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ODFL vs XPO
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) vs. XPO, Inc. (XPO) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both ODFL and XPO are North American less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers benefiting from a freight market recovery, but they represent two very different investment profiles.
- ODFL is the sector's margin leader with a debt-free balance sheet, while XPO is a turnaround story showing faster volume growth and accelerating margin expansion.
- In recent quarters, XPO has grown shipments and tonnage meaningfully, while ODFL has leaned more on pricing and yield discipline than on volume.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: On the balance of trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, the AI currently favors ODFL over XPO.
- For deeper context, explore ODFL Major News and ODFL Today's Price Move, as well as XPO Major News and XPO Today's Price Move.
- To see how AI trading systems are positioning across the market, explore Trending AI Robots.
Introduction
Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) and XPO, Inc. (XPO) are two of the most closely watched names in the less-than-truckload (LTL) freight market, where carriers consolidate smaller shipments into full trailers. This stock comparison is relevant for investors and traders evaluating how a premium, best-in-class operator stacks up against a leveraged turnaround executing a multi-year efficiency program. Both companies are sensitive to the same macro cycle in industrial production, retail restocking, and fuel costs, yet their financial profiles, growth drivers, and risk characteristics differ sharply. Understanding those contrasts can help clarify each stock's market positioning and relative performance in the current environment.
ODFL Overview and Recent Performance
ODFL is widely regarded as the service and profitability benchmark in North American LTL trucking. In recent weeks, the company reported third-quarter results that reinforced its reputation for disciplined execution: revenue rose 13.1% year over year to $1.59 billion, while earnings per share (EPS) of $1.65 climbed 28.9%. Notably, its operating ratio — a key efficiency metric where lower is better — improved 280 basis points to 71.5%, comfortably the strongest among major LTL carriers.
What has shaped sentiment is the mix behind those results. Rather than a surge in volume, ODFL has been driving gains through yield management, with revenue per hundredweight excluding fuel up roughly 5%. Tonnage turned modestly positive for the first time in more than two years, a signal investors interpreted as an early inflection in freight demand. The company also carries essentially no long-term debt, giving it exceptional balance-sheet flexibility, though its premium valuation and still-uneven shipment volumes remain points of debate.
XPO Overview and Recent Performance
XPO is a leading asset-based LTL carrier that also operates a European transportation business, following the spinoffs of its contract logistics (GXO) and brokerage (RXO) units. In recent weeks, the company delivered one of its strongest quarters since that restructuring, with revenue up 12.4% to $2.37 billion and adjusted EPS of $1.70, up about 59% year over year. Net income rose to $181 million from $82 million a year earlier.
Unlike ODFL, XPO is pairing price gains with genuine volume momentum. Shipments per day increased 5.8% and tonnage per day rose 5.0%, while its LTL adjusted operating ratio improved 260 basis points to 80.1% — still below Old Dominion's level but moving in a positive direction. Management has also emphasized artificial-intelligence-driven productivity gains and insourcing efforts. Offsetting these positives are a higher cost base, net leverage of about 1.9 times, and an as-yet-uncompleted effort to sell its European division.
Trending AI Robots
For traders who want to see how automated systems are reading names like ODFL and XPO, Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page offers a curated view of the platform's most relevant strategies. Tickeron hosts hundreds of AI trading bots covering thousands of tickers, but only those best suited to current market conditions earn a place in this section. The bots vary widely in trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance statistics, and the set of tickers they trade, so the selection reflects live adaptability rather than a fixed list. Exploring Trending AI Robots can help you identify which automated approaches are currently aligned with the freight sector's shifting momentum.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two stocks is quality versus momentum. ODFL offers a superior operating ratio (71.5% versus roughly 80%), a debt-free balance sheet, and a consistent track record of market-share gains, but it trades at a premium multiple and has relied more on pricing than on volume growth. XPO carries more financial leverage and a lower margin base, yet it is converting an efficiency program into faster volume growth and rapidly narrowing the profitability gap.
From a risk perspective, ODFL is more exposed to valuation compression if freight demand stalls, while XPO faces higher sensitivity to labor and fuel costs, debt reduction, and the timing of its European divestiture. Sector exposure is broadly similar, but XPO retains meaningful European revenue that ODFL does not have. Market sentiment has rewarded both, yet for somewhat different reasons: stability and pricing power in one case, turnaround execution in the other.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would currently lean toward ODFL over XPO. The preference reflects Old Dominion's structurally stronger operating margin, debt-free balance sheet, and best-in-class service record, which tend to produce a more stable and durable trend through the freight cycle. XPO arguably holds stronger near-term volume catalysts, but its higher leverage and still-improving margin profile introduce comparatively more variability. This is a probabilistic read on current market conditions rather than a definitive forecast, and relative positioning can shift as the freight recovery evolves.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ODFL is a StrongBuy and XPO is a Buy.
Aroon Indicator for ODFL shows an upward move is likely
ODFL's Aroon Indicator triggered a bullish signal on October 27, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor detected that the AroonUp green line is above 70 while the AroonDown red line is below 30. When the up indicator moves above 70 and the down indicator remains below 30, it is a sign that the stock could be setting up for a bullish move. Traders may want to buy the stock or look to buy calls options. A.I.dvisor looked at 202 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator showed a similar pattern. In 150 of the 202 cases, the stock moved higher in the days that followed. This puts the odds of a move higher at 74%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator entered the oversold zone -- be on the watch for ODFL's price rising or consolidating in the future. That's also the time to consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
Following a +1.79% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ODFL advanced for three days, in 217 of 314 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 69%.
ODFL may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 28, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on ODFL as a result. In 56 of 92 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for ODFL turned negative on October 28, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 44 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 27 of the 44 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 61%.
ODFL moved below its 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for ODFL crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 11 of 20 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 55%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ODFL declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 62%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 30 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 39 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. ODFL’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 81 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. ODFL’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 93 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: ODFL's P/B Ratio (7.520) is slightly higher than the industry average of (2.749). P/E Ratio (31.594) is within average values for comparable stocks, (43.505). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.154) is also within normal values, averaging (12.936). Dividend Yield (0.007) settles around the average of (0.010) among similar stocks. ODFL's P/S Ratio (6.527) is slightly higher than the industry average of (2.068).
XPO in upward trend: price may jump up because it broke its lower Bollinger Band on November 05, 2026
XPO may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 25 of 27 cases where XPO's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The 10-day moving average for XPO crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 14 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
Following a +4.76% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where XPO advanced for three days, in 218 of 291 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 197 of 218 cases where XPO Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 90%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 51 of 67 cases where XPO's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 76%.
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 04, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on XPO as a result. In 59 of 83 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 71%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for XPO turned negative on November 05, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 50 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 33 of the 50 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 66%.
XPO moved below its 50-day moving average on November 05, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where XPO declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 66%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 18 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 45 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. XPO’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 90 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: XPO's P/B Ratio (10.560) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (2.749). P/E Ratio (51.439) is within average values for comparable stocks, (43.505). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.707) is also within normal values, averaging (12.936). XPO has a moderately low Dividend Yield (0.000) as compared to the industry average of (0.010). P/S Ratio (2.421) is also within normal values, averaging (2.068).
ODFL | XPO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 93 Overvalued | 90 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 81 | 18 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 39 | 45 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 60 | 57 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 30 | 43 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
XPO's Valuation (90) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as ODFL (93). This means that XPO’s stock grew similarly to ODFL’s over the last 12 months.
XPO's Profit vs Risk Rating (18) in the Trucking industry is somewhat better than the same rating for ODFL (81). This means that XPO’s stock grew somewhat faster than ODFL’s over the last 12 months.
ODFL's SMR Rating (39) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as XPO (45). This means that ODFL’s stock grew similarly to XPO’s over the last 12 months.
XPO's Price Growth Rating (57) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as ODFL (60). This means that XPO’s stock grew similarly to ODFL’s over the last 12 months.
ODFL's P/E Growth Rating (30) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as XPO (43). This means that ODFL’s stock grew similarly to XPO’s over the last 12 months.
| ODFL | XPO | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 68% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 73% | 4 days ago 76% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 61% | 4 days ago 71% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 61% | 4 days ago 66% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 67% | 4 days ago 71% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 65% | 4 days ago 73% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 69% | 8 days ago 75% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 62% | 5 days ago 66% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 58% | 4 days ago 90% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 74% | 4 days ago 90% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
ODFL’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while XPO’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- ODFL’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- XPO’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
ODFL’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while XPO’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- ODFL’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 5 bearish.
- XPO’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
ODFL (@Trucking) experienced а -4.43% price change this week, while XPO (@Trucking) price change was -6.66% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Trucking industry was +0.73%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.00%, and the average quarterly price growth was +14.71%.
Reported Earning Dates
ODFL is expected to report earnings on Feb 03, 2027.
XPO is expected to report earnings on Feb 10, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Trucking (+0.73% weekly)The trucking industry provides road transportation delivery and logistical services, including moving large quantities of raw materials, works in process, and finished goods —often from manufacturing plants to retail distribution centers. Trucks are also used in the construction industry, as they transport large amounts of rocks, concrete, and other building materials used in construction. Trucks in the U.S. are responsible for the majority of freight movement over land, and therefore play an important role in the manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing industries. The business could be affected by economic cycles, since it is closely linked with manufacturing, retail and construction. Some of the major trucking companies in the U.S. are Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., and XPO Logistics, Inc.
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ODFL and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ODFL has been closely correlated with SAIA. These tickers have moved in lockstep 82% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ODFL jumps, then SAIA could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ODFL | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODFL | 100% | -3.31% | ||
| SAIA - ODFL | 82% Closely correlated | -0.98% | ||
| ARCB - ODFL | 77% Closely correlated | -4.25% | ||
| XPO - ODFL | 75% Closely correlated | +0.27% | ||
| KNX - ODFL | 74% Closely correlated | -1.78% | ||
| SNDR - ODFL | 73% Closely correlated | -1.52% | ||
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XPO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, XPO has been closely correlated with FWRD. These tickers have moved in lockstep 75% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if XPO jumps, then FWRD could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To XPO | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XPO | 100% | +0.27% | ||
| FWRD - XPO | 75% Closely correlated | -1.71% | ||
| GXO - XPO | 71% Closely correlated | N/A | ||
| HUBG - XPO | 70% Closely correlated | -3.43% | ||
| SNDR - XPO | 69% Closely correlated | -1.52% | ||
| JBHT - XPO | 68% Closely correlated | -0.45% | ||
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