Ryder moves ahead seven quarters running

Ryder System Inc, the Miami FL-based truck and trailer leasing company, reported net earnings of $39.4 million for the quarter ended Dec 31, 2003, up 22% compared with $32.4 million in fourth-quarter 2002. Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2003 was $1.22 billion, up 1% from $1.20 billion in the comparable period a year earlier.

“Continued strong performance in our Supply Chain Solutions business segment helped Ryder deliver improved year-over-year earnings for the seventh consecutive quarter,” said Gregory T Swienton, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Ryder.

Revenue for the full year 2003 was $4.80 billion, a 1% climb from $4.78 billion for 2002. Net earnings for the full year 2003 totaled $131.4, up 40% from $93.7 for the year before.