Is this little-known stock setting up for its next move higher?

Freightways Group Ltd (ASX: FRW) announced today the $71 million acquisition of Victoria-based company VT Freight Express (VTFE).

Yet despite the deal being forecast to lift earnings per share by 6% in year one, the Freightways share price barely moved.

A flat share price doesn't mean the market is unimpressed. If anything, it suggests that the company may be underfollowed by analysts and large institutional investors, or that the acquisition aligns neatly with what investors already expected from the company.

Despite owning well-known courier and package delivery brands such as Allied Express, Freightways Group remains relatively under the radar in the investor community.

That, however, could change soon as the company continues to execute its growth strategy.

While today's news didn't move the needle, the Freightways share price is already up around 43% year to date in 2025, reflecting strong operational momentum. The company has delivered steady revenue and earnings expansion, disciplined cost management, and an improving contribution from its Australian operations, which will grow with this acquisition.

In FY25, revenue grew 6.6% to $1.3 billion, and NPAT rose 12.9% to $80.1 million, with management signalling confidence in continued growth into FY26.

According to Freightways' announcement, VTFE generated A$77 million in revenue over the past 12 months and operates an asset-light contractor model across all Australian states and territories. This is a structure that mirrors much of Freightways' existing Australian operations. The business gives Freightways a stronger foothold in the B2B freight segment, complementing allied brands such as Allied Express, which focuses on B2C deliveries.

Against that backdrop, today's acquisition looks less like a shock announcement and more like another step in Freightways' broader Australian expansion strategy. VTFE provides density, scale, and a platform for further growth, while reinforcing Freightways' multi-brand approach in one of its highest-potential markets.

Foolish bottom line

For investors, the key takeaway may not be today's flat share price, but the fact that Freightways continues to extend its footprint in Australia. If the company maintains its track record of earnings growth and strategic discipline, the recent strong share price performance may not be finished yet.

The post Is this little-known stock setting up for its next move higher? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor Kevin Gandiya has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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