Hub (US:HUBG)2026-02-05 23:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Preliminary consolidated operating revenue for 2025 is expected to be $3.7 billion, a 7% decrease compared to the prior year [32] - Preliminary operating cash flow for 2025 is approximately $194 million [11][37] - Debt at December 31, 2025, totaled approximately $229 million, resulting in net debt of approximately $116 million, a decrease of about $50 million compared to December 31, 2024 [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - ITS segment operating revenue for 2025 is expected to be around $2.2 billion, reflecting a low single-digit year-over-year decrease [33] - Logistics segment operating revenue for 2025 is projected to be approximately $1.6 billion, with a high single-digit year-over-year decrease [34] - Brokerage volumes declined 10% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, with revenue per load down 4% [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Intermodal volume growth was 1% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, with refrigerated volumes increasing by 150% and Mexico volumes up 33% [13] - Market conditions have remained tighter due to weather, with opportunities for spot market support [22] - Demand and inventory levels remain balanced, with consumer resilience noted [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet and cash flow profile while investing in equipment, technology, and acquisitions [10] - Capital allocation includes a disciplined approach to capital deployment, returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, and evaluating M&A opportunities [28][42] - The company aims to support growth with customers and improve network balance to reduce backhaul costs [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the last year was a continuation of a challenging market cycle, but the company performed well by controlling costs and delivering record service levels [10] - There are positive trends in the marketplace as reflected in improving ISM New Orders and spot market activity [45] - The company believes it is well-positioned for growth in 2026 and beyond, despite some uncertainty in the near term [29][26] Other Important Information - An accounting error was identified that resulted in an understatement of purchased transportation costs and accounts payable, with a total reduction of $77 million recorded during the first nine months of 2025 [31] - The company plans to restate quarterly financial information for Q1, Q2, and Q3 2025 in its 2025 Form 10-K [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the intermodal segment in 2026? - Management expressed optimism regarding the 2026 bid cycle, driven by strong service performance and customer engagement [15][16] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the dedicated segment? - The company is focusing on operational discipline and service improvements to offset revenue declines from lost sites [18] Question: What are the expectations for capital expenditures in 2026? - Capital expenditures are projected to be between $35 million and $45 million, focusing on technology projects and opportunistic replacements for tractors [41]