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Investing.com -- Knight-Swift Transportation shares climbed nearly 6% on Thursday after Bank of America raised its rating to Buy from Neutral, citing tightening truckload supply and several near-term catalysts that could lift earnings.
In a note to clients, BofA said it now sees “several supply side catalysts” including “English Language Proficiency enforcement, limits on non-domiciled Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDL), and Nov. 1 tariffs on imported heavy-duty trucks,” which are “tightening truckload supply dynamics.”
The bank raised its price target for the stock to $50 from $41, applying a higher multiple as it expects “earnings to recover from trough levels.”
BofA increased its 2026 earnings forecast for Knight-Swift to $2.05 per share from $2.00, citing “improving spot rate dynamics.”
While the freight industry remains in a prolonged downturn, BofA said it views Knight-Swift as “a well-run truckload operator and a key beneficiary of constructive truckload capacity dynamics.”
The firm’s channel checks suggest capacity is already tightening following new federal enforcement measures.
“Truckload capacity is beginning to tighten following recent actions to enforce English Language Proficiency and halt non-domiciled CDL issuances for truck drivers,” BofA wrote, noting that J.B. Hunt confirmed the trend on its latest earnings call.
The bank also pointed to President Trump’s new 25% tariffs on imported Class 8 trucks, set to take effect Nov. 1, as another factor that “could drive upward pressure on vehicle prices, and thus pressure new orders.”
Spot rates have started to edge higher, BofA stated, with dry-van rates up 3.3% year-over-year, reflecting “ongoing capacity exits (not improved demand).”