Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL): Shares defining bullish 'flag' pattern

Posted Feb 8th 2008 12:02AM by Larry Schutts
Filed under: Earnings Reports, Technical Analysis, YRC Worldwide (YRCW), Stocks to Buy

Old Dominion Freight Line (NASDAQ: ODFL) is a less-than-truckload multi-regional motor carrier, providing direct service to 47 states within the South, Northeast, Midwest and West regions of the U.S.A. and to parts of Canada. Through marketing and carrier relationships, it provides service to and from the remaining states, as well as international services around the globe. The company operates a fleet of some 4,600 tractors and 17,900 trailers from nearly 200 service centers. YRC Worldwide (NASDAQ: YRCW) is a major competitor.

Old Dominion surprised the Street last week, with Q4 EPS of 42 cents and revenues of $358.7 million. Analysts had been expecting 42 cents and $345.3 million. Management also guided FY08 EPS to $2.00-$2.05 ($1.93 consensus).

The share price popped through 200-day moving average resistance on the news and has since been forming a bullish "flag" consolidation pattern. Equities frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling on entry. In this case, that would be to the upside.

Brokers recommend the issue with seven "strong buys", three "buys" and two "holds". Analysts see a 16% growth rate, through the next year. The stock's P/E ratio (15.13), PEG ratio (1.11), Price to Sales ratio (0.78), Price to Book ratio (2.22) and Price to Cash Flow ratio (7.16) compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages. Institutional investors hold about 71% of the outstanding shares. The stock is one of those used to calculate the S&P 600 SmallCap Index. Over the past 52 weeks, it has traded between $20.31 and $33.78. A stop-loss of $26.25 looks good here.

Larry Schutts is a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com and the Vice-President of Stockwinners.com. He does not hold positions in the stocks mentioned above.

Tags: flag, fundamental analysis, FundamentalAnalysis, momentum, ODFL, Old Dominion Freight Line, OldDominionFreightLine, technical analysis, TechnicalAnalysis