Universal Logistics (ULH) Q2 Earnings call transcript Jul 26, 2024

Universal Logistics Holdings' second quarter 2024 earnings call highlighted the company's robust performance, underscoring its strategic diversification and resilience in a prolonged transportation downturn. The company's CEO, Tim Phillips, emphasized the importance of diversity in driving outstanding results and thanked the team's 10,000 employees and contractors for their contributions.

Strong Contract Logistics Performance Amidst Mixed Segments

Universal reported a 12% revenue growth in Q2 2024, with the contract logistics segment leading the charge. The segment's 26.2% revenue increase was largely attributed to a specialty development program, maintaining its position as the most consistent and profitable segment. The company managed 68 value-added programs, with operating ratios below 90% for the tenth straight quarter.

Trucking Segment's Specialized Heavy-Haul Driving Growth

The trucking segment, despite softness in the broader truckload market, experienced a 12.6% revenue increase, largely driven by a 28.5% increase in revenue per load from specialized, heavy-haul wind business. This segment is expected to continue its strong performance due to the secular headwind from the wind industry.

Intermodal Segment Faces Challenges, Improvement Signs Emerge

The intermodal segment faced significant headwinds, with a 14.8% revenue decrease in Q2 2024. However, the segment showed signs of improvement, with the best results for the year in the final month of Q2. The company expects a strong second half of 2024 if 2025 volumes get pulled forward in anticipation of higher tariffs and labor disputes.

Company-Managed Brokerage Struggles to Meet Profitability Expectations

The company-managed brokerage segment underperformed, with a 4.9% revenue decrease. The segment continues to struggle to meet profitability expectations due to overcapacity, which squeezed gross margins. The company is taking a proactive approach to evaluate the business and cut costs to improve efficiencies and return to profitability.

M&A Strategy and Sales Pipeline Bode Well for Future Growth

Universal's M&A strategy remains a key part of its growth plan, with a robust sales pipeline brimming with opportunities. Value-added and dedicated opportunities alone account for nearly $750 million, enabling the company to be selective in bids and maintain desired margin profiles.

Financial Highlights and Outlook

The company reported consolidated net income of $30.7 million or $1.17 per share on total operating revenues of $462.2 million in Q2 2024. Operating margins were 10.2%, and EBITDA increased by $29 million. The third quarter of 2024 is expected to see top-line revenues between $450 million and $475 million and margins in the 9% to 11% range.

Conclusion

Universal Logistics Holdings' second quarter earnings call underscored the company's strategic diversification and resilience in a challenging transportation market. The company's strong contract logistics performance, trucking segment growth, and strategic M&A efforts position it well for future growth. Despite challenges in certain segments, the company remains optimistic and well-positioned to navigate the evolving transportation landscape.