Can Old Dominion Freight Line Beat These Numbers?

Old Dominion Freight Line (Nasdaq: ODFL  ) is expected to report Q4 earnings on Feb. 7. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

The 10-second takeaway
Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict Old Dominion Freight Line's revenues will expand 10.3% and EPS will grow 8.7%.

The average estimate for revenue is $535.0 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.50.

Revenue details
Last quarter, Old Dominion Freight Line reported revenue of $544.5 million. GAAP reported sales were 10% higher than the prior-year quarter's $494.5 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
Last quarter, EPS came in at $0.59. GAAP EPS of $0.59 for Q3 were 31% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.45 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Recent performance
For the preceding quarter, gross margin was 28.0%, 140 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 14.9%, 110 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 9.4%, 160 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $2.12 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.00.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 107 members out of 127 rating the stock outperform, and 20 members rating it underperform. Among 44 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 37 give Old Dominion Freight Line a green thumbs-up, and seven give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Old Dominion Freight Line is outperform, with an average price target of $34.52.

If you're interested in transportation companies like Old Dominion Freight Line, then you should check out our special report that features 3 companies who depend on, and invest in, that industry. Learn the basic financial habits of millionaires next door and get these 3 focused stock ideas in our free report, "3 Stocks That Will Help You Retire Rich." Click here for instant access to this free report.

• Add Old Dominion Freight Line to My Watchlist.