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Werner Enterprises (WERN)
NASDAQ:WERN

Werner Enterprises (WERN) AI Stock Analysis

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WERN

Werner Enterprises

(NASDAQ:WERN)

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Neutral 63 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:63Neutral
Price Target:
$37.00
â–²(13.32% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:01/30/26
The score is held back primarily by weak profitability and cash flow (low net margin, low ROE, negative free cash flow), and a stretched valuation (P/E 81). Offsetting these are strong technical momentum and constructive business actions, including ongoing cost savings, growth in Logistics/Dedicated, and the FirstFleet acquisition expected to be accretive with synergy and cash-flow benefits.
Positive Factors
Diversified business model
Werner's multi-pronged revenue model (Truckload, Dedicated, Logistics, brokerage) provides durable demand diversification and cross-selling across industries. This reduces exposure to any single freight cycle, supports steadier revenue streams and long-term client relationships.
High gross profit margin
A sustained gross margin near 58% signals structural cost efficiency in core operations and pricing power on freight services. High gross margins provide room to absorb SG&A, invest in technology, and protect operating profit through industry cycles.
Technology transformation
A complete, cloud-based tech rebuild that cut a major back-office expense 40% is a durable productivity lever. Scalable systems reduce per-unit operating costs, improve routing/asset utilization, and support margin expansion as volumes grow long term.
Negative Factors
Negative free cash flow
Persistent negative free cash flow and sharply declining FCF growth constrain reinvestment, debt reduction, and shareholder returns. Reliance on external financing or capital raises could rise, limiting strategic flexibility and raising funding risk over months.
Low profitability and ROE
Very low net margins and sub-2% ROE indicate weak conversion of revenue into shareholder returns. Structural margin pressure or capital inefficiency reduces capacity to fund growth projects, making sustained improvement necessary to justify continued investment.
Legal, insurance and claims costs
Significant legal settlement and elevated insurance/claims costs are recurring operational risks that compress margins and can signal larger exposure in driver/pay or safety-related liabilities. These issues can raise ongoing expense baselines and reputational risk.

Werner Enterprises (WERN) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Werner Enterprises Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWerner Enterprises, Inc., a transportation and logistics company, engages in transporting truckload shipments of general commodities in interstate and intrastate commerce in the United States, Mexico, and internationally. It operates through Truckload Transportation Services and Werner Logistics segments. The Truckload Transportation Services segment operates medium-to-long-haul van fleet that transports various consumer nondurable products and other commodities in truckload quantities using dry van trailers; the expedited fleet, which offers time-sensitive truckload services using driver teams; regional short-haul fleet that provides comparable truckload van service in the United States; and temperature controlled fleet, which offers truckload services for temperature sensitive products using temperature-controlled trailers. It transports retail store merchandise, consumer products, food and beverage products, and manufactured products. The Werner Logistics segment provides non-asset-based transportation and logistics services, including truck brokerage; logistics management services and solutions; rail transportation through alliances with rail and drayage providers; and residential and commercial deliveries of large or heavy items using liftgate straight truck. As of December 31, 2021, the company had a fleet of 8,340 trucks, which included 8,050 company-operated, as well as 290 owned and operated by independent contractors;27,225 company-owned trailers that comprised dry vans, flatbeds, temperature-controlled, and other trailers; and 55 intermodal drayage trucks. Werner Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.
How the Company Makes MoneyWerner Enterprises generates revenue primarily through its freight transportation services. The company's revenue model is multifaceted, with key revenue streams including Truckload services, which involve transporting goods over long distances; Dedicated services, where trucks are assigned to specific customers for consistent service; and Logistics services, which encompass supply chain management and intermodal transportation solutions. The company also earns revenue from freight brokerage, where it matches shippers with carriers. Significant partnerships with various shippers and manufacturers enhance its earnings potential, while a focus on operational efficiency and technology integration helps optimize costs and improve service delivery.

Werner Enterprises Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 05, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call presented a mix of strategic progress and near-term challenges. Highlights include the accretive First Fleet acquisition (adds scale, $615M LTM revenue, 2,400 tractors), clear synergy opportunities ($18M annual cost synergies), meaningful dedicated growth and technology-driven cost savings (~$150M of structural savings over three years, Edge TMS migration). However, near-term profitability and cash generation remain constrained: Q4 adjusted operating margin was only 1.5%, adjusted EPS $0.05, a Q4 $44.2M restructuring charge (mostly non-cash), logistics margin compression from surging purchase transportation costs, and weather-driven operational disruption in Q1. Management’s tone is constructive and forward-looking — they expect material earnings improvement in 2026 (with a Q2 inflection), confident synergy realization from First Fleet, and durable long-term benefits from a larger dedicated footprint and technology investments. Overall, strategic positives (scale, synergies, tech, dedicated growth) are weighed against short-term margin and cash flow pressures and restructuring impacts.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strategic Acquisition of First Fleet
Acquired First Fleet for $282.8M ( $245M for operating company, $37.8M for real estate). First Fleet brings ~$615M trailing twelve-month revenue, ~2,400 tractors, is immediately EPS accretive, and provides $18M of identified annual cost synergies (~1/3 realizable in 2026 with two-thirds run-rate by year-end). The deal expands combined revenue to ~$3.6B (from ~ $3.0B standalone) and increases Dedicated to >50% of portfolio (from 43%).
Dedicated Business Growth and Scale
Dedicated revenues rose low-single-digits in the quarter; average dedicated trucks increased 2.4% year-over-year (to 4,954) and sequentially 1.8%. Dedicated comprised 65% of TTS trucking revenue (up from 63%), and the First Fleet acquisition grows Dedicated by ~50%, improving revenue stability and portfolio resilience. Full-year average truck fleet guidance (including First Fleet) is +23% to +28%.
Technology Migration and Cost Reductions
Cloud-based Edge TMS migration progressed (95% of One Way loads and 85% of Dedicated trips on Edge by 2025). Company reduced costs by ~ $150M over the last three years (majority structural). Q4 OpEx excluding certain items fell 5% year-over-year. Truckload logistics personnel costs declined 15% YoY in Q4.
Logistics Segment Momentum (Intermodal & Final Mile)
Intermodal revenues increased ~24% in Q4 (double-digit growth), Final Mile revenues increased 4% YoY and are described as the strongest momentum since inception. Logistics revenues in Q4 were $208M (28% of total) and both intermodal and final mile exited 2025 in growth mode.
Capital Allocation and Liquidity Position
Ended year with $60M cash, total liquidity of $702M (including $642M available on credit facilities). Operating cash flow was $62M in Q4 and $182M for the full year. Full-year CapEx was $163M (<6% of revenue) and net CapEx declined ~31% YoY. Management maintains a balanced capital allocation approach and expects First Fleet to be cash flow accretive.
Clear 2026 Guidance and Targets
Company provided 2026 guidance including First Fleet: average truck fleet +23% to +28% (FY), net CapEx $185M–$225M, Dedicated revenue per truck per week guidance -1% to +2%, One Way revenue per total mile H1 flat to +3%, effective tax rate 25.5%–26.5%, and net interest expense $40M–$45M.
Negative Updates
One Way Restructuring Charges and Pressures
Executed strategic One Way Trucking restructuring that produced a Q4 charge of $44.2M (mostly non-cash: $42.7M comprising $21.7M intangible impairment and $21M equipment impairment). One Way trucking revenue (net of fuel) declined 8% in Q4 to $156M and average One Way trucks fell ~10% to 2,386.
Compressed Margins and Weak Near-Term Profitability
Consolidated Q4 revenues were $738M (down 2% YoY), adjusted operating income only $11.3M (adjusted operating margin 1.5%), and adjusted EPS $0.05. TTS adjusted operating margin (net of fuel) was 2.8%, down 30 basis points; Logistics adjusted operating margin was 0.5%, down 60 basis points.
TTS and One Way Fleet Contraction
TTS average trucks were 7,340 in Q4 (down 2.1% YoY); TTS fleet ended the quarter down 5% and dropped 345 trucks sequentially as a result of restructuring. TTS revenue per truck per week (net of fuel) decreased 0.4% in Q4; dedicated revenue per truck per week decreased 1.1% in the quarter (slightly positive for full year).
Logistics Brokerage Margin Pressure
Truckload brokerage faced elevated purchase transportation costs that escalated rapidly in December, causing gross margin compression and lower logistics operating income. Purchase transportation costs moderated slightly in January but margin pressure continued into Q1, contributing to logistics revenue decline of 3% YoY and truckload logistics revenue down 8% in Q4.
Weather and Operational Disruption in Q1
Severe winter storms (Storm Fern) significantly disrupted operations: at one point ~50% of tractor fleet parked over a weekend. Management noted the storm is a larger headwind than the prior year’s Q1 storm (which was ~ $0.04 EPS drag), expecting negative impact in Q1 and some ongoing operational drag.
Weak Free Cash Flow and Increased Net Debt
Full-year free cash flow was only $19M (~1% of revenues). Total debt rose to $752M (up 16% YoY) and net debt increased $83M (14% YoY). Borrowings under revolver and securitization were $884.6M as of 01/31/2026, reflecting increased leverage tied to the First Fleet purchase and other financing.
Company Guidance
Werner's 2026 guidance—now reported on an average‑truck basis and incorporating the First Fleet acquisition—calls for full‑year average TTS trucks to be up 23%–28% (pro forma revenue growing from roughly $3.0B to $3.6B and Dedicated to over half the mix); net CapEx of $185M–$225M (upper end allows a 2027 EPA pre‑buy); Dedicated revenue per truck per week guided to down 1% to up 2%; One‑Way truckload revenue per total mile for H1 guided flat to +3%; an effective tax rate of 25.5%–26.5%; net interest expense of $40M–$45M; used‑equipment gains excluding real estate of $8M–$18M; and stable used‑asset values expected—with First Fleet contributing ~$615M TTM revenue, ~2,400 tractors, immediate EPS/cash‑flow accretion and $18M of identified annual cost synergies (roughly one‑third realizable in 2026 and ~two‑thirds run‑rate by year‑end).

Werner Enterprises Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Mixed fundamentals: strong gross margin (57.9%) and a stable balance sheet with moderate leverage (Debt-to-Equity 0.52), but profitability is weak (net margin 0.85%, ROE 1.77%) and cash generation is a concern with negative free cash flow and sharply lower FCF growth (-54.2% TTM).
Income Statement
65
Positive
Werner Enterprises shows a mixed performance in its income statement. The TTM Gross Profit Margin is strong at 57.9%, indicating efficient cost management. However, the Net Profit Margin is low at 0.85%, reflecting challenges in converting revenue into profit. Revenue growth is minimal at 0.87% TTM, suggesting stagnation. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are modest, indicating room for operational improvement.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a stable financial position with a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.52 TTM, indicating moderate leverage. The Return on Equity is low at 1.77% TTM, suggesting limited profitability from equity. The Equity Ratio is healthy, showing a strong equity base relative to total assets.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
Cash flow analysis reveals concerns with negative Free Cash Flow and a significant decline in Free Cash Flow Growth at -54.2% TTM. The Operating Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is 0.56, indicating a moderate conversion of income to cash. The negative Free Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio highlights cash flow challenges.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.99B3.03B3.28B3.29B2.73B2.37B
Gross Profit299.39M338.63M423.65M521.59M477.93M460.89M
EBITDA361.11M372.10M480.82M616.54M618.14M492.19M
Net Income25.28M34.23M112.38M241.26M259.05M169.08M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.97B3.05B3.16B3.18B2.68B2.24B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments50.98M40.75M61.72M107.24M54.20M29.33M
Total Debt768.14M701.76M685.26M736.04M456.51M210.37M
Total Liabilities1.54B1.56B1.59B1.70B1.32B1.04B
Stockholders Equity1.40B1.46B1.53B1.44B1.33B1.20B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-54.78M-84.06M-124.42M-58.54M-38.03M32.84M
Operating Cash Flow190.57M329.73M474.37M448.71M332.82M445.91M
Investing Cash Flow-134.75M-241.45M-434.94M-514.33M-397.30M-263.27M
Financing Cash Flow-60.23M-105.72M-87.07M118.03M89.67M-185.96M

Werner Enterprises Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price32.65
Price Trends
50DMA
33.01
Negative
100DMA
29.80
Positive
200DMA
28.60
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.05
Positive
RSI
44.68
Neutral
STOCH
35.54
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WERN, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 32.65 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 34.72, below the 50-day MA of 33.01, and above the 200-day MA of 28.60, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.05 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 44.68 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 35.54 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for WERN.

Werner Enterprises Risk Analysis

Werner Enterprises disclosed 18 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Werner Enterprises reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Werner Enterprises Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
66
Neutral
$4.81B46.593.45%1.40%5.46%2.31%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
63
Neutral
$1.99B-131.121.78%1.84%-3.42%-43.86%
58
Neutral
$840.31M-15.84-4.35%0.87%-19.56%-54.39%
56
Neutral
$2.25B38.184.61%0.62%-5.34%-48.16%
54
Neutral
$1.08B63.192.53%2.07%-9.74%-42.57%
52
Neutral
$391.26M-10.08-6.66%2.76%-7.55%-130.67%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WERN
Werner Enterprises
32.65
1.15
3.65%
HTLD
Heartland Express
10.67
0.57
5.65%
MRTN
Marten Transport
13.14
-1.16
-8.11%
ARCB
ArcBest
96.70
18.19
23.16%
ULH
Universal Logistics
15.43
-10.77
-41.11%
SNDR
Schneider National
26.91
1.22
4.75%

Werner Enterprises Corporate Events

Business Operations and Strategy
Werner Enterprises to Present at Multiple February Conferences
Positive
Jan 29, 2026

On January 29, 2026, Werner Enterprises announced it will participate in three Miami-based investment conferences in February 2026: the Stifel 2026 Transportation and Logistics Conference on February 10, Citi’s 2026 Global Industrial Tech and Mobility Conference on February 17, and the Barclays 43rd Annual Industrial Select Conference on February 18, each featuring Werner fireside chat presentations and investor meetings. Live webcasts and 30-day archived replays of these events will be available via the company’s investor website, underscoring Werner’s effort to engage the investment community and provide greater visibility into its operations and strategy, with timing and access details subject to potential schedule updates communicated through its public disclosure channels.

The most recent analyst rating on (WERN) stock is a Hold with a $35.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Werner Enterprises stock, see the WERN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Werner Enterprises Acquires FirstFleet, Expanding Dedicated Trucking
Positive
Jan 28, 2026

On January 27, 2026, Werner Enterprises acquired 100% of First Enterprises, Inc. (FirstFleet), a privately held dedicated trucking company based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for approximately $245 million in cash, plus a separate $37.8 million purchase of 11 real estate properties, funded through cash on hand and its existing revolving credit facility. The deal, which adds roughly 2,400 tractors, 11,000 trailers and 37 properties serving about 130 customer sites, elevates Werner to the fifth-largest dedicated carrier in North America, boosts its exposure to resilient end markets such as grocery, bakery goods and corrugated packaging, and is expected to be immediately accretive to EPS, with around $18 million in annual synergies and stronger free cash flow anticipated as FirstFleet operates as a business unit within Werner’s Truckload Transportation Services segment while largely retaining its management and Murfreesboro headquarters.

The most recent analyst rating on (WERN) stock is a Hold with a $36.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Werner Enterprises stock, see the WERN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and Strategy
Werner Enterprises to Attend Key Investment Conferences
Positive
Nov 4, 2025

On November 4, 2025, Werner Enterprises announced its participation in four upcoming investment conferences, including the Baird Global Industrial Conference and UBS Global Industrials and Transportation Conference, where it will engage in investor meetings and presentations. The company will provide live webcasts for some conferences, with replays available for a limited time, reflecting its proactive engagement with investors and stakeholders. This participation underscores Werner’s strategic efforts to enhance its visibility and communicate its market position and future prospects to the investment community.

The most recent analyst rating on (WERN) stock is a Hold with a $28.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Werner Enterprises stock, see the WERN Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 30, 2026