Schneider Raises 2026 EPS Outlook as Q3 Profit Climbs

Schneider (SNDR) raised its full-year 2026 adjusted diluted earnings guidance after third-quarter operating income increased 77%, supported by pricing gains, productivity improvements and cost reductions. The transportation and logistics company also reported stronger Truckload and Intermodal results and announced a new rail agreement intended to support its Eastern Intermodal network.

Operating revenue rose to $1.59 billion from $1.45 billion a year earlier. Revenue excluding fuel surcharges, a non-GAAP measure, increased to $1.35 billion from $1.30 billion.

GAAP income from operations climbed to $62 million from $35 million, while adjusted income from operations increased to $64 million from $38 million. Net income rose to $50 million from $19 million. Diluted earnings per share advanced to $0.28 from $0.11, and adjusted diluted EPS increased to $0.29 from $0.12.

Adjusted EBITDA totaled $169 million, up from $149 million in the third quarter of 2025. Schneider said the earnings improvement reflected pricing, productivity and cost actions, adding that it remains on track to achieve its $40 million cost-savings target for 2026.

Truckload and Intermodal Strengthen

Truckload operating income more than doubled from the prior-year period, while the segment’s operating ratio improved by 380 basis points. Within the segment, Network revenue per truck per week grew 21%, and the Network operation recorded its first positive quarterly earnings result in more than three years.

Schneider also reported sequential and year-over-year improvement in Dedicated revenue per truck per week, which it attributed to targeted portfolio actions. The company has been directing investment toward more resilient areas of its portfolio, including Dedicated and Intermodal.

Intermodal earnings increased by a double-digit percentage despite what the company described as difficult year-over-year comparisons. Improved revenue per order and continued cost discipline supported the result.

Schneider said Norfolk Southern will become the primary rail provider for its Eastern Intermodal network beginning January 1, 2027. Management presented the agreement as a way to differentiate its Intermodal service, improve customer support and pursue profitable growth.

In Logistics, net revenue per order rose by a double-digit percentage from a year earlier, supported by premium freight. The company did not provide segment-level revenue or profit figures in the presentation.

Full-Year Outlook Raised

Based on year-to-date results and expectations for the remainder of 2026, Schneider raised its full-year adjusted diluted EPS guidance to a range of $1.00 to $1.10. It now expects net capital expenditures of $325 million to $350 million.

The outlook assumes continued contract-rate recovery and additional benefits from productivity and cost initiatives. Management identified peak-season demand and driver capacity as important variables for the remainder of the year.

Schneider reported net debt leverage of 0.1 times as of September 30, citing capital discipline and cash generation. The company paid $52.1 million in dividends during the first nine months of 2026 and had announced a new three-year, $150 million share-repurchase program in January.

The company cautioned that its guidance and other forward-looking statements remain subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.