Surging Earnings Estimates Signal Upside for Universal Truckload (ULH) Stock

Universal Logistics (ULH) appears an attractive pick given a noticeable improvement in the company's earnings outlook. The stock has been a strong performer lately, and the momentum might continue with analysts still raising their earnings estimates for the company.

Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this trucking and logistics company is driving estimates higher, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements. Our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- has this insight at its core.

The five-grade Zacks Rank system, which ranges from a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record of outperformance, with Zacks #1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008.

For Universal Logistics, strong agreement among the covering analysts in revising earnings estimates upward has resulted in meaningful improvement in consensus estimates for the next quarter and full year.

The chart below shows the evolution of forward 12-month Zacks Consensus EPS estimate:

12 Month EPS

Current-Quarter Estimate Revisions

For the current quarter, the company is expected to earn $0.08 per share, which is a change of -65.2% from the year-ago reported number.

Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Universal Truckload has increased 14.29% because one estimate has moved higher compared to no negative revisions.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

For the full year, the earnings estimate of $1.02 per share represents a change of +1,800.0% from the year-ago number.

The revisions trend for the current year also appears quite promising for Universal Truckload, with one estimate moving higher over the past month compared to no negative revisions. The consensus estimate has also received a boost over this time frame, increasing 10.87%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

The promising estimate revisions have helped Universal Truckload earn a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The Zacks Rank is a tried-and-tested rating tool that helps investors effectively harness the power of earnings estimate revisions and make the right investment decision.

You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Our research shows that stocks with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) significantly outperform the S&P 500.

Bottom Line

While strong estimate revisions for Universal Truckload have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 5.5% higher over the past four weeks, further upside may still be left in the stock. So, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away.

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Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc. (ULH): Free Stock Analysis Report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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