TFI International (NYSE:TFII) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 18, 2026 08:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsAlain Bédard - Chairman, President and CEODavid Saperstein - CFOKen Hoexter - Managing DirectorConference Call ParticipantsBrian Ossenbeck - Equity Research AnalystBruce Chan - Equity Research AnalystCameron Doerksen - Equity Research AnalystJason Seidl - Equity Research AnalystJordan Alliger - Equity Research AnalystKonark Gupta - Equity Research AnalystThomas Wadewitz - Senior Equity Research AnalystWalte ...

Summary of Werner Enterprises Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Werner Enterprises (NasdaqGS: WERN) - **Date**: February 17, 2026 - **Speakers**: CEO Derek Leathers, Chris Neal (SVP of Pricing and Head of IR) Key Industry Insights Spot Rates and Demand - Spot rates have shown significant seasonal performance, particularly in December and January, with a notable impact from recent storms [2][3] - National rejection rates are at 14.5%, indicating a supply-driven market with some demand spark emerging [3][20] - Inventory levels are at or below long-term run rates, suggesting a need for replenishment [7] - Optimism exists regarding demand due to tax incentives and positive ISM trends, although actual demand flow has been limited due to overbooking [8][10] Regulatory Environment - Recent government enforcement actions, including English language proficiency and non-domiciled CDL issuance, are seen as necessary to improve safety and capacity in the trucking industry [12][14] - Approximately 250,000 to 400,000 trucks may be impacted by these regulatory actions, which could lead to a tighter supply environment [21][22] - The industry is experiencing a cleansing of capacity, which is expected to continue as enforcement actions progress [14][23] Pricing and Revenue Guidance - Werner expects one-way truckload revenue per mile to be flat to up 3% in the first half of 2026, with potential for improvement in the second half [34][36] - Contract rate renewals are anticipated to see mid-single-digit increases, which are necessary for margin recovery [37][47] - Dedicated revenue per truck per week is projected to be down 1% to up 2%, primarily due to mix issues from the FirstFleet acquisition [41][42] Strategic Focus Restructuring and Business Model - Werner is restructuring its one-way portfolio to focus on less commoditized segments, such as cross-border and expedited services, while enhancing its logistics capabilities [70][73] - The company aims to position itself more towards dedicated trucking, which historically outperforms one-way trucking [71][72] - The acquisition of FirstFleet is expected to enhance Werner's dedicated capabilities and operational efficiency [49][50] Technology and Innovation - Werner is investing in technology, including a new Edge TMS system and AI capabilities, to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs [77][78] - The company has seen a nearly 15% reduction in operational expenses in logistics, indicating successful implementation of technology initiatives [78] Additional Considerations - The trucking industry is facing a potential affordability crisis, with concerns that rising trucking rates could lead to inflationary pressures on goods [25][26] - Driver supply is expected to remain constrained, but Werner's vertically integrated driving schools and partnerships with Tier One schools position it well to manage driver wage pressures [62][63] - The company emphasizes the importance of driver retention, which is enhanced by dedicated contracts that allow for direct negotiations with customers regarding driver wages [64][65] Conclusion - Werner Enterprises is navigating a complex environment characterized by regulatory changes, evolving demand dynamics, and strategic restructuring. The focus on dedicated services and technology investments positions the company for potential growth and improved margins in the coming years.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Preliminary consolidated operating revenue for 2025 is expected to be $3.7 billion, a 7% decrease compared to the prior year [17] - Preliminary operating cash flow for 2025 is approximately $194 million [6][19] - Debt at December 31, 2025, totaled approximately $229 million, resulting in net debt of approximately $116 million, a decrease of approximately $50 million compared to December 31, 2024 [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - ITS segment operating revenue for 2025 is expected to be approximately $2.2 billion, reflecting a low single-digit year-over-year decrease during the fourth quarter [18] - Logistics segment operating revenue for 2025 is expected to be approximately $1.6 billion, with a high single-digit year-over-year decrease during the fourth quarter [18] - Brokerage volumes declined 10% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, with revenue per load down 4% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Intermodal volume growth was 1% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, with refrigerated volumes increasing by 150% and Mexico volumes increasing by 33% [7] - Market conditions remain fluid, with tightening capacity conditions later in the quarter due to lower driver supply and weather disruptions [19] - Demand from shippers is cautiously optimistic, with potential benefits from stimulus measures countering lingering inflationary pressure [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on controlling costs, enhancing service levels, and investing in technology and acquisitions [6][14] - Capital allocation plan emphasizes investing in business growth, returning capital to shareholders, and evaluating M&A opportunities [15][22] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and financial flexibility to support long-term growth [14][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that freight market conditions remain challenging but are seeing positive trends as 2026 begins, with improving ISM New Orders and spot market activity [24] - The company believes it is well-positioned to support customers in an evolving environment and is optimistic about growth opportunities [13][14] - There is uncertainty in the near term, but the company sees drivers creating an exciting backdrop for growth in 2026 and beyond [15][24] Other Important Information - A calculation error was identified that resulted in the understatement of purchased transportation costs and accounts payable, with a total reduction of $77 million recorded during the first nine months of 2025 [4][16] - The company plans to restate quarterly financial information for Q1, Q2, and Q3 2025 in its 2025 Form 10-K [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for intermodal volume growth in 2026? - Management expressed optimism regarding intermodal volume growth in 2026, driven by strong service performance and consolidation with rail partners [9] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the brokerage segment? - Management indicated that while brokerage volumes are under pressure, productivity has improved significantly due to investments in technology and restructuring [12] Question: What are the expectations for capital expenditures in 2026? - The company expects capital expenditures to be between $35 million and $45 million, focusing on technology projects and opportunistic replacements for tractors [21]