Werner (WERN) Up 4.5% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Continue?

Core Viewpoint - Werner Enterprises has shown a positive trend in its stock performance, with shares increasing by approximately 4.5% since the last earnings report, outperforming the S&P 500. The upcoming earnings release will be crucial in determining if this trend continues or if a pullback is expected [1]. Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, Werner reported earnings per share of 11 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 5 cents, but reflecting a 36% decline from the previous year [2]. - Total revenues reached $753.14 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $736.7 million, but decreased by 1% year-over-year due to a 4% drop in Truckload Transportation Services (TTS) revenues, partially offset by a 6% increase in Logistics revenues [3]. - Adjusted operating income was $16.55 million, down 22% year-over-year, with an adjusted operating margin of 2.2%, a decline of 60 basis points from the previous year [4]. Segment Results - TTS segment revenues fell by 4% year-over-year to $517.64 million, with adjusted operating income dropping 45% to $12.77 million due to increased insurance and claims expenses and lower fuel surcharge revenues [5]. - Logistics revenues increased by 6% year-over-year to $221.17 million, with adjusted operating income rising to $5.87 million from $1.69 million in the prior year, and an adjusted operating margin increase of 190 basis points to 2.7% [6]. Liquidity and Capital Expenditure - As of June 30, 2025, Werner had cash and cash equivalents of $51.42 million, a slight decrease from $51.95 million in the previous quarter. Long-term debt rose to $725 million from $640 million [7]. - The company generated $46 million in cash from operations in Q2 2025, with net capital expenditure amounting to $65.6 million [7]. Share Repurchase - During Q2, Werner repurchased 2.1 million shares for $55 million, leaving 1.8 million shares remaining under its share repurchase authorization as of June 30, 2025 [8]. Outlook - For 2025, Werner anticipates TTS truck growth to improve in the range of 1-4%, with net capital expenditure now estimated between $145-$185 million [9]. - The company projects dedicated revenues per truck per week to rise from breakeven to 3% in 2025, with a full-year tax rate expected to be between 25%-26% [9]. Estimate Trends - There has been a downward trend in estimates for Werner, with a consensus estimate shift of -15.3% noted [10][11]. - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expectations for an in-line return in the coming months [13]. Industry Comparison - Werner operates within the Zacks Transportation - Truck industry, where competitor JB Hunt has seen a 1.3% gain over the past month, reporting revenues of $2.93 billion with a year-over-year change of 0% [14].