Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter revenues totaled $738 million, down 2% year-over-year, with full-year revenues also declining by 2% [26] - Adjusted operating income was $11.3 million, and adjusted operating margin was 1.5% [26] - Adjusted EPS was $0.05, with consolidated gains on sale of property and equipment totaling $2.4 million, down from $6.5 million in the prior year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Truckload transportation services revenue for the quarter was $513 million, down 3%, with revenues net of fuel surcharges also declining by 3% year-over-year [27] - Dedicated fleet revenue net of fuel was $292 million, up 1%, representing 65% of TTS trucking revenue, up from 63% a year ago [28] - One-way trucking revenue net of fuel was $156 million, a decrease of 8%, with average trucks decreasing by 10% year-over-year [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Logistics revenue was $208 million, representing 28% of total fourth quarter revenues, with revenues decreasing 3% year-over-year [34] - Intermodal revenues increased 24% almost entirely from higher volume, while final mile revenues increased 4% year-over-year [35] - The overall portfolio is increasingly more durable and resilient, improving revenue stability and enhancing the ability to produce steady revenue and earnings growth [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its strategy to position the business for revenue and earnings growth as demand returns, including restructuring its one-way trucking business [6][9] - The acquisition of FirstFleet is expected to enhance the company's dedicated business and provide a more scalable platform for sustainable growth [7][18] - The company aims to drive growth in core business, operational excellence, and capital efficiency as part of its strategic priorities [12][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management sees signs of encouragement for the industry and expects a more positive outlook for 2026 due to ongoing capacity attrition and early signs of demand improvement [6][21] - The company acknowledges challenges in the first quarter due to significant storms and ongoing restructuring but anticipates a material inflection in earnings by Q2 [55][103] - Management remains confident in the company's strategy and execution, focusing on controlling what can be controlled to create long-term value [46] Other Important Information - The company has reduced costs by approximately $150 million over the last three years, with a focus on structural and sustainable savings [14] - The acquisition of FirstFleet was completed for a total purchase price of $282.8 million, expected to be cash flow accretive [39] - The average age of the truck and trailer fleet at the end of the fourth quarter was 2.7 and 5.6 years, respectively [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the normalized earnings power expected for the company? - Management acknowledges the complexity of the current situation but sees opportunities for earnings growth in 2026, particularly from the restructuring and the acquisition of FirstFleet [50][52] Question: Can you elaborate on the one-way restructuring and its impact on rates? - Management explains that contract rate renewals have a lag effect, and the guidance reflects this. The focus is on yield and optimizing the fleet for better service outcomes [60][62] Question: What are the expected benefits from the FirstFleet acquisition? - Management anticipates $18 million in cost synergies, with a significant portion expected to be realized within 2026, leading to margin improvements [78][80] Question: How does the company view the industrial markets in 2026? - Management expresses optimism about the industrial markets, particularly in relation to the Mexico cross-border business, which is expected to perform well [95] Question: What are the expectations for Q1 margins and operating income? - Management acknowledges challenges in Q1 due to weather and restructuring but views these as temporary and expects improvements as the year progresses [102][103]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter revenues totaled $738 million, down 2% year-over-year, with full-year revenues also declining by 2% [26] - Adjusted operating income was $11.3 million, and adjusted operating margin was 1.5% [26] - Adjusted EPS was $0.05, with consolidated gains on sale of property and equipment totaling $2.4 million, down from $6.5 million in the prior year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Truckload transportation services revenue for the quarter was $513 million, down 3%, with revenues net of fuel surcharges also declining by 3% year-over-year [27] - Dedicated fleet revenue net of fuel was $292 million, up 1%, representing 65% of TTS trucking revenue, up from 63% a year ago [28] - One-Way trucking revenue net of fuel was $156 million, a decrease of 8%, with average trucks decreasing by 10% year-over-year [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Dedicated business is expected to grow significantly with the acquisition of FirstFleet, which will increase Dedicated's share of TTS revenue from approximately 43% to over half [20] - Intermodal revenues increased by 24%, while Final Mile revenues increased by 4% year-over-year [35] - Spot rates performed consistent with seasonal trends, with expectations for an upward trend throughout the year as capacity exits and demand improves [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on restructuring its One-Way trucking business to enhance profitability and fleet utilization [33] - The acquisition of FirstFleet is aimed at accelerating the shift towards higher-margin, more resilient Dedicated business [18] - The company plans to drive growth in core business, operational excellence, and capital efficiency as part of its strategy for 2026 [12][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management sees signs of encouragement for the industry and expects a more positive outlook for Werner in 2026 due to ongoing capacity attrition and early signs of demand improvement [6] - The restructuring actions taken in Q4 are expected to yield noticeable profitability enhancements by Q2 2026 [53] - Management acknowledges the challenges posed by recent storms but remains optimistic about the company's ability to generate operating leverage and improved earnings performance as demand normalizes [44] Other Important Information - The company has reduced costs by approximately $150 million over the last three years, with a focus on structural and sustainable savings [14] - The total purchase price for FirstFleet was $282.8 million, funded through a combination of cash and debt [39] - The average age of the truck and trailer fleet at the end of the fourth quarter was 2.7 and 5.6 years, respectively [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the normalized earnings power expected for the company? - Management sees opportunities for earnings growth in 2026, emphasizing that the restructuring of One-Way will not hinder participation in market inflections [50][52] Question: Can you elaborate on the One-Way restructuring and its impact on rates? - The restructuring is aimed at improving profitability and fleet utilization, with a focus on specialized freight [57][60] Question: What is the expected impact of FirstFleet on profitability? - FirstFleet's margins are lower than Werner's Dedicated margins, but identified cost synergies of $18 million are expected to improve margins significantly over time [76][78] Question: How does the company view the industrial markets in 2026? - Management expresses optimism about the industrial markets, particularly in relation to the Mexico cross-border business, which is performing well [93] Question: What are the expectations for Q1 margins and operating income? - Management acknowledges challenges from severe weather but anticipates some degree of margin improvement compared to the previous year [100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fourth quarter revenues totaled $738 million, down 2% year-over-year, with full-year revenues also declining by 2% [19] - Adjusted operating income was $11.3 million, and adjusted operating margin was 1.5% [19] - Adjusted EPS was $0.05, with consolidated gains on sale of property and equipment totaling $2.4 million, down from $6.5 million in the prior year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Truckload transportation services revenue for the quarter was $513 million, down 3%, with revenues net of fuel surcharges also declining by 3% year-over-year [19] - Dedicated fleet revenue net of fuel was $292 million, up 1%, representing 65% of TTS trucking revenue, an increase from 63% a year ago [21] - One-way trucking revenue net of fuel was $156 million, a decrease of 8%, with average trucks decreasing by 10% year-over-year [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The dedicated business continues to perform well, with a strong pipeline of opportunities and early realization of rate increases [6] - Logistics revenue was $208 million, representing 28% of total fourth quarter revenues, with intermodal revenues increasing by 24% [25] - Spot rates performed consistent with seasonal trends, with expectations for an upward trend throughout the year as capacity exits and demand improves [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on restructuring its one-way trucking business to enhance profitability and fleet utilization [24] - The acquisition of FirstFleet is expected to accelerate the shift towards higher-margin, more resilient dedicated business [14] - The company aims to drive growth in core business, operational excellence, and capital efficiency as part of its strategic priorities [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management sees a more positive outlook for 2026, with signs of demand improvement and ongoing capacity attrition [4] - The restructuring actions taken are expected to result in noticeable profitability enhancements by the second quarter of 2026 [6] - Management acknowledges the challenges posed by recent storms but remains optimistic about the company's ability to adapt and grow [63] Other Important Information - The company has reduced costs by approximately $150 million over the last three years, with a focus on structural and sustainable savings [10] - The total purchase price for FirstFleet was $282.8 million, funded through a combination of cash and debt [29] - The average age of the truck and trailer fleet at the end of the fourth quarter was 2.7 and 5.6 years, respectively [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the normalized earnings power expected for 2026? - Management sees opportunities for earnings growth and believes the restructuring will lead to a more agile operation, complemented by the acquisition of FirstFleet [37] Question: Can you explain the one-way restructuring and its impact on rates? - The restructuring is aimed at improving profitability and fleet utilization, with a focus on specialized services [40] Question: What is the expected impact of FirstFleet on profitability? - FirstFleet's margins are lower than the company's dedicated margins, but identified cost synergies of $18 million are expected to improve margins significantly over time [50] Question: How does the company view the industrial markets in 2026? - Management expresses optimism about the industrial markets, particularly in relation to packaging and e-commerce, which are expected to drive demand [60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, revenues excluding fuel surcharge were $1.3 billion, up 4% year-over-year [9] - Adjusted income from operations for Q4 was $38 million, a decline of 15% compared to the previous year [9] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for Q4 was $0.13, down from $0.20 a year ago [9] - Net debt leverage improved to 0.3x at the end of Q4 from 0.5x at the end of Q3 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Truckload revenue, excluding fuel surcharge, was $610 million in Q4, up 9% year-over-year, with operating income increasing by 16% to $23 million [11] - Intermodal revenues, excluding fuel surcharge, totaled $268 million for Q4, reflecting a 3% decline year-over-year despite a 3% volume growth [13] - Logistics revenue, excluding fuel surcharge, was $329 million in Q4, up 2% year-over-year, but income from operations decreased to $3 million from $9 million last year [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a sluggish demand environment in November and December, leading to a significant volume shortfall [10] - The market saw a tightening in December, with shippers beginning to seek additional capacity as inventory levels were drawn down [19][20] - Regulatory actions are expected to continue driving supply attrition, impacting market conditions [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to exit the down cycle with improved operational efficiency and cost savings, targeting an additional $40 million in cost savings for 2026 [8][17] - There is a strategic focus on growing the Dedicated offering, which now comprises nearly 70% of the fleet, enhancing resilience in the Truckload segment [7] - The company plans to leverage its multimodal offerings and optimize volumes between Network and Logistics based on market conditions [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that Q4 results fell short of expectations due to challenging market conditions and poor weather [5] - There is optimism about the normalization of market conditions, driven by regulatory actions and supply attrition [6][20] - The company anticipates a stronger second half of 2026, with expectations of improved demand and continued cost savings [17][18] Other Important Information - The company announced leadership changes, with Mark Rourke transitioning to Executive Chairman and Jim Filter becoming the new CEO [26] - The company has a strong balance sheet, with $403 million in debt and $202 million in cash, allowing for potential acquisitions [16] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: What are the supply-side assumptions that underpin your guide? - The company expects supply to continue exiting the market due to regulatory enforcement, which will influence the pace of recovery [34] Question: Can you explain the Dedicated revenue per truck per week lag in Q4? - The lag was primarily due to unplanned automotive shutdowns and startup costs impacting operating ratios [40][41] Question: How much of the $40 million cost savings is volume/revenue dependent? - The cost savings are largely productivity-based, with expectations that they will be more evident as volume increases [44][45] Question: What are the implications of the merger application and domestic intermodal commentary? - The company remains confident in its intermodal position and continues to grow, particularly in differentiated markets [50][51] Question: How much rate improvement can be expected from supply-side changes without demand improvement? - The company believes that supply-side reductions will create conditions for rate adjustments, but it may take several bid cycles to fully materialize [86]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry and Company Overview - **Industry**: Inbound Travel in China, specifically focusing on Beijing's tourism data post-COVID - **Company**: Morgan Stanley Asia Limited, with analysts involved in the research Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Growth Drivers**: - Inbound visitation growth is driven by emerging markets, which are expected to remain the major growth driver [7] - Visa-free coverage expansion is a significant factor, with Europe recovering to above pre-COVID levels despite soft visitation from the UK, France, and Germany [7] 2. **Tourist Breakdown**: - In 2019, 76% of foreign visitors to China were from Asia, 13% from Europe, 8% from the Americas, 2% from Oceania, and 1% from Africa [10] - In 1H25, the breakdown of foreign tourists in Beijing showed a shift, with Asia accounting for 35%, Europe 31%, Americas 26%, Oceania 5%, and Africa 3% [13] 3. **Recovery Status**: - Different regions show varying recovery statuses compared to 2019: - **Fully Recovered**: Asia, Europe, Oceania, and Africa with growth rates over 30% YoY in 1H25 - **Strong Recovery**: Korea and Canada with growth rates over 40% YoY - **Sluggish Recovery**: USA, Japan, India, UK, France, and Germany with growth rates below 20% YoY [7] 4. **Visitor Trends**: - The acceleration of US visitation is noted as encouraging despite trade frictions and geopolitical tensions affecting overall inbound visitation [2] - Emerging markets are expected to continue driving growth, with specific countries like Vietnam, Mongolia, and Indonesia showing significant increases in tourist numbers [19] 5. **Statistical Adjustments**: - Beijing's post-COVID tourist statistics are not fully comparable with pre-COVID levels due to the inclusion of same-day travelers and the exclusion of certain visitor categories [7] Additional Important Insights - **Geopolitical Impact**: Trade frictions and geopolitical tensions have negatively impacted inbound visitation, but the recovery of US visitation is a positive sign [2] - **Data Limitations**: The analysis relies on Beijing's data due to the lack of national-level international visitor breakdown post-COVID, which may limit the comprehensiveness of the insights [1] - **Future Outlook**: The trends observed suggest a potential for continued growth in inbound tourism, particularly from emerging markets and regions with expanding visa-free access [7] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call regarding the inbound travel industry in China, particularly focusing on the recovery trends and statistical insights from Beijing's tourism data.

Financial Performance - Ocean Transportation revenue for the second quarter of 2025 decreased by 2.1% year-over-year to $675.6 million[49] - Logistics revenue for the second quarter of 2025 decreased by 1.7% year-over-year to $154.9 million[49] - Net income for the second quarter of 2025 decreased by 16.3% year-over-year to $94.7 million[49] - The terminal joint venture contribution was $7.3 million, a year-over-year increase of $6.1 million[42] - Approximately 0.9 million shares were repurchased in 2Q25 for a total cost of $93.7 million[57] Volume Trends - Hawaii container volume increased by 2.6% year-over-year due to higher general demand[8] - China container volume decreased by 14.6% year-over-year primarily due to market uncertainty and tariffs[22] - Guam container volume decreased by 2.2% year-over-year[25] - Alaska container volume increased by 0.9% year-over-year[35] Outlook - The company expects full year 2025 Ocean Transportation operating income to be moderately lower than the $500.9 million achieved in 2024[62] - The company expects full year 2025 Logistics operating income to be comparable to the $50.4 million achieved in 2024[62]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or specific companies Core Insights - The China Export Tracker focuses on the dynamics of China exports to the US amid tariff escalations, analyzing data from 48 corporates representing nearly 70% of China export value to the US [2][41] - Export orders from the US to Chinese corporates have stabilized at 92% of pre-tariff levels as of April 28, 2025, showing a slight recovery from 90% in mid-April [3][12] - The report indicates that nearly 20% of corporates have seen improvements in exports to non-US regions, particularly in sectors like pet treats and construction machinery [4] - China shipments and production are in substantial decline, with 35% of US orders being filled from China and 57% from ex-China facilities [11][17] - Corporates report that 40% of their products are experiencing high impacts on shipments to the US, with a significant portion seeing declines of over 50% [12][18] Summary by Sections Export Orders and Shipments - Export orders from the US have largely remained unchanged, with a slight increase noted [3] - Shipments from China are significantly impacted, with many corporates reporting a decline in production and shipments [5][12] Supply Chain Adjustments - Corporates are adjusting supply chains, with many utilizing ex-China production facilities to fulfill US orders [11][13] - Nearly half of the corporates have reported stable or increasing inventory levels in the US, providing a buffer against supply chain disruptions [21][23] Pricing Discussions - Approximately 60% of corporates are engaged in pricing negotiations, with expectations that end users will absorb most tariff costs [25][29] - There is a consensus that tariffs above 30-40% could become unmanageable for the global supply chain [26][31] Capital Allocation and Expansion Plans - Nearly 60% of corporates have ex-China production facilities, with 63% planning to expand or establish overseas capacity despite tariff uncertainties [32] - Corporates are cautious about capital expansion plans, particularly in Mexico and the US, due to ongoing uncertainties [59][61] Container Shipping and Import Data - US container imports from China showed a year-on-year increase of 9% in Q1 2025, but projections indicate a decline of 15% in Q2 and 27% in Q3 2025 [33][35] - Container shipping data has not yet reflected the anticipated decline, with current volumes still showing positive growth [35][36]

Q1 2025 Performance - Consolidated operating income significantly increased year-over-year, driven primarily by the China service due to elevated freight rates from Q4 2024 and healthy demand[7] - Hawaii container volume increased by 32% year-over-year due to a competitor's vessel dry-docking[8] - Alaska container volume increased by 48% year-over-year, driven by higher northbound volume[41] - Guam container volume decreased by 143% year-over-year due to lower demand from retail and food and beverage segments[34] - Matson Logistics operating income decreased by approximately $08 million year-over-year to $85 million, due to lower contribution from freight forwarding and transportation brokerage[54] - SSAT joint venture contributed $66 million, a year-over-year increase of $62 million, primarily due to higher lift volume[48] - Net income was $723 million, a 1003% increase compared to $361 million in the first quarter of 2024[55] - Approximately 05 million shares were repurchased for a total cost of $692 million in Q1 2025[61] Outlook - The company is lowering its 2025 outlook due to uncertainty in the market regarding tariffs, global trade, regulatory measures, the U S economy, and geopolitical factors[7] - The company expects full year 2025 container volume in Hawaii to be comparable to the level achieved last year[12] - The company expects full year 2025 container volume in Guam to approach the level achieved last year[35] - The company expects full year 2025 container volume in Alaska to be comparable to the level achieved last year[42] - The company expects the contribution from SSAT to be lower than the $174 million achieved last year, excluding the $184 million impairment charge in Q4 2024[44] - The company expects Logistics operating income to be lower than the level achieved last year due to a challenging environment for all business lines[50] - The company expects approximately $225 million in milestone payments during the balance of 2025 from the Capital Construction Fund (CCF)[69]