Werner Enterprises Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual 2021 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Werner Enterprises reported strong fourth quarter 2021 results, with total revenues of $765.2 million, up 23% year-over-year. Operating income rose to $98.5 million, a 21% increase, while diluted EPS reached $1.15, up 31%. The company's truckload and logistics segments saw growth, with truckload revenues increasing 19% and logistics revenues rising 42%. Despite severe capacity challenges and rising costs, Werner's strategic acquisition of NEHDS Logistics is expected to enhance its final mile delivery services.

Positive

• Total revenues increased by $144.9 million, reaching $765.2 million.
• Operating income rose to $98.5 million, a 21% increase.
• Diluted EPS of $1.15, up 31% compared to prior year.
• Logistics segment revenues saw a significant 42% growth.
• Successful acquisition of NEHDS Logistics for $64 million, expected to enhance delivery capabilities.

Negative

• Operating margin decreased by 20 basis points to 12.9% for the quarter.
• Increased operational expenses due to inflation in driver pay, benefits, and equipment maintenance.

Fourth Quarter 2021 Highlights (all metrics compared to fourth quarter 2020)

• Total revenues of $765.2 million, up 23%
• Operating income of $98.5 million, up 21%; non-GAAP adjusted operating income of $101.1 million, up 22%
• Operating margin of 12.9%, down 20 bps; non-GAAP adjusted operating margin of 13.2%, down 10 bps
• Diluted EPS of $1.15, up 31%; non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS of $1.13, up 27%

OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 03, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Werner Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WERN), a premier transportation and logistics provider, today reported results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021.

“Our fourth quarter results demonstrated meaningful progress and strong operational performance in both our truckload and logistics segments,” said Derek J. Leathers, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Despite severe capacity challenges across our industry, we grew our truckload fleet and our logistics business with expanded capacity solutions to better serve our winning customers during fourth quarter.

“I am very proud of our Werner team for keeping America moving with a laser focus on our core values including safety first, while providing exceptional customer service. I am confident Werner is strategically positioned with a superior team to achieve sustainable performance improvement going forward.”

Total revenues for the quarter were $765.2 million, an increase of $144.9 million compared to the prior- year quarter, due primarily to Truckload Transportation Services revenues growth of $88.2 million and Logistics revenues growth of $54.9 million.

Operating income of $98.5 million increased $17.0 million, or 21%, while operating margin of 12.9% decreased 20 basis points. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted operating income of $101.1 million increased $18.4 million, or 22%. Adjusted operating margin of 13.2% declined 10 basis points from 13.3% for the same quarter last year, due primarily to significant growth in Logistics (a higher return on assets and lower margin business segment).

Operating income in the Truckload Transportation Services segment increased $9.6 million due to higher freight rates and gains on sale of equipment, offset by inflationary cost increases for driver pay and benefits, driver sourcing, equipment maintenance, and insurance and claims. Werner Logistics operating income increased $9.1 million resulting from improved revenue growth and an expanded operating margin.    

Interest expense of $1.6 million increased from $0.6 million due to higher average borrowings. The effective income tax rate during the quarter was 23.0%, compared to 25.4% in fourth quarter 2020.

During fourth quarter 2021, our strategic minority equity investments in autonomous technology companies had market valuation changes resulting in higher non-operating income in fourth quarter 2021 of $4.0 million, or $0.05 per share.

Net income attributable to Werner of $76.8 million increased 27%. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted net income attributable to Werner of $75.6 million increased 23%. Diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) for the quarter of $1.15 increased 31%. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted diluted EPS of $1.13 increased 27%.

Key Consolidated Financial Metrics

	Three Months Ended December 31,											Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)		2021				2020			Y/Y Change				2021				2020			Y/Y Change
Total revenues	$	765,221			$	620,302			23	%		$	2,734,372			$	2,372,178			15	%
Truckload Transportation Services revenues		563,227				475,037			19	%			2,045,073				1,843,209			11	%
Werner Logistics revenues		184,967				130,113			42	%			622,461				469,791			32	%
Operating income		98,488				81,451			21	%			309,146				227,438			36	%
Operating margin		12.9	%			13.1	%		(20) bps				11.3	%			9.6	%		170 bps
Net income attributable to Werner		76,767				60,556			27	%			259,052				169,078			53	%
Diluted earnings per share		1.15				0.88			31	%			3.82				2.44			57	%
Adjusted operating income (1)		101,098				82,710			22	%			316,777				241,945			31	%
Adjusted operating margin (1)		13.2	%			13.3	%		(10) bps				11.6	%			10.2	%		140 bps
Adjusted net income attributable to Werner (1)		75,624				61,494			23	%			234,280				179,886			30	%
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1)		1.13				0.89			27	%			3.45				2.59			33	%

^{(1) See attached Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Consolidated.}

Update on NEHDS Logistics, LLC Acquisition

On November 22, 2021, Werner acquired a 100% equity ownership interest in NEHDS Logistics, LLC (“NEHDS”) for a purchase price of $64 million, which includes a $4 million earnout. NEHDS, based in Monroe, Connecticut, is a growing final mile home delivery provider for big and bulky products with access to a network of 400 final mile delivery trucks serving customers primarily in the Northeast and Midwest U.S. markets. NEHDS achieved annual revenues of $71.4 million for the twelve months ended September 30, 2021, and produced an average annual revenue growth rate of 27% for the three years then ended. NEHDS financial results for the last six weeks of fourth quarter 2021 were strong and are included in the Werner Logistics segment. NEHDS and Werner Logistics are combining their final mile businesses as Werner Final Mile. Integration activities are proceeding on schedule.

Truckload Transportation Services (TTS) Segment

• Revenues of $563.2 million increased $88.2 million
• Operating income of $88.2 million increased $9.6 million; non-GAAP adjusted operating income of $90.0 million increased $10.2 million
• Operating margin of 15.7% decreased 80 basis points from 16.5%; non-GAAP adjusted operating margin of 16.0% decreased 80 basis points from 16.8%
• Non-GAAP adjusted operating margin, net of fuel, of 18.2% remained flat
• Average segment trucks in service totaled 8,313, an increase of 523 trucks year over year, or 6.7%
• Dedicated unit trucks at quarter end totaled 5,235 or 63% of the total TTS segment fleet, compared to 4,945 trucks, or 63%, a year ago
• 5.5% increase in TTS average revenues per truck per week
  

In our Dedicated and One-Way Truckload fleets, freight demand remained strong during fourth quarter 2021. Freight demand has continued to be strong so far in first quarter 2022. During fourth quarter, TTS company truck miles increased by approximately 0.6 million miles year over year, and independent contractor miles decreased by approximately 5.3 million miles.

Comparisons of key financial metrics for the TTS segment, including operating ratios (actual and net of fuel surcharge revenues), are shown in the table below.

Key Truckload Transportation Services Segment Financial Metrics

	Three Months Ended December 31,											Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)		2021				2020			Y/Y Change				2021				2020			Y/Y Change
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge	$	488,593			$	434,127			13	%		$	1,789,148			$	1,667,394			7	%
Trucking fuel surcharge revenues		68,501				36,563			87	%			234,164				158,611			48	%
Non-trucking and other revenues		6,133				4,347			41	%			21,761				17,204			26	%
Total revenues	$	563,227			$	475,037			19	%		$	2,045,073			$	1,843,209			11	%
Operating income	$	88,231			$	78,613			12	%		$	281,823			$	222,007			27	%
Operating margin		15.7	%			16.5	%		(80) bps				13.8	%			12.0	%		180 bps
Operating ratio		84.3	%			83.5	%		80 bps				86.2	%			88.0	%		(180) bps
Adjusted operating income (1)	$	90,044			$	79,872			13	%		$	288,678			$	236,514			22	%
Adjusted operating margin (1)		16.0	%			16.8	%		(80) bps				14.1	%			12.8	%		130 bps
Adjusted operating margin, net of fuel surcharge (1)		18.2	%			18.2	%		— bps				15.9	%			14.0	%		190 bps
Adjusted operating ratio (1)		84.0	%			83.2	%		80 bps				85.9	%			87.2	%		(130) bps
Adjusted operating ratio, net of fuel surcharge (1)		81.8	%			81.8	%		— bps				84.1	%			86.0	%		(190) bps

^{(1) See attached Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Truckload Transportation Services (TTS) Segment.}

Werner Logistics Segment

• Revenues of $185.0 million increased $54.9 million, or 42%
• Operating income of $11.7 million increased $9.1 million
• Operating margin of 6.3% increased 430 bps
  

Logistics revenues of $185.0 million increased 42%. Logistics revenues increased 58%, when excluding Werner Global Logistics (WGL) revenues from fourth quarter 2020. Werner sold WGL in first quarter 2021.

Truckload Logistics revenues (68% of total Logistics revenues) increased 58%, driven by a 29% increase in revenues per shipment and a 23% increase in shipments.

Intermodal revenues (26% of Logistics revenues) increased 37%, supported by a 35% increase in revenues per shipment and a 1% increase in shipments.

Final Mile revenues (6% of Logistics revenues) increased $8.8 million. This includes approximately six weeks of NEHDS Logistics, LLC which was acquired November 22, 2021.

Logistics operating income improved $9.1 million in fourth quarter due to revenue growth and an expanded operating margin percentage in a strong freight market.

Key Werner Logistics Segment Financial Metrics

	Three Months Ended December 31,											Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)		2021				2020			Y/Y Change				2021				2020			Y/Y Change
Total revenues	$	184,967			$	130,113			42	%		$	622,461			$	469,791			32	%
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation expense		155,492				113,908			37	%			535,379				407,308			31	%
Other operating expenses		17,753				13,572			31	%			59,209				56,478			5	%
Total operating expenses		173,245				127,480			36	%			594,588				463,786			28	%
Operating income	$	11,722			$	2,633			345	%		$	27,873			$	6,005			364	%
Operating margin		6.3	%			2.0	%		430 bps				4.5	%			1.3	%		320 bps

Cash Flow and Capital Allocation

Cash flow from operations in fourth quarter 2021 was $79.5 million compared to $99.5 million in fourth quarter 2020, an decrease of 20%. 2021 cash flow from operations was $332.8 million compared to $445.9 million in 2020.

Net capital expenditures in fourth quarter 2021 were $30.3 million compared to $79.0 million in fourth quarter 2020, a decrease of 62%. 2021 net capital expenditures were $193.0 million compared to $266.2 million in 2020. We plan to continue to invest in new trucks and trailers and our terminals to improve our driver experience, optimize operational efficiency and more effectively manage our maintenance, safety and fuel costs. The average ages of our truck and trailer fleets were 2.2 years and 4.5 years, respectively, as of December 31, 2021.

Gains on sales of equipment in fourth quarter 2021 were $21.2 million, or $0.24 per share, compared to $4.0 million, or $0.04 per share, in fourth quarter 2020. Year over year, we sold fewer trucks and trailers and realized substantially higher average gains per truck and trailer due to the significantly improved pricing market for our used equipment. Gains on sales of assets are reflected as a reduction of Other Operating Expenses in our income statement.

During the quarter, we repurchased 1,118,345 shares of common stock for a total cost of $51.2 million, or an average price of $45.76 per share. As of December 31, 2021, we had 5.0 million shares remaining under our share repurchase authorization.

As of December 31, 2021, we had $54 million of cash and over $1.3 billion of stockholders’ equity. Total debt outstanding increased $78 million during the quarter to $428 million at December 31, 2021. After considering letters of credit issued, we had available liquidity consisting of cash and available borrowing capacity as of December 31, 2021 of $169 million.

2021 and 2022 Guidance Metrics and Assumptions

The following table summarizes (1) our 2021 guidance and assumptions compared to actual results and (2) introduces our 2022 guidance and assumptions:

2021 and 2022 Guidance	Guidance (as of 10/28/21)	Actual (as of 12/31/21)	2022 Guidance (as of 2/3/22)	Commentary
TTS truck growth from BoY to EoY	3% to 5% (annual)	7% (2021)	2% to 5% (annual)	Subject to driver availability and timing of delivery of new trucks from OEM’s
Net capital expenditures	$250M to $275M (annual)	$193.0M (2021)	$275M to $325M (annual)	Subject to timing of delivery of new trucks from OEM’s
TTS Guidance
Dedicated RPTPW* growth	1% to 2% (4Q21 vs 4Q20)	5.2% (4Q21 vs. 4Q20)	3% to 5% (annual)	Expect strong rate levels partially mitigated by lower miles per truck
One-Way Truckload RPTM* growth	17% to 19% (4Q21 vs. 4Q20)	19.2% (4Q21 vs. 4Q20)	16% to 19% (1H22 vs. 1H21)	Strong contractual rate increases and elevated spot rates combined with fleet mix changes
Assumptions
Effective income tax rate	24.5% to 25.5% (annual)	23.0% (4Q21)	24.5% to 25.5% (annual)
Truck age Trailer age	2.2 years 4.4 years	2.2 years 4.5 years	2.2 years 4.8 years	Reinvesting to maintain young fleet advantage, subject to timing of deliveries from OEM’s

^{* Net of fuel surcharge revenues}

Call Information

Werner Enterprises, Inc. will conduct a conference call to discuss fourth quarter 2021 earnings today beginning at 4:00 p.m. CT. The news release, live webcast of the earnings conference call, and accompanying slide presentation will be available at werner.com in the “Investors” section under “News & Events” and then “Events Calendar.” To participate in the conference call, please dial (844) 701-1165 (domestic) or (412) 317-5498 (international). Please mention to the operator that you are dialing in for the Werner Enterprises call.

A replay of the conference call will be available on February 3, 2022 at approximately 6:00 p.m. CT through March 3, 2022 by dialing (877) 344-7529 (domestic) or (412) 317-0088 (international) and using the access code 4012420. A replay of the webcast will also be available at werner.com in the “Investors” section under “News & Events” and then “Events Calendar.”

About Werner Enterprises

Werner Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WERN) delivers superior truckload transportation and logistics services to customers across the United States, Mexico and Canada. With 2021 revenues of $2.7 billion, an industry-leading modern truck and trailer fleet, over 13,500 talented associates and our innovative Werner EDGE technology, we are an essential solutions provider for customers who value the integrity of their supply chain and require safe and exceptional on-time service. Werner provides Dedicated and One-Way Truckload services as well as Logistics services that include truckload brokerage, freight management, intermodal and final mile. As an industry leader, Werner is deeply committed to promoting sustainability and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such forward-looking statements are based on information presently available to the Company’s management and are current only as of the date made. Actual results could also differ materially from those anticipated as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

For those reasons, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statement. The Company assumes no duty or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, although it may do so from time to time as management believes is warranted or as may be required by applicable securities law. Any such updates or revisions may be made by filing reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), through the issuance of press releases or by other methods of public disclosure.

Contact:
John J. Steele
Executive Vice President, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer
(402) 894-3036

Source: Werner Enterprises, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Information

INCOME STATEMENT
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended December 31,													Year Ended December 31,
		2021							2020						2021							2020
	$				%			$				%		$				%			$				%
Operating revenues	$	765,221			100.0			$	620,302			100.0		$	2,734,372			100.0			$	2,372,178			100.0
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits		245,814			32.1				197,718			31.9			895,012			32.7				795,847			33.6
Fuel		71,833			9.4				39,743			6.4			245,866			9.0				157,124			6.6
Supplies and maintenance		54,073			7.1				42,763			6.9			206,701			7.6				175,842			7.4
Taxes and licenses		24,699			3.2				24,911			4.0			96,095			3.5				95,746			4.0
Insurance and claims		28,161			3.7				24,656			4.0			98,658			3.6				109,816			4.6
Depreciation and amortization		71,269			9.3				63,799			10.3			267,700			9.8				263,286			11.1
Rent and purchased transportation		182,685			23.9				140,195			22.6			641,159			23.4				519,184			21.9
Communications and utilities		3,507			0.4				3,333			0.5			13,460			0.5				14,474			0.6
Other		(15,308	)		(2.0	)			1,733			0.3			(39,425	)		(1.4	)			13,421			0.6
Total operating expenses		666,733			87.1				538,851			86.9			2,425,226			88.7				2,144,740			90.4
Operating income		98,488			12.9				81,451			13.1			309,146			11.3				227,438			9.6
Other expense (income):
Interest expense		1,600			0.2				576			—			4,423			0.2				4,215			0.2
Interest income		(293	)		—				(308	)		—			(1,211	)		(0.1	)			(1,634	)		(0.1	)
Gain on investments in equity securities, net		(4,036	)		(0.5	)			—			—			(40,317	)		(1.5	)			—			—
Other		90			—				40			—			236			—				163			—
Total other expense (income)		(2,639	)		(0.3	)			308			—			(36,869	)		(1.4	)			2,744			0.1
Income before income taxes		101,127			13.2				81,143			13.1			346,015			12.7				224,694			9.5
Income tax expense		23,262			3.0				20,587			3.3			84,537			3.1				55,616			2.4
Net income		77,865			10.2				60,556			9.8			261,478			9.6				169,078			7.1
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest		(1,098	)		(0.2	)			—			—			(2,426	)		(0.1	)			—			—
Net income attributable to Werner	$	76,767			10.0			$	60,556			9.8		$	259,052			9.5			$	169,078			7.1
Diluted shares outstanding		66,850							69,052						67,855							69,427
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.15						$	0.88					$	3.82						$	2.44

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands, except share amounts)
	December 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	54,196			$	29,334
Accounts receivable, trade, less allowance of $9,169 and $8,686, respectively		460,518				341,104
Other receivables		24,449				23,491
Inventories and supplies		11,140				12,062
Prepaid taxes, licenses and permits		17,549				17,231
Other current assets		49,572				33,694
Total current assets		617,424				456,916
Property and equipment		2,557,825				2,405,335
Less – accumulated depreciation		944,582				862,077
Property and equipment, net		1,613,243				1,543,258
Goodwill		74,618				—
Intangible assets, net		55,315				—
Other non-current assets (1)		229,324				156,502
Total assets	$	2,589,924			$	2,156,676
LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	93,987			$	83,263
Current portion of long-term debt		5,000				25,000
Insurance and claims accruals		72,594				76,917
Accrued payroll		44,333				35,594
Accrued expenses		28,758				25,032
Other current liabilities		24,975				28,208
Total current liabilities		269,647				274,014
Long-term debt, net of current portion		422,500				175,000
Other long-term liabilities		43,314				43,114
Insurance and claims accruals, net of current portion (1)		237,220				231,638
Deferred income taxes		253,746				237,870
Total liabilities		1,226,427				961,636
Temporary equity - redeemable noncontrolling interest		35,947				—
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 80,533,536
shares issued; 65,790,112 and 67,931,726 shares outstanding, respectively		805				805
Paid-in capital		121,904				116,039
Retained earnings		1,667,104				1,438,916
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(20,604	)			(22,833	)
Treasury stock, at cost; 14,743,424 and 12,601,810 shares, respectively		(441,659	)			(337,887	)
Total stockholders’ equity		1,327,550				1,195,040
Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ equity	$	2,589,924			$	2,156,676

^{(1) Under the terms of our insurance policies, we are the primary obligor of the damage award in the previously mentioned adverse jury verdict, and as such, we have recorded a $79.2 million receivable from our third-party insurance providers in other non-current assets and a corresponding liability of the same amount in the long-term portion of insurance and claims accruals in the unaudited condensed balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.}

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
	Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2021				2020				2021				2020
Capital expenditures, net	$	30,319			$	78,978			$	193,049			$	266,241
Cash flow from operations		79,475				99,513				332,819				445,909
Return on assets (annualized)		12.2	%			11.2	%			11.2	%			8.0	%
Return on equity (annualized)		23.0	%			20.3	%			20.4	%			14.7	%

Segment Financial and Operating Statistics Information

SEGMENT INFORMATION
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
	Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2021				2020				2021				2020
Revenues
Truckload Transportation Services	$	563,227			$	475,037			$	2,045,073			$	1,843,209
Werner Logistics		184,967				130,113				622,461				469,791
Other (1)		16,980				14,737				66,108				57,276
Corporate		407				467				1,629				2,009
Subtotal		765,581				620,354				2,735,271				2,372,285
Inter-segment eliminations (2)		(360	)			(52	)			(899	)			(107	)
Total	$	765,221			$	620,302			$	2,734,372			$	2,372,178
Operating Income
Truckload Transportation Services	$	88,231			$	78,613			$	281,823			$	222,007
Werner Logistics		11,722				2,633				27,873				6,005
Other (1)		1,012				907				4,947				3,839
Corporate		(2,477	)			(702	)			(5,497	)			(4,413	)
Total	$	98,488			$	81,451			$	309,146			$	227,438

^{(1) Other includes our driver training schools, transportation-related activities such as third-party equipment maintenance and equipment leasing, and other business activities.
(2) Inter-segment eliminations represent transactions between reporting segments that are eliminated in consolidation.}

OPERATING STATISTICS BY SEGMENT
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended December 31,											Year Ended December 31,
		2021				2020			% Chg				2021				2020			% Chg
Truckload Transportation Services segment
Average trucks in service		8,313				7,790			6.7	%			7,982				7,757			2.9	%
Average revenues per truck per week (1)	$	4,521			$	4,287			5.5	%		$	4,311			$	4,134			4.3	%
Total trucks (at quarter end)
Company		8,050				7,390			8.9	%			8,050				7,390			8.9	%
Independent contractor		290				440			(34.1	)%			290				440			(34.1	)%
Total trucks		8,340				7,830			6.5	%			8,340				7,830			6.5	%
Total trailers (at quarter end)		25,760				23,125			11.4	%			25,760				23,125			11.4	%
One-Way Truckload
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge (in 000’s)	$	197,346			$	176,014			12.1	%		$	710,673			$	694,868			2.3	%
Average trucks in service		3,088				2,918			5.8	%			2,942				3,096			(5.0	)%
Total trucks (at quarter end)		3,105				2,885			7.6	%			3,105				2,885			7.6	%
Average percentage of empty miles		11.76	%			11.69	%		0.6	%			11.25	%			12.06	%		(6.7	)%
Average revenues per truck per week (1)	$	4,916			$	4,638			6.0	%		$	4,645			$	4,315			7.6	%
Average % change YOY in revenues per total mile (1)		19.2	%			6.9	%						17.3	%			0.9	%
Average % change YOY in total miles per truck per week		(11.1	)%			0.3	%						(8.2	)%			1.6	%
Average completed trip length in miles (loaded)		715				869			(17.7	)%			786				852			(7.7	)%
Dedicated
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge (in 000’s)	$	291,244			$	258,113			12.8	%		$	1,078,475			$	972,526			10.9	%
Average trucks in service		5,225				4,872			7.2	%			5,040				4,661			8.1	%
Total trucks (at quarter end)		5,235				4,945			5.9	%			5,235				4,945			5.9	%
Average revenues per truck per week (1)	$	4,287			$	4,075			5.2	%		$	4,116			$	4,012			2.6	%
Werner Logistics segment
Average trucks in service		49				31			58.1	%			41				31			32.3	%
Total trucks (at quarter end)		55				31			77.4	%			55				31			77.4	%
Total trailers (at quarter end)		1,465				1,275			14.9	%			1,465				1,275			14.9	%

^{(1) Net of fuel surcharge revenues}

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations

To supplement our financial results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), we provide certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined by the SEC Regulation G, including non-GAAP adjusted operating income; non-GAAP adjusted operating margin; non-GAAP adjusted operating margin, net of fuel surcharge; non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to Werner; non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share; non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses; non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge; non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio; and non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio, net of fuel surcharge. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide a more useful comparison of our performance from period to period because they exclude the effect of items that, in our opinion, do not reflect our core operating performance. Our non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as substitutes for their comparable GAAP measures and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures. Although we believe that they improve comparability in analyzing our period to period performance, they could limit comparability to other companies in our industry if those companies define these measures differently. Because of these limitations, our non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered measures of income generated by our business. Management compensates for these limitations by primarily relying on GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures on a supplemental basis.

The following tables present reconciliations of each non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure as required by SEC Regulation G. In addition, information regarding each of the excluded items as well as our reasons for excluding them from our non-GAAP results is provided below.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES – CONSOLIDATED
(unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended December 31,												Year Ended December 31,
		2021						2020						2021							2020
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income and Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Margin (1)	$			% of Op. Rev.			$			% of Op. Rev.			$				% of Op. Rev.			$			% of Op. Rev.
Operating income and operating margin – (GAAP)	$	98,488		12.9	%		$	81,451		13.1	%		$	309,146			11.3	%		$	227,438		9.6	%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Insurance and claims (2)		1,321		0.1	%			1,259		0.2	%			5,137			0.2	%			4,893		0.2	%
Acquisition expenses (3)		630		0.1	%			—		—	%			1,622			0.1	%			—		—	%
Gain on sale of Werner Global Logistics (4)		—		—	%			—		—	%			(1,013	)		(0.1	)%			—		—	%
Depreciation (5)		—		—	%			—		—	%			—			—	%			9,614		0.4	%
Amortization of intangible assets (6)		659		0.1	%			—		—	%			1,885			0.1	%			—		—	%
Non-GAAP adjusted operating income and non-GAAP adjusted operating margin	$	101,098		13.2	%		$	82,710		13.3	%		$	316,777			11.6	%		$	241,945		10.2	%

	Three Months Ended December 31,																Year Ended December 31,
		2021								2020								2021								2020
Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Werner and Non-GAAP Adjusted Diluted EPS (1)	$				Diluted EPS				$				Diluted EPS				$				Diluted EPS				$				Diluted EPS
Net income attributable to Werner and diluted EPS – (GAAP)	$	76,767			$	1.15			$	60,556			$	0.88			$	259,052			$	3.82			$	169,078			$	2.44
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Insurance and claims (2)		1,321				0.02				1,259				0.02				5,137				0.08				4,893				0.07
Acquisition expenses (3)		630				0.01				—				—				1,622				0.02				—				—
Gain on sale of Werner Global Logistics (4)		—				—				—				—				(1,013	)			(0.02	)			—				—
Depreciation (5)		—				—				—				—				—				—				9,614				0.14
Amortization of intangible assets, net of amount attributable to noncontrolling interest (6)		560				0.01				—				—				1,541				0.02				—				—
Gain on investments in equity securities, net (7)		(4,036	)			(0.06	)			—				—				(40,317	)			(0.59	)			—				—
Income tax effect of above adjustments (8)		382				—				(321	)			(0.01	)			8,258				0.12				(3,699	)			(0.06	)
Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to Werner and non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS	$	75,624			$	1.13			$	61,494			$	0.89			$	234,280			$	3.45			$	179,886			$	2.59

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES – TRUCKLOAD TRANSPORTATION SERVICES (TTS) SEGMENT
(unaudited)
(In thousands)
	Three Months Ended December 31,												Year Ended December 31,
		2021						2020						2021						2020
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income and Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Margin (1)	$			% of Op. Rev.			$			% of Op. Rev.			$			% of Op. Rev.			$			% of Op. Rev.
Operating income and operating margin – (GAAP)	$	88,231		15.7	%		$	78,613		16.5	%		$	281,823		13.8	%		$	222,007		12.0	%
Non-GAAP adjustments:													.
Insurance and claims (2)		1,321		0.2	%			1,259		0.3	%			5,137		0.2	%			4,893		0.3	%
Depreciation (5)		—		—	%			—		—	%			—		—	%			9,614		0.5	%
Amortization of intangible assets (6)		492		0.1	%			—		—	%			1,718		0.1	%			—		—	%
Non-GAAP adjusted operating income and non-GAAP adjusted operating margin	$	90,044		16.0	%		$	79,872		16.8	%		$	288,678		14.1	%		$	236,514		12.8	%

	Three Months Ended December 31,														Year Ended December 31,
		2021							2020							2021							2020
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Expenses and Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Ratio (1)	$				% of Op. Rev.			$				% of Op. Rev.			$				% of Op. Rev.			$				% of Op. Rev.
Operating expenses and operating ratio – (GAAP)	$	474,996			84.3	%		$	396,424			83.5	%		$	1,763,250			86.2	%		$	1,621,202			88.0	%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Insurance and claims (2)		(1,321	)		(0.2	)%			(1,259	)		(0.3	)%			(5,137	)		(0.2	)%			(4,893	)		(0.3	)%
Depreciation (5)		—			—	%			—			—	%			—			—	%			(9,614	)		(0.5	)%
Amortization of intangible assets (6)		(492	)		(0.1	)%			—			—	%			(1,718	)		(0.1	)%			—			—	%
Non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses and non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio	$	473,183			84.0	%		$	395,165			83.2	%		$	1,756,395			85.9	%		$	1,606,695			87.2	%

	Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Expenses, Net of Fuel Surcharge; Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Margin, Net of Fuel Surcharge; and Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Ratio, Net of Fuel Surcharge (1)		2021				2020				2021				2020
	$				$				$				$
Operating revenues – (GAAP)	$	563,227			$	475,037			$	2,045,073			$	1,843,209
Less: Trucking fuel surcharge (9)		(68,501	)			(36,563	)			(234,164	)			(158,611	)
Operating revenues, net of fuel surcharge – (Non-GAAP)		494,726				438,474				1,810,909				1,684,598
Operating expenses – (GAAP)		474,996				396,424				1,763,250				1,621,202
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Trucking fuel surcharge (9)		(68,501	)			(36,563	)			(234,164	)			(158,611	)
Insurance and claims (2)		(1,321	)			(1,259	)			(5,137	)			(4,893	)
Depreciation (5)		—				—				—				(9,614	)
Amortization of intangible assets (6)		(492	)			—				(1,718	)			—
Non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge		404,682				358,602				1,522,231				1,448,084
Non-GAAP adjusted operating income	$	90,044			$	79,872			$	288,678			$	236,514
Non-GAAP adjusted operating margin, net of fuel surcharge		18.2	%			18.2	%			15.9	%			14.0	%
Non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio, net of fuel surcharge		81.8	%			81.8	%			84.1	%			86.0	%

^{(1) Non-GAAP adjusted operating income; non-GAAP adjusted operating margin; non-GAAP adjusted operating margin, net of fuel surcharge; non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to Werner; non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share; non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses; non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge; non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio; and non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio, net of fuel surcharge should be considered in addition to, rather than as substitutes for, GAAP operating income; GAAP operating margin; GAAP net income attributable to Werner; GAAP diluted earnings per share; GAAP operating expenses; and GAAP operating ratio, which are their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.}

^{(2) During 2021 and 2020, we accrued pre-tax insurance and claims expense for interest related to a previously disclosed excess adverse jury verdict rendered on May 17, 2018 in a lawsuit arising from a December 2014 accident. The Company is appealing this verdict. Additional information about the accident was included in our Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 17, 2018. Under our insurance policies in effect on the date of this accident, our maximum liability for this accident is $10.0 million (plus pre-judgment and post-judgment interest) with premium-based insurance coverage that exceeds the jury verdict amount. Interest is accrued at $0.4 million per month until such time as the outcome of our appeal is finalized. Management believes excluding the effect of this item provides a more useful comparison of our performance from period to period. This item is included in the Truckload Transportation Services segment in our Segment Information table.}

^{(3) During 2021, we incurred legal and professional fees related to our acquisitions of ECM and NEHDS. Acquisition-related expenses are excluded as management believes these costs are not representative of the costs of managing our on-going business. The expenses are included within other operating expenses in our Income Statement and in Corporate operating income in our Segment Information table.}

^{(4) During first quarter 2021, we sold Werner Global Logistics (“WGL”) freight forwarding services for international ocean and air shipments to Scan Global Logistics Group, which resulted in the pre-tax gain on sale. Management believes excluding the effect of this unusual and infrequent item provides a more useful comparison of our performance from period to period. This item is included in our Werner Logistics segment in our Segment Information table.}

^{(5) During first quarter 2020, we changed the estimated life of certain trucks expected to be sold in 2020 to more rapidly depreciate these trucks to their estimated residual values due to the weak used truck market. These trucks continued to depreciate at the same higher rate per truck, until all were sold. Management believes excluding the effect of this unusual and infrequent item provides a more useful comparison of our performance from period to period. This item is included in our Truckload Transportation Services segment in our Segment Information table.}

^{(6) Amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired in the ECM and NEHDS acquisitions is excluded because management does not believe it is indicative of our core operating performance. Amortization expense for ECM and NEHDS is included in our Truckload Transportation Services and Werner Logistics segments, respectively, in our Segment Information table.}

^{(7) Represents non-operating mark-to-market adjustments for gains/losses on our minority equity investments, which we account for under ASC 321, Investments - Equity Securities. We record changes in the value of our investments in equity securities in other expense (income) in our Income Statement. Management believes excluding the effect of gains/losses on our investments in equity securities provides a more useful comparison of our performance from period to period.}

^{(8) The income tax effect of the non-GAAP adjustments is calculated using the incremental income tax rate excluding discrete items, and the income tax effect for 2021 has been updated to reflect the annual incremental income tax rate.}

^{(9) Fluctuating fuel prices and fuel surcharge revenues impact the total company operating ratio and the TTS segment operating ratio when fuel surcharges are reported on a gross basis as revenues versus netting the fuel surcharges against fuel expenses. Management believes netting fuel surcharge revenues, which are generally a more volatile source of revenue, against fuel expenses provides a more consistent basis for comparing the results of operations from period to period.}

FAQ

What were the total revenues for Werner Enterprises in Q4 2021?

Werner Enterprises reported total revenues of $765.2 million in Q4 2021.

How much did Werner's diluted EPS increase in the fourth quarter of 2021?

Diluted EPS for Q4 2021 increased by 31%, reaching $1.15.

What was the operating income for Werner Enterprises in Q4 2021?

Operating income for Q4 2021 was $98.5 million, reflecting a 21% increase year-over-year.

What impact did NEHDS Logistics' acquisition have on Werner Enterprises?

The acquisition of NEHDS Logistics for $64 million is expected to enhance Werner's final mile delivery services.

How did Werner's logistics segment perform in Q4 2021?

Werner's logistics segment revenues increased by 42% in Q4 2021.