Hub (US:HUBG)2021-02-05 03:55Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2020, revenue increased by 6% year-over-year, driven by intermodal and truck brokerage service lines [13] - Gross margin for Q4 was $106 million, or 11.1% of revenue, which included a $3.5 million pretax charge related to insurance and claims [14] - For the full year 2020, revenue was $3.5 billion compared to $3.7 billion in 2019, with diluted earnings per share of $2.19 compared to $3.20 the previous year [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Intermodal volumes increased by 9% in Q4, with revenue up by 5% [7] - Logistics revenue declined by 1%, with gross margin as a percentage of sales down by 170 basis points year-over-year [10] - Brokerage volume declined by 8%, while revenue increased by 27%, with gross margin as a percentage of sales down by 400 basis points [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong demand was noted in the intermodal market, particularly from the West Coast, driven by depleted inventory and strong import volumes [8] - January 2021 intermodal volumes were up 16% on a business day adjusted basis, indicating continued strong demand [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capitalizing on strong market conditions and customer demand for high service levels and cost-effective solutions [5] - Investment in technology and the inside sales force is expected to generate prolonged growth across various market conditions [11] - The acquisition of NonStopDelivery is seen as a strategic move to enhance logistics offerings in the high-growth last-mile segment [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2021, expecting low double-digit revenue growth and high single-digit intermodal volume growth [17] - The company anticipates that strong demand will continue through much of 2021, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and margin expansion [20] - Management noted that the current economic conditions and low customer inventory levels are expected to drive restocking needs [17] Other Important Information - The company plans to invest $150 million to $170 million in capital expenditures in 2021, including the addition of containers and tractors to support growth [19] - The tax rate for 2021 is expected to be around 25% [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on 2021 margins - Management indicated that gross margins for the full year could improve by 100 to 150 basis points relative to Q4 2020, with pricing being a key driver [25][28] Question: Offsets to revenue growth guidance - Management acknowledged customer losses in 2020 but is working to fill those gaps with new customer wins [34][36] Question: Expectations for intermodal volume growth - Management expects to grow above market rates and is focused on improving yields while maintaining service commitments [49][50] Question: Impact of NSD acquisition - Management is excited about the cultural alignment and cross-selling opportunities with NSD, which has shown strong service performance [52] Question: Restocking expectations - Management anticipates significant restocking to continue, particularly in the retail sector, with demand expected to remain high through the first three quarters of 2021 [59] Question: Outsourced drayage and rail congestion costs - Management believes these costs will become more manageable as additional tractors and drivers are brought on board [60][61] Question: Intermodal pricing and conversion opportunities - Management sees significant opportunities to convert freight from truck to rail as service improves and pricing differentials narrow [74] Question: Brokerage business performance - Management expects double-digit growth in the brokerage space, supported by investments in technology and a focus on high service levels [84]