8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

Current Report

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) April 24, 2014

 

 

Universal Truckload Services, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Michigan   0-51142   38-3640097

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

12755 E. Nine Mile Road, Warren, Michigan

(Address of principal executive offices)

48089

(Zip Code)

(586) 920-0100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 2.02 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

On April 24, 2014, Universal Truckload Services, Inc. (the Company) issued a press release announcing the Company’s financial and operating results for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2014, a copy of which is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K.

 

Item 8.01 OTHER EVENTS

On April 24, 2014, the Company issued a press release announcing that the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share of common stock. The dividend is payable to the Company’s shareholders of record at the close of business on May 5, 2014, and is expected to be paid on May 15, 2014. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K.

 

Item 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

99.1    Press Release dated April 24, 2014 announcing the Company’s financial and operating results for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2014, and that the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share of common stock.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

    UNIVERSAL TRUCKLOAD SERVICES, INC.
Date: April 24, 2014     /s/ David A. Crittenden
    David A. Crittenden
    Chief Financial Officer
EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

For Further Information:

David A. Crittenden

Chief Financial Officer

dcrittenden@goutsi.com

(586) 467-1427

Universal Truckload Services, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2014 Financial Results

Warren, MI – April 24, 2014 — Universal Truckload Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: UACL) today reported first quarter 2014 net income of $8.1 million, or $0.27 per basic and diluted share, on total operating revenues of $279.4 million. This compares to $11.4 million, or $0.38 per basic and diluted share, during the first quarter of 2013 on total operating revenues of $248.1 million.

Included in first quarter 2014 results are $25.3 million of revenues from Westport Axle Corporation, which we acquired on December 19, 2013. Excluding results from this acquisition, Universal’s operating revenues grew a composite 2.4% in the first quarter of 2014 to $254.1 million, compared to $248.1 million in the first quarter of 2013. Revenues from transportation services increased to $179.8 million in the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2014, a 7.7% increase from the comparable period last year. Revenues from value-added services, excluding Westport’s results, declined $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the first quarter of 2013. A general increase in demand for Universal’s logistics services and the expansion of services for an automotive OEM was offset by the wind downs of two value-added operations that delivered services to industrial and aerospace customers. Our revenues from intermodal services declined 10.0%, to $30.1 million from $33.4 million in the first quarter of 2013, primarily due to an anticipated reduction in domestic intermodal services to a single customer, which had a $5.1 million adverse impact.

Income from operations declined 24.0%, to $14.6 million or 5.2% of operating revenues, compared to $19.3 million or 7.8% of operating revenues for the first quarter of 2013. Income from operations in our transportation segment decreased 7.1% to $5.3 million or 3.0% of segment operating revenues for the first quarter of 2014, which compares to $5.7 million or 3.4% of segment operating revenues for the first quarter of 2013. Income from operations in our logistics segment, which includes value-added services and dedicated transportation services, decreased 29.6% to $9.7 million or 9.3% of operating revenues for the first quarter of 2014. This compares to $13.8 million or 17.5% of operating revenues one year earlier. First quarter 2014 income from operations in our logistics segment includes $3.0 million from Westport.

Scott Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Universal’s first quarter financial results reflect anticipated top line demand across our business units, including from Westport, which is benefiting from solid demand for heavy truck manufacturing. Our truckload transportation business and intermodal drayage business, in particular, also benefited from good demand in certain markets throughout the first quarter and improved pricing as the quarter proceeded.

“Universal’s profitability, though, reflects the cost impact and service performance challenges caused by harsh weather conditions that endured through February, which especially affected our continuing logistics operations.


“Looking ahead, we anticipate stable demand and a good pricing environment for our transportation services, particularly in the energy and steel industries, and a return to normalized margins from the operations that we include and report in our logistics segment. Revenue growth in value-added services, which moderated in recent quarters, will depend on conversion of opportunities in our sales pipeline.”

We calculate and report selected financial metrics in connection with lending arrangements, and also to isolate and separately identify the impact of corporate development activities, which can include non-operating transaction costs and amortization of intangible assets recognized as the result of prior acquisitions. These statistics are described in more detail below in the section captioned “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

For the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2014, our EBITDA decreased 8.4% to $22.3 million, from $24.3 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2013. Expressed as a percentage of operating revenues, first quarter 2014 EBITDA was 8.0%, compared to 9.8% for the first quarter of 2013. Trends in EBITDA expressed as a percentage of operating revenues are substantially similar to trends in income from operations.

As of March 29, 2014, we held cash and cash equivalents totaling $7.3 million and marketable securities totaling $11.8 million. Outstanding debt totaled $235.4 million and obligations pursuant to capital leases were valued at $4.3 million.

Universal Truckload Services, Inc. also announced today that our Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share of common stock. The dividend is payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 5, 2014 and is expected to be paid on May 15, 2014.

Conference call:

We invite analysts and investors to participate in a conference call on Friday, April 25, 2014 at 10:00 AM ET. During the call, we will discuss Universal’s first quarter 2014 financial performance, the current demand outlook in key markets we serve, and trends impacting our business. Hosting the call will be Scott Wolfe, Chief Executive Officer, Don Cochran, President, and David Crittenden, CFO.

Dial-in details:

Call Toll Free: (866) 622-0924

International Dial-in: +1 (660) 422-4956

Conference ID: 18551769

A replay of the conference will be available two hours after the call through May 23, 2014, by calling (855) 859-2056 (toll free) or +1 (800) 585-8367 (toll) and using conference ID 18551769. Additionally, the call will be available on www.investors.goutsi.com.

About Universal:

Universal Truckload Services, Inc. is a leading asset-light provider of customized transportation and logistics solutions throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. We provide our customers with supply chain solutions that can be scaled to meet their changing demands and volumes. We offer our customers a broad array of services across their entire supply chain, including transportation, value-added, and intermodal services.


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 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 the Company’s reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company 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 TRUCKLOAD SERVICES, INC.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended  
     March 29,     March 30,  
     2014     2013  

Operating revenues:

    

Transportation services

   $ 179,816      $ 166,927   

Value-added services

     69,480        47,770   

Intermodal services

     30,068        33,412   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

     279,364        248,109   

Operating expenses:

    

Purchased transportation and equipment rent

     140,425        134,514   

Direct personnel and related benefits

     52,901        43,347   

Commission expense

     9,731        9,335   

Operating expense (exclusive of items shown separately)

     30,490        19,160   

Occupancy expense

     6,835        4,962   

Selling, general and administrative

     10,091        7,802   

Insurance and claims

     6,621        4,678   

Depreciation and amortization

     7,641        5,060   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     264,735        228,858   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     14,629        19,251   

Interest expense, net

     (1,575     (1,102

Other non-operating income

     89        134   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

     13,143        18,283   

Provision for income taxes

     5,019        6,909   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 8,124      $ 11,374   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per common share:

    

Basic

   $ 0.27      $ 0.38   

Diluted

   $ 0.27      $ 0.38   

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

    

Basic

     30,112        30,054   

Diluted

     30,158        30,196   

Dividends paid per common share

   $ 0.07      $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


UNIVERSAL TRUCKLOAD SERVICES, INC.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

 

     March 29,
2014
     December 31,
2013
 

Assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 7,333       $ 10,223   

Marketable securities

     11,828         11,626   

Accounts receivable—net

     154,133         132,001   

Other current assets

     48,095         49,539   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     221,389         203,389   

Property and equipment—net

     147,990         142,656   

Other long-term assets—net

     141,965         144,091   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 511,344       $ 490,136   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

     

Current liabilities, excluding current maturities of capital lease obligations and debt

   $ 114,420       $ 93,896   

Capital lease obligations

     4,295         4,643   

Debt

     235,357         237,500   

Other long-term liabilities

     46,009         48,532   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     400,081         384,571   

Total shareholders’ equity

     111,263         105,565   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   $ 511,344       $ 490,136   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 


UNIVERSAL TRUCKLOAD SERVICES, INC.

Unaudited Summary of Operating Data

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended  
     March 29,      March 30,  
     2014      2013  

Transportation Services:

     

Average operating revenues per loaded mile (a)

   $ 2.96       $ 2.69   

Average operating revenues per loaded mile, excluding fuel surcharges, where separately identifable (a)

   $ 2.56       $ 2.31   

Average operating revenues per load (a)

   $ 1,049       $ 997   

Average operating revenues per load, excluding fuel surcharges, where separately identifable (a)

   $ 905       $ 855   

Average length of haul (a) (b)

     354         370   

Number of loads (a)

     150,361         151,041   

Value Added Services:

     

Number of facilities (d)

     

Customer provided

     18         16   

Company leased

     28         28   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     46         44   

Intermodal Services:

     

Drayage (in thousands)

   $ 26,944       $ 24,862   

Domestic Intermodal (in thousands)

     804         5,948   

Depot (in thousands)

     2,320         2,602   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total (in thousands)

   $ 30,068       $ 33,412   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Average operating revenues per loaded mile (c)

   $ 5.10       $ 4.44   

Average operating revenues per loaded mile, excluding fuel surcharges, where separately identifable (c)

   $ 4.12       $ 3.55   

Average operating revenues per load (c)

   $ 398       $ 320   

Average operating revenues per load, excluding fuel surcharges, where separately identifable (c)

   $ 322       $ 256   

Number of loads (c)

     67,621         77,657   

Number of container yards

     11         11   

 

(a) Excludes operating data from Universal Logistics Solutions, Inc., and Universal Logistics Solutions International, Inc., in order to improve the relevance of the statistical data related to our brokerage services and improve the comparability to our peer companies. Also excludes final mile delivery and shuttle service loads.
(b) Average length of haul is computed using loaded miles, excluding final mile delivery and shuttle service loads.
(c) Excludes operating data from Universal Logistics Solutions, Inc. in order to improve the relevance of the statistical data related to our intermodal services and improve the comparability to our peer companies.
(d) Excludes storage yards, terminals and office facilities.


UNIVERSAL TRUCKLOAD SERVICES, INC.

Unaudited Summary of Operating Data—Continued

 

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended  
     March 29,
2014
    March 30,
2013
 

Average Headcount

    

Employees

     4,208        2,876   

Full time equivalents

     1,619        2,083   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     5,827        4,959   

Average number of tractors

    

Provided by owner-operators

     3,294        3,372   

Owned

     757        685   

Third party lease

     86        45   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     4,137        4,102   

Operating Revenues by Segment:

    

Transportation

   $ 175,349      $ 169,542   

Logistics

     103,906        78,462   

Other

     109        105   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 279,364      $ 248,109   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from Operations by Segment:

    

Transportation

   $ 5,310      $ 5,716   

Logistics

     9,681        13,754   

Other

     (362     (219
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 14,629      $ 19,251   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 


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 as supplemental measures of our performance. We define EBITDA as net income plus (i) interest expense, net, (ii) provision for income taxes and (iii) depreciation and amortization, and less other non-operating income, or EBITDA. 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  
     March 29,     March 30,  
     2014     2013  
     ( in thousands)  

EBITDA

    

Net income

   $ 8,124      $ 11,374   

Provision for income taxes

     5,019        6,909   

Interest expense, net

     1,575        1,102   

Depreciation and amortization

     7,641        5,060   

Other non-operating income

     (89     (134
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA

   $ 22,270      $ 24,311   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

EBITDA margin (a)

     8.0     9.8

 

(a) EBITDA margin is computed by dividing EBITDA by total operating revenues for each of the periods indicated.

We present EBITDA because we believe it assists 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 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 EBITDA only supplementally.