SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   FORM 10-Q

                QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For quarterly period ended                December 31, 1996
                          ------------------------------------------------------

Commission File Number             1-7654
                      ----------------------------------------------------------
 
                               XTRA CORPORATION 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
             DELAWARE                               06-0954158
- ---------------------------------            -------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                  Identification No.)



                 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts  02109
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   (Address of principal executive offices)

                                (617) 367-5000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

                                      N/A
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, 
                         if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                               Yes    X        No 
                                   -------        --------

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

           Class                              Outstanding at January 31, 1997 
- ---------------------------------           -----------------------------------
  Common Stock, Par Value                                15,251,334
      $.50 Per Share


 
                          XTRA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          ---------------------------------
                                        

                                     INDEX
                                     -----

 
 
                                                                  Page No.
                                                                  --------
                                                                

Part I.  Financial Information
         ---------------------
           Management Representation........................          3
 
           Consolidated Balance Sheets
             December 31, 1996 and September 30, 1996.......          4
 
           Consolidated Income Statements
             For the Three Months Ended
             December 31, 1996 and 1995.....................          5
 
           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
             For the Three Months Ended
             December 31, 1996 and 1995.....................          6
 
           Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
             For the Period September 30, 1995
             Through December 31, 1996......................          7
 
           Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.......          8 - 9
 
           Management's Discussion and Analysis of
             Financial Condition and Results of Operations..          10 - 13
 
Part II.  Other Information
          ----------------- 
          Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of 
                   Security Holders.........................          14
 
          Item 5.  Other Matters............................          15 - 17
 
          Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.........          18
 
          Signatures........................................          19
 
          Exhibit Index.....................................          20
 
          Exhibits..........................................          21
 


                                       2

 
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                         ------------------------------
                                        
                       XTRA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       ---------------------------------
                                        
                           MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATION
                           -------------------------
                                        


     The financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company,
without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally
included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and
regulations.  The Company believes, however, that the disclosures are adequate
to make the information presented not misleading.

     The Board of Directors carries out its responsibility for the financial
statements included herein through its Audit Committee, composed of non-employee
Directors.  During the year, the Committee meets periodically with both
management and the independent public accountants to ensure that each is
carrying out its responsibilities.  The independent public accountants have full
and free access to the Audit Committee and meet with its members, with and
without management being present, to discuss auditing and financial reporting
matters.

     These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's latest Annual Report
on Form 10-K.

     This financial information reflects, in the opinion of management, all
adjustments consisting of only normal recurring adjustments necessary to present
fairly the results for the interim periods.  The results of operations for such
interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for
the full year.

                                       3

 
                      XTRA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                         ---------------------------
                (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
 
                                             December 31,
                                                 1996          September 30,
                                              (unaudited)        1996 (1)
                                           --------------    ---------------
                                                       
Assets
- ------
 
Property and equipment, at cost
     Revenue equipment                     $      1,909.4    $       1,911.7
     Land, buildings and other                       65.6               65.1
                                           --------------    ---------------
                                                  1,975.0            1,976.8
Less - Accumulated depreciation                    (595.1)            (569.8)
                                           --------------    ---------------
     Net property and equipment                   1,379.9            1,407.0
 
Cash                                                  6.3                7.7
Trade receivables, net                               58.5               52.3
Lease contracts receivable                           41.6               41.7
Other assets                                         24.8               28.1
                                           --------------    ---------------
                                           $      1,511.1    $       1,536.8
                                           ==============    ===============
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
- ----------------------------------------
 
Liabilities
 
Debt                                       $        875.0    $         892.0
Deferred income taxes                               234.7              226.9
Accounts payable and accrued expenses                63.2               76.4
                                           --------------    ---------------
     Total liabilities                            1,172.9            1,195.3
                                           --------------    ---------------
 
Commitments and Contingencies
 
Stockholders' equity
 
Common Stock, par value $.50 per share;
 authorized:
     30,000,000 shares; issued and
      outstanding;
     15,246,099 shares at December 31,
      1996
     and 15,550,499 at September 30,                  7.6                7.8
      1996
Capital in excess of par value                       50.5               63.3
Retained earnings                                   283.7              273.3
Cumulative translation adjustment                    (3.6)              (2.9)
                                           --------------    ---------------
     Total stockholders' equity                     338.2              341.5
                                           --------------    ---------------
                                           $      1,511.1    $       1,536.8
                                           ==============    ===============

(1) Derived from XTRA Corporation's audited September 30, 1996 financial
    statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

                                       4

 
                    XTRA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
                     ------------------------------
             (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
                               (UNAUDITED)
 
 
 
                                             Three Months Ended
                                                December 31,
                                            --------------------
                                               1996       1995
                                             --------   -------
                                                  
Revenues                                     $  111.4   $ 112.2
                                           
Operating expenses                         
     Depreciation on rental equipment            36.5      36.3
     Rental equipment operating expense          26.4      25.4
     Selling and administrative expense          10.8      10.0
                                             --------   -------
                                                 73.7      71.7
                                             --------   -------
                                           
          Operating income                       37.7      40.5
                                           
Interest expense                                 15.9      16.7
Foreign exchange loss                               -       0.4
                                             --------   -------
                                           
          Income from operations before    
            provision for income taxes           21.8      23.4
                                           
Provision for income taxes                        8.7       9.5
                                             --------   -------
                                           
Net income                                   $   13.1   $  13.9
                                             ========   =======
                                           
                                           
Earnings per fully diluted common share      $   0.85   $  0.85
                                           
Weighted average number of fully diluted   
  common shares outstanding (in                  15.3      16.4
   millions)                               
                                           
                                           
Cash dividends declared per share            $   0.18   $  0.16
 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

                                       5

 
                       XTRA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                     -------------------------------------
                             (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
 
                                                                Three Months Ended
                                                                    December 31,
                                                            ---------------------------
                                                               1996              1995
                                                            ---------         ---------
                                                                    
Cash flows from operations:                                
  Net income                                               $     13.1    $        13.9
  Add non-cash income and expense items:                      
    Depreciation and amortization, net                           36.6             35.3
    Deferred income taxes                                         7.8              9.0
    Bad debt expense                                              1.3              1.1
  Add other cash items:                                       
    Net change in receivables, other assets,                  
     payables and accrued expenses                              (19.1)           (13.7)
    Cash receipts from lease contracts receivable                 5.0              4.4
    Recovery of property and equipment net book value             6.1              7.1
                                                           ----------    -------------
     Total cash provided from operations                         50.8             57.1
                                                           ----------    -------------
Cash used for investment activities:                          
  Additions to property and equipment                           (19.6)           (61.2)
  Acquisition of certain net assets of                        
   Matson Leasing Co, Inc.                                          -             (4.4)
                                                           ----------    -------------
     Total cash used for investment activities                  (19.6)           (65.6)
                                                           ----------    -------------
                                                              
Cash flows from financing activities:                         
  Borrowings of long-term debt                                      -            102.9
  Payments of long-term debt                                    (16.9)           (86.9)
  Repurchase of common stock                                    (13.0)           (10.6)
  Dividends paid                                                 (2.7)            (2.5)
                                                           ----------    -------------
    Total cash provided by/(used for)                         
     financing activities                                       (32.6)             2.9
                                                           ----------    -------------
Net decrease in cash                                             (1.4)            (5.6)
                                                              
Cash at beginning of period                                       7.7              6.3
                                                           ----------    -------------
Cash at end of period                                      $      6.3    $         0.7
                                                           ==========    =============

Total interest paid                                        $     27.1    $        18.2
                                                              
Total net income taxes paid (refunded)                     $     (0.5)   $        (1.5)
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
 statements.

                                       6

 
                       XTRA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                -----------------------------------------------
                             (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
 
                                       Common
                                        Stock   Capital in                 Cumulative  
                                        $.50    Excess of    Retained      Translation
                                     Par Value  Par Value    Earnings      Adjustment
                                     ---------  ---------    --------      ----------
                                                                 
Balance at September 30, 1995          $ 8.3    $ 107.6        $243.4        $ (0.5)
                                                                              
Net income                                 -          -          41.1             -
Common Stock cash dividends                                                   
   declared at $.70 per share              -          -         (11.2)            -
Options exercised and related tax          
 benefits                                  -        0.9             -             -                                   
Common Stock repurchased                (0.5)     (45.2)            -         
Translation adjustment                     -          -             -          (2.4)
                                       -----    -------        ------        ------                                        
Balance at September 30, 1996            7.8       63.3         273.3          (2.9)


Net income                                 -          -          13.1             -
Common Stock cash dividends                                                   
   declared at $.18 per share              -          -          (2.7)            -
Common Stock repurchased                (0.2)     (12.8)                      
Translation adjustment                     -          -             -          (0.7)
                                       -----    -------        ------        ------ 
Balance at December 31, 1996           $ 7.6    $  50.5        $283.7        $ (3.6)
                                       =====    =======        ======        ======
 




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.

                                       7

 
                       XTRA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       ---------------------------------
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                   ------------------------------------------

(1)  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of XTRA
     Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Company").  All
     material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
     Certain amounts in prior period financial statements have been reclassified
     to be consistent with the current periods' presentation.

(2)  The effective income tax rates used in the interim financial statements are
     estimates of the fiscal years' rates.  The effective income tax rate for
     fiscal 1996 was approximately 41%.  For the three months ended December 31,
     1996, the Company has recorded a provision for income taxes using an
     estimated effective income tax rate of approximately 40%.  The Company's
     effective income tax rate for fiscal 1996 and its estimated effective
     income tax rate for fiscal 1997 are higher than the statutory U.S. Federal
     income tax rate due primarily to state income taxes.

(3)  The Company's long-term debt includes a current portion of $51 million at
     December 31, 1996 and $56 million at September 30, 1996.

(4)  On October 1, 1996, XTRA Missouri, Inc., an intermediate holding company,
     was merged into the Company.  As a result of the merger, XTRA, Inc. became
     a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of the Company.  XTRA Corporation's assets
     consist substantially of the aggregate assets, liabilities, earnings and
     equity of XTRA, Inc.  In addition, XTRA Corporation generally guarantees
     the debt of XTRA, Inc.

     The condensed consolidated financial data for XTRA, Inc. included in the
     consolidated financial information of the Company is summarized below:


 
Selected Income Statement Data:
- -------------------------------
(Millions of dollars)
 
For the three months ended December 31,      1996      1995
                                           -------   -------
                                                
Revenues                                   $ 111.4   $ 112.2
Income before provision for income taxes      21.8      23.4
Net income                                    13.1      13.9


                                       8

 


 
Selected Balance Sheet Data:              December 31,  September 30, 
- ----------------------------                  1996          1996
(Millions of dollars)                     ------------  -------------   
                                                   
Net property and equipment                 $1,379.9       $1,406.8
Receivables, net                              100.1           93.9
Other assets                                   31.1           35.7
                                           --------       --------
   Total assets                            $1,511.1       $1,536.4
                                           ========       ======== 

Debt                                       $  875.0       $  892.0
Deferred income taxes                         234.7          226.9
Other liabilities                              63.3           76.8
                                           --------       --------
   Total liabilities                        1,173.0        1,195.7
                                           --------       --------
Stockholders' equity                          338.1          340.7
                                           --------       --------
   Total liabilities and stockholders'                   
    equity                                 $1,511.1       $1,536.4
                                           ========       ======== 
 


                                       9

 
                       XTRA CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       ---------------------------------
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                    ---------------------------------------
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                 ---------------------------------------------
                                        
     The discussion below may contain certain forward-looking statements, such
as estimates of economic and industry conditions, equipment utilization and
capital expenditures.  Actual results may vary from those contained in such
forward-looking statements.  See "Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the
'Safe Harbor' Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995"
contained in Part II, Item 5.

The Three Months Ended December 31, 1996
- -----------------------------------------
Versus the Three Months Ended December 31, 1995:
- ------------------------------------------------

Revenues and Changes in Business Conditions
- -------------------------------------------

     Revenues are generated by leasing domestic and international transportation
equipment. The Company's over-the-road and intermodal equipment is leased
throughout North America and marine containers are moved between countries in
international commerce.  Revenues are a function of lease rates and working
units; the latter depends on fleet size and equipment utilization.

     The following table sets forth the Company's average equipment utilization
(dollar weighted by investment in each type of equipment), average fleet size in
units (including units leased in under operating leases), and net investment in
equipment as of the three months ended December 31:



                                                          1996       1995
                                                        ---------  ---------
                                                             
           North America:
           --------------
           Utilization                                        88%        85%
           Units                                         130,000    133,000
           Net investment in equipment (in millions)    $    958   $  1,003
 
           International:
           --------------
           Utilization                                        78%        85%
           Units                                         154,000    132,000
           Net investment in equipment (in millions)    $    419   $    399
 
           Consolidated:
           -------------
           Utilization                                        85%        85%
           Units                                         284,000    265,000
           Net investment in equipment (in millions)    $  1,377   $  1,402
 


     Revenues decreased by 1% or $.8 million for the three months ended December
31, 1996 over the same period a year ago.  The Company's average equipment
utilization and net investment in equipment remained relatively unchanged from
the preceding year.

                                       10

 
     The Company's North American business revenue declined $.7 million from the
same quarter a year ago due mainly to lower gains on sales resulting from a
decline in the sale of intermodal trailers. The Company's North American
utilization, which began to improve during the second half of fiscal 1996,
averaged 88% for the first quarter of fiscal 1997, as compared to 85% in the
first quarter of fiscal 1996. Lower industry-wide capital spending and
increasing demand, as seen in improving intermodal and railcar loadings and
truck tonnage, have positively impacted the supply/demand balance. As the
railroads shift toward more container usage, the Company continues to downsize
the intermodal trailer fleet. XTRA's intermodal trailer fleet averaged 24,000
units, versus 29,000 units in the comparable prior year period.

     International revenues were unchanged from the same quarter of the prior
year.  An increase in the number of working units was offset by a lower average
effective lease rate.   International utilization decreased to 78% from 85% in
the comparable quarter.  Growth in usage of marine containers on a worldwide
basis has declined due to lower growth in freight demand, particularly in the
Far East.  Additionally, improved worldwide trade balance has resulted in more
efficient use of equipment by shippers and hence lower usage of leased
containers.  In 1996, increases in the supply of marine containers resulting
from substantial industry-wide purchases reduced demand for leased containers.
While industry container purchases are down considerably over the past year,
significant improvement in utilization is not expected in 1997.   The
overcapacity and sluggish demand for marine containers continues to exert
pressure on the Company's international lease rates.  The Company's average
international fleet size increased in fiscal 1997 to 154,000 units from 132,000
units in the comparable prior year period.

     For the three months ended December 31, 1996, the Company's North American
utilization improved and international utilization declined from the same period
a year ago due to the economic and industry conditions discussed above.  These
conditions have continued into the early portion of the second quarter of fiscal
1997.  Historically, the Company's second and third quarters reflect the
seasonality of the transportation business and represent a period of lower
utilization and hence lower profitability.  For the full 1997 fiscal year,
average equipment utilization is expected to be modestly higher than the 1996
average of 81%.

Operating Expenses
- ------------------

     Total operating expenses increased by 3% or $2.0 million from the same
period of fiscal 1996.  Rental equipment operating expense increased by 4% or
$1.0 million due to higher storage and repositioning costs associated with the
marine container business.  Selling and administrative expenses increased 8% or
$.8 million with no one factor contributing significantly to the increase.

                                       11

 
Interest Expense
- ----------------

       Interest expense decreased by 5% or $.8 million for the three months
ended December 31, 1996, due primarily to a decrease in average net debt
outstanding, as well as a decrease in the average effective interest rate.

Foreign Exchange Loss
- ---------------------

     In fiscal 1996, the Company recorded a foreign exchange loss of $.4 million
which was attributable to the translation of certain liabilities of the
Company's Canadian business.  This loss was a result of the decreasing value of
the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar during the quarter.

Income Before Provision for Income Taxes
- ----------------------------------------

     Pretax earnings decreased 7% or $1.6 million for the three months ended
December 31, 1996 over the same period a year ago primarily due to lower marine
container utilization which resulted in higher storage and repositioning costs.

Provision for Income Taxes
- --------------------------

     The effective income tax rates used in the interim financial statements are
estimates of the fiscal years' rates.  The effective income tax rate for fiscal
1996 was approximately 41%.  For the three months ended December 31, 1996, the
Company has recorded a provision for income taxes using an estimated effective
income tax rate of approximately 40%.  The Company's effective income tax rate
for fiscal 1996 and its estimated effective income tax rate for fiscal 1997 are
higher than the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate due primarily to state
income taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -------------------------------

     During the three months ended December 31, 1996, the Company generated cash
flows from operations of $51 million.  During the same period, XTRA invested $20
million in property and equipment, paid dividends of $3 million and repurchased
common stock of $13 million.  Net debt outstanding (debt less cash) decreased
$15 million.

     As of January 23, 1997, committed capital expenditures for fiscal 1997
amounted to approximately $145 million.  The Company may increase capital
spending in 1997 if conditions warrant.  However, given current industry
conditions, it is unlikely that spending for new equipment excluding
acquisitions will exceed the 1996 capital expenditure level of approximately
$210 million.

     On January 23, 1997, XTRA's Board of Directors raised the regular quarterly
cash dividend from $.18 to $.20 per share and declared a quarterly cash dividend
of $.20 per share, payable on February 28, 1997, to stockholders of record on
February 14, 1997.

     From October 1, 1996 to January 23, 1997, the Company had repurchased $13
million of its common stock pursuant to its $200 million common stock repurchase
program.  Since the implementation of the program in fiscal 1995, the Company
has repurchased $79 million of its 

                                       12

 
common stock.

       As of January 31, 1997, XTRA Inc. had $604 million available for future
issuance under its $742 million Shelf Registration.  As of January 31, 1997, the
Company had $156 million of unused credit available under its $300 million
Revolving Credit Agreement.

                                       13

 
                         Part  II  - OTHER INFORMATION
                         -----------------------------

Item 4  - Submission of Matter to a Vote of Security Holders
- ------------------------------------------------------------

     At the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on January 23, 1997, at
which a quorum was present, the stockholders re-elected seven of the incumbent
Directors and approved the following proposal by the number of shares of common
stock as noted:


(1)  Nominees for the office of Director:



                            Number of Shares
                          --------------------
                          Voted For   Withheld
                          ----------  --------
                                
   H. William Brown       14,269,706    23,229
   Robert M. Gintel       14,266,069    26,866
   Robert B. Goergen      14,270,006    22,929
   Herbert C. Knortz      14,264,749    28,186
   Francis J. Palamara    14,264,591    28,344
   Lewis Rubin            14,268,894    24,040
   Martin L. Solomon      14,268,631    24,303
 


 
 
                                           Number of Shares Voted
                                       -----------------------------
                                       For       Against     Abstain
                                      -----      -------     -------
                                                    
(2)  To approve amendments to the   14,073,070   192,359     27,505
     Company's 1991 Stock Option 
     Plan for Non-Employee
     Directors: i) to increase
     from 50,000 to 100,000 the
     number of shares reserved for
     issuance under the Plan, ii)
     to increase the number of
     shares covered by options
     awarded annually to directors
     from 500 to 1,000 and iii) to
     provide for initial grants to
     newly elected directors for
     options covering 4,000 shares
     of the Company's Common
     Stock.
 

                                       14

 
Item 5 - Other Matters
- ----------------------


CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS FOR PURPOSES OF THE "SAFE HARBOR" PROVISIONS OF THE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
- ------------------------------------------------

     The foregoing Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations may contain certain forward-looking statements,
including estimates of economic and industry conditions, equipment utilization
and capital expenditures.  In addition, the Company may occasionally make
forward-looking statements and estimates such as forecasts and projections of
the Company's future performance or statements of management's plans and
objectives.  These forward-looking statements may be contained in, among other
things, SEC filings and press releases made by the Company and in oral
statements made by the officers of the Company.  Actual results could differ
materially from those in such forward-looking statements.  Therefore, no
assurances can be given that the results in such forward-looking statements will
be achieved.  Important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to
differ from those contained in such forward-looking statements include, among
others, the factors mentioned below.

VARIABLE REVENUES AND FIXED OPERATING EXPENSES:
- ---------------------------------------------- 

The Company's revenues, which are based on lease rates, utilization, supply of
and demand for equipment, are variable due to their dependence on the level of
domestic and international economic activity, as well as changing industry
levels of equipment supply.  In addition, the Company has a high percentage of
fixed operating expenses, including depreciation, a portion of rental equipment
operating expense and selling and administrative expenses.  As a result, the
Company's pretax profits are cyclical.  If domestic or global economic activity
remains slow or if an oversupply of industry equipment exists, operating margins
may be adversely affected.  See below for further discussion.

Lease Rates:
- ----------- 

Lease rates depend on the type of lease, length of term, maintenance provided
and the type and age of the equipment.  Future lease rates may increase or
decrease depending on competition, economic conditions and other factors.

Utilization:
- ------------

Utilization is the ratio of revenue earning units to the total fleet.
Utilization is directly impacted by the level of economic activity in North
America, world trade activity, the supply of and demand for available equipment,
the actions of competitors and other factors in the freight transportation
industry.

Supply of Equipment:
- --------------------

New equipment, supplied by a number of manufacturers, is built to the Company's
specifications and reflects industry standards and customer needs.  There is
often a considerable amount of time between when an order is placed and when the
equipment is delivered.   In addition, it is difficult to accurately predict
demand for the Company's equipment in future periods.  As a result, the
Company's performance in a given period may be adversely affected either because
of its inability to quickly increase fleet size (because of extended back
orders) to take advantage of 

                                       15

 
unexpectedly strong demand, or to quickly reduce fleet size in order to react 
to reduced demand.

Demand:
- -------
Demand for equipment is affected by economic factors, equipment supply and
shifting traffic trends in the industry. A softening domestic or international
economy may result in lower levels of freight shipments.  Shifting traffic
trends in the industry, such as truckers competing more aggressively, may divert
some intermodal freight to over-the-road. Other items affecting demand which may
impact leasing needs can include severe adverse weather conditions such as
floods or snow storms or strikes by transportation unions.

Operating Expenses:
- -------------------

     The Company's operating expenses consist of a high percentage of fixed
costs and thus profitability  can change as revenues fluctuate due to increases
and decreases in utilization and/or lease rates.  The fixed costs include
depreciation, a portion of rental equipment operating expense and selling and
administrative expenses.  As a result, income from operations can be cyclical.
If revenues decline in any period, operating margins may change from those
reported in prior periods due to the fixed nature of a significant portion of
the Company's expenses.

CAPITAL NEEDS:
- --------------

The acquisition of new equipment, both for growth as well as replacement of
older equipment, requires significant capital.  In addition, over the past
several years, the Company has grown its fleet through acquisitions of other
companies such as Strick Lease and Matson Leasing Company, Inc.,  requiring
additional capital.  While the Company generally has had available a variety of
sources to finance such expenditures and acquisitions at favorable rates or
terms, the availability of such capital depends heavily upon prevailing market
conditions, the Company's capital structure and its credit ratings.   No
assurances can be given that financing will continue to be available at
attractive rates or with covenants that are not more restrictive than the
Company's current debt covenants.

INTEREST RATES:
- ---------------

Over the past several years, interest rates have remained at historically low
levels.  Because of the Company's heavy dependence upon external financing to
fund its capital needs and acquisitions, the level of interest rates directly
affects the Company's profitability.  The Company attempts to moderate the
effect of changing interest rates by maintaining a high percentage of its debt
with fixed rates.  An increase in interest rates or a downgrade in the Company's
debt ratings would adversely impact the cost of new borrowings, thereby
adversely effecting its profitability.
 
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES:
- -----------------------

A portion of the Company's North American over-the-road and intermodal business
is transacted in local currencies.  As a result, the Company's financial results
are subject to foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

ACQUISITIONS:
- ------------ 

Over the past years, the Company has used acquisitions of fleets operated by
other companies to help grow its business.  In order for the Company to take
advantage of favorable acquisition opportunities as they are presented, it may
be necessary for the Company to significantly increase its debt leverage ratio
which could adversely effect its credit ratings.  Also, the ability of 

                                       16

 
the Company to take advantage of acquisition opportunities will depend on the
availability of capital.  See financial liquidity and capital resources above
for discussion.

CONSOLIDATIONS OF THE COMPANY'S CUSTOMER BASE:
- ----------------------------------------------
Consolidations through mergers or acquisitions of the Company's customer base,
including railroad or steamship lines, may result in reduced demand for leased
equipment.

                                       17

 
Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
- -----------------------------------------

(a)  Exhibits
- ---  --------

Exhibit No.    Description
- -----------    -----------

10.1           1991 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended
               through November 14, 1996

11.1           Statement of the calculation of earnings per share for the three
               months ended December 31, 1996 and 1995

12.1           Statement of the calculation of earnings to fixed charges for the
               three months ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 for XTRA
               Corporation

12.2           Statement of the calculation of earnings to fixed charges for the
               three months ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 for XTRA, Inc.

27.0           Financial Data Schedule


(b)            Reports of Form 8-K
- ---            -------------------

     On January 24, 1997, a Current Report on Form 8-K was filed by the Company
to disclose certain financial information for the fiscal first quarter ended
December 31, 1996.

                                       18

 
                                   SIGNATURES


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



                                                XTRA CORPORATION
                                     -------------------------------------
                                                  (Registrant)



Date:    February 7, 1997                 /s/ Michael J. Soja
       --------------------          -------------------------------------
                                             Michael J. Soja
                                             Vice President and
                                              Chief Financial Officer



Date:    February 7, 1997                  /s/ Robert B. Blakeley
       --------------------          -------------------------------------
                                             Robert B. Blakeley
                                             Vice President and
                                              Controller

                                       19

 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
                                 -------------


 
Exhibit No.    Description                                 Page No.
- -----------    -----------                                 --------
                                                    
10.1           1991 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee
               Directors, as amended through November      
               14, 1996                                     21 - 25
               
11.1           Statement of the calculation of earnings
               per share for the three months ended        
               December 31, 1996 and 1995                   26 
               
12.1           Statement of the calculation of earnings
               to fixed charges for the three months
               ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 for           
               XTRA Corporation                             27
               
12.2           Statement of the calculation of earnings
               to fixed charges for the three months          
               ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 for
               XTRA, Inc.                                   28
               
27             Financial Data Schedule                      29