Zacks.com Highlights: Ryder's Green Initiative Underway

CHICAGO, Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. The stock recently featured in the Zacks Analyst Blog include: Ryder Systems Inc. (R – Snapshot Report).

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Ryder (R) Goes Green

Ryder Systems Inc. (R), the world's largest provider of integrated logistics and transportation solutions, has entered into its first "Flex-to-Green" lease agreement with Source Interlink, a U.S.-based publishing and logistics company.

Per the agreement, Ryder (R) will provide Source Interlink with a flexible option to exchange diesel vehicles for natural gas-powered vehicles. However, the terms of the deal remain undisclosed.

In September last year, Ryder (R) first launched its "Flex-to-Green" lease offering to support sustainable transportation, or eco-friendly transportation for private fleet operators. This lease offering involves incorporation of fuel efficient vehicles into their fleets including liquid natural gas and hybrid vehicles. The deal provides customers with an opportunity to convert their conventional vehicles to new fuel-efficient ones as per their preference.

In 2010, Federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) set out a fuel economy standard of 34.1 miles per gallon, which is to be implemented on automobiles manufactured from 2012 through 2016. As per market sources, it is estimated that the mandate will require investments of approximately $50 billion by automakers to upgrade their technology to meet the CAFE standards. Therefore, energy conservation is going to be a major area of investment for transportation companies over the next few years.

Several companies including Ryder (R), especially those involved in transportation and logistic services, are increasingly realizing the benefits of fuel efficiency mandates.

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Fuel-efficient vehicles are not only designed to minimize the harmful effects of heavy fuel consumption but are also expected to aid in optimal utilization of resources through alternative fuel usage, ultimately leading to significant cost synergies for companies. Consequently, it is apparent that Ryder's (R)  Flex-to-Green lease offering is a significant step toward tapping a gradually growing market arising from a compelling need for sustainable transportation. Further, this will also enhance the competitive position of the company against rivals like Con-Way Inc.

(CNW).

Ryder (R) has pioneered several such initiatives that promote the utility of alternative fuel vehicles. The SANBAG (San Bernardino Associated

Governments) project is one such. Under this project, Ryder (R) collaborated with Southern California Association of Governments Clean Cities Coalition, to sell approximately 200 heavy-duty natural gas trucks to customers last year.

In addition, Ryder (R) was also benefited by gaining three natural gas compliant maintenance shops in Rancho Dominguez, Orange and Fontana, as well as two fueling stations through SANBAG.

Ryder (R) currently supplies alternative fuel vehicles in southern California and Arizona, which is also home to Source Interlink's largest distribution center. As a result, Source Interlink will also benefit from an easy access to Ryder (R) fueling and maintenance centers, which was one of Source Interlink's key reasons to enter into the deal.

We can expect that with the growing demand for fuel efficient transportation, Ryder (R) will boost its infrastructural capabilities by expanding into new markets and thus, promoting its Flex-to-Green lease initiative.

Currently, we have our long-term Outperform recommendation on Ryder (R) supported by a Zacks  #1 Rank (Strong Buy).

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