Universal Logistics Reports Higher Net Income of $13.6M for Q3
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
Universal Logistics Holdings Inc. reported higher third-quarter net income, lifted largely by the recovery in automotive production.
The Warren, Mich.-based asset light transportation and logistics company posted net income of $13.6 million, or 50 cents per diluted share, for the three months ending Oct. 3. That compared with a net loss of $8.4 million, or 30 cents per diluted share, during the prior-year quarter.
Revenue decreased 2.8% over the year to $365 million from $375.5 million.
Investment analysts had been looking for 73 cents per share and quarterly revenue of $326.5 million, according to Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Phillips
“The rapid recovery of North American automotive production was a primary driver behind Universal’s solid performance in the third-quarter 2020,” CEO Tim Phillips said. “We are confident this rebound has quite a bit of runway, particularly in the light-truck and SUV markets. The continued strength in this space provides the foundation for our dedicated transportation and value-added service businesses, and we expect to build upon this success by launching several new logistics wins over the next few quarters.”
The transportation segment — comprised of truckload, brokerage and intermodal services operations — reported income of $10.4 million on operating revenue of $237.1 million. Both truckload and intermodal services performed well during the period; however, segment results were hurt by continued margin pressures in company-managed brokerage operations, the company said.
“Our company-managed brokerage operations recorded $56.4 million in total operating revenues, and an operating ratio of 104.5%. During the third-quarter 2019, operating losses in the transportation segment included $27 million in nonrecurring litigation charges for previously disclosed legal matters,” the release said.
Home | Video | Heroes' Photo Gallery
Saluting the men and women of the trucking industry who kept America's essential goods flowing during the coronavirus pandemic.
Heroes: Peter Lacoste | Susan Dawson | James Rogers | Reggie Barrows | Kevin Cooper | Cesar Quintana Moreno
In the logistics segment, which includes value-added and dedicated services, the rebound of North American automotive manufacturing led to improved performance during the period. However, these results were negatively impacted by operations supporting heavy-truck production, which experienced planned shutdowns during the period, as well as launch costs in support of recent business awards. Income from operations in the logistics segment was $11.6 million on total operating revenue of $127.7 million. This compares to $9.8 million in income from operations in the third-quarter 2019, during which the labor strike by the United Auto Workers against General Motors is estimated to have reduced operating income by $4 million.
Truckload services reported operating revenue decreased to $52.2 million from $62.6 million, reflecting a decline in the number of loads hauled, which was partially offset by an increase in average operating revenue per load of 6.2%.
Brokerage services revenue decreased 4.1% over the year to $90.6 million compared with $94.4 million, primarily due to a 10.1% decrease in the number of brokerage loads moved, which was partially offset by a 6.4% increase in average operating revenue per load. Universal brokered 54,919 loads during the quarter compared to 61,072 loads the year prior.
In this episode, host Michael Freeze takes a look at the surprising ways trucking companies are building strong, resilient cultures and attracting talent that stays. Hear a snippet, above, and get the full program by going to RoadSigns.TTNews.com.
Intermodal services revenue increased to $94.5 million from $93 million during the same period last year, reflecting an increase in the number of loads hauled, which was partially offset by a decrease in average operating revenue per load.
Dedicated services reported operating revenue increased 20.3% to $39.4 million compared to $32.7 million one year earlier. Universal moved 160,694 dedicated loads during the quarter compared to 138,934 loads during the same period last year. The increase was attributable to strong volumes in North American automotive production compared to the 2019 third quarter, which included the UAW strike.
Universal Logistics started as a provider of regional transportation services when it was founded in 1932. The company has since expanded to include logistics services ranging from dry van and specialized transportation, intermodal drayage, complete material handling, value-added services, and international and customs brokerage services.
Universal Logistics Holdings ranks No. 27 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America. It ranks No. 29 on the Transport Topics Top 50 list of the largest logistics companies.
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing:
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant | More
