Latest news with #ULH
The Age
7 days ago
- Business
- The Age
Will 20-hour flights be bad for you? What to know about ultra-long hauls
The production and implementation cost of a premium economy seat is 1.6 times higher than that of an economy class seat, yet it generates 2.3 times higher revenues than its production cost.' Qantas may also be hoping that its new route will cut competition from Middle Eastern and Asian carriers with well-used stopover hubs. How do you pass the time? Love movie marathons? You're in luck. On Qantas's new route, you could potentially watch as many as 13 feature-length films – and you won't even need to pack snacks (these will be available in self-service fridges onboard). Served meals, however, can feel few and far between when flying ultra long-haul. On Singapore Airlines' 19-hour JFK-Singapore route, there's (tray) table service for only dinner and breakfast, with light snacks in between. The good news is there's a lot more than 'chicken or beef' to eat on these flights. 'Meal services are being re-engineered,' says Bauer. 'For example, lighter, low-inflammatory meals with adjusted timings help modulate melatonin levels and align with passengers' destination time zones – a practice pioneered by Qantas and Singapore Airlines.' What's it like to sleep on board? First and business class passengers should have no problem getting some rest. Bauer says airlines are engaged in an 'arms race in premium comfort' and cites Qatar's business class QSuite, which comes with doors, mood-lighting and fully lie-flat beds, as the cream of the crop. On Qantas's new planes, specially designed first class cabins are like small, but very sleek, bedrooms, complete with dining areas for two and comfy beds with flexible backrests. Business class passengers will sleep in lie-flat beds, and premium economy passengers get footrests and 40-inch (102-centimetre) seat pitches. But, while the cheapest seats will have 33-inch (84 centimetres) pitches (more than other Qantas planes), shelves for iPads and free Wi-Fi to help the time pass more quickly, spending 19 hours in economy still doesn't look like a particularly enticing prospect. There may be another issue with shut-eye too. According to the Sleep Foundation, 'the circadian clock takes about 1-1.5 days to adapt per time zone crossed,' so it could take more than nine days to recover from an ULH flight between Sydney and London. A stopover in the Middle East means a more gentle adjustment and gives passengers the opportunity to seek out daylight and fresh air en route, both of which can help with jetlag. Are ultra long-haul flights bad for your health? Operators are keen to do whatever they can to make ULH flights as comfortable as possible. 'It's not just an amenity issue – it's a strategic imperative to justify premium pricing and mitigate health and fatigue risks,' he says. 'Some carriers are piloting AI-driven in-flight wellness apps that adjust lighting, and offer hydration reminders and stretch routines based on biometric feedback.' Qantas's new planes will even have 'Wellbeing Zones' available to all passengers, featuring stocked fridges and 'movement areas' with guided exercises. Lights have been designed to 'optimise the circadian effects of different times' across all the cabins. With so much being done to mitigate the ill effects of ULH travel, it may be tempting to skip the ankle and neck rolls and regular jaunts through the cabin that physiotherapists so often advise. Don't. Flights lasting longer than 10 hours pose the greatest risk of DVT according to the American Society of Hematology. Meanwhile, easy exercises such as the ones recommended by physiotherapist Helen Davison in this article should help keep aches and pains at bay. What can passengers do pre- and post-flight to mitigate any ill effects? Embrace drink – just not the alcoholic or caffeinated kind. Experts suggest people can lose up to two litres of water on long-haul flights. Liquids can help keep headaches and joint swelling at bay and electrolyte sachets could help too. Meanwhile, the UK Civil Aviation Authority advises moving bed and waking times in the weeks before flying, in order to more easily adjust to a new time zone. Passengers can also use an online jet lag calculator to find out the best times to seek out sunlight on arrival. Loading There's no better excuse for a spa treatment either. At the Sofitel London Heathrow, guests can book an hour-long Jet Lag Recovery massage that starts with work on the legs and feet (and may help with puffy, achy ankles), before moving on to a tension-relieving back and shoulder massage and rehydrating facial. Will we see more ULH routes? Definitely. According to Bauer, 'Singapore Airlines and Qantas are exploring new non-stop services to secondary North American cities such as Boston, Chicago and Miami,' while 'Air India, under its Tata-led transformation, is evaluating a direct Delhi–Los Angeles route'.
Sydney Morning Herald
7 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Will 20-hour flights be bad for you? What to know about ultra-long hauls
The production and implementation cost of a premium economy seat is 1.6 times higher than that of an economy class seat, yet it generates 2.3 times higher revenues than its production cost.' Qantas may also be hoping that its new route will cut competition from Middle Eastern and Asian carriers with well-used stopover hubs. How do you pass the time? Love movie marathons? You're in luck. On Qantas's new route, you could potentially watch as many as 13 feature-length films – and you won't even need to pack snacks (these will be available in self-service fridges onboard). Served meals, however, can feel few and far between when flying ultra long-haul. On Singapore Airlines' 19-hour JFK-Singapore route, there's (tray) table service for only dinner and breakfast, with light snacks in between. The good news is there's a lot more than 'chicken or beef' to eat on these flights. 'Meal services are being re-engineered,' says Bauer. 'For example, lighter, low-inflammatory meals with adjusted timings help modulate melatonin levels and align with passengers' destination time zones – a practice pioneered by Qantas and Singapore Airlines.' What's it like to sleep on board? First and business class passengers should have no problem getting some rest. Bauer says airlines are engaged in an 'arms race in premium comfort' and cites Qatar's business class QSuite, which comes with doors, mood-lighting and fully lie-flat beds, as the cream of the crop. On Qantas's new planes, specially designed first class cabins are like small, but very sleek, bedrooms, complete with dining areas for two and comfy beds with flexible backrests. Business class passengers will sleep in lie-flat beds, and premium economy passengers get footrests and 40-inch (102-centimetre) seat pitches. But, while the cheapest seats will have 33-inch (84 centimetres) pitches (more than other Qantas planes), shelves for iPads and free Wi-Fi to help the time pass more quickly, spending 19 hours in economy still doesn't look like a particularly enticing prospect. There may be another issue with shut-eye too. According to the Sleep Foundation, 'the circadian clock takes about 1-1.5 days to adapt per time zone crossed,' so it could take more than nine days to recover from an ULH flight between Sydney and London. A stopover in the Middle East means a more gentle adjustment and gives passengers the opportunity to seek out daylight and fresh air en route, both of which can help with jetlag. Are ultra long-haul flights bad for your health? Operators are keen to do whatever they can to make ULH flights as comfortable as possible. 'It's not just an amenity issue – it's a strategic imperative to justify premium pricing and mitigate health and fatigue risks,' he says. 'Some carriers are piloting AI-driven in-flight wellness apps that adjust lighting, and offer hydration reminders and stretch routines based on biometric feedback.' Qantas's new planes will even have 'Wellbeing Zones' available to all passengers, featuring stocked fridges and 'movement areas' with guided exercises. Lights have been designed to 'optimise the circadian effects of different times' across all the cabins. With so much being done to mitigate the ill effects of ULH travel, it may be tempting to skip the ankle and neck rolls and regular jaunts through the cabin that physiotherapists so often advise. Don't. Flights lasting longer than 10 hours pose the greatest risk of DVT according to the American Society of Hematology. Meanwhile, easy exercises such as the ones recommended by physiotherapist Helen Davison in this article should help keep aches and pains at bay. What can passengers do pre- and post-flight to mitigate any ill effects? Embrace drink – just not the alcoholic or caffeinated kind. Experts suggest people can lose up to two litres of water on long-haul flights. Liquids can help keep headaches and joint swelling at bay and electrolyte sachets could help too. Meanwhile, the UK Civil Aviation Authority advises moving bed and waking times in the weeks before flying, in order to more easily adjust to a new time zone. Passengers can also use an online jet lag calculator to find out the best times to seek out sunlight on arrival. Loading There's no better excuse for a spa treatment either. At the Sofitel London Heathrow, guests can book an hour-long Jet Lag Recovery massage that starts with work on the legs and feet (and may help with puffy, achy ankles), before moving on to a tension-relieving back and shoulder massage and rehydrating facial. Will we see more ULH routes? Definitely. According to Bauer, 'Singapore Airlines and Qantas are exploring new non-stop services to secondary North American cities such as Boston, Chicago and Miami,' while 'Air India, under its Tata-led transformation, is evaluating a direct Delhi–Los Angeles route'.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ULH Q1 Earnings Call: Universal Logistics Addresses Soft Freight Market and Eyes Automotive Recovery
Transportation and logistics solutions provider Universal Logistics (NASDAQ:ULH) fell short of the market's revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales falling 22.3% year on year to $382.4 million. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.23 per share was 52.1% below analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy ULH? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $382.4 million vs analyst estimates of $400.6 million (22.3% year-on-year decline, 4.5% miss) Adjusted EPS: $0.23 vs analyst expectations of $0.48 (52.1% miss) Adjusted EBITDA: $51.75 million vs analyst estimates of $64.1 million (13.5% margin, 19.3% miss) Operating Margin: 4.1%, down from 15.7% in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $613.7 million Universal Logistics faced a challenging first quarter, with management attributing sluggish results to weak freight demand and a pronounced slowdown in its core automotive vertical early in the period. CEO Tim Phillips noted that auto production volumes improved as the quarter progressed, yet the absence of a large specialty project from the prior year pressured results. The company also highlighted the integration of its Parsec acquisition and the ongoing transformation of its intermodal segment, which experienced operating losses due to lower volumes and rates. Looking ahead, Universal Logistics is focused on stabilizing its core businesses and capitalizing on anticipated increases in automotive production in the second half of the year. Management expressed cautious optimism, citing strong customer engagement and new contract launches expected to add $50 million in annual revenue at historical margins. CFO Jude Beres emphasized that, excluding potential tariff impacts, the company projects improved margins and revenue in the coming quarters, reflecting management's expectation for a more favorable operating environment. Universal Logistics' first quarter results were shaped by a combination of subdued freight market activity and the completion of a one-time development project, with management pointing to automotive sector trends and ongoing strategic initiatives as key factors impacting performance. Automotive Segment Volatility: The automotive sector, Universal's largest vertical, saw a slow start in January but rebounded in February and March. Management attributed the initial weakness to low production volumes, followed by a marked improvement as auto plants ramped up activity. Contract Logistics Focus: The contract logistics segment remained a cornerstone of the business, delivering a 9.3% operating margin despite missing last year's specialty project revenue. Management noted strong customer interest and anticipated $50 million in incremental annual revenue from three new program launches in the second quarter. Parsec Acquisition Integration: The integration of Parsec, an operator of rail terminal and value-added services, continued this quarter, contributing $56.4 million in segment revenue. Universal now operates 87 value-added programs, up from 71 last year, expanding its service footprint and customer reach. Intermodal Segment Struggles: Intermodal operations posted an operating loss, impacted by lower volumes and pricing, as well as a $1 million employment-related charge. Management indicated efforts are underway to stabilize this business, including the deployment of a new sales team and a focus on leaner operations. Tariff-Related Uncertainty: Management is closely monitoring the potential impact of tariffs on customers, especially in automotive and manufacturing. They are proactively consulting with clients to mitigate disruptions, offering contingency planning and leveraging Universal's geographic network near key ports and rail hubs. Management's outlook for the remainder of the year is shaped by expectations for a rebound in automotive production, continued optimization of acquired businesses, and careful navigation of external risks such as tariffs. Automotive Recovery Momentum: Universal expects increased auto production at key customer facilities in the second half of the year, which could support higher logistics volumes and improved margins if supply chain stability persists. Cost Control and Operational Efficiency: The company is prioritizing expense management and lean operations, particularly within underperforming segments like intermodal, as a pathway to restore profitability and margin expansion. Tariff and Supply Chain Risks: Ongoing uncertainty around tariffs poses a risk to freight demand and customer sourcing strategies. Management is actively engaging with clients to provide warehousing and contingency solutions, but acknowledges that sudden shifts in import volumes could impact results. Andrew Cox (Stifel): Asked how auto OEM volumes and customer conversations have trended since the quarter end; management reported a slow start in January but described a strong rebound in February and March, with OEMs signaling stable production plans barring tariff disruptions. Andrew Cox (Stifel): Inquired about broader customer sentiment and whether a "wait-and-see approach" is impacting demand; CEO Tim Phillips confirmed customers are cautious, particularly due to tariff uncertainty, but Universal is positioned to offer flexible storage and logistics solutions. Andrew Cox (Stifel): Sought clarity on Universal's geographic reach for warehousing and intermodal services; management highlighted a national footprint spanning major coastal ports and key inland rail hubs, positioning the company to adapt to changing supply chain needs. Andrew Cox (Stifel): Asked about scenarios considered for a potential drop in import volumes due to tariffs; CFO Jude Beres referenced external forecasts of up to a 15% decline in imports, noting the company is monitoring developments and adjusting intermodal planning accordingly. Andrew Cox (Stifel): Queried about trends in the flatbed and heavy haul segment; management noted expansion in heavy haul wind operations but described flatbed activity as relatively stable without significant rate increases so far this year. In future quarters, the StockStory team will be watching (1) whether automotive logistics volumes continue to recover as forecasted, (2) sustained progress in integrating Parsec and ramping up new contract launches, and (3) the company's ability to manage margin pressures in its intermodal segment. We will also track responses to evolving tariff policies and Universal's execution on cost control initiatives as additional determinants of operating performance. Universal Logistics currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 7.4×. Should you load up, cash out, or stay put? The answer lies in our free research report. Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 6 Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 176% over the last five years. Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 Hated Stocks That Concern Us
Rock-bottom prices don't always mean rock-bottom businesses. The stocks we're examining today have all touched their 52-week lows, creating a classic investor's dilemma: bargain opportunity or value trap? At StockStory, we dig beneath the surface of price movements to uncover whether a company's fundamentals justify its current valuation or suggest hidden potential. Keeping that in mind, here are three stocks facing legitimate challenges and some alternatives worth exploring instead. One-Month Return: +1.4% Best known for its aluminum foil, Reynolds (NASDAQ:REYN) is a household products company whose products focus on food storage, cooking, and waste. Why Do We Pass on REYN? Declining unit sales over the past two years show it's struggled to move its products and had to rely on price increases Projected sales decline of 1.4% for the next 12 months points to an even tougher demand environment ahead Free cash flow margin dropped by 6.1 percentage points over the last year, implying the company became more capital intensive as competition picked up Reynolds's stock price of $23.31 implies a valuation ratio of 14.2x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than REYN. One-Month Return: -4.6% Founded in 1932, Universal Logistics (NASDAQ:ULH) is a provider of customized transportation and logistics solutions operating throughout the United States and in Mexico, Canada, and Colombia. Why Do We Think ULH Will Underperform? Customers postponed purchases of its products and services this cycle as its revenue declined by 5.1% annually over the last two years Falling earnings per share over the last two years has some investors worried as stock prices ultimately follow EPS over the long term Free cash flow margin shrank by 9.6 percentage points over the last five years, suggesting the company is consuming more capital to stay competitive Universal Logistics is trading at $23.41 per share, or 7.4x forward P/E. Check out our free in-depth research report to learn more about why ULH doesn't pass our bar. One-Month Return: -1.2% With nearly 50 years of experience translating public policy into operational programs that serve millions of citizens, Maximus (NYSE:MMS) provides operational services, clinical assessments, and technology solutions to government agencies in the U.S. and internationally. Why Are We Cautious About MMS? Demand will likely fall over the next 12 months as Wall Street expects flat revenue Underwhelming 12.3% return on capital reflects management's difficulties in finding profitable growth opportunities, and its shrinking returns suggest its past profit sources are losing steam Eroding returns on capital from an already low base indicate that management's recent investments are destroying value At $66.52 per share, Maximus trades at 10.7x forward P/E. If you're considering MMS for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more. Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 175% over the last five years. Stocks that made our list in 2019 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+2,183% between December 2019 and December 2024) as well as under-the-radar businesses like Comfort Systems (+751% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
1 Volatile Stock with Impressive Fundamentals and 2 to Keep Off Your Radar
Volatility cuts both ways - while it creates opportunities, it also increases risk, making sharp declines just as likely as big gains. This unpredictability can shake out even the most experienced investors. At StockStory, our job is to help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on the right side of the trade. Keeping that in mind, here is one volatile stock that could reward patient investors and two that could just as easily collapse. Rolling One-Year Beta: 2.42 A public company since the late 1960s, Semtech (NASDAQ:SMTC) is a provider of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors used for Internet of Things systems and cloud connectivity. Why Do We Think SMTC Will Underperform? Mounting Operating losses demonstrate the tradeoff between growth and profitability Increased cash burn over the last five years raises questions about the return timeline for its investments Push for growth has led to negative returns on capital, signaling value destruction, and its decreasing returns suggest its historical profit centers are aging Semtech's stock price of $32.34 implies a valuation ratio of 19.2x forward P/E. To fully understand why you should be careful with SMTC, check out our full research report (it's free). Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.61 Founded in 1932, Universal Logistics (NASDAQ:ULH) is a provider of customized transportation and logistics solutions operating throughout the United States and in Mexico, Canada, and Colombia. Why Do We Pass on ULH? Annual sales declines of 5.1% for the past two years show its products and services struggled to connect with the market during this cycle Falling earnings per share over the last two years has some investors worried as stock prices ultimately follow EPS over the long term Free cash flow margin shrank by 9.6 percentage points over the last five years, suggesting the company is consuming more capital to stay competitive At $22.39 per share, Universal Logistics trades at 7.1x forward P/E. Dive into our free research report to see why there are better opportunities than ULH. Rolling One-Year Beta: 1.55 With around a century of experience, Blue Bird (NASDAQ:BLBD) is a manufacturer of school buses and complementary parts. Why Is BLBD a Good Business? Operating margin improvement of 7.6 percentage points over the last five years demonstrates its ability to scale efficiently Additional sales over the last two years increased its profitability as the 113% annual growth in its earnings per share outpaced its revenue Improving returns on capital reflect management's ability to monetize investments Blue Bird is trading at $36 per share, or 8.7x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it's free. Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 175% over the last five years. Stocks that made our list in 2019 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+2,183% between December 2019 and December 2024) as well as under-the-radar businesses like Comfort Systems (+751% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today for free. Sign in to access your portfolio
