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Hub Group (HUBG)
NASDAQ:HUBG

Hub Group (HUBG) AI Stock Analysis

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HU

Hub Group

(NASDAQ:HUBG)

63Neutral
Hub Group's stock score reflects a company with both strengths and challenges. Financial performance is stable but hindered by declining revenue and shrinking margins. Technical indicators suggest a cautious approach due to weak momentum, while valuation metrics indicate the stock may be slightly overvalued. Despite these challenges, positive developments in operating margin and volume growth offer potential upside but require careful monitoring.
Positive Factors
Earnings Growth
New rail agreements, good cost control, network alignment in the Logistics business, and the new JV with EASO should contribute to long term earnings growth.
Intermodal Recovery
HUBG is well positioned for a recovery in over the road conversions to intermodal given solid rail service despite disruptions.
Intermodal Volume Growth
The company delivered a year-over-year improvement in adjusted operating margin in the fourth quarter and executed a strong peak season for customers, leading to Intermodal volume growth of 14% in the quarter.
Negative Factors
Earnings Guidance
Management is guiding to EPS of $1.90 to $2.40 in F2025 which is below prior consensus forecasts.
Guidance and Expectations
Fourth quarter results were below expectations amid softer performance in Logistics.
Revenue Performance
Total company results showed revenue below estimates driven mostly by lower Logistics revenue than expected.

Hub Group (HUBG) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Hub Group Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHub Group, Inc., a supply chain solutions provider, offers transportation and logistics management services in North America. The company's transportation services include intermodal, truckload, less-than-truckload, flatbed, temperature-controlled, and dedicated and regional trucking, as well as final mile, railcar, small parcel, and international transportation. Its logistics services comprise full outsource logistics solution, transportation management, freight consolidation, warehousing and fulfillment, final mile delivery, and parcel and international services. The company also provides dry van, expedited, less-than-truckload, refrigerated, and flatbed truck brokerage services. It offers a fleet of approximately 1,000 tractors and 4,600 trailers to its customers, as well as the driver staffing, management, and infrastructure. The company serves a range of industries, including retail, consumer products, and durable goods. As of December 31, 2021, it owned approximately 43,750 dry, 53-foot containers, as well as 450 refrigerated, 53-foot containers; and leased approximately 250 dry, 53-foot containers. The company was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois.
How the Company Makes MoneyHub Group generates revenue through its diverse portfolio of logistics and transportation services. The primary revenue streams include intermodal services, which involve the transportation of freight in containers using multiple modes of transportation, such as rail and truck; truck brokerage, where the company arranges the transportation of freight by third-party carriers; and logistics services, which encompass supply chain management, warehousing, and distribution solutions. Additionally, Hub Group offers dedicated trucking services, providing customers with fleets and drivers tailored to their specific needs. Key partnerships with railroads, carriers, and technology providers enhance Hub Group's service offerings and contribute to its earnings by enabling efficient operations and expanded service capabilities.

Hub Group Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Hub Group's financial statements reflect a company with a solid base but facing challenges in revenue growth and profitability margins. The balance sheet remains strong, providing stability, while cash flow management shows room for improvement. Focusing on enhancing revenue streams and operational efficiencies could help improve overall financial health and investor appeal.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Hub Group's income statement shows a mixed performance. The gross profit margin has been consistently high, indicating strong cost management, but net profit margin has decreased over recent years. Revenue has declined, particularly from 2022 to 2024, which could indicate challenges in maintaining sales growth. EBIT and EBITDA margins have also shrunk, suggesting a decrease in operational efficiency. Overall, while the company demonstrates profitability, the declining trend in revenue and margins suggests potential areas for improvement.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
The balance sheet of Hub Group reflects a relatively healthy financial position. The debt-to-equity ratio is moderate, showing a cautious approach to leveraging. The equity ratio, indicating financial stability, remains robust. However, the return on equity has declined, which could impact investor confidence. Despite these concerns, the company's equity base is solid, providing a strong foundation for future growth and investment.
Cash Flow
68
Positive
Hub Group's cash flow statement reveals mixed signals. Operating cash flow remains strong, indicative of good core business performance. However, free cash flow has seen fluctuations, with a notable decrease from 2023 to 2024. The free cash flow to net income ratio suggests variability in converting income into cash. These cash flow dynamics highlight the need for effective cash management strategies to ensure liquidity and support investment opportunities.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
3.95B4.20B5.34B4.23B3.50B
Gross Profit
3.37B503.66M889.50M599.64M425.44M
EBIT
140.29M212.23M474.72M238.46M105.83M
EBITDA
266.39M391.86M610.14M349.91M230.50M
Net Income Common Stockholders
103.99M167.53M356.95M171.47M73.56M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
98.25M187.27M286.64M159.78M124.51M
Total Assets
2.87B2.94B2.81B2.44B2.11B
Total Debt
508.51M575.51M451.74M322.28M318.58M
Net Debt
410.26M388.25M165.10M162.50M194.07M
Total Liabilities
1.18B1.30B1.21B1.10B947.47M
Stockholders Equity
1.64B1.63B1.60B1.34B1.16B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
143.57M282.09M239.02M119.88M59.65M
Operating Cash Flow
194.42M422.16M458.16M252.84M174.95M
Investing Cash Flow
-53.33M-373.16M-278.87M-210.13M-196.86M
Financing Cash Flow
-201.33M-148.41M-52.46M-7.41M-22.30M

Hub Group Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price38.01
Price Trends
50DMA
40.70
Negative
100DMA
44.16
Negative
200DMA
43.90
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.97
Negative
RSI
38.46
Neutral
STOCH
45.35
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For HUBG, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 38.01 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 37.65, below the 50-day MA of 40.70, and below the 200-day MA of 43.90, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.97 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 38.46 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 45.35 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for HUBG.

Hub Group Risk Analysis

Hub Group disclosed 25 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Hub Group reported the most risks in the “Production” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Hub Group Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
75
Outperform
$16.57B21.0435.12%1.19%13.98%14.29%
68
Neutral
$12.15B26.6329.65%2.40%0.73%41.65%
67
Neutral
$5.30B27.2220.03%0.94%-9.13%-25.11%
65
Neutral
$14.97B26.9514.06%1.16%-5.79%-20.32%
RR
65
Neutral
$6.11B13.2315.71%2.15%7.25%25.82%
63
Neutral
$2.29B21.876.34%1.34%-6.10%-34.78%
62
Neutral
$8.08B13.633.82%3.13%3.58%-14.35%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HUBG
Hub Group
33.93
-7.33
-17.77%
CHRW
CH Robinson
94.77
24.88
35.60%
EXPD
Expeditors International
121.89
7.13
6.21%
JBHT
JB Hunt
152.78
-39.80
-20.67%
LSTR
Landstar System
151.93
-32.40
-17.58%
R
Ryder System
138.59
23.47
20.39%

Hub Group Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 6, 2025 | % Change Since: -11.89% | Next Earnings Date: Apr 24, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reveals a mixed performance for Hub Group in the fourth quarter of 2024. While there were significant achievements in operating margin improvement, intermodal volume growth, and shareholder returns, the company also faced challenges with revenue decline, decreased revenue per load, and difficulties in the brokerage segment.
Highlights
Intermodal Volume Growth
Intermodal volumes increased 14% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, with local leads up 25% and significant growth in Mexico.
Operating Margin Improvement
The company delivered a 50 basis point improvement in year-over-year operating margin, achieving a 3.9% adjusted operating income margin for the quarter.
Shareholder Returns
Returned nearly $100 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in 2024.
Dedicated Segment Performance
Dedicated segment saw year-over-year earnings growth, with a 13% increase in revenue per truck per day.
Logistics Segment Margin Improvement
Logistics segment delivered a 20 basis point improvement in year-over-year operating margins.
EBITDA Less CapEx Growth
EBITDA less CapEx increased by 16% over the previous year, demonstrating strong cash resiliency.
Lowlights
Revenue Decline
Hub Group reported a 6% decline in revenue for the full year and a 1% decline for the fourth quarter compared to the previous year.
Decreased Revenue Per Load
Revenue per load declined 9% year-over-year due to mixed fuel and pricing headwinds.
Brokerage Segment Challenges
Brokerage load count declined by 6% with revenue per load down 12%, partially due to a loose spot market.
Impact of Lower Fuel Revenue
Lower fuel revenue of approximately $22 million negatively impacted full-year ICS revenues.
Company Guidance
During the Hub Group's fourth quarter 2024 earnings call, guidance for 2025 was provided, focusing on revenue and earnings improvements. The company expects revenue between $4 billion and $4.3 billion, with EPS ranging from $1.90 to $2.40. Key performance indicators highlighted include intermodal volume growth anticipated at high single digits, with a low single-digit price increase. The fourth quarter saw a 50 basis point improvement in operating margins year-over-year, intermodal volumes increased by 14%, and local leads rose by 25%. Revenue per load declined 9% year-over-year but improved 4% sequentially. The company aims to enhance its cost structure, reducing cost per day by 3% and improving container utilization by 6%. Hub Group also reported a 13% increase in revenue per truck per day in its Dedicated segment, while logistics operating margins improved by 20 basis points year-over-year. Shareholder returns included nearly $100 million from share repurchases and dividends.
Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.