Landstar System (LSTR) delivered fiscal Q1 results with a modest upside versus consensus estimates amid better pricing momentum and continued heavy-haul outperformance, while pointing to a "healthier" freight scenario, Morgan Stanley said in a note Monday.

The company saw a "cleaner" quarter backed by stronger pricing and a decrease in insurance costs, while management's comments about market conditions were "considerably more optimistic," with the market described as potentially at the "beginning of the beginning" of a freight upcycle, the investment firm said.

Morgan Stanley highlighted the truck revenue/load increase of about 6% year on year, with management also indicating more favorable month on month pricing trends and an April truck revenue/load that is about 13% higher compared with previous years.

The company, however, is facing headwinds like uneven demand, insurance volatility, and lack of regulatory clarity, with unclear visibility preventing management from issuing formal Q2 guidance, according to the note.

Morgan Stanley lifted its price target to $145 from $135, while keeping its equal-weight rating on the stock.

Shares of Landstar System were down more than 2% in Monday trading.

Price: 179.12, Change: -4.27, Percent Change: -2.33