Rush Enterprises Inc. reported higher revenue and profit for the third quarter, which ended in September. Total revenue rose 12.4% to $2.1 billion, and profit increased 17% to $78 million. The company said this was its second straight quarter of rising profit, following a three-year decline.
The company said it sold 3,880 new Class 8 trucks, up 24.4% from a year earlier. Rush said that growth was more than double the industry's 10% growth. Used vehicle sales rose 5.5% to 1,913 units. Leasing and rental revenue rose 5.3% to $98.2 million, and parts, service and collision center revenue rose 5.8% to nearly $680 million.
CEO and President W.M. "Rusty" Rush said new order activity has slowed as customers wait for the Environmental Protection Agency's 2027 emissions rules. He said he now expects final guidance in January or February, rather than November. Rush called the delay "largely a timing issue." The company also completed a 50-50 joint venture with MCT Companies, a commercial-transport refrigeration business.