Core Insights - Werner Enterprises, Inc. (WERN) reported disappointing first-quarter 2025 results, with a loss per share of 12 cents, contrasting with the Zacks Consensus Estimate of earnings of 12 cents per share, marking a decline of over 100% year-over-year [1][2] Financial Performance - Total revenues for the quarter were $712.11 million, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $746.8 million and decreasing by 7% year-over-year, primarily due to a $49.3 million (9%) drop in Truckload Transportation Services (TTS) revenues and a $6.9 million (3%) decline in Logistics revenues [2] - The company reported an adjusted operating loss of $1.80 million compared to an operating income of $18.59 million in the same quarter last year, with an adjusted operating margin of (0.3)%, down 270 basis points from 2.4% [2] Segment Analysis - In the TTS segment, revenues decreased by 9% year-over-year to $501.87 million, attributed to lower fuel surcharge revenues. Adjusted operating income fell 91% year-over-year to $1.96 million, impacted by an $8 million increase in insurance and claims expenses, a smaller fleet size, and elevated technology spending [4] - Logistics revenues totaled $195.55 million, down 3% year-over-year, but adjusted operating income improved to $674 million from an operating loss of $1.18 billion in the previous year, with an adjusted operating margin increase of 90 basis points to 0.3% [5] Management Commentary - The CEO, Derek Leathers, indicated that the first-quarter results were below expectations due to high insurance costs, extreme weather, a smaller fleet, and changes in customer activity due to tariff-induced uncertainty. However, there is optimism in the Dedicated segment with new fleet contracts expected to be implemented [3] - The company is focusing on aggressive restructuring efforts to reduce costs and leverage operational synergies from technology investments, aiming to drive growth in core business and improve margins [3] Liquidity and Capital Expenditure - As of March 31, 2025, Werner had cash and cash equivalents of $51.95 million, up from $40.75 million at the end of the previous quarter. Long-term debt stood at $640 million, slightly up from $630 million [6] - The company generated $29.37 million in cash from operations in the first quarter, with net capital expenditure amounting to $7.56 million [6] Future Outlook - For 2025, Werner anticipates TTS truck growth to improve in the range of 1-5%, with net capital expenditure estimated between $185 million and $235 million. The company projects dedicated revenues per truck per week to rise from breakeven to 3% in 2024 [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues decreased by 7% year-over-year, with adjusted EPS at negative $0.12, down $0.25 from the previous year [5][22] - Adjusted operating margin was negative 0.3%, and adjusted TTS operating margin was 0.4% net of fuel surcharges [5][22] - Adjusted operating loss was $1.8 million, with TTS total revenue at $502 million, down 9% [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Dedicated revenue net of fuel was $279 million, down 7%, representing 64% of TTS trucking revenues [24] - One Way Truckload revenue net of fuel was $154 million, a decrease of 9%, with revenue per truck per week down 3.2% [26] - Logistics revenue was $196 million, down 3% year-over-year, with intermodal revenues increasing by 14% [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 10% of total revenues are from cross-border Mexico shipments, with stable volumes across discount retail customers [18][20] - The company noted that long-haul truckload employment is below prior peak levels, which could lead to favorable conditions for larger carriers [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three priorities: driving growth in core business, operational excellence, and capital efficiency [12][14] - A commitment to cost containment has led to an increase in the 2025 cost savings target from $25 million to $40 million [30] - The company plans to maintain strong operating cash flow and is well-positioned for share repurchase and M&A opportunities [16][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that Q1 results did not meet expectations due to elevated insurance costs, extreme weather, and IT spending [4][5] - Despite challenges, management expressed confidence in long-term growth, particularly in the Dedicated segment and technology transformation [8][21] - The company is preparing for potential market corrections and believes that ongoing capacity attrition could benefit larger carriers [21][67] Other Important Information - The company closed a new $300 million credit facility, increasing liquidity to $777 million, up nearly 70% from year-end [31][32] - The average age of the truck and trailer fleet was 2.2 and 5.4 years, respectively, providing flexibility in equipment purchases [37] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Can you walk us through dedicated margins and their long-term impacts? - Management indicated that dedicated margins typically outperform one-way margins and recent wins are expected to contribute positively to operating margins [43][45] Question: What causes the insurance concerns to mitigate? - Management emphasized the need for tort reform and highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce preventable accident rates [58][60] Question: How is the market correcting regarding supply and demand? - Management noted that while demand indicators were strong, tariff uncertainty and network disruptions have created challenges, but they expect capacity attrition to accelerate [66][67] Question: What percentage of volume originates overseas? - Approximately 10% of one-way volume is exposed to the West Coast, and retail customers have a 10% to 30% exposure rate to China [75][80] Question: How are acquisitions performing? - Management expressed confidence in customer receptivity and growth within acquired businesses, but acknowledged the need for more immediate actions to leverage these assets [82][84]

Core Insights - Werner Enterprises reported a revenue of $712.11 million for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a decline of 7.4% year-over-year and a surprise of -4.65% compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $746.81 million [1] - The company's EPS was -$0.12, a significant drop from $0.14 in the same quarter last year, resulting in an EPS surprise of -200.00% against the consensus estimate of $0.12 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - The operating ratio for Truckload Transportation Services was reported at 100.2%, exceeding the three-analyst average estimate of 96.5% [4] - Average trucks in service for Dedicated services were 4,783, below the two-analyst average estimate of 5,044 [4] - Year-over-year revenue change for One-Way Truckload in total miles per truck per week was -3.5%, compared to an estimated -0.5% by two analysts [4] - Revenues from Werner Logistics were $195.56 million, lower than the three-analyst average estimate of $204.15 million, marking a year-over-year decline of -3.4% [4] - Truckload Transportation Services reported revenues of $501.88 million, which was below the $530.15 million average estimate, representing an 8.9% year-over-year decline [4] - Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge, were $433.07 million, compared to the average estimate of $458.51 million, indicating a -7.8% change year-over-year [4] - Non-trucking and other revenues increased by 35.1% year-over-year, reaching $11.16 million, surpassing the average estimate of $9.90 million [4] - Dedicated trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge, were $278.65 million, below the average estimate of $299.14 million, reflecting a -7.4% year-over-year change [4] - One-Way Truckload trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge, were $154.42 million, compared to the estimated $164.13 million, showing an -8.5% change year-over-year [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of Werner have returned -4.3%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite experienced a -0.8% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]