Document
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
[Mark
one]
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number: 0-14690
 
WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
NEBRASKA
 
47-0648386
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
14507 FRONTIER ROAD
POST OFFICE BOX 45308
OMAHA, NEBRASKA
 
68145-0308
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(402) 895-6640
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer
 
ý
  
Accelerated filer
 
¨
Non-accelerated filer
 
o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
As of October 28, 2016, 72,061,210 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.

Table of Contents

WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
INDEX
 
 
 
PAGE
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
Item 2.
Item 6.

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PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains historical information and forward-looking statements based on information currently available to our management. The forward-looking statements in this report, including those made in Item 2 (Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations) of Part I, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These safe harbor provisions encourage reporting companies to provide prospective information to investors. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of certain words, such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project” and other similar terms and language. We believe the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on currently available information. However, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, whether known or unknown, that could cause our actual results, business, financial condition and cash flows to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. A discussion of important factors relating to forward-looking statements is included in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (“2015 Form 10-K”). Readers should not unduly rely on the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q because such statements speak only to the date they were made. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we undertake no obligation or duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect subsequent events or circumstances or the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Item 1. Financial Statements.
The interim consolidated financial statements contained herein reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) instructions to Form 10-Q and were also prepared without audit. The interim consolidated financial statements do not include all information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements; although in management’s opinion, the disclosures are adequate so that the information presented is not misleading.
Operating results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016. In the opinion of management, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheets is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheets from which it has been derived.
These interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes contained in our 2015 Form 10-K.

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WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
  
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Unaudited)
Operating revenues
$
508,676

 
$
534,448

 
$
1,490,159

 
$
1,564,746

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries, wages and benefits
162,862

 
167,301

 
479,298

 
479,142

Fuel
40,638

 
50,855

 
112,034

 
160,996

Supplies and maintenance
41,027

 
50,283

 
130,559

 
144,328

Taxes and licenses
21,540

 
22,616

 
64,353

 
66,459

Insurance and claims
19,106

 
17,372

 
59,384

 
60,034

Depreciation
51,781

 
49,081

 
152,849

 
143,065

Rent and purchased transportation
133,876

 
122,006

 
379,155

 
360,706

Communications and utilities
4,206

 
3,786

 
12,110

 
11,301

Other
4,566

 
(1,652
)
 
9,303

 
(4,480
)
Total operating expenses
479,602

 
481,648

 
1,399,045

 
1,421,551

Operating income
29,074

 
52,800

 
91,114

 
143,195

Other expense (income):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
749

 
511

 
1,839

 
1,569

Interest income
(1,055
)
 
(760
)
 
(3,154
)
 
(2,088
)
Other
46

 
32

 
148

 
257

Total other income
(260
)
 
(217
)
 
(1,167
)
 
(262
)
Income before income taxes
29,334

 
53,017

 
92,281

 
143,457

Income taxes
10,414

 
20,941

 
34,963

 
56,391

Net income
$
18,920

 
$
32,076

 
$
57,318

 
$
87,066

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.26

 
$
0.45

 
$
0.80

 
$
1.21

Diluted
$
0.26

 
$
0.44

 
$
0.79

 
$
1.20

Dividends declared per share
$
0.060

 
$
0.060

 
$
0.180

 
$
0.160

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
72,058

 
71,890

 
72,043

 
71,967

Diluted
72,406

 
72,478

 
72,364

 
72,546

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

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WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
  
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Unaudited)

Net income
$
18,920

 
$
32,076

 
$
57,318

 
$
87,066

Other comprehensive loss:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(1,023
)
 
(2,044
)
 
(3,009
)
 
(3,578
)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap
388

 
(605
)
 
(517
)
 
(368
)
Other comprehensive loss
(635
)
 
(2,649
)
 
(3,526
)
 
(3,946
)
Comprehensive income
$
18,285

 
$
29,427

 
$
53,792

 
$
83,120

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

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WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(In thousands, except share amounts)
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
13,736

 
$
31,833

Accounts receivable, trade, less allowance of $9,080 and $10,298, respectively
252,512

 
251,023

Other receivables
13,536

 
17,241

Inventories and supplies
14,446

 
16,415

Prepaid taxes, licenses and permits
6,949

 
15,657

Income taxes receivable
13,110

 
20,052

Other current assets
63,568

 
27,281

Total current assets
377,857

 
379,502

Property and equipment
2,011,888

 
1,908,600

Less – accumulated depreciation
728,503

 
754,130

Property and equipment, net
1,283,385

 
1,154,470

Other non-current assets
65,137

 
51,675

Total assets
$
1,726,379

 
$
1,585,647

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Checks issued in excess of cash balances
$
2,665

 
$
—

Accounts payable
72,735

 
70,643

Insurance and claims accruals
71,056

 
64,106

Accrued payroll
29,608

 
25,233

Other current liabilities
18,249

 
23,720

Total current liabilities
194,313

 
183,702

Long-term debt, net of current portion
150,000

 
75,000

Other long-term liabilities
18,275

 
19,832

Insurance and claims accruals, net of current portion
114,125

 
125,195

Deferred income taxes
271,206

 
246,264

Commitments and contingencies

 

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 80,533,536 shares
 
 
 
issued; 72,061,210 and 71,998,750 shares outstanding, respectively
805

 
805

Paid-in capital
103,648

 
102,734

Retained earnings
1,067,315

 
1,022,966

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(16,589
)
 
(13,063
)
Treasury stock, at cost; 8,472,326 and 8,534,786 shares, respectively
(176,719
)
 
(177,788
)
Total stockholders’ equity
978,460

 
935,654

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,726,379

 
$
1,585,647

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).


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WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
  
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands)
2016
 
2015
 
(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
57,318

 
$
87,066

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation
152,849

 
143,065

Deferred income taxes
23,773

 
(3,417
)
Gain on disposal of property and equipment
(13,250
)
 
(18,880
)
Non-cash equity compensation
2,325

 
3,607

Insurance and claims accruals, net of current portion
(11,070
)
 
6,450

Other
(8,500
)
 
5,288

Changes in certain working capital items:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
(1,489
)
 
15,849

Other current assets
(11,647
)
 
29,546

Accounts payable
1,898

 
10,163

Other current liabilities
8,968

 
4,035

Net cash provided by operating activities
201,175

 
282,772

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Additions to property and equipment
(388,386
)
 
(337,475
)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
94,372

 
86,366

Decrease in notes receivable
14,007

 
11,956

Net cash used in investing activities
(280,007
)
 
(239,153
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Repayments of short-term debt
(20,000
)
 
—

Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt
20,000

 
—

Repayments of long-term debt
(40,000
)
 
—

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
115,000

 
—

Change in net checks issued in excess of cash balances
2,665

 
—

Dividends on common stock
(12,966
)
 
(10,801
)
Repurchases of common stock
—

 
(6,438
)
Tax withholding related to net share settlements of restricted stock awards
(623
)
 
(461
)
Stock options exercised
298

 
846

Excess tax benefits from equity compensation
(17
)
 
219

Payment of notes payable
(3,117
)
 
(3,117
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
61,240

 
(19,752
)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash
(505
)
 
(550
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(18,097
)
 
23,317

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
31,833

 
22,604

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
13,736

 
$
45,921

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
1,838

 
$
1,578

Income taxes paid
4,257

 
34,201

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
 
 
 
Notes receivable issued upon sale of property and equipment
$
22,952

 
$
21,792

Change in fair value of interest rate swap
(517
)
 
(368
)
Property and equipment acquired included in accounts payable
821

 
10,513

Property and equipment disposed included in other receivables
259

 
—

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

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WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
(1) Accounting Policies

Presentation of Deferred Taxes
In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17, which requires presentation of deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current in the balance sheet, which simplifies the current guidance. Effective January 1, 2016, we early-adopted the guidance and retrospectively adjusted the December 31, 2015 presentation by reclassifying $28.0 million of current deferred tax assets into the non-current liability “Deferred income taxes.”

(2) Credit Facilities
As of September 30, 2016, we had unsecured committed credit facilities with three banks as well as a term commitment with one of these banks. We had with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., a $100.0 million credit facility which will expire on July 12, 2020, and a $75.0 million term commitment with principal due and payable on September 15, 2019. We had an unsecured line of credit of $75.0 million with U.S. Bank, N.A., which will expire on July 13, 2020. We also had a $75.0 million credit facility with BMO Harris Bank, N.A., which will expire on March 5, 2020. Borrowings under these credit facilities and term note bear variable interest based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”).

As of September 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, our outstanding debt totaled $150.0 million and $75.0 million, respectively. We had $75.0 million outstanding under the term commitment at a variable rate of 1.12% as of September 30, 2016, which is effectively fixed at 2.5% with an interest rate swap agreement, and we had an additional $75.0 million outstanding under the credit facilities at a weighted average interest rate of 1.08%. The $325.0 million of borrowing capacity under our credit facilities at September 30, 2016, is further reduced by $25.8 million in stand-by letters of credit under which we are obligated. Each of the debt agreements includes, among other things, financial covenants requiring us (i) not to exceed a maximum ratio of total debt to total capitalization and/or (ii) not to exceed a maximum ratio of total funded debt to earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (as such terms are defined in each credit facility). At September 30, 2016, we were in compliance with these covenants.

At September 30, 2016, the aggregate future maturities of long-term debt by year are as follows (in thousands):
2016
$
—

2017
—

2018
—

2019
75,000

2020
75,000

Total
$
150,000


The carrying amounts of our long-term debt approximate fair value due to the duration of the notes and the variable interest rates.
 
(3) Income Taxes
We accrued interest expense of $58 thousand and $52 thousand during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016, and September 30, 2015, respectively, and $185 thousand and $176 thousand during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016, and September 30, 2015, respectively, excluding the reversal of accrued interest related to adjustments for the remeasurement of uncertain tax positions. Our total gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2016, is $6.2 million. If recognized, $4.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits would impact our effective tax rate. Interest of $1.0 million has been reflected as a component of the total liability. We expect no other significant increases or decreases for uncertain tax positions during the next twelve months.

We file U.S. federal income tax returns, as well as income tax returns in various states and several foreign jurisdictions. The years 2011 and 2013 through 2015 are open for examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and various years are open for examination by state and foreign tax authorities. The IRS is currently performing an audit of our amended 2011 federal income tax return. State and foreign jurisdictional statutes of limitations generally range from three to four years. 

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(4) Commitments and Contingencies
As of September 30, 2016, we have committed to property and equipment purchases of approximately $133.3 million.

We are involved in certain claims and pending litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The majority of these claims relate to bodily injury, property damage, cargo and workers’ compensation incurred in the transportation of freight, as well as certain class action litigation related to personnel and employment matters. We accrue for the uninsured portion of contingent losses from these and other pending claims when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Based on the knowledge of the facts, management believes the resolution of claims and pending litigation, taking into account existing reserves, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict and our view of these matters may change in the future as the litigation and related events unfold.

We are involved in class action litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska, in which the plaintiffs allege that we owe drivers for unpaid wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Nebraska Wage Payment and Collection Act and that we failed to pay minimum wage per hour for drivers in our student driver training program, related to short break time and sleeper berth time. The period covered by this class action suit dates back to 2008 through March 2014. In August 2015, the court denied our motion for summary judgment and granted the plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment, ruling in plaintiff’s favor on both theories of liability (short breaks and sleeper berth time). During second quarter 2016, the court issued two rulings, the first of which dismissed the plaintiff’s claims under the Nebraska Wage Payment and Collection Act (but not the FLSA) and the second of which granted our motion to strike plaintiff’s untimely damages calculations. As a result, we reduced our accrual in second quarter 2016, and we had a $1.2 million estimated liability at September 30, 2016 related to the short break matter. Based on the knowledge of the facts related to the sleeper berth matter, management does not currently believe a loss is probable, thus we have not accrued for the sleeper berth matter. We are currently unable to determine the possible loss or range of loss. We intend to vigorously defend the merits of these claims and to appeal any adverse verdict in this case.

We are also involved in certain class action litigation in which the plaintiffs allege claims for failure to provide meal and rest breaks, unpaid wages, unauthorized deductions and other items. Based on the knowledge of the facts, management does not currently believe the outcome of the litigation is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. However, the final disposition of these matters and the impact of such final dispositions cannot be determined at this time. 

(5) Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards. There are no differences in the numerators of our computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for any period presented.

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts).
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net income
$
18,920

 
$
32,076

 
$
57,318

 
$
87,066

Weighted average common shares outstanding
72,058

 
71,890

 
72,043

 
71,967

Dilutive effect of stock-based awards
348

 
588

 
321

 
579

Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share
72,406

 
72,478

 
72,364

 
72,546

Basic earnings per share
$
0.26

 
$
0.45

 
$
0.80

 
$
1.21

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.26

 
$
0.44

 
$
0.79

 
$
1.20


There were no options to purchase shares of common stock that were outstanding during the periods indicated above that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option purchase price was greater than the average market price of the common shares during the period. Performance awards are excluded from the calculation of dilutive potential common shares until the threshold performance conditions have been satisfied.
 

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(6) Equity Compensation
The Werner Enterprises, Inc. Amended and Restated Equity Plan (the “Equity Plan”), approved by the Company’s shareholders, provides for grants to employees and non-employee directors of the Company in the form of nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and units (“restricted awards”), performance stock and units (“performance awards”), and stock appreciation rights. The Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors determines the terms of each award, including the type, recipients, number of shares subject to and vesting conditions of each award. No awards of stock appreciation rights have been issued under the Equity Plan to date. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be awarded under the Equity Plan is 20,000,000 shares. The maximum aggregate number of shares that may be awarded to any one person in any one calendar year under the Equity Plan is 500,000. As of September 30, 2016, there were 7,417,846 shares available for granting additional awards.
   
Equity compensation expense is included in salaries, wages and benefits within the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of September 30, 2016, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested equity compensation awards was approximately $6.6 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years.
   
The following table summarizes the equity compensation expense and related income tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands): 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Stock options:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax compensation expense
$
5

 
$
17

 
$
14

 
$
51

Tax benefit
2

 
7

 
6

 
20

Stock option expense, net of tax
$
3

 
$
10

 
$
8

 
$
31

Restricted awards:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax compensation expense
$
813

 
$
(92
)
 
$
1,743

 
$
1,949

Tax benefit
317

 
(36
)
 
680

 
770

Restricted award expense, net of tax
$
496

 
$
(56
)
 
$
1,063

 
$
1,179

Performance awards:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pre-tax compensation expense
$
517

 
$
(60
)
 
$
628

 
$
1,648

Tax benefit
202

 
(24
)
 
245

 
651

Performance award expense, net of tax
$
315

 
$
(36
)
 
$
383

 
$
997


During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016, we recorded a $1.8 million reduction in compensation expense and a $0.7 million reduction of tax benefit resulting from a change in forfeiture estimates for certain restricted and performance awards, most of which relate to a previously disclosed executive retirement that occurred in February 2016. During the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a $2.0 million reduction of compensation expense and a $0.8 million reduction of tax benefit resulting from our change in forfeiture estimates for certain restricted and performance awards primarily due to a previously disclosed executive resignation.

We do not have a formal policy for issuing shares upon an exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted and performance awards. Such shares are generally issued from treasury stock. From time to time, we repurchase shares of our common stock, the timing and amount of which depends on market and other factors. Historically, the shares acquired from such repurchases have provided us with sufficient quantities of stock to issue for equity compensation. Based on current treasury stock levels, we do not expect to repurchase additional shares specifically for equity compensation during 2016.

Stock Options
Stock options are granted at prices equal to the market value of the common stock on the date the option award is granted. Option awards currently outstanding become exercisable in installments from 24 to 72 months after the date of grant. The options are exercisable over a period not to exceed ten years, one day from the date of grant.





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The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016:

 
Number of
Options
(in thousands)
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price ($)
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)
Outstanding at beginning of period
192

 
$
18.29

 

 

Granted
—

 
—

 

 

Exercised
(15
)
 
18.78

 

 

Forfeited
(2
)
 
22.28

 

 

Expired
—

 
—

 

 

Outstanding at end of period
175

 
18.21

 
2.15
 
$
884

Exercisable at end of period
166

 
18.00

 
1.99
 
$
876


We did not grant any stock options during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015. The fair value of stock option grants is estimated using a Black-Scholes valuation model. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $95 thousand and $0.7 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, respectively.

Restricted Awards
Restricted stock entitles the holder to shares of common stock when the award vests. Restricted stock units entitle the holder to a combination of cash or stock equal to the value of common stock when the unit vests. The value of these shares may fluctuate according to market conditions and other factors. Restricted awards currently outstanding vest over periods ranging from 12 to 84 months from the grant date of the award. The restricted awards do not confer any voting or dividend rights to recipients until such shares vest and do not have any post-vesting sales restrictions.

The following table summarizes restricted award activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016:

 
Number of
Restricted
Awards (in
thousands)
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value ($)
Nonvested at beginning of period
445

 
$
24.32

Granted
—

 
—

Vested
(10
)
 
22.96

Forfeited
(46
)
 
21.51

Nonvested at end of period
389

 
24.69


We did not grant any restricted awards during the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015. We estimate the fair value of restricted awards based upon the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated future dividends because the awards are not entitled to receive dividends prior to vesting. Our estimate of future dividends is based on the most recent quarterly dividend rate at the time of grant, adjusted for any known future changes in the dividend rate. Cash settled restricted stock units are recorded as a liability within the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are adjusted to fair value each reporting period.

The total fair value of previously granted restricted awards vested during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 was $0.2 million and for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 was $0.3 million. We withheld shares based on the closing stock price on the vesting date to settle the employees’ minimum statutory obligation for the applicable income and other employment taxes. Total cash remitted for the employees’ tax obligations to the relevant taxing authorities is reflected as a financing activity within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and the shares withheld to satisfy the minimum tax withholding obligations are recorded as treasury stock.

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Performance Awards
Performance awards entitle the recipient to shares of common stock upon attainment of performance objectives as pre-established by the Compensation Committee. If the performance objectives are achieved, performance awards currently outstanding vest, subject to continued employment, over periods ranging from 12 to 60 months from the grant date of the award. The performance awards do not confer any voting or dividend rights to recipients until such shares vest and do not have any post-vesting sales restrictions.

The following table summarizes performance award activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016:

 
Number of
Performance
Awards (in
thousands)
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value ($)
Nonvested at beginning of period
258

 
$
27.23

Granted
110

 
26.53

Vested
(60
)
 
27.11

Forfeited
(75
)
 
27.45

Nonvested at end of period
233

 
26.86


We did not grant any performance awards during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, and granted performance awards (in thousands) totaling 110 shares and 202 shares during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015, respectively, including additional shares earned as a result of attaining performance objectives at higher than the target level. Performance awards are earned based upon the level of attainment by the Company of specified performance objectives related to earnings per share for the fiscal year, as established by the Compensation Committee. The number of shares which are ultimately earned for the 2016 awards will range from 0 percent to 123 percent of the target number based on the level of attainment of the performance objectives and ranged from 0 percent to 132 percent for the 2015 awards. We estimate the fair value of performance awards based upon the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated future dividends because the awards are not entitled to receive dividends prior to vesting. Our estimate of future dividends is based on the most recent quarterly dividend rate at the time of grant, adjusted for any known future changes in the dividend rate.

The present value of estimated future dividends was calculated using the following assumptions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
Dividends per share (quarterly amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
0.06

 
$
0.05

Risk-free interest rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.5
%
 
1.6
%

During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016, the Compensation Committee determined that the 2015 fiscal year performance objectives were achieved at a level above the target level and 165,500 shares of common stock were earned (excluding those shares forfeited prior to the end of the performance period), subject to time-based vesting over a five-year period. The vesting date fair value of performance awards that vested during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and September 30, 2015 was $1.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively. We withhold shares based on the closing stock price on the vesting date to settle the employees’ minimum statutory obligation for the applicable income and other employment taxes. Total cash remitted for employees’ tax obligations to the relevant taxing authorities is reflected as a financing activity within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and the shares withheld to satisfy the minimum tax withholding obligations are recorded as treasury stock.

(7) Segment Information
We have two reportable segments – Truckload Transportation Services (“Truckload”) and Werner Logistics (formerly Value Added Services).

The Truckload segment consists of two operating units, One-Way Truckload and Specialized Services, that are aggregated because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the other aggregation criteria described in the accounting guidance for segment reporting. One-Way Truckload is comprised of the following operating fleets: (i) the medium-to-long-haul van (“Van”) fleet transports a variety of consumer nondurable products and other commodities in truckload quantities over irregular routes using dry van trailers; (ii) the expedited (“Expedited”) fleet provides time-sensitive truckload services utilizing driver teams; and (iii) the

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regional short-haul (“Regional”) fleet provides comparable truckload van service within geographic regions across the United States. Specialized Services (primarily Dedicated) provides truckload services dedicated to a specific customer, generally for a retail distribution center or manufacturing facility, including services for products requiring specialized trailers such as flatbed or temperature-controlled trailers. Revenues for the Truckload segment include a small amount of non-trucking revenues which consist primarily of the portion of shipments delivered to or from Mexico where we utilize a third-party capacity provider.

The Werner Logistics segment generates the majority of our non-trucking revenues through four operating units that provide non-trucking services to our customers. These four Werner Logistics operating units are as follows: (i) truck brokerage (“Brokerage”) uses contracted carriers to complete customer shipments; (ii) freight management (“Freight Management”) offers a full range of single-source logistics management services and solutions; (iii) the intermodal (“Intermodal”) unit offers rail transportation through alliances with rail and drayage providers as an alternative to truck transportation; and (iv) Werner Global Logistics international (“WGL”) provides complete management of global shipments from origin to destination using a combination of air, ocean, truck and rail transportation modes.

We generate other revenues from our driver training schools, transportation-related activities such as third-party equipment maintenance and equipment leasing, and other business activities. None of these operations meets the quantitative reporting thresholds. As a result, these operations are grouped in “Other” in the table below. “Corporate” includes revenues and expenses that are incidental to our activities and are not attributable to any of our operating segments, including gains and losses on sales of assets not attributable to our operating segments. We do not prepare separate balance sheets by segment and, as a result, assets are not separately identifiable by segment. Inter-segment eliminations in the table below represent transactions between reporting segments that are eliminated in consolidation.

The following table summarizes our segment information (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Truckload Transportation Services
$
384,312

 
$
417,861

 
$
1,136,478

 
$
1,225,439

Werner Logistics
109,459

 
102,149

 
310,001

 
296,459

Other
14,804

 
14,087

 
43,148

 
41,996

Corporate
313

 
634

 
1,300

 
1,880

Subtotal
508,888

 
534,731

 
1,490,927

 
1,565,774

Inter-segment eliminations
(212
)
 
(283
)
 
(768
)
 
(1,028
)
Total
$
508,676

 
$
534,448

 
$
1,490,159

 
$
1,564,746

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Truckload Transportation Services
$
19,846

 
$
48,747

 
$
74,971

 
$
131,901

Werner Logistics
4,894

 
5,021

 
16,502

 
12,474

Other
(1,191
)
 
(1,354
)
 
(4,964
)
 
(2,038
)
Corporate
5,525

 
386

 
4,605

 
858

Total
$
29,074

 
$
52,800

 
$
91,114

 
$
143,195


(8) Derivative Financial Instrument
In the normal course of business we are subject to risk from adverse fluctuations in foreign exchange and interest rates and commodity prices. We manage our risks for interest rate changes through use of an interest rate swap. At September 30, 2016, we had one interest rate swap outstanding, which matures in September 2019, with a notional value of $75.0 million and a pre-tax fair value loss of $2.4 million. The counterparty to this contract is a major financial institution. We are exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparty. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes and have no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations.

Our objective in managing exposure to interest rate risk is to limit the impact on earnings and cash flow. The extent to which we use such instruments is dependent on our access to these contracts in the financial markets and our success using other methods.


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Our outstanding derivative financial instrument is recognized as an other long-term liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The interest rate swap is accounted for as a cash flow hedging instrument. At inception, we formally designated and documented the financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, the risk management objective, and the manner in which effectiveness of the hedge will be assessed. We formally assess, both at inception and at each reporting period thereafter, whether the derivative financial instrument is effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the related underlying exposure. All changes in fair value of outstanding derivatives in cash flow hedges, except any ineffective portion, are recorded in other comprehensive income until earnings are impacted by the hedged transaction. Classification of the gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income upon release from comprehensive income is the same as that of the underlying exposure. Any ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the instruments is recognized immediately in earnings.

We will discontinue the use of hedge accounting prospectively when (i) the derivative instrument is no longer effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the underlying hedged item; (ii) the derivative instrument expires, is sold, terminated or exercised; or (iii) designating the derivative instrument as a hedge is no longer appropriate.

Should we discontinue hedge accounting because it is no longer probable that an anticipated transaction will occur in the originally expected period, or within an additional two-month period thereafter, changes to fair value accumulated in other comprehensive income would be recognized immediately in earnings.

FASB ASC 815-10 requires companies to recognize the derivative instrument as an asset or a liability at fair value in the statement of financial position. Fair value of the derivative instrument is required to be measured under the FASB’s Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures guidance, which establishes a hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy). Level 1 inputs use quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which are typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. The fair value of our interest rate swap is based on Level 2 inputs.
 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (the “MD&A”) summarizes the financial statements from management’s perspective with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and other factors that may affect actual results. The MD&A is organized in the following sections:
•
Overview
•
Results of Operations
•
Liquidity and Capital Resources
•
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
•
Regulations
•
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
•
Accounting Standards
The MD&A should be read in conjunction with our 2015 Form 10-K.

Overview:
We have two reportable segments, Truckload Transportation Services (“Truckload”) and Werner Logistics (formerly Value Added Services or “VAS”), and we operate in the truckload and logistics sectors of the transportation industry. In the truckload sector, we focus on transporting consumer nondurable products that generally ship more consistently throughout the year. In the logistics sector, besides managing transportation requirements for individual customers, we provide additional sources of truck capacity, alternative modes of transportation, a global delivery network and systems analysis to optimize transportation needs. Our success depends on our ability to efficiently and effectively manage our resources in the delivery of truckload transportation and logistics services to our customers. Resource requirements vary with customer demand, which may be subject to seasonal or general economic conditions. Our ability to adapt to changes in customer transportation requirements is essential to efficiently deploy resources and make capital investments in tractors and trailers (with respect to our Truckload segment) or obtain qualified third-party capacity at a reasonable price (with respect to our Werner Logistics segment). Although our business volume is not highly concentrated in certain customers or goods, we may also be affected by our customers’ financial failures or loss of customer business.

Revenues for our Truckload segment operating units (One-Way Truckload and Specialized Services) are typically generated on a per-mile basis and also include revenues such as stop charges, loading and unloading charges, equipment detention charges and equipment repositioning charges. To mitigate our risk to fuel price increases, we recover from our customers additional fuel surcharges that generally recoup a majority of the increased fuel costs; however, we cannot assure that current recovery levels will continue in future periods. Because fuel surcharge revenues fluctuate in response to changes in fuel costs, we identify them separately and exclude them from the statistical calculations to provide a more meaningful comparison between periods. The key statistics used to evaluate trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge, are (i) average revenues per tractor per week, (ii) average percentage of empty miles (miles without trailer cargo), (iii) average trip length (in loaded miles) and (iv) average number of tractors in service. General economic conditions, seasonal trucking industry freight patterns and industry capacity are important factors that impact these statistics. Our Truckload segment also generates a small amount of revenues categorized as non-trucking revenues, related to shipments delivered to or from Mexico where the Truckload segment utilizes a third-party capacity provider. We exclude such revenues from the statistical calculations.

Our most significant resource requirements are company drivers, independent contractors, tractors and trailers. Independent contractors supply their own tractors and drivers and are responsible for their operating expenses. Our financial results are affected by company driver and independent contractor availability and the markets for new and used revenue equipment. We are self-insured for a significant portion of bodily injury, property damage and cargo claims; workers’ compensation claims; and associate health claims (supplemented by premium-based insurance coverage above certain dollar levels). For that reason, our financial results may also be affected by driver safety, medical costs, weather, legal and regulatory environments and insurance coverage costs to protect against catastrophic losses.

The operating ratio is a common industry measure used to evaluate our profitability and that of our Truckload segment operating fleets. The operating ratio consists of operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenues. The most significant variable expenses that impact the Truckload segment are driver salaries and benefits, fuel, fuel taxes (included in taxes and licenses expense), payments to independent contractors (included in rent and purchased transportation expense), supplies and maintenance and insurance and claims. As discussed further in the comparison of operating results for third quarter 2016 to third quarter 2015, several industry-wide issues have caused, and could continue to cause, costs to increase in future periods. These issues include shortages of drivers or independent contractors, changing fuel prices, higher new truck and trailer purchase prices and compliance with new or proposed regulations. Our main fixed costs include depreciation expense for tractors and trailers and equipment licensing fees (included in taxes and licenses expense). The Truckload segment requires substantial cash expenditures for tractor

15
Table of Contents

and trailer purchases. We fund these purchases with net cash from operations and financing available under our existing credit facilities, as management deems necessary.

We provide non-trucking services primarily through the four operating units within our Werner Logistics segment (Brokerage, Freight Management, Intermodal and Werner Global Logistics international). Unlike our Truckload segment, the Werner Logistics segment is less asset-intensive and is instead dependent upon qualified associates, information systems and qualified third-party capacity providers. The largest expense item related to the Werner Logistics segment is the cost of purchased transportation we pay to third-party capacity providers. This expense item is recorded as rent and purchased transportation expense. Other operating expenses consist primarily of salaries, wages and benefits. We evaluate the Werner Logistics segment’s financial performance by reviewing the gross margin percentage (revenues less rent and purchased transportation expenses expressed as a percentage of revenues) and the operating income percentage. The gross margin percentage can be impacted by the rates charged to customers and the costs of securing third-party capacity. We have a mix of contracted long-term rates and variable rates for the cost of third-party capacity, and we cannot assure that our operating results will not be adversely impacted in the future if our ability to obtain qualified third-party capacity providers changes or the rates of such providers increase.

Results of Operations:
The following table sets forth the Consolidated Statements of Income in dollars and as a percentage of total operating revenues and the percentage increase or decrease in the dollar amounts of those items compared to the prior year.  
 
 
Three Months Ended (3ME)
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended (9ME)
September 30,
 
Percentage Change in Dollar Amounts
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
3ME
9ME
(Amounts in thousands)
$
%
 
$
%
 
$
%
 
$
%
 
%
%
Operating revenues
$
508,676

100.0

 
$
534,448

100.0

 
$
1,490,159

100.0

 
$
1,564,746

100.0

 
(4.8
)%
(4.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries, wages and benefits
162,862

32.0

 
167,301

31.3

 
479,298

32.2

 
479,142

30.6

 
(2.7
)%
—
 %
Fuel
40,638

8.0

 
50,855

9.5

 
112,034

7.5

 
160,996

10.3

 
(20.1
)%
(30.4
)%
Supplies and maintenance
41,027

8.1

 
50,283

9.4

 
130,559

8.8

 
144,328

9.2

 
(18.4
)%
(9.5
)%
Taxes and licenses
21,540

4.2

 
22,616

4.2

 
64,353

4.3

 
66,459

4.3

 
(4.8
)%
(3.2
)%
Insurance and claims
19,106

3.8

 
17,372

3.3

 
59,384

4.0

 
60,034

3.8

 
10.0
 %
(1.1
)%
Depreciation
51,781

10.2

 
49,081

9.2

 
152,849

10.3

 
143,065

9.1

 
5.5
 %
6.8
 %
Rent and purchased transportation
133,876

26.3

 
122,006

22.8

 
379,155

25.4

 
360,706

23.1

 
9.7
 %
5.1
 %
Communications and utilities
4,206

0.8

 
3,786

0.7

 
12,110

0.8

 
11,301

0.7

 
11.1
 %
7.2
 %
Other
4,566

0.9

 
(1,652
)
(0.3
)
 
9,303

0.6

 
(4,480
)
(0.3
)
 
376.4
 %
307.7
 %
Total operating expenses
479,602

94.3

 
481,648

90.1

 
1,399,045

93.9

 
1,421,551

90.8

 
(0.4
)%
(1.6
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
Operating income
29,074

5.7

 
52,800

9.9

 
91,114

6.1

 
143,195

9.2

 
(44.9
)%
(36.4
)%
Total other expense (income)
(260
)
(0.1
)
 
(217
)
—

 
(1,167
)
(0.1
)
 
(262
)
—

 
(19.8
)%
(345.4
)%
Income before income taxes
29,334

5.8

 
53,017

9.9

 
92,281

6.2

 
143,457

9.2

 
(44.7
)%
(35.7
)%
Income taxes
10,414

2.1

 
20,941

3.9

 
34,963

2.4

 
56,391

3.6

 
(50.3
)%
(38.0
)%
Net income
$
18,920

3.7

 
$
32,076

6.0

 
$
57,318

3.8

 
$
87,066

5.6

 
(41.0
)%
(34.2
)%



16
Table of Contents

The following tables set forth the operating revenues, operating expenses and operating income for the Truckload segment, as well as certain statistical data regarding our Truckload segment operations for the periods indicated.
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Truckload Transportation Services (amounts in thousands)
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge
$
336,673

 
 
 
$
360,124

 
 
 
$
1,008,738

 
 
 
$
1,042,309

 
 
Trucking fuel surcharge revenues
41,994

 
 
 
52,428

 
 
 
111,018

 
 
 
167,175

 
 
Non-trucking and other operating revenues
5,645

 
 
 
5,309

 
 
 
16,722

 
 
 
15,955

 
 
Operating revenues
384,312

 
100.0
 
417,861

 
100.0
 
1,136,478

 
100.0
 
1,225,439

 
100.0
Operating expenses
364,466

 
94.8
 
369,114

 
88.3
 
1,061,507

 
93.4
 
1,093,538

 
89.2
Operating income
$
19,846

 
5.2
 
$
48,747

 
11.7
 
$
74,971

 
6.6
 
$
131,901

 
10.8

 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
Truckload Transportation Services
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Operating ratio, net of fuel surcharge revenues (1)
94.2
%
 
86.7
%
 
 
 
92.7
%
 
87.5
%
 
 
Average revenues per tractor per week (2)
$
3,589

 
$
3,767

 
(4.7
)%
 
$
3,547

 
$
3,710

 
(4.4
)%
Average trip length in miles (loaded)
468

 
483

 
(3.1
)%
 
466

 
480

 
(2.9
)%
Average percentage of empty miles (3)
12.55
%
 
12.53
%
 
0.2
 %
 
13.08
%
 
12.30
%
 
6.3
 %
Average tractors in service
7,216

 
7,355

 
(1.9
)%
 
7,291

 
7,205

 
1.2
 %
Total trailers (at quarter end)
22,655

 
22,495

 
 
 
22,655

 
22,495

 
 
Total tractors (at quarter end):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Company
6,355

 
6,710

 
 
 
6,355

 
6,710

 
 
     Independent contractor
820

 
705

 
 
 
820

 
705

 
 
          Total tractors
7,175

 
7,415

 
 
 
7,175

 
7,415

 
 

(1)
Calculated as if fuel surcharge revenues are excluded from total revenues and instead reported as a reduction of operating expenses, which provides a more consistent basis for comparing results of operations from period to period.
(2) 
Net of fuel surcharge revenues.
(3) 
“Empty” refers to miles without trailer cargo.

The following tables set forth the Werner Logistics segment’s revenues, rent and purchased transportation expense, gross margin, other operating expenses (primarily salaries, wages and benefits expense) and operating income, as well as certain statistical data regarding the Werner Logistics segment.
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

  
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Werner Logistics (amounts in thousands)
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
Operating revenues
$
109,459

 
100.0
 
$
102,149

 
100.0
 
$
310,001

 
100.0
 
$
296,459

 
100.0
Rent and purchased transportation expense
91,695

 
83.8
 
86,085

 
84.3
 
255,954

 
82.6
 
251,406

 
84.8
Gross margin
17,764

 
16.2
 
16,064

 
15.7
 
54,047

 
17.4
 
45,053

 
15.2
Other operating expenses
12,870

 
11.7
 
11,043

 
10.8
 
37,545

 
12.1
 
32,579

 
11.0
Operating income
$
4,894

 
4.5
 
$
5,021

 
4.9
 
$
16,502

 
5.3
 
$
12,474

 
4.2
 
Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
Werner Logistics
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
 
2016
 
2015
 
% Change
Average tractors in service
75

 
60

 
25.0
%
 
71

 
54

 
31.5
%
Total trailers (at quarter end)
1,590

 
1,405

 
13.2
%
 
1,590

 
1,405

 
13.2
%
Total tractors (at quarter end)
86

 
70

 
22.9
%
 
86

 
70

 
22.9
%

17
Table of Contents

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues decreased 4.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same period of the prior year. When comparing third quarter 2016 to third quarter 2015, Truckload segment revenues decreased $33.5 million or 8.0%, and Werner Logistics revenues increased $7.3 million or 7.2%.

Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge, decreased 6.5% in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015 due to a 4.7% decrease in average revenues per tractor per week, net of fuel surcharge, and a 1.9% decrease in the average number of tractors in service. Our average miles per truck declined by 3.5% in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015, and average revenues per total mile, net of fuel surcharge, declined by 1.2%.

Third quarter 2016 freight demand showed gradual improvement from the weak second quarter 2016 freight market. We believe part of this improvement was industry specific and part was Company specific. During June 2016, to take advantage of the strengthening Dedicated market, we moved 150 trucks from One-Way Truckload into Dedicated, lessening the need to find freight for their trucks in the more challenged One-Way market. In September 2016, we moved an additional 100 trucks from One-Way Truckload into Dedicated. Freight volumes and transactional (non-contract) spot market pricing in the One-Way Truckload market improved in third quarter 2016 from the lower levels in second quarter 2016. We reduced our spot market exposure from elevated levels in second quarter 2016 to more typical levels in third quarter 2016. We experienced better than normal freight volume trends in our One-Way Truckload business in July followed by stable and steady freight trends in August and September. Freight demand in October 2016 was consistent with normal seasonal trends.

During third quarter 2016, we experienced gradual freight improvement which began to validate our pricing strategy. The contractual rate market became more challenging in second quarter 2016, particularly in One-Way Truckload. An excess supply of industry trucks relative to sluggish freight demand created a market in which customers pushed harder for contractual rate decreases. We chose to exit from certain contractual business that would have required significant contractual rate decreases for the next year, since we believed that this pricing was not sustainable and that freight market conditions would begin to show improvement. While we avoided mid-single digit percentage or higher contractual rate decreases in second quarter 2016, market conditions and competition necessitated agreeing to flat to slightly lower contractual rates which became effective in third quarter 2016.

The average number of tractors in service in the Truckload segment decreased 1.9% to 7,216 in third quarter 2016 from 7,355 in third quarter 2015. We ended third quarter 2016 with 7,175 trucks in the Truckload segment, a year-over-year reduction of 240 trucks compared to the end of third quarter 2015, and a sequential decrease of 80 trucks compared to the end of second quarter 2016. We reduced our average trucks in service by 90 trucks from second quarter 2016 to third quarter 2016 in response to the freight market conditions. We are not growing our truck fleet until we see meaningful improvement in the freight and rate markets. We cannot predict whether future driver shortages, if any, will adversely affect our ability to maintain our fleet size. If such a driver market shortage were to occur, it could result in a fleet size reduction, and our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Trucking fuel surcharge revenues represent collections from customers for the increase in fuel and fuel-related expenses, including the fuel component of our independent contractor cost (recorded as rent and purchased transportation expense) and fuel taxes (recorded in taxes and licenses expense), when diesel fuel prices rise. Conversely, when fuel prices decrease, fuel surcharge revenues decrease. These revenues decreased 19.9% to $42.0 million in third quarter 2016 from $52.4 million in third quarter 2015 due to lower average fuel prices in the 2016 quarter. To lessen the effect of fluctuating fuel prices on our margins, we collect fuel surcharge revenues from our customers for the cost of diesel fuel and taxes in excess of specified base fuel price levels according to terms in our customer contracts. Fuel surcharge rates generally adjust weekly based on an independent U.S. Department of Energy fuel price survey which is released every Monday. Our fuel surcharge programs are designed to (i) recoup higher fuel costs from customers when fuel prices rise and (ii) provide customers with the benefit of lower fuel costs when fuel prices decline. These programs generally enable us to recover a majority, but not all, of the fuel price increases. The remaining portion is generally not recoverable because it results from empty and out-of-route miles (which are not billable to customers) and truck idle time. Fuel prices that change rapidly in short time periods also impact our recovery because the surcharge rate in most programs only changes once per week.

Werner Logistics revenues are generated by its four operating units and exclude revenues for full truckload shipments transferred to the Truckload segment, which are recorded as trucking revenues by the Truckload segment. Werner Logistics also recorded revenue and brokered freight expense of $0.2 million in third quarter 2016 and $0.3 million in third quarter 2015 for Intermodal drayage movements performed by the Truckload segment (also recorded as trucking revenue by the Truckload segment), and these transactions between reporting segments are eliminated in consolidation. In third quarter 2016, Werner Logistics revenues increased $7.3 million or 7.2%, and operating income dollars decreased $0.1 million or 2.5%, compared to third quarter 2015. The Werner Logistics gross margin percentage in third quarter 2016 of 16.2% improved year over year compared to the gross margin percentage

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of 15.7% in third quarter 2015. The Werner Logistics operating income percentage in third quarter 2016 of 4.5% declined from third quarter 2015 of 4.9%.

In third quarter 2016, Werner Logistics continued to see strong growth in our truck brokerage and intermodal solutions despite the sluggish logistics freight market. We believe this is a vote of confidence from our customers regarding the value of the Werner Enterprises portfolio of service offerings. We increased our Werner Logistics inside sales team by 25% year over year to facilitate growth and continue to invest in our regional office network. During third quarter 2016, we opened a new office in Omaha and renovated or expanded offices in Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago to support this continued growth. We remain confident that the depth and breadth of our portfolio strategy positions us very well for the changing regulatory environment in 2017.

Operating Expenses
Our operating ratio (operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenues) was 94.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to 90.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2015. Expense items that impacted the overall operating ratio are described on the following pages. The tables on pages 16 and 17 show the Consolidated Statements of Income in dollars and as a percentage of total operating revenues and the percentage increase or decrease in the dollar amounts of those items compared to the same quarter of the prior year, as well as the operating ratios, operating margins, and certain statistical information for our two reportable segments, Truckload and Werner Logistics.

Salaries, wages and benefits decreased $4.4 million or 2.7% in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015 but increased 0.7% as a percentage of operating revenues to 32.0%. The lower dollar amount of salaries, wages and benefits expense in the 2016 third quarter was due primarily to fewer company trucks and miles, partially offset by higher driver mileage pay rates (including a pay increase effective January 1, 2016, for approximately 20% of our company drivers, as well as prior driver pay increases in multiple Dedicated fleets). Additionally, in third quarter 2015, we accrued a total of $3.9 million of expense related to a class action suit involving an employment related claim and separation agreement for an executive resignation. When evaluated on a per-mile basis, driver salaries, wages and benefits increased, which we primarily attribute to 8% higher driver pay in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015. Non-driver salaries, wages and benefits in the non-trucking Werner Logistics segment increased 22.8%.

We renewed our workers’ compensation insurance coverage for the policy year beginning April 1, 2016. Our coverage levels are the same as the prior policy year. We continue to maintain a self-insurance retention of $1.0 million per claim. Our workers’ compensation insurance premiums for the policy year beginning April 2016 were similar to those for the previous policy year.

The driver recruiting market remains challenging. Several ongoing market factors persist including a declining number of, and increased competition for, driver training school graduates, a low national unemployment rate, aging truck driver demographics and increased truck safety regulations. We have taken many significant actions in the last year to strengthen our driver recruiting and retention to make Werner the preferred choice for the best drivers, including raising driver pay, lowering the age of our truck fleet, installing safety and training features on all new trucks and investing in our driver training schools. Our driver turnover rate continued to improve, achieving the lowest third quarter rate in 18 years. We are unable to predict whether we will experience future driver shortages. If such a shortage were to occur and additional driver pay rate increases became necessary to attract and retain drivers, our results of operations would be negatively impacted to the extent that we could not obtain corresponding freight rate increases.

Fuel decreased $10.2 million or 20.1% in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015 and decreased 1.5% as a percentage of operating revenues due to lower average diesel fuel prices and slightly improved miles per gallon (“mpg”). Average diesel fuel prices were 17 cents per gallon lower in third quarter 2016 than in third quarter 2015, however were 2 cents per gallon higher than in second quarter 2016.

We continue to employ measures to improve our fuel mpg such as (i) limiting truck engine idle time, (ii) optimizing the speed, weight and specifications of our equipment and (iii) implementing mpg-enhancing equipment changes to our fleet including new trucks with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) 2010 compliant engines, more aerodynamic truck features, idle reduction systems, trailer tire inflation systems, trailer skirts and automated manual transmissions to reduce our fuel gallons purchased. However, fuel savings from mpg improvement is offset by higher depreciation expense and the additional cost of diesel exhaust fluid (required in tractors with engines that meet the 2010 EPA emission standards). Although our fuel management programs require significant capital investment and research and development, we intend to continue these and other environmentally conscious initiatives, including our active participation as an EPA SmartWay Transport Partner. The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a national voluntary program developed by the EPA and freight industry representatives to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution and promote cleaner, more efficient ground freight transportation.


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For October 2016, the average diesel fuel price per gallon was approximately 3 cents lower than the average diesel fuel price per gallon in the same period of 2015 and approximately 18 cents higher than in fourth quarter 2015.

Shortages of fuel, increases in fuel prices and petroleum product rationing can have a materially adverse effect on our operations and profitability. We are unable to predict whether fuel price levels will increase or decrease in the future or the extent to which fuel surcharges will be collected from customers. As of September 30, 2016, we had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations.

Supplies and maintenance decreased $9.3 million or 18.4% in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015 and decreased 1.3% as a percentage of operating revenues. Repairs and maintenance decreased due to our younger tractor and trailer fleet and fewer company driver miles driven in the 2016 quarter. The average age of our company truck fleet was 1.7 years at the end of third quarter 2016, 1.9 years at the end of third quarter 2015 and 1.7 years at the end of second quarter 2016.

Taxes and licenses decreased $1.1 million or 4.8% in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015 and remained flat as a percentage of operating revenues. The decrease was caused primarily by lower diesel fuel taxes in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015, the result of fewer company driver miles.

Insurance and claims increased $1.7 million or 10.0% in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015 and increased 0.5% as a percentage of operating revenues. The increase in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015 was primarily the result of unfavorable development on prior period large dollar claims during the 2016 quarter and higher premiums, partially offset by better experience on small dollar claims. The majority of our insurance and claims expense results from our claim experience and claim development under our self-insurance program; the remainder results from insurance premiums for claims in excess of our self-insured limits. We renewed our liability insurance policies on August 1, 2016 and continued to be responsible for the first $2.0 million per claim with an annual $8.0 million aggregate for claims between $2.0 million and $5.0 million and an annual aggregate of $5.0 million for claims in excess of $5.0 million and less than $10.0 million. We maintain liability insurance coverage with insurance carriers substantially in excess of the $10.0 million per claim. Our liability insurance premiums for the policy year that began August 1, 2016 are about $3.5 million higher than premiums for the previous policy year. The market for excess trucking liability coverage is extremely difficult, as insurance carriers have either exited the market or increased premium rates due to increasing plaintiff awards in the industry.

Depreciation expense increased $2.7 million or 5.5% in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015 and increased 1.0% as a percentage of operating revenues. This increase was due primarily to the higher cost of new trucks purchased compared to the cost of used trucks that were sold over the past 12 months. In addition, the purchase of new trailers over the past 12 months to replace older used trailers which were fully depreciated also contributed to the increase in depreciation expense.

Depreciation expense has been historically affected by a series of changes to engine emissions standards imposed by the EPA that became effective in October 2002, January 2007 and January 2010, resulting in increased truck purchase costs. Trucks with 2010-standard engines have a higher purchase price than trucks manufactured to meet the 2007 standards, but the 2010-standard engines are more fuel efficient. As of September 30, 2016, nearly all company trucks had engines that comply with the 2010 emissions standards.

Rent and purchased transportation expense increased $11.9 million or 9.7% in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015 and increased 3.5% as a percentage of operating revenues. Rent and purchased transportation expense consists mostly of payments to third-party capacity providers in the Werner Logistics segment and other non-trucking operations and payments to independent contractors in the Truckload segment. The payments to third-party capacity providers generally vary depending on changes in the volume of services generated by the Werner Logistics segment. Werner Logistics rent and purchased transportation expense increased $5.6 million, and as a percentage of Werner Logistics revenues decreased to 83.8% in third quarter 2016 from 84.3% in third quarter 2015. This improved gross margin percentage is a result of on-going efforts to match contractual customer consistent freight with our strategic carrier partners’ capacity and then utilize the available capacity in the market to cover transactional volume.

Rent and purchased transportation for the Truckload segment increased $6.2 million in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015. This increase is due primarily to higher payments to independent contractors. In November 2015, we increased the per-mile settlement rate for certain independent contractors. Independent contractor miles as a percentage of total miles were 14.8% in third quarter 2016 compared to 11.7% in third quarter 2015. Because independent contractors supply their own tractors and drivers and are responsible for their operating expenses, the increase in independent contractor miles as a percentage of total miles also shifted costs to the rent and purchased transportation category from other expense categories, including (i) salaries, wages and benefits, (ii) fuel, (iii) depreciation, (iv) supplies and maintenance and (v) taxes and licenses.

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Challenging operating conditions continue to make independent contractor recruitment and retention difficult. Such conditions include inflationary cost increases that are the responsibility of independent contractors and a shortage of financing available to independent contractors for equipment purchases. Historically we have been able to add company tractors and recruit additional company drivers to offset any decrease in the number of independent contractors. If a shortage of independent contractors and company drivers occurs, further increases in per-mile settlement rates (for independent contractors) and driver pay rates (for company drivers) may become necessary to attract and retain these drivers. This could negatively affect our results of operations to the extent that we would not be able to obtain corresponding freight rate increases.
 
Communications and utilities increased $0.4 million or 11.1% in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015 and increased 0.1% as a percentage of operating revenues. This increase is primarily due to higher communications costs and equipment tracking expenses in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015.

Other operating expenses increased $6.2 million in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015 and increased 1.2% as a percentage of operating revenues. Gains on sales of assets (primarily used trucks and trailers) are reflected as a reduction of other operating expenses and are reported net of sales-related expenses (which include costs to prepare the equipment for sale). Gains on sales of assets were $3.1 million in third quarter 2016, which includes a $6.5 million gain from the sale of real estate and $3.4 million of losses on equipment sales, compared to $6.7 million in third quarter 2015, which included a $0.7 million gain from a real estate sale. In third quarter 2016, we sold more trucks and more trailers than in third quarter 2015. We realized average losses per truck in third quarter 2016 compared to average gains in third quarter 2015 and realized similar average gains per trailer. The used truck pricing market became increasingly more difficult in third quarter 2016 due to a higher than normal supply of used trucks in the market and low buyer demand. We expect the used truck pricing market will remain difficult for at least the near term. Other operating expenses, primarily provision for doubtful accounts related to the driver training schools and professional and consulting fees, were $7.7 million in third quarter 2016 compared to $5.0 million in third quarter 2015.

Other Expense (Income)
Other expense (income) decreased 0.1% as a percentage of operating revenues in third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015 due primarily to slightly higher interest income in the 2016 quarter which was partially offset by a slight increase in interest expense third quarter 2016 compared to third quarter 2015, as we had additional borrowings under our credit facilities in the 2016 quarter.

Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate (income taxes expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes) was 35.5% in third quarter 2016 and 39.5% in third quarter 2015. The lower income tax rate in third quarter 2016 is attributed to favorable tax adjustments for the remeasurement of uncertain tax positions.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues decreased 4.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same period of the prior year. In the Truckload segment, trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge, decreased 3.2% in the 2016 year-to-date period compared to the 2015 year-to-date period due primarily to a 4.4% decrease in average revenues per tractor per week, partially offset by a 1.2% increase in the average number of tractors in service. Average revenues per total mile, net of fuel surcharge, decreased 1.4% in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, and average monthly miles per tractor decreased by 3.0%. Truckload segment fuel surcharge revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 decreased $56.2 million or 33.6% when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015 due to lower average fuel prices in the 2016 period. Werner Logistics revenues increased 4.6%, from $296.5 million in the first nine months of 2015 to $310.0 million in the same 2016 period.
Operating Expenses
Our operating ratio (operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenues) was 93.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to 90.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Expense items that impacted the overall operating ratio are described on the following pages. The tables on pages 16 and 17 show the Consolidated Statements of Income in dollars and as a percentage of total operating revenues and the percentage increase or decrease in the dollar amounts of those items compared to the same period of the prior year, as well as the operating ratios, operating margins, and certain statistical information for our two reportable segments, Truckload and Werner Logistics.
Salaries, wages and benefits remained flat in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the first nine months of 2015 and increased 1.6% as a percentage of operating revenues to 32.2% due primarily to higher driver salaries, partially offset by lower workers’ compensation expense and student driver salaries. When evaluated on a per-mile basis, driver salaries, wages and benefits increased

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as well, which is attributable to higher driver pay. Non-driver salaries, wages and benefits in the non-trucking Werner Logistics segment increased 19.2%.
Fuel decreased $49.0 million or 30.4% in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 and decreased 2.8% as a percentage of operating revenues due primarily to lower average diesel fuel prices in 2016 and improved mpg. Average diesel fuel prices were 44 cents per gallon lower in the first nine months of 2016 than in the same 2015 period.
Supplies and maintenance decreased $13.8 million or 9.5% in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 and decreased 0.4% as a percentage of operating revenues. Repairs and maintenance decreased due to our younger tractor and trailer fleet and fewer company driver miles driven in the year-to-date 2016 period.
Taxes and licenses decreased $2.1 million or 3.2% in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same 2015 period and remained flat as a percentage of operating revenues. Diesel fuel taxes were lower as a result of fewer company driver miles in the year-to-date 2016 period.
Insurance and claims decreased $0.7 million or 1.1% in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 and increased 0.2% as a percentage of operating revenues due primarily to lower costs related to large dollar liability claims in the 2016 period.
Depreciation expense increased $9.8 million or 6.8% in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same 2015 period and increased 1.2% as a percentage of operating revenues due primarily to the higher cost of new trucks purchased compared to the cost of used trucks that were sold over the past 12 months. The purchase of new trailers over the past 12 months to replace older used trailers which were fully depreciated also contributed to the increase in depreciation expense.
Rent and purchased transportation expense increased $18.4 million or 5.1% in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same 2015 period and increased 2.3% as a percentage of operating revenues. Rent and purchased transportation for the Truckload segment increased $14.2 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same 2015 period. This increase is due primarily to higher payments to independent contractors in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 because of rate increases for certain independent contractors in fourth quarter 2015 and higher independent contractor miles in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. Independent contractor miles as a percentage of total miles were 14.4% and 11.7% in the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, respectively. Werner Logistics rent and purchased transportation expense increased $4.5 million and as a percentage of Werner Logistics revenues decreased to 82.6% in the 2016 period from 84.8% in the 2015 period. The Werner Logistics gross margin percentage improved as a result of on-going efforts to match contractual customer consistent freight with our strategic carrier partners’ capacity and then utilize the available capacity in the market to cover the transactional volume.
Communications and utilities increased $0.8 million or 7.2% in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same 2015 period and increased 0.1% as a percentage of operating revenues. This increase is primarily due to higher communications costs and equipment tracking expenses in the 2016 year-to-date period compared to the 2015 year-to-date period.
Other operating expenses increased $13.8 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 and increased 0.9% as a percentage of operating revenues. Gains on sales of assets (primarily used trucks and trailers) decreased to $13.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, including $10.5 million from sales of real estate, from $18.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015. In the 2016 year-to-date period, we sold fewer trucks and more trailers and realized average losses per truck and higher average gains per trailer sold. Provision for doubtful accounts related to our driver schools was also higher in the 2016 period.
Other Expense (Income)
Other expense (income) decreased $0.9 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared to the same 2015 period and decreased 0.1% as a percentage of operating revenues, due primarily to higher interest income. Interest expense increased slightly for the first nine months of 2016 compared to first nine months of 2015, as we had additional borrowings under our credit facilities in 2016.
Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate (income taxes expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes) decreased to 37.9% for the first nine months of 2016 from 39.3% for the first nine months of 2015. The lower income tax rate for the first nine months of 2016 is attributed to (i) accruing for employment tax credits in 2016, which in the prior year were not enacted for 2015 until December 2015, and thus could not be accrued until fourth quarter 2015 and (ii) favorable tax adjustments for the remeasurement of uncertain tax positions.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources:
During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we generated cash flow from operations of $201.2 million, a 29% or $81.6 million decrease in cash flows compared to the same nine-month period a year ago. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities resulted primarily from a $61.9 million decrease from general working capital activities including accounts receivable and accounts payable and a $29.7 million decrease in net income. We were able to make net capital expenditures and pay dividends with the net cash provided by operating activities and existing cash balances, supplemented by net borrowings under our credit facilities.

Net cash used in investing activities increased to $280.0 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 from $239.2 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2015. Net property additions (primarily revenue equipment) were $294.0 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016, compared to $251.1 million during the same period of 2015. This increase occurred as we continued to increase our capital expenditures to lower the average age of our company truck fleet. As of September 30, 2016, we were committed to property and equipment purchases of approximately $133.3 million. We currently estimate net capital expenditures (primarily revenue equipment) in 2016 to be in the range of $350 million to $400 million, compared to net capital expenditures in 2015 of $351.5 million. We intend to fund these net capital expenditures through cash flow from operations and financing available under our existing credit facilities, as management deems necessary.

Net financing activities provided $61.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and used $19.8 million during the same period in 2015. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we borrowed $135.0 million of short-term and long-term debt and repaid $60.0 million of short-term and long-term debt. Our outstanding debt at September 30, 2016, was $150.0 million. We paid dividends of $13.0 million and $10.8 million in the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We increased our quarterly dividend rate by $0.01 per share, or 20%, beginning with the dividend paid in October 2015. We did not repurchase any shares of common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and we repurchased 225,000 shares at a cost of $6.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. From time to time, the Company has repurchased, and may continue to repurchase, shares of the Company’s common stock. The timing and amount of such purchases depend upon stock market conditions and other factors. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had purchased 3,287,291 shares pursuant to our current Board of Directors repurchase authorization and had 4,712,709 shares remaining available for repurchase.

Management believes our financial position at September 30, 2016 is strong. As of September 30, 2016, we had $13.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and $978.5 million of stockholders’ equity. Cash is invested primarily in government portfolio money market funds. As of September 30, 2016, we had a total of $325.0 million of credit pursuant to three credit facilities (see Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q), of which we had borrowed $150.0 million. The remaining $175.0 million of credit available under these facilities is reduced by the $25.8 million in stand-by letters of credit under which we are obligated. These stand-by letters of credit are primarily required as security for insurance policies. Based on our strong financial position, management does not foresee any significant barriers to obtaining sufficient financing, if necessary.

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Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments:
The following tables set forth our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of September 30, 2016.
Payments Due by Period
(Amounts in millions)
Total
 
Less than
1 year
 
1-3 years
 
3-5 years
 
More than
5 years
 
Period
Unknown
Contractual Obligations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrecognized tax benefits
$
6.2

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
6.2

Long-term debt including current maturities
150.0

 
—

 
—

 
150.0

 
—

 
—

Interest payments on debt
8.6

 
2.7

 
5.3

 
0.6

 
—

 
—

Property and equipment purchase commitments
133.3

 
133.3

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total contractual cash obligations
$
298.1

 
$
136.0

 
$
5.3

 
$
150.6

 
$
—

 
$
6.2

Other Commercial Commitments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unused lines of credit
$
149.2

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
149.2

 
$
—

 
$
—

Stand-by letters of credit
25.8

 
25.8

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total commercial commitments
$
175.0

 
$
25.8

 
$
—

 
$
149.2

 
$
—

 
$
—

Total obligations
$
473.1

 
$
161.8

 
$
5.3

 
$
299.8

 
$
—

 
$
6.2


As of September 30, 2016, we had unsecured committed credit facilities with three banks as well as a term commitment with one of these banks. We had with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., a $100.0 million credit facility which will expire on July 12, 2020, and a $75.0 million term commitment with principal due and payable on September 15, 2019. We had an unsecured line of credit of $75.0 million with U.S. Bank, N.A., which will expire on July 13, 2020. We also had a $75.0 million credit facility with BMO Harris Bank, N.A., which will expire on March 5, 2020. Borrowings under these credit facilities and term note bear variable interest based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). As of September 30, 2016, we had $75.0 million outstanding under the term commitment at a variable rate of 1.12%, which is effectively fixed at 2.5% with an interest rate swap agreement, and we had an additional $75.0 million outstanding under the credit facilities at a weighted average interest rate of 1.08%. Interest payments on debt are based on the debt balance and interest rates at September 30, 2016. The borrowing capacity under these credit facilities is further reduced by the amount of stand-by letters of credit under which we are obligated. The stand-by letters of credit are primarily required for insurance policies. The unused lines of credit are available to us in the event we need financing for the replacement of our fleet or for other significant capital expenditures. Management believes our financial position is strong, and we therefore expect that we could obtain additional financing, if necessary. Property and equipment purchase commitments relate to committed equipment expenditures, primarily for revenue equipment. As of September 30, 2016, we had recorded a $6.2 million liability for unrecognized tax benefits. We expect none of it to be settled within the next twelve months and are unable to reasonably determine when the $6.2 million categorized as “period unknown” will be settled.

Regulations:
Item 1 of Part I of our 2015 Form 10-K includes a discussion of pending proposed regulations that may have an effect on our operations if they become adopted and effective as proposed. Except as described below, there have been no material changes in the status of these proposed regulations previously disclosed in the 2015 Form 10-K.

In June 2015, the Entry-Level Driver Training Advisory Committee (“ELDTAC”), formed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) to conduct a negotiated rulemaking to implement entry-level driver training provisions, reached a consensus and forwarded its recommendations to the FMCSA. In March 2016, the FMCSA issued a proposed rule and requested public comments due by April 6, 2016. The proposal requires Class A CDL driver-trainees to receive a minimum of 30 hours of training behind the wheel but does not specify a minimum number of classroom hours. A driver-trainee must also demonstrate proficiency in operating the vehicle prior to being issued a training certificate. The provisions would not become effective until three years after a final rule is published. This rule could materially impact the number of potential new drivers entering the industry, and we currently cannot predict how the adoption of such rules would affect our driver recruitment and the overall driver market.

In December 2015, FMCSA issued final rules regarding the required installation and use of electronic logging devices (ELDs) by nearly all carriers to enhance the monitoring and enforcement of the driver hours of service rules. Carriers have until December 2017 to adopt and use compliant ELDs. We are the recognized industry leader for electronic logging of driver hours as we proactively adopted a paperless log system in 1996 that was subsequently approved for use by FMCSA in 1998, and we support a broad-based mandate for ELDs. In March 2016, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) filed a legal complaint with

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the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals against FMCSA seeking to overturn the ELD mandate. OOIDA has asked the court to strike down the rule, arguing the rule is an unconstitutional violation of trucker’s rights and will do little to enhance safety. The court heard oral arguments in September 2016 and on October 31, 2016, denied OOIDA’s lawsuit. It is uncertain if OOIDA will appeal the decision.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates:
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the (i) reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and (ii) reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis as events and circumstances change, utilizing historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods considered reasonable in the particular circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates and may significantly impact our results of operations from period to period. It is also possible that materially different amounts would be reported if we used different estimates or assumptions.

Information regarding our Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates can be found in our 2015 Form 10-K. The most critical accounting policies and estimates that require us to make significant judgments and estimates and affect our financial statements include the following:

•
Depreciation and impairment of tractors and trailers.
•
Estimates of accrued liabilities for insurance and claims for liability and physical damage losses and workers’ compensation.
•
Accounting for income taxes.

There have been no material changes to these critical accounting policies and estimates from those discussed in our 2015 Form 10-K.

Accounting Standards:
In the descriptions under “New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted” and “Accounting Standards Updates Not Yet Effective” that follow, references in quotations identify guidance and Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) relating to the topics and subtopics (and their descriptive titles, as appropriate) of the Accounting Standards Codification™ of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”).

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted
We did not adopt any new accounting standards during third quarter 2016.

Accounting Standards Updates Not Yet Effective
On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The FASB has also issued ASU No. 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-11, and 2016-12 in 2016, with additional guidance related to revenue recognition matters. In July 2015, the FASB voted to approve a one-year deferral of the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard and to permit early adoption but no earlier than the original effective date (annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016); such decisions were documented in the FASB’s ASU No. 2015-14 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date.” As a result of the deferral, the new standard (as well as ASU No. 2016-08 and 2016-10) will become effective for us beginning January 1, 2018, unless we choose to adopt early on January 1, 2017. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and have not yet selected a transition method.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which requires inventory to be recorded at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The provisions of this update are effective as of January 1, 2017, and are not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases,” to increase transparency and comparability by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The provisions of this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.


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In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The provisions of this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2016-09 will have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The provisions of this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2016-15 will have on our consolidated cash flows.

Other ASUs not identified above and which are not effective until after September 30, 2016 are not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We are exposed to market risk from changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.

Commodity Price Risk
The price and availability of diesel fuel are subject to fluctuations attributed to changes in the level of global oil production, refining capacity, seasonality, weather and other market factors. Historically, we have recovered a majority, but not all, of fuel price increases from customers in the form of fuel surcharges. We implemented customer fuel surcharge programs with most of our customers to offset much of the higher fuel cost per gallon. However, we do not recover all of the fuel cost increase through these surcharge programs. We cannot predict the extent to which fuel prices will increase or decrease in the future or the extent to which fuel surcharges could be collected. As of September 30, 2016, we had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We conduct business in several foreign countries, including Mexico, Canada, China and Australia. To date, most foreign revenues are denominated in U.S. Dollars, and we receive payment for foreign freight services primarily in U.S. Dollars to reduce direct foreign currency risk. Assets and liabilities maintained by a foreign subsidiary company in the local currency are subject to foreign exchange gains or losses. Foreign currency translation gains and losses primarily relate to changes in the value of revenue equipment owned by a subsidiary in Mexico, whose functional currency is the Peso. Foreign currency translation losses were $1.0 million for third quarter 2016 and $2.0 million for third quarter 2015 and were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Interest Rate Risk
We manage interest rate exposure through a mix of variable rate debt and interest rate swap agreements. We had $75.0 million of debt outstanding at September 30, 2016, for which the interest rate is effectively fixed at 2.5% through September 2019 with an interest rate swap agreement to reduce our exposure to interest rate increases.
 
We had $75.0 million of variable rate debt outstanding at September 30, 2016. Interest rates on the variable rate debt and our unused credit facilities are based on the LIBOR (see Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments). Assuming this level of borrowings, a hypothetical one-percentage point increase in the LIBOR interest rate would increase our annual interest expense by $750,000.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a reasonable assurance level in enabling us to record, process, summarize and report information required to be included in our periodic filings with the SEC within the required time period and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that no changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

We have confidence in our internal controls and procedures. Nevertheless, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the internal controls or disclosure procedures and controls will prevent all errors or intentional fraud. An internal control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of such internal controls are met. Further, the design of an internal control system must reflect that resource constraints exist, and the benefits of controls must be evaluated relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all internal control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, misstatements and instances of fraud, if any, have been prevented or detected.

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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
On October 15, 2007, we announced that on October 11, 2007 our Board of Directors approved an increase in the number of shares of our common stock that the Company is authorized to repurchase. Under this authorization, the Company is permitted to repurchase an additional 8,000,000 shares. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had purchased 3,287,291 shares pursuant to this authorization and had 4,712,709 shares remaining available for repurchase. The Company may purchase shares from time to time depending on market, economic and other factors. The authorization will continue unless withdrawn by the Board of Directors.

No shares of common stock were repurchased during the third quarter 2016 by either the Company or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined by Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act.


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Item 6. Exhibits.
 
Exhibit No.
  
Exhibit
  
Incorporated by Reference to:
3(i)
  
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Werner Enterprises, Inc.
  
Exhibit 3(i) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007
 
 
 
3(ii)
  
Revised and Restated By-Laws of Werner Enterprises, Inc.
  
Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 10, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
11
 
Statement Re: Computation of Per Share Earnings
 
See Note 5 (Earnings Per Share) in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) under Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016
 
 
 
31.1
  
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
  
Filed herewith
 
 
 
31.2
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
  
Filed herewith
 
 
 
32.1
  
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
  
Furnished herewith
 
 
 
32.2
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
  
Furnished herewith
 
 
 
101.INS
  
XBRL Instance Document
  
Filed herewith
 
 
 
101.SCH
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
  
Filed herewith
 
 
 
101.CAL
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
  
Filed herewith
 
 
 
101.LAB
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
  
Filed herewith
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
  
Filed herewith
 
 
 
101.DEF
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
  
Filed herewith
 


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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
 
 
Date: November 1, 2016
By:
 
/s/ John J. Steele
 
 
 
John J. Steele
 
 
 
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
Date: November 1, 2016
By:
 
/s/ James L. Johnson
 
 
 
James L. Johnson
 
 
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting
Officer and Corporate Secretary

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