Let’s dig into the relative performance of Rush Enterprises (NASDAQ:RUSHA) and its peers as we unravel the now-completed Q4 vehicle parts distributors earnings season.

Supply chain and inventory management are themes that grew in focus after COVID wreaked havoc on the global movement of raw materials and components. Transportation parts distributors that boast reliable selection in sometimes specialized areas combined and quickly deliver products to customers can benefit from this theme. Additionally, distributors who earn meaningful revenue streams from aftermarket products can enjoy more steady top-line trends and higher margins. But like the broader industrials sector, transportation parts distributors are also at the whim of economic cycles that impact capital spending, transportation volumes, and demand for discretionary parts and components.

The 4 vehicle parts distributors stocks we track reported a strong Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 2.9%.

Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 12.4% since the latest earnings results.

Rush Enterprises (NASDAQ:RUSHA)

Headquartered in Texas, Rush Enterprises (NASDAQ:RUSH.A) provides truck-related services and solutions, including sales, leasing, parts, and maintenance for commercial vehicles.

Rush Enterprises reported revenues of $2.01 billion, flat year on year. This print exceeded analysts’ expectations by 8.2%. Overall, it was a strong quarter for the company with an impressive beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates and a decent beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.

“Despite the persistent headwinds the industry faced in 2024, I am proud of the financial results our team delivered,” said W.M. “Rusty” Rush, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Rush Enterprises,

Rush Enterprises pulled off the biggest analyst estimates beat but had the slowest revenue growth of the whole group. Investor expectations, however, were likely higher than Wall Street’s published projections, leaving some wishing for even better results (analysts’ consensus estimates are those published by big banks and advisory firms, not the investors who make buy and sell decisions). The stock is down 14.9% since reporting and currently trades at $52.06.

Is now the time to buy Rush Enterprises? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free .

Best Q4: Air Lease (NYSE:AL)

Established by a founder of Century City in Los Angeles, Air Lease Corporation (NYSE:AL) provides aircraft leasing and financing solutions to airlines worldwide.