Universal Truckload Services
The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Universal Truckload Services missed estimates on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.
Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue grew, and GAAP earnings per share expanded.
Gross margins shrank, operating margins expanded, and net margins were steady.
Revenue details
Universal Truckload Services reported revenue of $174.6 million. The three analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see revenue of $186.4 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 12% higher than the prior-year quarter's $156.1 million.
Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.
EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $0.23. The three earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.29 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $0.22 for Q4 were 10.0% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.20 per share.
Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.
Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 23.4%, 10 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 3.5%, 20 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 2.0%, about the same as the prior-year quarter.
Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $176.2 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.20.
Next year's average estimate for revenue is $773.8 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.18.
Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Universal Truckload Services is outperform, with an average price target of $18.75.
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