Werner Enterprises Reports Record Third Quarter 2021 Revenues and Earnings


Third Quarter 2021 Highlights (all metrics compared to third quarter 2020)

  • Total revenues of $702.9 million, up 19%
  • Operating income of $71.3 million, up 15%; non-GAAP adjusted operating income of $73.9 million, up 15%
  • Operating margin of 10.1%, down 40 bps; non-GAAP adjusted operating margin of 10.5%, down 40 bps
  • Diluted EPS of $0.94, up 41%; non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS of $0.79, up 14%

OMAHA, Neb., Oct. 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Werner Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WERN), a premier transportation and logistics provider, today reported third quarter operating income, net income attributable to Werner and diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2021.

“Werner once again achieved record third quarter earnings per share in a strong freight market with unprecedented supply chain and labor challenges,” said Derek J. Leathers, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We made strategic investments in driver pay and driver sourcing that enabled us to organically grow our Werner fleet this quarter in an ultra-competitive driver market. At the same time, we are successfully integrating the ECM truckload fleet acquisition we made at the beginning of the quarter, and ECM is performing very well.

“While there were some unusual cost and mileage productivity challenges in the quarter, I am confident that our strategic actions are positioning Werner for long-term success. We remain committed to growing revenues, expanding margins, generating free cash flow and providing superior safety and service to our customers across our diversified North America truckload and logistics portfolio.”

Total revenues for the quarter were $702.9 million, an increase of $112.7 million compared to the prior year quarter, due primarily to Truckload Transportation Services revenues growth of $69.4 million and Logistics revenues growth of $40.6 million.

Operating income of $71.3 million increased $9.2 million, or 15%, while operating margin of 10.1% decreased 40 basis points. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted operating income of $73.9 million increased $9.6 million, or 15%. Adjusted operating margin of 10.5% declined 40 basis points from 10.9% for the same quarter last year.

Operating income increased as a result of significantly higher revenues per total mile and gains on sales of trucks and trailers, both due to improved pricing. Our Logistics segment also achieved significant growth in revenues and expanded its operating margin. Operating income for our Truckload Transportation Services segment was flat, as significant pricing improvement was offset by cost increases for driver pay, driver sourcing, insurance and claims and health insurance.    

Interest expense of $1.3 million increased from $0.9 million due to higher average borrowings. The effective income tax rate was 24.6% in both third quarter 2021 and third quarter 2020.

During third quarter 2021, our strategic minority equity investments in Mastery, a transportation management systems company, and TuSimple, an autonomous technology company, had market valuation changes. As a result, we recognized a net gain on investments in equity securities of $16.1 million, or $0.18 per share, which resulted in higher non-operating income in third quarter 2021.

Net income attributable to Werner of $63.8 million increased 38%. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted net income attributable to Werner of $53.5 million increased 12%. Diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) for the quarter of $0.94 increased 41%. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted diluted EPS of $0.79 increased 14%.

Key Consolidated Financial Metrics

 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)2021 2020 Y/Y Change 2021 2020 Y/Y Change
Total revenues$702,891  $590,214  19% $1,969,151  $1,751,876  12%
Truckload Transportation Services revenues527,697  458,256  15% 1,481,846  1,368,172  8%
Werner Logistics revenues157,968  117,351  35% 437,494  339,678  29%
Operating income71,324  62,103  15% 210,658  145,987  44%
Operating margin10.1% 10.5% (40) bps 10.7% 8.3% 240 bps
Net income attributable to Werner63,761  46,332  38% 182,285  108,522  68%
Diluted earnings per share0.94  0.67  41% 2.68  1.56  71%
Adjusted operating income (1)73,850  64,262  15% 215,679  159,235  35%
Adjusted operating margin (1)10.5% 10.9% (40) bps 11.0% 9.1% 190 bps
Adjusted net income attributable to Werner (1)53,474  47,941  12% 158,814  118,392  34%
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1)0.79  0.69  14% 2.33  1.70  37%

(1) See attached Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Consolidated.

Noteworthy Developments

  • On July 1, 2021, Werner acquired an 80% equity ownership interest in ECM Transport Group (“ECM”) for a purchase price of $141.3 million after net working capital changes. The purchase price allocation to assets and liabilities is preliminary and may be adjusted. ECM consists of ECM Transport and Motor Carrier Service, which are elite regional truckload carriers that together operate nearly 500 trucks and 2,000 trailers in the Mid-Atlantic, Ohio and Northeast regions of the U.S. During third quarter, ECM had strong financial performance, and integration is proceeding on schedule. ECM’s financial results are reported in the One-Way Truckload business unit within the Truckload Transportation Services segment.
  • Werner issued its inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility report on July 27, 2021 which is accessible from the Company’s website at werner.com.

Truckload Transportation Services (TTS) Segment

  • Revenues of $527.7 million increased $69.4 million
  • Operating income of $62.9 million decreased $0.2 million; non-GAAP adjusted operating income of $65.4 million increased $0.1 million
  • Operating margin of 11.9% decreased 190 basis points from 13.8%; non-GAAP adjusted operating margin of 12.4% decreased 180 basis points from 14.2%
  • Non-GAAP adjusted operating margin, net of fuel, of 14.0% decreased 150 basis points from 15.5%
  • Average segment trucks in service totaled 8,161, an increase of 546 trucks year over year, or 7.2%
  • Dedicated unit trucks at quarter end totaled 5,120 or 62% of the total TTS segment fleet, compared to 4,715 trucks, or 61%, a year ago
  • 3.2% increase in TTS average revenues per truck per week

In our Dedicated and One-Way Truckload fleets, freight demand was strong during third quarter 2021. Freight demand has continued to be strong so far in fourth quarter 2021.

Total miles decreased 8.2 million miles in third quarter 2021, caused by fleet mix changes, trucks down due to equipment parts shortages, more drivers unavailable to work due to COVID quarantine protocols and other factors, partially offset by 7.2% higher average trucks in service. TTS company truck miles decreased by approximately 2.3 million miles, and independent contractor miles decreased by approximately 5.9 million miles.

Comparisons of key financial metrics for the TTS segment, including operating ratios (actual and net of fuel surcharge revenues), are shown in the table that follows.

Key Truckload Transportation Services Segment Financial Metrics

 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands)2021 2020 Y/Y Change 2021 2020 Y/Y Change
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge$461,380  $417,335  11% $1,300,555  $1,233,267  5%
Trucking fuel surcharge revenues60,765  36,799  65% 165,663  122,048  36%
Non-trucking and other revenues5,552  4,122  35% 15,628  12,857  22%
Total revenues$527,697  $458,256  15% $1,481,846  $1,368,172  8%
            
Operating income62,856  63,080  0% 193,592  143,394  35%
Operating margin11.9% 13.8% (190) bps 13.1% 10.5% 260 bps
Operating ratio88.1% 86.2% 190 bps 86.9% 89.5% (260) bps
Adjusted operating income (1)65,382  65,239  0% 198,634  156,642  27%
Adjusted operating margin (1)12.4% 14.2% (180) bps 13.4% 11.4% 200 bps
Adjusted operating margin, net of fuel surcharge (1)14.0% 15.5% (150) bps 15.1% 12.6% 250 bps
Adjusted operating ratio (1)87.6% 85.8% 180 bps 86.6% 88.6% (200) bps
Adjusted operating ratio, net of fuel surcharge (1)86.0% 84.5% 150 bps 84.9% 87.4% (250) bps

(1) See attached Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures - Truckload Transportation Services (TTS) Segment.

Werner Logistics Segment

  • Revenues of $158.0 million increased $40.6 million, or 35%
  • Operating income of $7.7 million increased $8.5 million
  • Operating margin of 4.8% increased 550 bps

Logistics revenues of $158.0 million increased 35%. Logistics revenues increased 50%, if you exclude Werner Global Logistics (WGL) revenues from third quarter 2020. Werner sold WGL in first quarter 2021.

Truckload Logistics revenues (73% of total Logistics revenues) increased 63%, driven by a 33% increase in revenues per shipment and a 23% increase in shipments.

Intermodal revenues (25% of Logistics revenues) increased 19%, supported by a 25% increase in revenues per shipment while shipments declined 5%.

Logistics produced outstanding operating income improvement of $8.5 million in a strong freight market.

Key Werner Logistics Segment Financial Metrics

 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands)2021 2020 Y/Y Change 2021 2020 Y/Y Change
Total revenues$157,968  $117,351  35% $437,494  $339,678  29%
Operating expenses:           
Rent and purchased transportation expense134,972  104,626  29% 379,887  293,400  29%
Other operating expenses15,346  13,577  13% 41,456  42,906  (3%)
Total operating expenses150,318  118,203  27% 421,343  336,306  25%
Operating income (loss)$7,650  $(852) 998% $16,151  $3,372  379%
Operating margin4.8% (0.7%) 550 bps 3.7% 1.0% 270 bps

Cash Flow and Capital Allocation

Cash flow from operations in third quarter 2021 was $63.9 million compared to $59.1 million in third quarter 2020, an increase of 8%.

Net capital expenditures in third quarter 2021 were $59.8 million compared to $79.7 million in third quarter 2020, a decrease of 25%. We plan to continue to invest in new trucks and trailers and our terminals to improve our driver experience, optimize operational efficiency and more effectively manage our maintenance, safety and fuel costs. The average ages of our truck and trailer fleets remain low by industry standards and were 2.1 years and 4.4 years, respectively, as of September 30, 2021.

Gains on sales of equipment in third quarter 2021 were $15.3 million, or $0.17 per share, compared to $3.9 million, or $0.04 per share, in third quarter 2020. Year over year, we sold fewer trucks and trailers and realized substantially higher average gains per truck and trailer due to the significantly improved pricing market for our used equipment. As a reminder, gains on sales of assets are reflected as a reduction of Other Operating Expenses in our income statement.

During the quarter, we repurchased 1,049,120 shares of common stock for a total cost of $47.8 million, or an average price of $45.52 per share. As of September 30, 2021, we had 1.6 million shares remaining under our share repurchase authorization.

As of September 30, 2021, we had $45 million of cash and over $1.3 billion of stockholders’ equity. Total debt outstanding increased $50 million during the quarter to $350 million at September 30, 2021. After considering letters of credit issued, we had available liquidity consisting of cash and available borrowing capacity as of September 30, 2021 of $199 million.

2021 Guidance Metrics and Assumptions
The following table summarizes our updated 2021 guidance and assumptions:



2021 Guidance

Prior
(as of 7/29/21)
Actual
(as of 9/30/21)
New
(as of 10/28/21)
Commentary
TTS truck growth from BoY to EoY1% to 4%
(annual)
5%
(YTD21)
3% to 5%
(annual)
Flat to slightly lower fleet expected in 4Q21
Gains on sales of equipment$9M to $13M
(3Q21)
$15.3M
(3Q21)
$10M to $12M
(4Q21)
Expect lower unit sales due to lower new truck and trailer deliveries
Net capital expenditures$275M to $300M
(annual)
$162.7M
(YTD21)
$250M to $275M
(annual)
Lower range due to lower new truck and trailer deliveries
TTS Guidance    
Dedicated RPTPW* growth3% to 5%
(annual)
0.3%
(3Q21 vs. 3Q20)
1% to 2%
(4Q21 vs 4Q20)
Lower miles per truck in 4Q21 due to fleet mix but improving from 3Q21
One-Way Truckload (OWT) RPTM* growth16% to 19%
(2H21 vs. 2H20)
21.8%
(3Q21 vs. 3Q20)
17% to 19%
(4Q21 vs. 4Q20)
Strong start to peak shipping season combined with fleet mix changes
Assumptions    
Effective income tax rate24.5% to 25.5%
(annual)
24.6%
(3Q21)
24.5% to 25.5%
(annual)
 
Truck age
Trailer age
2.0 years
Low-to-mid “4” years
2.1 years
4.4 years
2.2 years
4.4 years
Reinvesting to maintain young fleet advantage, subject to timing of OEM deliveries

* Net of fuel surcharge revenues

Conference Call Information

Werner Enterprises, Inc. will conduct a conference call to discuss third quarter 2021 earnings today beginning at 4:00 p.m. CT. The news release, live webcast of the earnings conference call, and accompanying slide presentation will be available at werner.com in the “Investors” section under “News & Events” and then “Events Calendar.” To participate in the conference call, please dial (844) 701-1165 (domestic) or (412) 317-5498 (international). Please mention to the operator that you are dialing in for the Werner Enterprises call.

A replay of the conference call will be available on October 28, 2021 at approximately 6:00 p.m. CT through November 28, 2021 by dialing (877) 344-7529 (domestic) or (412) 317-0088 (international) and using the access code 10150334. A replay of the webcast will also be available at werner.com in the “Investors” section under “News & Events” and then “Events Calendar.”

About Werner Enterprises

Werner Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WERN) delivers superior truckload transportation and logistics services to customers across the United States, Mexico and Canada. With 2020 revenues of $2.4 billion, an industry-leading modern truck and trailer fleet, over 13,000 talented associates and our innovative Werner Edge technology, we are an essential solutions provider for customers who value the integrity of their supply chain and require safe and exceptional on-time service. Werner provides Dedicated and One-Way Truckload services as well as Logistics services that include truckload brokerage, freight management, intermodal and final mile. As an industry leader, Werner is deeply committed to promoting sustainability and supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such forward-looking statements are based on information presently available to the Company’s management and are current only as of the date made. Actual results could also differ materially from those anticipated as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

For those reasons, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statement. The Company assumes no duty or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, although it may do so from time to time as management believes is warranted or as may be required by applicable securities law. Any such updates or revisions may be made by filing reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), through the issuance of press releases or by other methods of public disclosure.

Contact:
John J. Steele
Executive Vice President, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer
(402) 894-3036

Source: Werner Enterprises, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Information

INCOME STATEMENT
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
          
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2021 2020 2021 2020
 $ % $ % $ % $ %
Operating revenues$702,891  100.0  $590,214  100.0  $1,969,151  100.0  $1,751,876  100.0 
Operating expenses:               
Salaries, wages and benefits234,250  33.3  197,151  33.4  649,198  33.0  598,129  34.1 
Fuel64,692  9.2  37,933  6.4  174,033  8.8  117,381  6.7 
Supplies and maintenance57,067  8.1  44,015  7.5  152,628  7.7  133,079  7.6 
Taxes and licenses24,419  3.5  24,032  4.1  71,396  3.6  70,835  4.1 
Insurance and claims27,702  4.0  23,307  4.0  70,497  3.6  85,160  4.9 
Depreciation and amortization68,615  9.8  62,980  10.7  196,431  10.0  199,487  11.4 
Rent and purchased transportation161,061  22.9  131,843  22.3  458,474  23.3  378,989  21.6 
Communications and utilities3,598  0.5  3,797  0.6  9,953  0.5  11,141  0.6 
Other(9,837) (1.4) 3,053  0.5  (24,117) (1.2) 11,688  0.7 
Total operating expenses631,567  89.9  528,111  89.5  1,758,493  89.3  1,605,889  91.7 
Operating income71,324  10.1  62,103  10.5  210,658  10.7  145,987  8.3 
Other expense (income):               
Interest expense1,284  0.2  887  0.2  2,823  0.1  3,639  0.2 
Interest income(287) (0.1) (323) (0.1) (918)   (1,326) (0.1)
Gain on investments in equity securities, net(16,090) (2.3)     (36,281) (1.8)    
Other50    55    146    123   
Total other expense (income)(15,043) (2.2) 619  0.1  (34,230) (1.7) 2,436  0.1 
Income before income taxes86,367  12.3  61,484  10.4  244,888  12.4  143,551  8.2 
Income tax expense21,278  3.0  15,152  2.5  61,275  3.1  35,029  2.0 
Net income65,089  9.3  46,332  7.9  183,613  9.3  108,522  6.2 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(1,328) (0.2)     (1,328)      
Net income attributable to Werner$63,761  9.1  $46,332  7.9  $182,285  9.3  $108,522  6.2 
Diluted shares outstanding67,834    69,449    68,136    69,500   
Diluted earnings per share$0.94    $0.67    $2.68    $1.56   
                        


 
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands, except share amounts)
    
 September 30,
2021
 December 31,
2020
 (Unaudited)  
    
ASSETS   
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$45,428  $29,334 
Accounts receivable, trade, less allowance of $9,233 and $8,686, respectively426,346  341,104 
Other receivables26,524  23,491 
Inventories and supplies11,787  12,062 
Prepaid taxes, licenses and permits8,140  17,231 
Other current assets51,566  33,694 
Total current assets569,791  456,916 
Property and equipment2,515,378  2,405,335 
Less – accumulated depreciation908,852  862,077 
Property and equipment, net1,606,526  1,543,258 
Goodwill44,710   
Intangible assets, net50,974   
Other non-current assets (1)207,140  156,502 
Total assets$2,479,141  $2,156,676 
    
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$92,425  $83,263 
Current portion of long-term debt6,250  25,000 
Insurance and claims accruals70,073  76,917 
Accrued payroll43,397  35,594 
Accrued expenses27,574  25,032 
Other current liabilities21,509  28,208 
Total current liabilities261,228  274,014 
Long-term debt, net of current portion343,750  175,000 
Other long-term liabilities43,656  43,114 
Insurance and claims accruals, net of current portion (1)234,000  231,638 
Deferred income taxes253,335  237,870 
Stockholders’ equity:   
Common stock, $.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 80,533,536   
shares issued; 66,884,251 and 67,931,726 shares outstanding, respectively805  805 
Paid-in capital119,776  116,039 
Retained earnings1,598,232  1,438,916 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(21,592) (22,833)
Treasury stock, at cost; 13,649,285 and 12,601,810 shares, respectively(390,664) (337,887)
Total Werner stockholders’ equity1,306,557  1,195,040 
Noncontrolling Interest36,615   
Total stockholders’ equity1,343,172  1,195,040 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$2,479,141  $2,156,676 

(1) Under the terms of our insurance policies, we are the primary obligor of the damage award in the previously mentioned adverse jury verdict, and as such, we have recorded a $79.2 million receivable from our third party insurance providers in other non-current assets and a corresponding liability of the same amount in the long-term portion of insurance and claims accruals in the unaudited condensed balance sheets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
      
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2021 2020 2021 2020
Capital expenditures, net$59,783   $79,654   $162,730   $187,263  
Cash flow from operations63,880   59,054   253,344   346,396  
Return on assets (annualized)10.8 % 8.8 % 10.8 % 6.9 %
Return on equity (annualized)19.9 % 16.0 % 19.4 % 12.8 %
            

Segment Financial and Operating Statistics Information

 
SEGMENT INFORMATION
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
      
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2021 2020 2021 2020
Revenues       
Truckload Transportation Services$527,697  $458,256  $1,481,846  $1,368,172 
Werner Logistics157,968  117,351  437,494  339,678 
Other (1)17,004  14,156  49,128  42,539 
Corporate434  481  1,222  1,542 
Subtotal703,103  590,244  1,969,690  1,751,931 
Inter-segment eliminations (2)(212) (30) (539) (55)
Total$702,891  $590,214  $1,969,151  $1,751,876 
Operating Income       
Truckload Transportation Services$62,856  $63,080  $193,592  $143,394 
Werner Logistics7,650  (852) 16,151  3,372 
Other (1)1,406  566  3,935  2,932 
Corporate(588) (691) (3,020) (3,711)
Total$71,324  $62,103  $210,658  $145,987 

(1) Other includes our driver training schools, transportation-related activities such as third-party equipment maintenance and equipment leasing, and other business activities.
(2) Inter-segment eliminations represent transactions between reporting segments that are eliminated in consolidation.

 
OPERATING STATISTICS BY SEGMENT
(Unaudited)
        
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  
 2021 2020 % Chg 2021 2020 % Chg
Truckload Transportation Services segment           
Average trucks in service8,161   7,615  7.2 % 7,872   7,746   1.6 %
Average revenues per truck per week (1)$4,349   $4,216  3.2 % $4,236   $4,082   3.8 %
Total trucks (at quarter end)           
Company7,905   7,245  9.1 % 7,905   7,245   9.1 %
Independent contractor315   465  (32.3)% 315   465   (32.3)%
Total trucks8,220   7,710  6.6 % 8,220   7,710   6.6 %
Total trailers (at quarter end)25,245   22,350  13.0 % 25,245   22,350   13.0 %
One-Way Truckload           
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge (in 000’s)$190,314   $173,021  10.0 % $513,324   $518,854   (1.1)%
Average trucks in service3,110   3,048  2.0 % 2,894   3,156   (8.3)%
Total trucks (at quarter end)3,100   2,995  3.5 % 3,100   2,995   3.5 %
Average percentage of empty miles11.17 % 11.70% (4.5)% 11.08 % 12.18 % (9.0)%
Average revenues per truck per week (1)$4,708   $4,366  7.8 % $4,549   $4,215   7.9 %
Average % change YOY in revenues per total mile (1)21.8 % 2.9%   16.2 % (0.9)%  
Average % change YOY in total miles per truck per week(11.4)% 1.4%   (7.2)% 2.0 %  
Average completed trip length in miles (loaded)731   866  (15.6)% 814   847   (3.9)%
Dedicated           
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge (in 000’s)$271,066   $244,314  10.9 % $787,231   $714,413   10.2 %
Average trucks in service5,051   4,567  10.6 % 4,978   4,590   8.5 %
Total trucks (at quarter end)5,120   4,715  8.6 % 5,120   4,715   8.6 %
Average revenues per truck per week (1)$4,129   $4,115  0.3 % $4,055   $3,990   1.6 %
Werner Logistics segment           
Average trucks in service41   31  32.3 % 38   31   22.6 %
Total trucks (at quarter end)50   32  56.3 % 50   32   56.3 %
Total trailers (at quarter end)1,515   1,325  14.3 % 1,515   1,325   14.3 %

(1) Net of fuel surcharge revenues

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations

To supplement our financial results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”), we provide certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined by the SEC Regulation G, including non-GAAP adjusted operating income; non-GAAP adjusted operating margin; non-GAAP adjusted operating margin, net of fuel surcharge; non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to Werner; non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share; non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses; non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge; non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio; and non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio, net of fuel surcharge. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide a more useful comparison of our performance from period to period because they exclude the effect of items that, in our opinion, do not reflect our core operating performance. Our non-GAAP financial measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as substitutes for their comparable GAAP measures and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures. Although we believe that they improve comparability in analyzing our period to period performance, they could limit comparability to other companies in our industry if those companies define these measures differently. Because of these limitations, our non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered measures of income generated by our business. Management compensates for these limitations by primarily relying on GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures on a supplemental basis.

The following tables present reconciliations of each non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure as required by SEC Regulation G. In addition, information regarding each of the excluded items as well as our reasons for excluding them from our non-GAAP results is provided below. The income tax effect of the non-GAAP adjustments is calculated using the incremental income tax rate excluding discrete items.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES – CONSOLIDATED
(unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2021 2020 2021 2020
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income and
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Margin (1)
$ % of Op. Rev. $ % of Op. Rev. $ % of Op. Rev. $ % of Op. Rev.
Operating income and operating margin – (GAAP)$71,324 10.1% $62,103 10.5% $210,658  10.7 % $145,987 8.3%
Non-GAAP adjustments:               
Insurance and claims (2)1,300 0.2% 1,238 0.2% 3,816  0.2 % 3,634 0.2%
Acquisition expenses (3) %  % 992  0.1 %  %
Gain on sale of Werner Global Logistics (4) %  % (1,013) (0.1)%  %
Depreciation (5) % 921 0.2%    % 9,614 0.6%
Amortization of intangible assets (6)1,226 0.2%  % 1,226  0.1 %  %
Non-GAAP adjusted operating income and non-GAAP adjusted operating margin$73,850 10.5% $64,262 10.9% $215,679  11.0 % $159,235 9.1%
                          


    
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2021 2020 2021 2020
Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income
Attributable to Werner and Non-GAAP Adjusted Diluted EPS (1)
$ Diluted EPS $ Diluted EPS $ Diluted EPS $Diluted EPS
Net income attributable to Werner and diluted EPS – (GAAP)$63,761  $0.94  $46,332  $0.67  $182,285  $2.68  $108,522  $1.56 
Non-GAAP adjustments:              
Insurance and claims (2)1,300  0.02  1,238  0.02  3,816  0.05  3,634  0.05 
Acquisition expenses (3)        992  0.01     
Gain on sale of Werner Global Logistics (4)        (1,013) (0.01)    
Depreciation (5)    921  0.01      9,614  0.14 
Amortization of intangible assets, net of amount attributable to noncontrolling interest (6)981  0.02      981  0.01     
Gain on investments in equity securities, net (7)(16,090) (0.24)     (36,281) (0.53)    
Income tax effect of above adjustments3,522  0.05  (550) (0.01) 8,034  0.12  (3,378) (0.05)
Non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to Werner and non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS$53,474  $0.79  $47,941  $0.69  $158,814  $2.33  $118,392  $1.70 
                                

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES – TRUCKLOAD TRANSPORTATION SERVICES (TTS) SEGMENT
(unaudited)
(In thousands)

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2021 2020 2021 2020
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Income and
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Margin (1)
$ % of Op. Rev. $ % of Op. Rev. $ % of Op. Rev. $ % of Op. Rev.
Operating income and operating margin – (GAAP)$62,856 11.9% $63,080 13.8% $193,592 13.1% $143,394 10.5%
Non-GAAP adjustments:        .      
Insurance and claims (2)1,300 0.3% 1,238 0.2% 3,816 0.2% 3,634 0.2%
Depreciation (5) % 921 0.2%  % 9,614 0.7%
Amortization of intangible assets (6)1,226 0.2%  % 1,226 0.1%  %
Non-GAAP adjusted operating income and non-GAAP adjusted operating margin$65,382 12.4% $65,239 14.2% $198,634 13.4% $156,642 11.4%
                        


    
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2021 2020 2021 2020
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Expenses and
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Ratio (1)
$ % of Op. Rev. $ % of Op. Rev. $ % of Op. Rev. $ % of Op. Rev.
Operating expenses and operating ratio – (GAAP)$464,841  88.1 % $395,176  86.2 % $1,288,254  86.9 % $1,224,778  89.5 %
Non-GAAP adjustments:               
Insurance and claims (2)(1,300) (0.3)% (1,238) (0.2)% (3,816) (0.2)% (3,634) (0.2)%
Depreciation (5)   % (921) (0.2)%    % (9,614) (0.7)%
Amortization of intangible assets (6)(1,226) (0.2)%    % (1,226) (0.1)%    %
Non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses and non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio$462,315  87.6 % $393,017  85.8 % $1,283,212  86.6 % $1,211,530  88.6 %
                                


    
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Expenses, Net of Fuel Surcharge;
Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Margin, Net of Fuel Surcharge;
and Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Ratio, Net of Fuel Surcharge (1)

2021 2020 2021 2020
$ $ $ $
Operating revenues – (GAAP)$527,697   $458,256   $1,481,846   $1,368,172  
Less: Trucking fuel surcharge (8)(60,765)  (36,799)  (165,663)  (122,048) 
Operating revenues, net of fuel surcharge – (Non-GAAP) 466,932
    421,457    1,316,183    1,246,124  
Operating expenses – (GAAP)464,841   395,176   1,288,254   1,224,778  
Non-GAAP adjustments:       
Trucking fuel surcharge (8)(60,765)  (36,799)  (165,663)  (122,048) 
Insurance and claims (2)(1,300)  (1,238)  (3,816)  (3,634) 
Depreciation (5)   (921)     (9,614) 
Amortization of intangible assets (6)(1,226)     (1,226)    
Non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge401,550   356,218   1,117,549   1,089,482  
Non-GAAP adjusted operating income$65,382   $65,239   $198,634   $156,642  
Non-GAAP adjusted operating margin, net of fuel surcharge14.0 % 15.5 % 15.1 % 12.6 %
Non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio, net of fuel surcharge86.0 % 84.5 % 84.9 % 87.4 %

(1) Non-GAAP adjusted operating income; non-GAAP adjusted operating margin; non-GAAP adjusted operating margin, net of fuel surcharge; non-GAAP adjusted net income attributable to Werner; non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share; non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses; non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge; non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio; and non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio, net of fuel surcharge should be considered in addition to, rather than as substitutes for, GAAP operating income; GAAP operating margin; GAAP net income attributable to Werner; GAAP diluted earnings per share; GAAP operating expenses; and GAAP operating ratio, which are their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

(2) During third quarter 2021 and 2020, we accrued pre-tax insurance and claims expense for interest related to a previously disclosed excess adverse jury verdict rendered on May 17, 2018 in a lawsuit arising from a December 2014 accident. The Company is appealing this verdict. Additional information about the accident was included in our Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 17, 2018. Under our insurance policies in effect on the date of this accident, our maximum liability for this accident is $10.0 million (plus pre-judgment and post-judgment interest) with premium-based insurance coverage that exceeds the jury verdict amount. Interest is accrued at $0.4 million per month until such time as the outcome of our appeal is finalized. Management believes excluding the effect of this item provides a more useful comparison of our performance from period to period. This item is included in the Truckload Transportation Services segment in our Segment Information table.

(3) During second quarter 2021, we incurred legal and professional fees related to the acquisition of ECM, which was finalized on July 1, 2021. Acquisition-related expenses are excluded as management believes these costs are not representative of the costs of managing our on-going business. The expenses are included within other operating expenses in our Income Statement and in Corporate operating income in our Segment Information table.

(4) During first quarter 2021, we sold Werner Global Logistics (“WGL”) freight forwarding services for international ocean and air shipments to Scan Global Logistics Group, which resulted in the pre-tax gain on sale. Management believes excluding the effect of this unusual and infrequent item provides a more useful comparison of our performance from period to period. This item is included in our Werner Logistics segment in our Segment Information table.

(5) During first quarter 2020, we changed the estimated life of certain trucks expected to be sold in 2020 to more rapidly depreciate these trucks to their estimated residual values due to the weak used truck market. These trucks continued to depreciate at the same higher rate per truck, until all were sold. Management believes excluding the effect of this unusual and infrequent item provides a more useful comparison of our performance from period to period. This item is included in our Truckload Transportation Services segment in our Segment Information table.

(6) Amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired in the ECM acquisition is excluded because management does not believe it is indicative of our core operating performance. This item is included in our Truckload Transportation Services segment in our Segment Information table.

(7) Represents non-operating mark-to-market adjustments for gains/losses on our ownership interests in TuSimple, an autonomous technology company, and Mastery Logistics Systems, Inc., a transportation management systems company. We account for these ownership interests under ASC 321, Investments - Equity Securities. We record changes in the value of our investments in equity securities in other expense (income) in our Income Statement. Management believes excluding the effect of gains/losses on our investments in equity securities provides a more useful comparison of our performance from period to period.

(8) Fluctuating fuel prices and fuel surcharge revenues impact the total company operating ratio and the TTS segment operating ratio when fuel surcharges are reported on a gross basis as revenues versus netting the fuel surcharges against fuel expenses. Management believes netting fuel surcharge revenues, which are generally a more volatile source of revenue, against fuel expenses provides a more consistent basis for comparing the results of operations from period to period.