XPO Price Target Raised at Wolfe Research

Wolfe Research analysts raised their price target for XPO (NYSE:XPO) from $87 per share to $105 while maintaining an Outperform rating on the stock.

The analysts’ assessment of the transportation sector in the third quarter suggested an improving risk/reward scenario for transport stocks. They pointed out early indications of a potential bottoming in freight demand, citing recent improvements in West Coast import volumes, as well as rail intermodal and carload volumes.

However, they acknowledged that TL (Truckload) spot rates remain close to historical lows, and the firm anticipates ongoing pressure on contractual pricing and overall yield growth. Consequently, Wolfe Research believes there is continued earnings per share (EPS) risk across the industry in the third quarter, with even greater potential risk to the Street's fourth-quarter estimates.

Regarding XPO, the analysts expressed confidence in its "significant turnaround potential" and highlighted the possibility of substantial margin improvement and stock price upside from its current levels.