% in the quarter, a 50-basis point improvement over Q4 2023. We closed on the joint venture with EASO to enhance solutions for our customers and add significant scale to our Intermodal capabilities in Mexico. We continue to implement our key strategic priorities that position us for growth in the long term. We are excited to continue the momentum and deliver for our customers and shareholders in 2025,” said Phil Yeager, Hub Group’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman.

Hub Group scored the highest full-year guidance raise but had the slowest revenue growth of the whole group. The results were likely priced in, however, and the stock is flat since reporting. It currently trades at $42.98.

Read our full report on Hub Group here, it’s free.

Best Q4: Expeditors (NYSE:EXPD)

Expeditors (NYSE:EXPD) offers air and ocean freight as well as brokerage services.

Expeditors reported revenues of $2.95 billion, up 29.7% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 4.3%. The business had a stunning quarter with a solid beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

Expeditors achieved the biggest analyst estimates beat and fastest revenue growth among its peers. The market seems content with the results as the stock is up 1.9% since reporting. It currently trades at $115.83.

Is now the time to buy Expeditors? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Weakest Q4: GXO Logistics (NYSE:GXO)

With notable customers such as Nike and Apple, GXO (NYSE:GXO) manages outsourced supply chains and warehousing for various companies.

GXO Logistics reported revenues of $3.25 billion, up 25.5% year on year, exceeding analysts’ expectations by 1.5%. Still, it was a slower quarter as it posted full-year EBITDA guidance missing analysts’ expectations.

As expected, the stock is down 6.2% since the results and currently trades at $40.12.

Read our full analysis of GXO Logistics’s results here.

FedEx (NYSE:FDX)

Sporting one of the largest air cargo fleets in the world, FedEx (NYSE:FDX) is a global provider of parcel and cargo delivery services.

FedEx reported revenues of $21.97 billion, flat year on year. This print lagged analysts' expectations by 0.7%. All in all, it was a mixed quarter for the company.

The stock is down 3% since reporting and currently trades at $267.53.

Read our full, actionable report on FedEx here, it’s free.

United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS)

Trademarking its recognizable UPS Brown color, UPS (NYSE:UPS) offers package delivery, supply chain management, and freight forwarding services.

United Parcel Service reported revenues of $25.3 billion, up 1.4% year on year. This result met analysts’ expectations. Aside from that, it was a mixed quarter as it also recorded an impressive beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates but full-year revenue guidance missing analysts’ expectations.

United Parcel Service had the weakest full-year guidance update among its peers. The stock is down 12.8% since reporting and currently trades at $116.68.

Read our full, actionable report on United Parcel Service here, it’s free.

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