Werner Enterprises Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual 2023 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Werner Enterprises, Inc. reported a decrease in total revenues of 5% in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year. Operating income and margin also declined, with diluted EPS down 61%. Despite challenging freight conditions, the company's Dedicated business performed well, while Logistics volume and revenue grew. The company reported over $40 million in cost savings and strong operating cash flow. However, net income, operating income, and adjusted diluted EPS all decreased by 61%. The company plans to invest $260-310 million in net capital expenditures in 2024.

Positive

• Dedicated business proved to be durable and resilient, generating double-digit margins and growing revenue per truck for the 9th year out of the last decade.
• Logistics volume was strong, and revenue grew over 6% year over year, extending to 13 straight quarters of growth.
• The company realized over $40 million of savings in 2023, helping to partially offset market dynamics and conditions out of their control.
• Operating cash flow remained strong, which was used to reinvest in the business, pay down over $40 million in debt, and return value to shareholders.

Negative

• Total revenues decreased by 5% in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year.
• Operating income and margin decreased significantly, with diluted EPS down 61%.
• Net income, operating income, and adjusted diluted EPS all decreased by 61%.
• The company did not repurchase shares of its common stock in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Werner Enterprises' Q4 and full-year 2023 financial results reflect a challenging operational environment, characterized by a 5% year-over-year decline in total revenues for the quarter and a significant 57% drop in operating income. The contraction in operating margin by 570 basis points to 4.6% and a comparable decrease in non-GAAP adjusted operating margin indicates a substantial squeeze on profitability. This is further substantiated by a 61% decrease in diluted EPS, which is a critical metric for investors assessing per-share profitability.

These financial metrics suggest a considerable impact on Werner's financial health and investor returns. The reduction in operating income and margins is likely due to increased costs, which may include higher fuel prices, labor costs, or other operational expenses not offset by revenues. The decline in diluted EPS directly affects shareholder value and could lead to a reevaluation of the company's stock by investors. The company's ability to control costs and maintain margins will be pivotal in the upcoming quarters.

Market Research Analyst

The transportation and logistics sector is highly sensitive to economic cycles and Werner's report indicates that the company is not immune to these fluctuations. The decrease in Truckload Transportation Services revenues by 9% alongside a reduction in operating income and margin in this segment by 57% and 680 basis points, respectively, highlights the competitive and price-sensitive nature of the industry. The lower rate per mile and smaller fleet size are indicative of a strategic adjustment to market conditions, possibly to maintain load volumes in a softer freight market.

However, the Dedicated business segment's resilience, with revenue per truck growth for the 9th year in the last decade and the Logistics segment's 13 quarters of consecutive revenue growth, are bright spots. These segments' performance may attract investors looking for stability within the industry's cyclical nature. The company's focus on operational excellence and cost savings, along with innovation and strategic capital deployment, could be key factors in navigating the current market dynamics.

Economist

Werner's financial results can be viewed in the broader context of macroeconomic trends, such as inflationary pressures and interest rate hikes. The increased net interest expense of $7.3 million, primarily due to higher interest rates and an increase in average debt outstanding, is a direct consequence of the current monetary policy environment. The company's operational challenges, such as rate pressure and cost inflation, are reflective of broader economic conditions impacting the transportation and logistics industry.

Notably, the company's strong operating cash flow, which has allowed for reinvestment, debt reduction and shareholder value return, demonstrates prudent financial management in the face of economic headwinds. The company's guidance for 2024, with a focus on maintaining Dedicated revenue per truck per week growth and managing One-Way Truckload rate per mile decline, suggests a strategic approach to navigating anticipated market conditions. The effective tax rate guidance for 2024, compared to the actual rate in 2023, will also be an important factor for stakeholders to monitor.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Highlights (all metrics compared to fourth quarter 2022)

• Total revenues of $821.9 million, down 5%
• Operating income of $37.9 million, down 57%; non-GAAP adjusted operating income of $39.2 million, down 56%
• Operating margin of 4.6%, down 570 basis points; non-GAAP adjusted operating margin of 4.8%, down 560 basis points
• Diluted EPS of $0.37, down 61%; non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS of $0.39, down 61%

2023 Highlights (all metrics compared to 2022)

• Total revenues of $3.28 billion, relatively flat
• Operating income of $176.4 million, down 45%; non-GAAP adjusted operating income of $189.7 million, down 43%
• Operating margin of 5.4%, down 440 basis points; non-GAAP adjusted operating margin of 5.8%, down 430 basis points
• Diluted EPS of $1.76, down 53%; non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS of $1.93, down 48%

OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Werner Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WERN), a premier transportation and logistics provider, today reported results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.

“Freight conditions remained challenging in the fourth quarter with ongoing pricing pressure. Despite this, our nearly 14,000 talented Werner team members and cycle-tested management team focused on what we can control. Our Dedicated business proved to be durable and resilient, generating double-digit margins and growing revenue per truck for the 9th year out of the last decade. Our One-Way Trucking business’ miles per truck improved nearly 9% year over year during the quarter, while rate per mile decline was more favorable than industry benchmarks. Logistics volume was strong, and revenue grew over 6% year over year, extending to 13 straight quarters of growth,” said Derek J. Leathers, Chairman and CEO. “We continue to execute on structural cost changes, realizing over $40 million of savings in 2023, helping to partially offset market dynamics and conditions out of our control, such as rate pressure, cost inflation and declining resale values of equipment. During the quarter, operating cash flow remained strong, which we used to reinvest in the business, pay down over $40 million in debt and return value to our shareholders. Improved production, our elevated rigor on operational excellence, cost savings, innovation, and capital deployment positions us well to benefit as the market comes more into balance.”

Total revenues for the quarter were $821.9 million, a decrease of $39.5 million compared to the prior year quarter, due to a $54.7 million decrease in Truckload Transportation Services (“TTS”) revenues, partially offset by Logistics revenues growth of $13.5 million, or 6%, including the ReedTMS acquisition. A significant portion of the TTS revenue decline was due to $24.9 million lower fuel surcharge revenues. Net of trucking fuel surcharge revenues, consolidated total revenues decreased $14.6 million, or 2%, during the quarter.

Operating income of $37.9 million decreased $50.4 million, or 57%, while operating margin of 4.6% decreased 570 basis points. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted operating income of $39.2 million decreased $50.7 million, or 56%. Adjusted operating margin of 4.8% declined 560 basis points from 10.4% for the same quarter last year.

TTS operating income decreased $46.0 million, and TTS adjusted operating income decreased $45.9 million. Logistics operating income decreased $5.3 million and adjusted operating income decreased $5.0 million. Corporate and Other (including driving schools) operating income increased $0.8 million.

Net interest expense of $7.3 million increased $2.2 million primarily due to higher interest rates for variable rate debt and an increase in average debt outstanding. The effective income tax rate during the quarter was 23.1%, compared to 24.7% in fourth quarter 2022.

During fourth quarter 2023, we had losses on our strategic investments of $0.3 million, compared to losses of $2.2 million, or $0.03 per share, in fourth quarter 2022. Consistent with prior reporting, increases or decreases to the values of these strategic investments are adjusted out for determining non-GAAP adjusted net income and non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share.

Net income attributable to Werner of $23.6 million decreased 61%. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted net income attributable to Werner of $24.6 million decreased 61%. Diluted EPS of $0.37 decreased 61%. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted diluted EPS of $0.39 decreased 61%.

Key Consolidated Financial Metrics

	Three Months Ended December 31,											Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2023				2022				Y/Y Change			2023				2022				Y/Y Change
Total revenues	$	821,945			$	861,491			(5	)%		$	3,283,499			$	3,289,978			0	%
Truckload Transportation Services revenues		580,093				634,787			(9	)%			2,310,810				2,428,686			(5	)%
Werner Logistics revenues		226,963				213,485			6	%			910,433				793,492			15	%
Operating income		37,932				88,381			(57	)%			176,416				323,076			(45	)%
Operating margin		4.6	%			10.3	%		(570) bps				5.4	%			9.8	%		(440) bps
Net income attributable to Werner		23,573				60,166			(61	)%			112,382				241,256			(53	)%
Diluted earnings per share		0.37				0.94			(61	)%			1.76				3.74			(53	)%
Adjusted operating income (1)		39,206				89,917			(56	)%			189,705				333,164			(43	)%
Adjusted operating margin (1)		4.8	%			10.4	%		(560) bps				5.8	%			10.1	%		(430) bps
Adjusted net income attributable to Werner (1)		24,639				62,840			(61	)%			122,721				239,164			(49	)%
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1)		0.39				0.99			(61	)%			1.93				3.70			(48	)%
(1) See attached Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Consolidated.

Truckload Transportation Services (TTS) Segment

• Revenues of $580.1 million decreased $54.7 million; trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge, decreased 6%
• Operating income of $34.3 million decreased $46.0 million; non-GAAP adjusted operating income of $37.2 million decreased $45.9 million due to a lower rate per mile in One-Way Truckload, smaller overall fleet size, and lower gains on the sale of property and equipment
• Operating margin of 5.9% decreased 680 basis points from 12.7%
• Non-GAAP adjusted operating margin, net of fuel surcharge, of 7.5% decreased 830 basis points from 15.8%
• Average segment trucks in service totaled 8,168, a decrease of 541 trucks year over year, or 6%
• Dedicated unit trucks at quarter end totaled 5,265, or 66% of the total TTS segment fleet, compared to 5,450 trucks, or 63%, a year ago
• Average revenues per truck per week, net of fuel surcharges, increased 0.2% for TTS and increased 0.9% for Dedicated

During fourth quarter 2023, Dedicated experienced net reduction in average trucks, down 3.3% year over year and down 0.3% sequentially. Dedicated revenue per truck per week increased 0.9% year over year, and despite a highly competitive environment and normal churn, pipeline opportunities remain healthy and client retention remains strong. One-Way Truckload customer freight demand during fourth quarter 2023 was stable with slightly better-than-expected peak volumes, but at significantly reduced pricing compared to the prior-year period. One-Way rate per mile was down 8.6% and fleet size was smaller year over year (down 11.0%), offset with the third consecutive quarter of higher total miles per truck (up 8.7%).

Key Truckload Transportation Services Segment Financial Metrics

	Three Months Ended December 31,											Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2023				2022				Y/Y Change			2023				2022				Y/Y Change
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge	$	487,408			$	518,393			(6	)%		$	1,949,445			$	1,982,639			(2	)%
Trucking fuel surcharge revenues		84,675				109,611			(23	)%			332,388				419,240			(21	)%
Non-trucking and other revenues		8,010				6,783			18	%			28,977				26,807			8	%
Total revenues	$	580,093			$	634,787			(9	)%		$	2,310,810			$	2,428,686			(5	)%
Operating income	$	34,339			$	80,341			(57	)%		$	169,330			$	294,555			(43	)%
Operating margin		5.9	%			12.7	%		(680) bps				7.3	%			12.1	%		(480) bps
Operating ratio		94.1	%			87.3	%		680 bps				92.7	%			87.9	%		480 bps
Adjusted operating income (1)	$	37,165			$	83,104			(55	)%		$	180,453			$	303,902			(41	)%
Adjusted operating margin (1)		6.4	%			13.1	%		(670) bps				7.8	%			12.5	%		(470) bps
Adjusted operating margin, net of fuel surcharge (1)		7.5	%			15.8	%		(830) bps				9.1	%			15.1	%		(600) bps
Adjusted operating ratio (1)		93.6	%			86.9	%		670 bps				92.2	%			87.5	%		470 bps
Adjusted operating ratio, net of fuel surcharge (1)		92.5	%			84.2	%		830 bps				90.9	%			84.9	%		600 bps
(1) See attached Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Truckload Transportation Services (TTS) Segment.

Werner Logistics Segment

• Revenues of $227.0 million increased $13.5 million, or 6%, including ReedTMS acquisition which closed in November 2022
• Operating income of $4.6 million decreased $5.3 million
• Operating margin of 2.0% decreased 260 basis points from 4.6%
• Adjusted operating income of $3.0 million decreased $5.0 million
• Adjusted operating margin of 1.3% decreased 250 basis points from 3.8%

Truckload Logistics revenues (77% of Logistics revenues) increased 15%, driven by a double-digit increase in shipments (including November 2022 ReedTMS acquisition), partially offset by a decline in revenue per shipment.

Intermodal revenues (12% of Logistics revenues) decreased 27%, due to fewer shipments and lower revenue per shipment year over year; although we achieved the third consecutive quarter of a sequential increase in shipments.

Final Mile revenues (11% of Logistics revenues) increased $1.4 million, or 6%.

Logistics operating income decreased $5.3 million and adjusted operating income decreased $5.0 million in fourth quarter 2023, due to a competitive freight and rate market in fourth quarter 2023 despite generally stronger volume and load growth overall.

Key Werner Logistics Segment Financial Metrics

	Three Months Ended December 31,											Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2023				2022				Y/Y Change			2023				2022				Y/Y Change
Total revenues	$	226,963			$	213,485			6	%		$	910,433			$	793,492			15	%
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation expense		193,132				174,463			11	%			761,948				653,185			17	%
Other operating expenses		29,256				29,154			0	%			132,606				104,123			27	%
Total operating expenses		222,388				203,617			9	%			894,554				757,308			18	%
Operating income	$	4,575			$	9,868			(54	)%		$	15,879			$	36,184			(56	)%
Operating margin		2.0	%			4.6	%		(260) bps				1.7	%			4.6	%		(290) bps
Adjusted operating income (1)	$	3,023			$	8,028			(62	)%		$	18,045			$	35,844			(50	)%
Adjusted operating margin (1)		1.3	%			3.8	%		(250) bps				2.0	%			4.5	%		(250) bps
(1) See attached Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Werner Logistics Segment.

Cash Flow and Capital Allocation

Cash flow from operations in fourth quarter 2023 was $118.3 million compared to $116.0 million in fourth quarter 2022, an increase of 2%. Operating cash flow margins improved greater than 90 basis points for fourth quarter 2023 to 14% of operating revenues and increased 80 basis points year to date 2023 to 14% of operating revenues.

Net capital expenditures in fourth quarter 2023 were $34.5 million compared to $63.5 million in fourth quarter 2022, a decrease of 46%. We plan to continue to invest in new trucks, 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 2.1 years and 4.9 years, respectively, as of December 31, 2023.

Gains on sales of property and equipment in fourth quarter 2023 were $3.1 million, or $0.04 per share, compared to $25.9 million, or $0.30 per share, in fourth quarter 2022. Year over year, we sold 11% fewer trucks and over 60% more trailers and realized substantially lower average gains per truck and trailer. Gains on sales of property and equipment are reflected as a reduction of Other Operating Expenses in our income statement.

We did not repurchase shares of our common stock in fourth quarter 2023. As of December 31, 2023, we had 2.3 million shares remaining under our share repurchase authorization.

As of December 31, 2023, we had $62 million of cash and cash equivalents and $1.5 billion of stockholders’ equity. Total debt outstanding was $649 million at December 31, 2023. After considering letters of credit issued, we had available liquidity consisting of cash and cash equivalents and available borrowing capacity as of December 31, 2023 of $526 million.

Introducing 2024 Guidance

	2023 Guidance (as of 11/1/23)	2023 Actual (as of 12/31/23)	2024 Guidance (as of 2/6/24)
TTS truck count from BoY to EoY	(5)% to (3)% (annual)	(7)% (2023)	(3)% to 0% (annual)
Net capital expenditures	$425M to $450M (annual)	$409M (2023)	$260M to $310M (annual)
TTS Guidance
Dedicated RPTPW* growth	0% to 3% (annual)	1.5% (2023)	0% to 3% (annual)
One-Way Truckload RPTM* growth	(9)% to (7)% (4Q23 vs. 4Q22)	(8.6)% (4Q23 vs. 4Q22)	(6)% to (3)% (1H24 vs. 1H23)
* Net of fuel surcharge revenues

Assumptions

• Effective income tax rate of 24.5% to 25.5% in 2024 compared to 24.0% in 2023.
• Expect average truck age of 2.1 years and average trailer age of 5.0 years as of 12/31/24, compared to 2.1 years and 4.9 years as of 12/31/23, respectively.

Call Information

Werner Enterprises, Inc. will conduct a conference call to discuss fourth quarter 2023 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 6, 2024 at approximately 6:00 p.m. CT through March 6, 2024 by dialing (877) 344-7529 (domestic) or (412) 317-0088 (international) and using the access code 1321524. 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 2023 revenues of $3.3 billion, an industry-leading modern truck and trailer fleet, nearly 14,000 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, 2022 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.

Consolidated Financial Information

INCOME STATEMENT
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended December 31,														Year Ended December 31,
	2023							2022							2023							2022
	$				%			$				%			$				%			$				%
Operating revenues	$	821,945			100.0			$	861,491			100.0			$	3,283,499			100.0			$	3,289,978			100.0
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits		269,816			32.8				260,531			30.2				1,072,558			32.7				1,020,609			31.0
Fuel		85,478			10.4				111,447			12.9				345,001			10.5				437,299			13.3
Supplies and maintenance		63,124			7.7				65,406			7.6				256,494			7.8				253,096			7.7
Taxes and licenses		25,999			3.2				25,289			2.9				102,684			3.1				97,929			3.0
Insurance and claims		33,964			4.1				44,301			5.2				138,516			4.2				147,365			4.5
Depreciation and amortization		75,712			9.2				73,826			8.6				299,509			9.1				279,923			8.5
Rent and purchased transportation		224,418			27.3				207,662			24.1				886,284			27.0				777,464			23.6
Communications and utilities		4,523			0.6				4,429			0.5				18,480			0.6				15,856			0.5
Other		979			0.1				(19,781	)		(2.3	)			(12,443	)		(0.4	)			(62,639	)		(1.9	)
Total operating expenses		784,013			95.4				773,110			89.7				3,107,083			94.6				2,966,902			90.2
Operating income		37,932			4.6				88,381			10.3				176,416			5.4				323,076			9.8
Other expense (income):
Interest expense		8,819			1.1				5,824			0.7				33,535			1.0				11,828			0.4
Interest income		(1,523	)		(0.2	)			(751	)		(0.1	)			(6,701	)		(0.2	)			(1,731	)		(0.1	)
Loss (gain) on investments in equity securities, net		242			—				2,208			0.3				278			—				(12,195	)		(0.4	)
Loss from equity method investment		92			—				—			—				1,046			0.1				—			—
Other		100			—				112			—				477			—				388			—
Total other expense (income)		7,730			0.9				7,393			0.9				28,635			0.9				(1,710	)		(0.1	)
Income before income taxes		30,202			3.7				80,988			9.4				147,781			4.5				324,786			9.9
Income tax expense		6,970			0.9				19,977			2.3				35,491			1.1				79,206			2.4
Net income		23,232			2.8				61,011			7.1				112,290			3.4				245,580			7.5
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest		341			0.1				(845	)		(0.1	)			92			—				(4,324	)		(0.2	)
Net income attributable to Werner	$	23,573			2.9			$	60,166			7.0			$	112,382			3.4			$	241,256			7.3
Diluted shares outstanding		63,780							63,695							63,718							64,579
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.37						$	0.94						$	1.76						$	3.74

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands, except share amounts)
	December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	61,723			$	107,240
Accounts receivable, trade, less allowance of $9,337 and $10,271, respectively		444,944				518,815
Other receivables		25,479				29,875
Inventories and supplies		18,077				14,527
Prepaid taxes, licenses and permits		16,505				17,699
Other current assets		67,900				74,459
Total current assets		634,628				762,615
Property and equipment		2,951,654				2,885,641
Less – accumulated depreciation		978,698				1,060,365
Property and equipment, net		1,972,956				1,825,276
Goodwill		129,104				132,717
Intangible assets, net		86,477				81,502
Other non-current assets (1)		334,771				295,145
Total assets	$	3,157,936			$	3,097,255
LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	135,990			$	124,483
Current portion of long-term debt		2,500				6,250
Insurance and claims accruals		81,794				78,620
Accrued payroll		50,549				49,793
Accrued expenses		30,282				20,358
Other current liabilities		29,470				30,016
Total current liabilities		330,585				309,520
Long-term debt, net of current portion		646,250				687,500
Other long-term liabilities		54,275				59,677
Insurance and claims accruals, net of current portion (1)		239,700				244,946
Deferred income taxes		320,180				313,278
Total liabilities		1,590,990				1,614,921
Temporary equity - redeemable noncontrolling interest		38,607				38,699
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 80,533,536 shares issued; 63,444,681 and 63,223,003 shares outstanding, respectively		805				805
Paid-in capital		134,894				129,837
Retained earnings		1,953,385				1,875,873
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(9,684	)			(11,292	)
Treasury stock, at cost; 17,088,855 and 17,310,533 shares, respectively		(551,061	)			(551,588	)
Total stockholders’ equity		1,528,339				1,443,635
Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ equity	$	3,157,936			$	3,097,255
(1) Under the terms of our insurance policies, we are the primary obligor of the damage award in a previously disclosed 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, 2023 and 2022.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
	Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
	2023				2022				2023				2022
Capital expenditures, net	$	34,537			$	63,507			$	408,698			$	317,579
Cash flow from operations		118,347				115,995				474,366				448,711
Return on assets (annualized)		2.9	%			8.2	%			3.6	%			8.8	%
Return on equity (annualized)		6.0	%			16.8	%			7.3	%			17.5	%

Segment Financial and Operating Statistics Information

SEGMENT INFORMATION
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
	Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
	2023				2022				2023				2022
Revenues
Truckload Transportation Services	$	580,093			$	634,787			$	2,310,810			$	2,428,686
Werner Logistics		226,963				213,485				910,433				793,492
Other (1)		18,974				16,257				78,063				71,185
Corporate		420				431				1,883				1,833
Subtotal		826,450				864,960				3,301,189				3,295,196
Inter-segment eliminations (2)		(4,505	)			(3,469	)			(17,690	)			(5,218	)
Total	$	821,945			$	861,491			$	3,283,499			$	3,289,978
Operating Income (Loss)
Truckload Transportation Services	$	34,339			$	80,341			$	169,330			$	294,555
Werner Logistics		4,575				9,868				15,879				36,184
Other (1)		(244	)			(2,419	)			69				(2,604	)
Corporate		(738	)			591				(8,862	)			(5,059	)
Total	$	37,932			$	88,381			$	176,416			$	323,076
(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,
	2023				2022				% Chg			2023				2022				% Chg
Truckload Transportation Services segment
Average trucks in service		8,168				8,709			(6.2	)%			8,326				8,437			(1.3	)%
Average revenues per truck per week (1)	$	4,590			$	4,579			0.2	%		$	4,502			$	4,519			(0.4	)%
Total trucks (at quarter end)
Company		7,740				8,305			(6.8	)%			7,740				8,305			(6.8	)%
Independent contractor		260				295			(11.9	)%			260				295			(11.9	)%
Total trucks		8,000				8,600			(7.0	)%			8,000				8,600			(7.0	)%
Total trailers (at quarter end)		27,850				27,650			0.7	%			27,850				27,650			0.7	%
One-Way Truckload
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge (in 000’s)	$	178,118			$	201,460			(11.6	)%		$	713,762			$	766,013			(6.8	)%
Average trucks in service		2,929				3,292			(11.0	)%			3,042				3,153			(3.5	)%
Total trucks (at quarter end)		2,735				3,150			(13.2	)%			2,735				3,150			(13.2	)%
Average percentage of empty miles		14.92	%			13.58	%		9.9	%			14.36	%			12.70	%		13.1	%
Average revenues per truck per week (1)	$	4,678			$	4,708			(0.6	)%		$	4,512			$	4,672			(3.4	)%
Average % change YOY in revenues per total mile (1)		(8.6	)%			0.4	%						(5.5	)%			8.6	%
Average % change YOY in total miles per truck per week		8.7	%			(4.6	)%						2.2	%			(7.4	)%
Average completed trip length in miles (loaded)		594				633			(6.2	)%			595				675			(11.9	)%
Dedicated
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge (in 000’s)	$	309,290			$	316,933			(2.4	)%		$	1,235,683			$	1,216,626			1.6	%
Average trucks in service		5,239				5,417			(3.3	)%			5,284				5,284			—	%
Total trucks (at quarter end)		5,265				5,450			(3.4	)%			5,265				5,450			(3.4	)%
Average revenues per truck per week (1)	$	4,541			$	4,501			0.9	%		$	4,496			$	4,428			1.5	%
Werner Logistics segment
Average trucks in service		39				45			(13.3	)%			37				52			(28.8	)%
Total trucks (at quarter end)		35				39			(10.3	)%			35				39			(10.3	)%
Total trailers (at quarter end)		2,960				2,315			27.9	%			2,960				2,315			27.9	%
(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 revenues, net of fuel surcharge; 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,
	2023								2022								2023								2022
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)	$	37,932				4.6	%		$	88,381				10.3	%		$	176,416				5.4	%		$	323,076				9.8	%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Insurance and claims (2)		1,457				0.2	%			1,387				0.1	%			5,664				0.2	%			5,394				0.2	%
Amortization of intangible assets (3)		2,517				0.3	%			2,036				0.2	%			10,325				0.3	%			6,113				0.2	%
Acquisition expenses (4)		—				—	%			613				0.1	%			—				—	%			1,081				—	%
Contingent consideration adjustments (5)		(2,700	)			(0.3	)%			(2,500	)			(0.3	)%			(2,700	)			(0.1	)%			(2,500	)			(0.1	)%
Non-GAAP adjusted operating income and non-GAAP adjusted operating margin	$	39,206				4.8	%		$	89,917				10.4	%		$	189,705				5.8	%		$	333,164				10.1	%
	Three Months Ended December 31,																Year Ended December 31,
	2023								2022								2023								2022
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)	$	23,573			$	0.37			$	60,166			$	0.94			$	112,382			$	1.76			$	241,256			$	3.74
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Insurance and claims (2)		1,457				0.02				1,387				0.02				5,664				0.09				5,394				0.08
Amortization of intangible assets, net of amount attributable to noncontrolling interest (3)		2,345				0.04				1,864				0.03				9,637				0.15				5,425				0.08
Acquisition expenses (4)		—				—				613				0.01				—				—				1,081				0.02
Contingent consideration adjustments (5)		(2,700	)			(0.04	)			(2,500	)			(0.04	)			(2,700	)			(0.04	)			(2,500	)			(0.04	)
Loss (gain) on investments in equity securities, net (6)		242				—				2,208				0.04				278				0.01				(12,195	)			(0.19	)
Loss from equity method investment (7)		92				—				—				—				1,046				0.02				—				—
Income tax effect of above adjustments (8)		(370	)			—				(898	)			(0.01	)			(3,586	)			(0.06	)			703				0.01
Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to Werner and non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS	$	24,639			$	0.39			$	62,840			$	0.99			$	122,721			$	1.93			$	239,164			$	3.70

		Three Months Ended December 31,								Year Ended December 31,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Revenues, Net of Fuel Surcharge (1)		$				$				$				$
Operating revenues – (GAAP)		$	821,945			$	861,491			$	3,283,499			$	3,289,978
Non-GAAP adjustment:
Trucking fuel surcharge (9)			(84,675	)			(109,611	)			(332,388	)			(419,240	)
Non-GAAP Operating revenues, net of fuel surcharge		$	737,270			$	751,880			$	2,951,111			$	2,870,738

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES – TRUCKLOAD TRANSPORTATION SERVICES (TTS) SEGMENT
(unaudited)
(In thousands)
		Three Months Ended December 31,															Year Ended December 31,
		2023								2022							2023							2022
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)		$	34,339				5.9	%		$	80,341			12.7	%		$	169,330			7.3	%		$	294,555			12.1	%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Insurance and claims (2)			1,457				0.3	%			1,387			0.2	%			5,664			0.3	%			5,394			0.2	%
Amortization of intangible assets (3)			1,369				0.2	%			1,376			0.2	%			5,459			0.2	%			3,953			0.2	%
Non-GAAP adjusted operating income and non-GAAP adjusted operating margin		$	37,165				6.4	%		$	83,104			13.1	%		$	180,453			7.8	%		$	303,902			12.5	%
		Three Months Ended December 31,															Year Ended December 31,
		2023								2022							2023							2022
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)		$	545,754				94.1	%		$	554,446			87.3	%		$	2,141,480			92.7	%		$	2,134,131			87.9	%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Insurance and claims (2)			(1,457	)			(0.3	)%			(1,387	)		(0.2	)%			(5,664	)		(0.3	)%			(5,394	)		(0.2	)%
Amortization of intangible assets (3)			(1,369	)			(0.2	)%			(1,376	)		(0.2	)%			(5,459	)		(0.2	)%			(3,953	)		(0.2	)%
Non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses and non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio		$	542,928				93.6	%		$	551,683			86.9	%		$	2,130,357			92.2	%		$	2,124,784			87.5	%

		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)		2023				2022				2023				2022
		$				$				$				$
Operating revenues – (GAAP)		$	580,093			$	634,787			$	2,310,810			$	2,428,686
Less: Trucking fuel surcharge (9)			(84,675	)			(109,611	)			(332,388	)			(419,240	)
Operating revenues, net of fuel surcharge – (Non-GAAP)			495,418				525,176				1,978,422				2,009,446
Operating expenses – (GAAP)			545,754				554,446				2,141,480				2,134,131
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Trucking fuel surcharge (9)			(84,675	)			(109,611	)			(332,388	)			(419,240	)
Insurance and claims (2)			(1,457	)			(1,387	)			(5,664	)			(5,394	)
Amortization of intangible assets (3)			(1,369	)			(1,376	)			(5,459	)			(3,953	)
Non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge			458,253				442,072				1,797,969				1,705,544
Non-GAAP adjusted operating income		$	37,165			$	83,104			$	180,453			$	303,902
Non-GAAP adjusted operating margin, net of fuel surcharge			7.5	%			15.8	%			9.1	%			15.1	%
Non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio, net of fuel surcharge			92.5	%			84.2	%			90.9	%			84.9	%

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES – WERNER LOGISTICS SEGMENT
(unaudited)
(In thousands)
		Three Months Ended December 31,														Year Ended December 31,
		2023							2022							2023							2022
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)		$	4,575			2.0	%		$	9,868			4.6	%		$	15,879			1.7	%		$	36,184			4.6	%
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Amortization of intangible assets (3)			1,148			0.5	%			660			0.3	%			4,866			0.6	%			2,160			0.2	%
Contingent consideration adjustment (5)			(2,700	)		(1.2	)%			(2,500	)		(1.1	)%			(2,700	)		(0.3	)%			(2,500	)		(0.3	)%
Non-GAAP adjusted operating income and non-GAAP adjusted operating margin		$	3,023			1.3	%		$	8,028			3.8	%		$	18,045			2.0	%		$	35,844			4.5	%

(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 revenues, net of fuel surcharge; 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 revenues; GAAP operating expenses; and GAAP operating ratio, which are their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

(2) 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. We continue to accrue pre-tax insurance and claims expense for interest at $0.5 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 our Truckload Transportation Services segment in our Segment Information table.

(3) Amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired in our business acquisitions is excluded because management does not believe it is indicative of our core operating performance. This item is included in our Truckload Transportation Services and Werner Logistics segments.

(4) We incurred business acquisition-related expenses including legal and professional fees. 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.

(5) Contingent consideration, also referred to as earnout, adjustments related to our business acquisitions are excluded because management does not believe these adjustments are indicative of our core operating performance. These adjustments are recorded in other operating expenses in our Income Statement and are included in our Werner Logistics segment.

(6) Represents non-operating mark-to-market adjustments for gains/losses on our minority equity investments, which we account for under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 321, Investments – Equity Securities. 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. We record changes in the value of our investments in equity securities in other expense (income) in our Income Statement.

(7) Represents earnings/losses from our equity method investment, which we account for under ASC 323, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures. Management believes excluding the effect of earnings/losses from our equity method investment provides a more useful comparison of our performance from period to period. We record earnings/losses from our equity method investment in other expense (income) in our Income Statement.

(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 2023 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.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240206756247/en/

Christopher D. Wikoff

Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

(402) 894-3700

Source: Werner Enterprises, Inc.

FAQ

What was the change in total revenues for Werner Enterprises in the fourth quarter of 2023?

Total revenues decreased by 5% in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year.

What was the change in operating income for Werner Enterprises in the fourth quarter of 2023?

Operating income decreased by 57% in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year.

What was the change in diluted EPS for Werner Enterprises in the fourth quarter of 2023?

Diluted EPS decreased by 61% in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year.

What was the change in total revenues for Werner Enterprises in 2023 compared to 2022?

Total revenues were relatively flat in 2023 compared to 2022.

What was the change in operating income for Werner Enterprises in 2023 compared to 2022?

Operating income decreased by 45% in 2023 compared to 2022.

What was the change in diluted EPS for Werner Enterprises in 2023 compared to 2022?

Diluted EPS decreased by 53% in 2023 compared to 2022.

What was the net capital expenditures planned by Werner Enterprises for 2024?

The company plans to invest $260-310 million in net capital expenditures in 2024.