Universal Logistics Holdings Reports Second Quarter 2024 Financial Results; Declares Dividend

Rhea-AI Summary

Universal Logistics Holdings reported strong Q2 2024 results, with operating revenues up 12.0% to $462.2 million and net income increasing to $30.7 million ($1.17 per share). The company saw significant growth in its contract logistics segment, with revenues up 26.2% to $263.6 million. However, the intermodal segment experienced a 14.8% decrease in revenues and an operating loss. The trucking segment showed improvement with a 12.6% revenue increase. Universal declared a quarterly dividend of $0.105 per share. CEO Tim Phillips highlighted the company's diverse service offering and strong performance in contract logistics, while acknowledging challenges in some operations.

Positive

• Operating revenues increased 12.0% to $462.2 million in Q2 2024
• Net income rose to $30.7 million, or $1.17 per share, a 30.0% increase
• Operating income grew 29.4% to $47.1 million
• Contract logistics segment revenues increased 26.2% to $263.6 million
• Trucking segment revenues rose 12.6% to $91.4 million
• EBITDA margin improved to 18.4% from 13.5% year-over-year

Negative

• Intermodal segment revenues decreased 14.8% to $78.1 million
• Intermodal segment reported an operating loss of $8.3 million
• Company-managed brokerage segment revenues declined 4.9% to $28.1 million
• Company-managed brokerage segment reported an operating loss of $2.2 million
• Additional depreciation expense of $11.3 million due to revised equipment useful life estimates

Insights

Financial Analyst

Universal Logistics Holdings' Q2 2024 results demonstrate robust growth and operational efficiency. The company reported a 12.0% increase in operating revenues to $462.2 million and a substantial 29.4% rise in operating income to $47.1 million. Earnings per share saw a significant 30.0% jump to $1.17, indicating strong profitability.

The standout performer was the Contract Logistics segment, with a 26.2% revenue increase and an impressive 20.1% operating margin. This segment's success, driven by a new specialty development project, showcases the company's ability to capitalize on high-value opportunities.

However, the Intermodal and Company-managed Brokerage segments faced challenges, reporting operating losses. The Intermodal segment's 14.8% revenue decline and 10.6% operating loss margin are concerning and warrant close monitoring.

The company's EBITDA margin improved significantly from 13.5% to 18.4%, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency. However, investors should note the $11.3 million additional depreciation expense due to revised equipment life estimates, which could impact future profitability.

Universal's diverse service offering appears to be a key strength, allowing it to navigate a turbulent market environment successfully. The declared dividend of $0.105 per share demonstrates confidence in sustained cash flow generation.

Supply Chain Expert

Universal Logistics' Q2 results highlight the company's strategic positioning across the supply chain spectrum. The exceptional performance of the Contract Logistics segment, with its 20.1% operating margin, underscores the value of integrated, specialized services in today's complex supply chain environment.

The company's success in securing a significant specialty development project ($44.6 million in revenue) demonstrates its ability to capture high-value opportunities. This aligns with the broader industry trend of logistics providers moving up the value chain to offer more specialized, knowledge-intensive services.

However, the challenges in the Intermodal and Brokerage segments reflect ongoing volatility in the transportation market. The 4.1% decline in Intermodal load volumes and 5.9% drop in average revenue per load (excluding fuel surcharges) suggest persistent overcapacity and pricing pressures in this sector.

The Trucking segment's performance is noteworthy, with a 28.5% increase in average revenue per load (excluding fuel surcharges), driven by the specialty heavy-haul wind business. This highlights the importance of niche capabilities in maintaining profitability amid broader market challenges.

Universal's ability to maintain strong overall results despite segment-specific headwinds speaks to the resilience of its diversified business model. However, the company must address underperforming segments to ensure long-term sustainable growth across all operations.

• Second Quarter 2024 Operating Revenues:  $462.2 million, 12.0% increase
• Second Quarter 2024 Operating Income:  $47.1 million, 29.4% increase
• Second Quarter 2024 Earnings Per Share:  $1.17 per share, 30.0% increase
• Declares Quarterly Dividend:  $0.105 per share

WARREN, Mich., July 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULH) today reported consolidated second quarter 2024 net income of $30.7 million, or $1.17 per basic and diluted share, on total operating revenues of $462.2 million. This compares to net income of $23.6 million, or $0.90 per basic and diluted share, during the second quarter 2023 on total operating revenues of $412.6 million.

In the second quarter 2024, Universal's operating income increased $10.7 million to $47.1 million, compared to $36.4 million in the second quarter one year earlier. During the second quarter 2024, Universal revised the estimated useful life and salvage value of certain equipment, and these adjustments resulted in additional depreciation expense of $11.3 million during the period. As a percentage of operating revenue, operating margin for the second quarter 2024 was 10.2%, compared to 8.8% during the same period last year. EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, increased $29.0 million during the second quarter 2024 to $84.8 million, compared to $55.8 million one year earlier. As a percentage of operating revenue, EBITDA margin for the second quarter 2024 was 18.4%, compared to 13.5% during the same period last year.

"Once again Universal delivered exceptional results in an otherwise turbulent transportation and logistics environment," stated Universal's CEO Tim Phillips. "Our diverse service offering across the entire supply chain continues to differentiate our business and deliver stand-out results in the space. Contract logistics led the way delivering double-digit operating margins for the past ten consecutive quarters, and this segment continues to have a robust pipeline of new opportunities. We also experienced favorable results in the trucking segment, bolstered by our specialized, heavy-haul solution, delivering sequential growth on both the top and bottom lines. Despite our successes, we have not lost sight of certain underperforming operations. We expect all our businesses to generate positive returns, and remain focused on gaining efficiencies and controlling costs to achieve those results. We are going to keep our foot on the gas, and continue delivering exceptional service to our customers, while making sound business decisions to ensure we are well positioned for future success."

Segment Information:

Contract Logistics

• Second Quarter 2024 Operating Revenues:  $263.6 million, 26.2% increase
• Second Quarter 2024 Operating Income:  $52.9 million, 20.1% operating margin

In the contract logistics segment, which includes our value-added and dedicated services, second quarter 2024 operating revenues increased 26.2% to $263.6 million, compared to $208.8 million for the same period last year. Second quarter 2024 revenues included $44.6 million attributable to our recently awarded specialty development project. At the end of both the second quarters 2024 and 2023, we managed 68 value-added programs. Included in contract logistics segment revenues were also $8.0 million in separately identified fuel surcharges from dedicated transportation services, compared to $8.6 million during the same period last year. Second quarter 2024 income from operations increased $20.1 million to $52.9 million, compared to $32.8 million during the same period last year. As a percentage of revenue, operating margin in the contract logistics segment for the second quarter 2024 was 20.1%, compared to 15.7% during the same period last year. 

Intermodal

• Second Quarter 2024 Operating Revenues:  $78.1 million, 14.8% decrease
• Second Quarter 2024 Operating (Loss):  $(8.3) million, (10.6)% operating margin

Operating revenues in the intermodal segment decreased 14.8% to $78.1 million in the second quarter 2024, compared to $91.6 million for the same period last year. Included in intermodal segment revenues for the recently completed quarter were $10.9 million in separately identified fuel surcharges, compared to $13.6 million during the same period last year. Intermodal segment revenues also include other accessorial charges such as detention, demurrage and storage, which totaled $8.1 million during the second quarter 2024, compared to $13.4 million one year earlier. Load volumes declined 4.1%, while the average operating revenue per load, excluding fuel surcharges, fell 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. In the second quarter 2024, the intermodal segment experienced an operating loss of $(8.3) million compared to an operating loss of $(0.2) million during the same period last year. As a percentage of revenue, operating margin in the intermodal segment for the second quarter 2024 was (10.6)%, compared to (0.3)% one year earlier.

Trucking

• Second Quarter 2024 Operating Revenues:  $91.4 million, 12.6% increase
• Second Quarter 2024 Operating Income:  $4.4 million, 4.8% operating margin

In the trucking segment, second quarter 2024 operating revenues increased 12.6% to $91.4 million, compared to $81.2 million for the same period last year. Second quarter 2024 trucking segment revenues included $25.5 million of brokerage services, compared to $30.7 million during the same period last year. Also included in our trucking segment revenues were $5.7 million in separately identified fuel surcharges during the second quarter 2024, compared to $6.4 million in fuel surcharges during the same period last year. On a year-over-year basis, load volumes declined 11.1%; however, the average operating revenue per load, excluding fuel surcharges, increased 28.5%, supported by our specialty, heavy-haul wind business. Income from operations remained consistent at $4.4 million for both the second quarters of 2024 and 2023. As a percentage of revenue, operating margin in the trucking segment for the second quarter 2024 was 4.8% compared to 5.4% during the same period last year.

Company-managed Brokerage

• Second Quarter 2024 Operating Revenues:  $28.1 million, 4.9% decrease
• Second Quarter 2024 Operating (Loss):  $(2.2) million, (7.9)% operating margin

Second quarter 2024 operating revenues in the company-managed brokerage segment decreased 4.9% to $28.1 million compared to $29.6 million for the same period last year. Load volumes improved 20.1%; however, our average operating revenue per load, excluding fuel surcharges, decreased 21.9% on a year-over-year basis. In the second quarter 2024, the company-managed brokerage segment experienced an operating loss of $(2.2) million compared to an operating loss of $(0.8) million one year earlier. As a percentage of revenue, operating margin for the second quarter 2024 was (7.9)% compared to (2.7)% during the same period last year.

Cash Dividend

Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc. also announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.105 per share of common stock. The dividend is payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 2, 2024 and is expected to be paid on October 1, 2024.

Other Matters 

As of June 29, 2024, Universal held cash and cash equivalents totaling $7.5 million, and $11.6 million in marketable securities. Outstanding debt at the end of the second quarter 2024 was $487.8 million and capital expenditures totaled $77.1 million. 

Universal calculates and reports selected financial metrics not only for purposes of our lending arrangements but also in an effort to isolate and exclude the impact of non-operating expenses related to our corporate development activities. These statistics are described in more detail below in the section captioned "Non-GAAP Financial Measures."

Conference call:

We invite investors and analysts to our quarterly earnings conference call. 

Quarterly Earnings Conference Call Dial-in Details:

Time:	10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Date:	Friday, July 26, 2024
Call Toll Free:	(800) 836-8184
International Dial-in:	+1 (646) 357-8785

A replay of the conference call will be available through August 2, 2024, by calling (888) 660-6345 (toll free) or +1 (646) 517-4150 (toll) and using replay entry code 07642. The call will also be available on investors.universallogistics.com.

About Universal:

Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc. ("Universal") is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide a variety of customized transportation and logistics solutions throughout the United States and in Mexico, Canada and Colombia. Our operating subsidiaries provide our customers with supply chain solutions that can be scaled to meet their changing demands. We offer our customers a broad array of services across their entire supply chain, including truckload, brokerage, intermodal, dedicated and value-added services. In this press release, the terms "us," "we," "our," or the "Company" refer to Universal and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this press release might be considered forward-looking statements. These statements identify prospective information. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "prospect," "seek," "believe," "targets," "project," "estimate," "future," "likely," "may," "should" and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time and/or management's good faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations described. Additional information about the factors that may adversely affect these forward-looking statements is contained in Universal's reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Universal assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.

UNIVERSAL LOGISTICS HOLDINGS, INC. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (In thousands, except per share data)
		Thirteen Weeks Ended								Twenty-six Weeks Ended
		June 29,				July 1,				June 29,				July 1,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Operating revenues:
Truckload services		$	66,876			$	51,860			$	108,906			$	98,261
Brokerage services			53,661				60,325				113,274				128,998
Intermodal services			78,069				91,585				154,784				202,611
Dedicated services			90,715				86,069				179,031				171,301
Value-added services			172,843				122,733				398,075				248,797
Total operating revenues			462,164				412,572				954,070				849,968
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation and equipment rent			137,295				139,879				261,928				295,964
Direct personnel and related benefits			135,495				138,046				276,300				277,138
Operating supplies and expenses			63,558				41,101				156,382				87,290
Commission expense			8,890				7,643				15,500				15,815
Occupancy expense			10,442				11,041				21,010				22,193
General and administrative			14,699				13,418				28,205				25,334
Insurance and claims			7,873				5,889				15,041				13,968
Depreciation and amortization			36,809				19,160				57,510				37,675
Total operating expenses			415,061				376,177				831,876				775,377
Income from operations			47,103				36,395				122,194				74,591
Interest expense, net			(6,883)				(5,121)				(12,962)				(10,096)
Other non-operating income			898				284				2,003				299
Income before income taxes			41,118				31,558				111,235				64,794
Provision for income taxes			10,384				7,992				28,044				16,352
Net income		$	30,734			$	23,566			$	83,191			$	48,442
Earnings per common share:
Basic		$	1.17			$	0.90			$	3.16			$	1.84
Diluted		$	1.17			$	0.90			$	3.16			$	1.84
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic			26,317				26,287				26,312				26,284
Diluted			26,352				26,308				26,341				26,312
Dividends declared per common share:		$	0.105			$	0.105			$	0.210			$	0.210

 

UNIVERSAL LOGISTICS HOLDINGS, INC. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands)
		June 29, 2024				December 31, 2023
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	7,486			$	12,511
Marketable securities			11,566				10,772
Accounts receivable - net			288,125				287,947
Other current assets			75,632				54,243
Total current assets			382,809				365,473
Property and equipment - net			658,022				561,088
Other long-term assets - net			431,225				326,962
Total assets		$	1,472,056			$	1,253,523
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities, excluding current maturities of debt		$	223,786			$	189,727
Debt - net			483,801				381,924
Other long-term liabilities			155,574				149,674
Total liabilities			863,161				721,325
Total shareholders' equity			608,895				532,198
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		$	1,472,056			$	1,253,523

 

UNIVERSAL LOGISTICS HOLDINGS, INC. Unaudited Summary of Operating Data
		Thirteen Weeks Ended								Twenty-six Weeks Ended
		June 29,				July 1,				June 29,				July 1,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Contract Logistics Segment:
Average number of value-added direct employees			5,230				5,569				5,355				5,532
Average number of value-added full-time equivalents			168				482				138				647
Number of active value-added programs			68				68				68				68
Intermodal Segment:
Number of loads			108,326				112,925				213,363				235,224
Average operating revenue per load, excluding fuel surcharges		$	555			$	590			$	560			$	578
Average number of tractors			1,656				2,159				1,646				2,141
Number of depots			8				9				8				9
Trucking Segment:
Number of loads			40,620				45,717				82,311				90,572
Average operating revenue per load, excluding fuel surcharges		$	2,115			$	1,646			$	1,808			$	1,627
Average number of tractors			815				905				808				900
Average length of haul			390				382				396				390
Company-Managed Brokerage Segment:
Number of loads (a)			21,396				17,814				42,952				37,770
Average operating revenue per load (a)		$	1,249			$	1,599			$	1,315			$	1,650
Average length of haul (a)			527				644				549				631
(a)   Excludes operating data from freight forwarding division in order to improve the relevance of the statistical data related to our brokerage services and improve the        comparability to our peer companies.

 

UNIVERSAL LOGISTICS HOLDINGS, INC. Unaudited Summary of Operating Data - Continued (Dollars in thousands)
		Thirteen Weeks Ended								Twenty-six Weeks Ended
		June 29,				July 1,				June 29,				July 1,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Operating Revenues by Segment:
Contract logistics		$	263,558			$	208,802			$	577,106			$	420,098
Intermodal			78,069				91,585				154,784				202,611
Trucking			91,440				81,243				161,095				160,958
Company-managed brokerage			28,142				29,595				59,142				63,551
Other			955				1,347				1,943				2,750
Total		$	462,164			$	412,572			$	954,070			$	849,968
Income from Operations by Segment:
Contract logistics		$	52,901			$	32,789			$	134,367			$	60,570
Intermodal			(8,301)				(246)				(16,347)				6,565
Trucking			4,384				4,423				8,053				8,212
Company-managed brokerage			(2,237)				(786)				(4,725)				(1,160)
Other			356				215				846				404
Total		$	47,103			$	36,395			$	122,194			$	74,591

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to providing consolidated financial statements based on generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), we are providing additional financial measures that are not required by or prepared in accordance with GAAP (non-GAAP). We present EBITDA and EBITDA margin, each a non-GAAP measure, as supplemental measures of our performance. We define EBITDA as net income plus (i) interest expense, net, (ii) income taxes, (iii) depreciation, and (iv) amortization. We define EBITDA margin as EBITDA as a percentage of total operating revenues. You are encouraged to evaluate these adjustments and the reasons we consider them appropriate for supplemental analysis.

In accordance with the requirements of Regulation G issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we are presenting the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure and reconciling the non-GAAP financial measure to the comparable GAAP measure. Set forth below is a reconciliation of net income, the most comparable GAAP measure, to EBITDA for each of the periods indicated:

		Thirteen Weeks Ended								Twenty-six Weeks Ended
		June 29,				July 1,				June 29,				July 1,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
		( in thousands)								( in thousands)
EBITDA
Net income		$	30,734			$	23,566			$	83,191			$	48,442
Income tax expense			10,384				7,992				28,044				16,352
Interest expense, net			6,883				5,121				12,962				10,096
Depreciation			32,052				15,982				47,954				31,313
Amortization			4,757				3,178				9,556				6,362
EBITDA		$	84,810			$	55,839			$	181,707			$	112,565
EBITDA margin (a)			18.4	%			13.5	%			19.0	%			13.2	%
(a)   EBITDA margin is computed by dividing EBITDA by total operating revenues for each of the periods indicated.

We present EBITDA and EBITDA margin because we believe they assist investors and analysts in comparing our performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that we do not believe are indicative of our core operating performance.

EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool. Some of these limitations are:

• EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;
• EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;
• EBITDA does not reflect the significant interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debts;
• Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements; and
• Other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

Because of these limitations, EBITDA and EBITDA margin should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and only supplementally on EBITDA and EBITDA margin.

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SOURCE Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc.

FAQ

What were Universal Logistics Holdings' (ULH) Q2 2024 financial highlights?

Universal Logistics Holdings reported Q2 2024 operating revenues of $462.2 million (up 12.0%), operating income of $47.1 million (up 29.4%), and earnings per share of $1.17 (up 30.0%).

How did Universal Logistics Holdings' (ULH) contract logistics segment perform in Q2 2024?

The contract logistics segment saw a 26.2% increase in operating revenues to $263.6 million, with an operating margin of 20.1% in Q2 2024.

What challenges did Universal Logistics Holdings (ULH) face in its intermodal segment during Q2 2024?

Universal Logistics Holdings' intermodal segment experienced a 14.8% decrease in operating revenues to $78.1 million and reported an operating loss of $8.3 million in Q2 2024.

What dividend did Universal Logistics Holdings (ULH) declare for Q2 2024?

Universal Logistics Holdings declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.105 per share, payable on October 1, 2024, to shareholders of record as of September 2, 2024.