WERN 10-Q Quarterly Report Sept. 30, 2017 | Alphaminr
WERNER ENTERPRISES INC
ALPHAMINR

WERN 10-Q Quarter ended Sept. 30, 2017

Balance Sheet
Cash Flow
Income Statement
WERNER ENTERPRISES INC
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10-Q 1 wern-2017930x10q.htm 10-Q Document

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, 2017
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, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
ý
Accelerated filer
o
Non-accelerated filer
o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o
Emerging growth company
o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
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 31, 2017 , 72,336,976 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.


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

2

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, 2016 (“2016 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, 2017 , are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017 . 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 2016 Form 10-K.

3

WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2017
2016
2017
2016
(Unaudited)
Operating revenues
$
528,643

$
508,676

$
1,549,372

$
1,490,159

Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits
170,238

162,862

500,620

479,298

Fuel
50,266

40,638

140,551

112,034

Supplies and maintenance
41,986

41,027

120,276

130,559

Taxes and licenses
21,671

21,540

64,095

64,353

Insurance and claims
20,669

19,106

60,336

59,384

Depreciation
53,578

51,781

162,619

152,849

Rent and purchased transportation
126,087

133,876

377,146

379,155

Communications and utilities
4,199

4,206

12,158

12,110

Other
4,075

4,566

12,812

9,303

Total operating expenses
492,769

479,602

1,450,613

1,399,045

Operating income
35,874

29,074

98,759

91,114

Other expense (income):
Interest expense
492

749

1,892

1,839

Interest income
(766
)
(1,055
)
(2,556
)
(3,154
)
Other
88

46

293

148

Total other income
(186
)
(260
)
(371
)
(1,167
)
Income before income taxes
36,060

29,334

99,130

92,281

Income taxes
13,543

10,414

37,375

34,963

Net income
$
22,517

$
18,920

$
61,755

$
57,318

Earnings per share:
Basic
$
0.31

$
0.26

$
0.85

$
0.80

Diluted
$
0.31

$
0.26

$
0.85

$
0.79

Dividends declared per share
$
0.070

$
0.060

$
0.200

$
0.180

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic
72,298

72,058

72,239

72,043

Diluted
72,601

72,406

72,517

72,364

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

4

WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands)
2017
2016
2017
2016
(Unaudited)

Net income
$
22,517

$
18,920

$
61,755

$
57,318

Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(627
)
(1,023
)
3,205

(3,009
)
Change in fair value of interest rate swap
100

388

334

(517
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(527
)
(635
)
3,539

(3,526
)
Comprehensive income
$
21,990

$
18,285

$
65,294

$
53,792

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

5

WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
September 30,
2017
December 31,
2016
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
10,733

$
16,962

Accounts receivable, trade, less allowance of $8,410 and $9,183, respectively
279,716

261,372

Other receivables
27,028

15,168

Inventories and supplies
11,624

12,768

Prepaid taxes, licenses and permits
6,935

15,374

Income taxes receivable
6,538

21,497

Other current assets
38,898

29,987

Total current assets
381,472

373,128

Property and equipment
2,078,229

2,109,991

Less – accumulated depreciation
758,331

747,353

Property and equipment, net
1,319,898

1,362,638

Other non-current assets
61,571

57,237

Total assets
$
1,762,941

$
1,793,003

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Checks issued in excess of cash balances
$
3,538

$
—

Accounts payable
72,343

66,618

Current portion of long-term debt
—

20,000

Insurance and claims accruals
84,436

83,404

Accrued payroll
31,029

26,189

Other current liabilities
22,938

18,650

Total current liabilities
214,284

214,861

Long-term debt, net of current portion
75,000

160,000

Other long-term liabilities
14,321

16,711

Insurance and claims accruals, net of current portion
107,230

113,875

Deferred income taxes
301,199

292,769

Commitments and contingencies


Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 80,533,536 shares
issued; 72,334,476 and 72,166,969 shares outstanding, respectively
805

805

Paid-in capital
103,296

101,035

Retained earnings
1,131,805

1,084,796

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(13,378
)
(16,917
)
Treasury stock, at cost; 8,199,060 and 8,366,567 shares, respectively
(171,621
)
(174,932
)
Total stockholders’ equity
1,050,907

994,787

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,762,941

$
1,793,003

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).


6

WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(In thousands)
2017
2016
(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
61,755

$
57,318

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
162,619

152,849

Deferred income taxes
6,492

23,773

Gain on disposal of property and equipment
(6,031
)
(13,250
)
Non-cash equity compensation
3,215

2,325

Insurance and claims accruals, net of current portion
(6,645
)
(11,070
)
Other
(8,755
)
(8,500
)
Changes in certain working capital items:
Accounts receivable, net
(18,344
)
(1,489
)
Other current assets
15,184

(11,647
)
Accounts payable
7,107

1,898

Other current liabilities
351

8,968

Net cash provided by operating activities
216,948

201,175

Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment
(205,874
)
(388,386
)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
84,769

94,372

Issuance of notes receivable
(5,000
)

—

Decrease in notes receivable
15,637

14,007

Net cash used in investing activities
(110,468
)
(280,007
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of short-term debt
(45,000
)
(20,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt
—

20,000

Repayments of long-term debt
(60,000
)
(40,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
—

115,000

Change in net checks issued in excess of cash balances
3,538

2,665

Dividends on common stock
(13,721
)
(12,966
)
Tax withholding related to net share settlements of restricted stock awards
(445
)
(623
)
Stock options exercised
2,339

298

Excess tax benefits from equity compensation
—

(17
)
Payment of notes payable
—

(3,117
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(113,289
)
61,240

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash
580

(505
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(6,229
)
(18,097
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
16,962

31,833

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
10,733

$
13,736

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid
$
2,004

$
1,838

Income taxes paid
15,819

4,257

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:
Notes receivable issued upon sale of property and equipment
$
4,058

$
22,952

Change in fair value of interest rate swap
334

(517
)
Property and equipment acquired included in accounts payable
492

821

Property and equipment disposed included in other receivables
1,300

259

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).

7

WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
(1) Accounting Policies
In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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 (instead of lower of cost or market). The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-11 as of January 1, 2017. Upon adoption, this update had no effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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. The new update requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the consolidated statements of income as a component of income tax expense when share-based awards vest or are settled. The update also eliminates the requirement to reclassify cash flows related to excess tax benefits from operating activities to financing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The standard also provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur and now allows for withholding up to the maximum statutory tax rate on certain share-based awards without triggering liability accounting.

The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09 as of January 1, 2017. Upon adoption, share-based payment excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are recognized in the consolidated statements of income as a component of income tax expense, rather than additional paid-in capital as previously recognized. The Company elected to report excess tax benefits as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows on a prospective basis, and prior period amounts have not been adjusted. The Company also elected to use actual forfeitures to determine the amount of share-based compensation expense to be recognized. This change was applied on a modified retrospective basis and resulted in a $0.3 million decrease to retained earnings in first quarter 2017.

(2) Credit Facilities
As of September 30, 2017 , 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, 2017 , and December 31, 2016 , our outstanding debt totaled $75.0 million and $180.0 million , respectively. We had $75.0 million outstanding under the term commitment at a variable rate of 1.83% as of September 30, 2017 , which is effectively fixed at 2.5% with an interest rate swap agreement. The $325.0 million of borrowing capacity under our credit facilities at September 30, 2017 , is further reduced by $28.7 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, 2017 , we were in compliance with these covenants.

At September 30, 2017 , the aggregate future maturities of long-term debt by year are as follows (in thousands):
2017
$
—

2018
—

2019
75,000

2020
—

2021
—

Total
$
75,000


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 $39 thousand and $58 thousand during the three-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , respectively, and $142 thousand and $185 thousand during the nine-month periods ended September 30,

8

2017 and September 30, 2016 , 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, 2017 is $4.1 million . If recognized, $2.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits would impact our effective tax rate. Interest of $0.8 million has been reflected as a component of the total liability. We expect no 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 2014 through 2016 are open for examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and various years are open for examination by state and foreign tax authorities. State and foreign jurisdictional statutes of limitations generally range from three to four years.

(4) Commitments and Contingencies
As of September 30, 2017 , we have committed to property and equipment purchases of approximately $95.2 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 is August 2008 through March 2014. The case was tried to a jury in May 2017, resulting in a verdict of $0.8 million in plaintiffs’ favor on the short break matter and a verdict in our favor on the sleeper berth matter. As of September 30, 2017 , we had accrued for the jury’s award in the short break matter and had not accrued for the sleeper berth matter.

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 these class actions 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,
2017
2016
2017
2016
Net income
$
22,517

$
18,920

$
61,755

$
57,318

Weighted average common shares outstanding
72,298

72,058

72,239

72,043

Dilutive effect of stock-based awards
303

348

278

321

Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share
72,601

72,406

72,517

72,364

Basic earnings per share
$
0.31

$
0.26

$
0.85

$
0.80

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.31

$
0.26

$
0.85

$
0.79


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

9

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.

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 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, 2017 , there were 7,346,315 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, 2017 , the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested equity compensation awards was approximately $6.1 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 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,
2017
2016
2017
2016
Stock options:
Pre-tax compensation expense
$
2

$
5

$
5

$
14

Tax benefit
1

2

2

6

Stock option expense, net of tax
$
1

$
3

$
3

$
8

Restricted awards:


Pre-tax compensation expense
$
941

$
813

$
2,440

$
1,743

Tax benefit
367

317

952

680

Restricted stock expense, net of tax
$
574

$
496

$
1,488

$
1,063

Performance awards:


Pre-tax compensation expense
$
308

$
517

$
897

$
628

Tax benefit
120

202

350

245

Performance award expense, net of tax
$
188

$
315

$
547

$
383


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.

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 2017 .

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. The following table summarizes stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 :


10

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
171

$
18.19



Granted
—

—



Exercised
(132
)
17.72



Forfeited
—

—



Expired
—

—



Outstanding at end of period
39

19.80

2.53
$
651

Exercisable at end of period
34

19.45

2.30
$
584


We did not grant any stock options during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 . The fair value of stock option grants is estimated using a Black-Scholes valuation model. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $1.6 million and $95 thousand for the nine -month periods ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 , 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, 2017 :

Number of
Restricted
Awards (in
thousands)
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value ($)
Nonvested at beginning of period
293

$
25.98

Granted
81

26.90

Vested
(16
)
24.34

Forfeited
(10
)
26.87

Nonvested at end of period
348

26.24


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 nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 was $0.5 million and for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016 was $0.3 million . When restricted awards vest, we withhold shares based on the closing stock price on the vesting date to settle the employees’ statutory obligation for the applicable income and other employment taxes. The shares withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations are recorded as treasury stock.

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, 2017 :


11

Number of
Performance
Awards (in
thousands)
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value ($)
Nonvested at beginning of period
124

$
27.33

Granted
69

26.89

Vested
(35
)
27.07

Forfeited
—

—

Nonvested at end of period
158

27.20


The 2017 performance awards are earned based upon the level of attainment by the Company of specified performance objectives related to cumulative diluted earnings per share for the two-year period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018. Shares earned based on cumulative diluted earnings per share may be capped based on absolute total shareholder return during the three-year period ended December 31, 2019. The 2017 performance awards will vest in one installment on the third anniversary from the grant date. In February 2017, the Compensation Committee determined the 2016 fiscal year results upon which the 2016 performance awards were based fell below the threshold level; thus, no shares of common stock were earned, and the shares not earned were included in the 2016 forfeited shares.

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 vesting date fair value of performance awards that vested during the nine -month periods ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 was $1.0 million and $1.6 million , respectively. We withhold shares based on the closing stock price on the vesting date to settle the employees’ statutory obligation for the applicable income and other employment taxes. The shares withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations are recorded as treasury stock.

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

The Truckload segment consists of three operating units, One-Way Truckload, Dedicated and Temperature Controlled. These units 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 regional short-haul (“Regional”) fleet provides comparable truckload van service within geographic regions across the United States. Dedicated provides truckload services dedicated to a specific customer, generally for a retail distribution center or manufacturing facility, utilizing either dry van or specialized trailers. Temperature Controlled provides truckload services for temperature sensitive products over irregular routes utilizing temperature-controlled trailers. (We previously utilized the name “Specialized Services” to encompass the operations of both Dedicated and Temperature Controlled.) Revenues for the Truckload segment include a small amount of non-trucking revenues which consist primarily of the intra-Mexico portion of cross-border 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 five operating units that provide non-trucking services to our customers. These five 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; (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; and (v) Werner Final Mile (“Final Mile”) offers home and business deliveries of large or heavy items using two associates operating a liftgate straight truck.

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

12

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,
2017
2016
2017
2016
Revenues
Truckload Transportation Services
$
407,566

$
384,312

$
1,196,071

$
1,136,478

Werner Logistics
104,568

109,459

305,225

310,001

Other
16,020

14,804

47,257

43,148

Corporate
593

313

1,539

1,300

Subtotal
528,747

508,888

1,550,092

1,490,927

Inter-segment eliminations
(104
)
(212
)
(720
)
(768
)
Total
$
528,643

$
508,676

$
1,549,372

$
1,490,159


Operating Income

Truckload Transportation Services
$
34,009

$
19,846

$
93,511

$
74,971

Werner Logistics
1,318

4,894

6,652

16,502

Other
1,001

(1,191
)
605

(4,964
)
Corporate
(454
)
5,525

(2,009
)
4,605

Total
$
35,874

$
29,074

$
98,759

$
91,114


(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, 2017 , 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 $0.4 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.

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, Derivatives and Hedging , 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

13

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.

14

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 2016 Form 10-K.

Overview:
We have two reportable segments, Truckload Transportation Services (“Truckload”) and Werner Logistics, 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, 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, Dedicated and Temperature Controlled) 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, which consist primarily of the intra-Mexico portion of cross-border 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 2017 to third quarter 2016, 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

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 five operating units within our Werner Logistics segment (Brokerage, Freight Management, Intermodal, Werner Global Logistics international and Final Mile). 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
2017
2016
2017
2016
3ME
9ME
(Amounts in thousands)
$
%
$
%
$
%
$
%
%
%
Operating revenues
$
528,643

100.0

$
508,676

100.0

$
1,549,372

100.0

$
1,490,159

100.0

3.9
%
4.0
%
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits
170,238

32.2

162,862

32.0

500,620

32.3

479,298

32.2

4.5
%
4.4
%
Fuel
50,266

9.5

40,638

8.0

140,551

9.1

112,034

7.5

23.7
%
25.5
%
Supplies and maintenance
41,986

7.9

41,027

8.1

120,276

7.8

130,559

8.8

2.3
%
(7.9
)%
Taxes and licenses
21,671

4.1

21,540

4.2

64,095

4.1

64,353

4.3

0.6
%
(0.4
)%
Insurance and claims
20,669

3.9

19,106

3.8

60,336

3.9

59,384

4.0

8.2
%
1.6
%
Depreciation
53,578

10.1

51,781

10.2

162,619

10.5

152,849

10.3

3.5
%
6.4
%
Rent and purchased transportation
126,087

23.9

133,876

26.3

377,146

24.3

379,155

25.4

(5.8
)%
(0.5
)%
Communications and utilities
4,199

0.8

4,206

0.8

12,158

0.8

12,110

0.8

(0.2
)%
0.4
%
Other
4,075

0.8

4,566

0.9

12,812

0.8

9,303

0.6

(10.8
)%
37.7
%
Total operating expenses
492,769

93.2

479,602

94.3

1,450,613

93.6

1,399,045

93.9

2.7
%
3.7
%

Operating income
35,874

6.8

29,074

5.7

98,759

6.4

91,114

6.1

23.4
%
8.4
%
Total other expense (income)
(186
)
—

(260
)
(0.1
)
(371
)
—

(1,167
)
(0.1
)
28.5
%
68.2
%
Income before income taxes
36,060

6.8

29,334

5.8

99,130

6.4

92,281

6.2

22.9
%
7.4
%
Income taxes
13,543

2.5

10,414

2.1

37,375

2.4

34,963

2.4

30.0
%
6.9
%
Net income
$
22,517

4.3

$
18,920

3.7

$
61,755

4.0

$
57,318

3.8

19.0
%
7.7
%



16

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,
2017
2016
2017
2016
Truckload Transportation Services (amounts in thousands)
$
%
$
%
$
%
$
%
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge
$
351,114

$
336,673

$
1,029,036

$
1,008,738

Trucking fuel surcharge revenues
50,164

41,994

147,641

111,018

Non-trucking and other operating revenues
6,288

5,645

19,394

16,722

Operating revenues
407,566

100.0
384,312

100.0
1,196,071

100.0
1,136,478

100.0
Operating expenses
373,557

91.7
364,466

94.8
1,102,560

92.2
1,061,507

93.4
Operating income
$
34,009

8.3
$
19,846

5.2
$
93,511

7.8
$
74,971

6.6

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Truckload Transportation Services
2017
2016
% Change
2017
2016
% Change
Operating ratio, net of fuel surcharge revenues (1)
90.5
%
94.2
%
91.1
%
92.7
%
Average revenues per tractor per week (2)
$
3,693

$
3,589

2.9
%
$
3,634

$
3,547

2.4
%
Average trip length in miles (loaded)
469

468

0.2
%
469

466

0.6
%
Average percentage of empty miles (3)
12.53
%
12.55
%
(0.2
)%
12.40
%
13.08
%
(5.2
)%
Average tractors in service
7,314

7,216

1.4
%
7,261

7,291

(0.4
)%
Total trailers (at quarter end)
22,435

22,655

22,435

22,655

Total tractors (at quarter end):
Company
6,700

6,355

6,700

6,355

Independent contractor
675

820

675

820

Total tractors
7,375

7,175

7,375

7,175


(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,
2017
2016
2017
2016
Werner Logistics (amounts in thousands)
$
%
$
%
$
%
$
%
Operating revenues
$
104,568

100.0
$
109,459

100.0
$
305,225

100.0
$
310,001

100.0
Rent and purchased transportation expense
89,507

85.6
91,695

83.8
259,277

84.9
255,954

82.6
Gross margin
15,061

14.4
17,764

16.2
45,948

15.1
54,047

17.4
Other operating expenses
13,743

13.1
12,870

11.7
39,296

12.9
37,545

12.1
Operating income
$
1,318

1.3
$
4,894

4.5
$
6,652

2.2
$
16,502

5.3
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Werner Logistics
2017
2016
% Change
2017
2016
% Change
Average tractors in service
48

75

(36.0
)%
53

71

(25.4
)%
Total trailers (at quarter end)
1,655

1,590

4.1
%
1,655

1,590

4.1
%
Total tractors (at quarter end)
47

86

(45.3
)%
47

86

(45.3
)%

17

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues increased 3.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 , compared to the same period of the prior year. When comparing third quarter 2017 to third quarter 2016 , Truckload segment revenues increased $23.3 million or 6.1% , and Werner Logistics revenues decreased $4.9 million or 4.5% .

Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge, increased 4.3% in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 due to a 2.9% increase in average revenues per tractor per week and a 1.4% increase in average tractors in service. Our average revenues per total mile, net of fuel surcharge, increased by 3.4% in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 and average miles per truck decreased by 0.5%.

Third quarter 2017 freight demand in our One-Way Truckload fleet improved throughout the quarter. In July and August 2017, freight trended better than normal and meaningfully better than the challenging freight market of third quarter 2016. As we moved into September, the freight market strengthened further due in part to the significant disruption caused by two major hurricanes in south Texas and Florida. These catastrophic weather events resulted in short-term costs in September due to out-of-route miles, higher fuel costs, equipment issues, and driver domicile issues; additionally, the multiple days of school closings at our Florida-based driving schools negatively impacted our driver hiring. At the same time, these events improved spot market pricing and further widened the positive gap between demand and capacity, which better positions the freight and contractual rate markets going forward. Freight volumes in October 2017 were seasonally better than normal.

Freight metrics have improved, and we have increasing confidence that contractual rates will strengthen over the next few quarters, particularly noting the improving freight market conditions and the expected tightening of supply when the electronic hours of service mandate for the trucking industry becomes effective on December 18, 2017.

The average number of tractors in service in the Truckload segment increased 1.4% to 7,314 in third quarter 2017 from 7,216 in third quarter 2016 . We ended third quarter 2017 with 7,375 trucks in the Truckload segment, a year-over-year increase of 200 trucks compared to the end of third quarter 2016 , and a sequential increase of 60 trucks compared to the end of second quarter 2017. We cannot predict whether future driver shortages, if any, will adversely affect our ability to maintain our fleet size. If such a driver 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 increased 19.5% to $50.2 million in third quarter 2017 from $42.0 million in third quarter 2016 due to higher average fuel prices in the 2017 quarter. These 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. 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 five 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 $0.1 million in third quarter 2017 and $0.2 million in third quarter 2016 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 2017 , Werner Logistics revenues decreased $4.9 million or 4.5% , and operating income dollars decreased $3.6 million or 73.1% , compared to third quarter 2016 . The Werner Logistics gross margin percentage in third quarter 2017 of 14.4% decreased from 16.2% in third quarter 2016 . The Werner Logistics operating income percentage in third quarter 2017 of 1.3% declined from third quarter 2016 of 4.5% . Tighter carrier capacity in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 resulted in higher purchased transportation costs causing the lower gross margin and operating income percentages.

In third quarter 2017, Werner Logistics achieved solid revenue growth year over year in our truck brokerage solution, while our intermodal and international solutions had lower revenues due to more challenging market conditions. As previously disclosed, a large Werner Logistics Freight Management customer (5.5% of Werner Logistics revenues in third quarter 2016) that was acquired

18

in 2015 transitioned to their parent company’s transportation platform mid-quarter during first quarter 2017. We continue to see strong customer acceptance of the value of the Werner Logistics portfolio of service offerings, particularly as the market strengthens and shippers tend to consolidate their logistics business with the stability of larger asset-backed logistics providers.

Operating Expenses
Our operating ratio (operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenues) was 93.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 , compared to 94.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2016 . 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 increased $7.4 million or 4.5% in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 and increased 0.2% as a percentage of operating revenues to 32.2% . The higher dollar amount of salaries, wages and benefits expense in the 2017 third quarter was due primarily to increased company truck miles and higher driver and student pay rates. These increases were partially offset by lower workers’ compensation expense in third quarter 2017. When evaluated on a per-mile basis, driver salaries, wages and benefits also increased, which we primarily attribute to higher driver pay in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016. Non-driver salaries, wages and benefits in the non-trucking Werner Logistics segment increased 8.4%.

We renewed our workers’ compensation insurance coverage for the policy year beginning April 1, 2017. 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 2017 were similar to those for the previous policy year.

The driver recruiting market became more challenging in third quarter 2017. Several ongoing market factors persist including a declining number of, and increased competition for, driver training school graduates, an historically low national unemployment rate, aging truck driver demographics and increased truck safety regulations. We proactively took many significant actions in the last two years 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, investing in our driver training schools and collaborating with customers to improve or eliminate freight with unproductive operating characteristics that prevent our drivers from maximizing productivity. Our driver turnover rate once again improved, achieving the lowest third quarter rate in 19 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 increased $9.6 million or 23.7% in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 and increased 1.5% as a percentage of operating revenues due to higher average diesel fuel prices and increased company truck miles. Average diesel fuel prices were 26 cents per gallon higher in third quarter 2017 than in third quarter 2016 and were 15 cents per gallon higher than in second quarter 2017. The increase was partially offset by slightly improved miles per gallon (“mpg”).

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.

For October 2017, the average diesel fuel price per gallon was approximately 28 cents higher than the average diesel fuel price per gallon in October 2016 and approximately 32 cents higher than in fourth quarter 2016.

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, 2017 , we had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations.


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Supplies and maintenance increased $1.0 million or 2.3% in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 and decreased 0.2% as a percentage of operating revenues due primarily to higher company truck miles driven in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016, partially offset by our younger trailer fleet and the resulting lower equipment maintenance expense. We also incurred higher driver recruiting and other driver-related costs in the 2017 quarter.

Insurance and claims increased $1.6 million or 8.2% in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 and increased 0.1% as a percentage of operating revenues. The increase in third quarter 2017 expense compared to third quarter 2016 was primarily the result of unfavorable development on prior period 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, 2017 and took on additional risk exposure by increasing our self-insured retention and deductible levels. Effective on that date, we are responsible for the first $3.0 million per claim with an annual $6.0 million aggregate for claims between $3.0 million and $5.0 million. We also have an additional $5.0 million deductible per claim for each claim between $5.0 million and $10.0 million. As a result, we are responsible for the first $10.0 million per claim, until we meet the $6.0 million aggregate for claims between $3.0 million and $5.0 million. For the policy year that ended July 31, 2016, we were 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 between $5.0 million and $10.0 million. We maintain liability insurance coverage with insurance carriers substantially in excess of the $10.0 million per claim. As a result of the higher self-insured retention and deductible amounts under the new policies, our liability insurance premiums for the policy year that began August 1, 2017 are about $3.7 million lower than premiums for the previous policy year.

Depreciation expense increased $1.8 million or 3.5% in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 and decreased 0.1% as a percentage of operating revenues. This expense increase is 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 and the purchase of new trailers over the past 12 months to replace older used trailers which were fully depreciated.

In 2015 and 2016, we invested nearly $1 billion of capital expenditures (before sales of equipment) primarily to reduce the average age of our trucks and trailers. Our investment in newer trucks and trailers improves our driver experience, raises operational efficiency and helps us to better manage our maintenance, safety and fuel costs. We intend to maintain our newer fleet age of trucks and trailers. The average age of our company truck fleet was at 1.9 years as of September 30, 2017.

Rent and purchased transportation expense decreased $7.8 million or 5.8% in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 and decreased 2.4% 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 decreased $2.2 million, but as a percentage of Werner Logistics revenues increased to 85.6% in third quarter 2017 from 83.8% in third quarter 2016. Tighter industry-wide carrier capacity in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 resulted in higher purchased transportation costs causing the lower gross margin percentage.

Rent and purchased transportation for the Truckload segment decreased $5.8 million in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016. This decrease is due primarily to lower payments to independent contractors due to fewer independent contractor trucks and miles during third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016, partially offset by higher average fuel reimbursement per mile in the 2017 quarter. Independent contractor miles as a percentage of total miles were 11.8% in third quarter 2017 compared to 14.8% in third quarter 2016. Because independent contractors supply their own tractors and drivers and are responsible for their operating expenses, the decrease in independent contractor miles as a percentage of total miles shifted costs from the rent and purchased transportation category to other expense categories, including (i) salaries, wages and benefits, (ii) fuel, (iii) depreciation, (iv) supplies and maintenance and (v) taxes and licenses.

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.

20

Other operating expenses decreased $0.5 million or 10.8% in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 and decreased 0.1% 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 $2.2 million in third quarter 2017 compared to $3.1 million in third quarter 2016, which included a $6.5 million real estate gain and $3.4 million of losses on equipment sales. In third quarter 2017, we sold fewer trucks and fewer trailers than in third quarter 2016. We realized average gains per truck in third quarter 2017 compared to average losses in third quarter 2016 and realized lower average gains per trailer in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016. The used truck pricing market remained difficult in third quarter 2017 due to a higher than normal supply of used trucks in the market and low buyer demand. Other operating expenses, primarily provision for doubtful accounts related to the driver training schools and professional and consulting fees, declined by $1.4 million in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016.

Other Expense (Income)
Other expense (income) increased $0.1 million and increased 0.1% as a percentage of operating revenues in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 . Interest income was lower in the 2017 quarter due primarily to lower average outstanding notes receivable, and interest expense was lower as well.

Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate (income taxes expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes) was 37.6% in third quarter 2017 and 35.5% in third quarter 2016. The higher income tax rate in 2017 is attributed primarily to a lower amount of favorable tax adjustments for the remeasurement of uncertain tax positions in third quarter 2017 compared to third quarter 2016 and the effect of applying a state tax rate increase to our deferred tax liabilities, partially offset by recognizing excess tax benefits related to share-based awards as a component of income tax expense.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues increased 4.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , compared to the same period of the prior year. In the Truckload segment, trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge, increased 2.0% in the 2017 year-to-date period compared to the 2016 year-to-date period due primarily to a 2.4% increase in average revenues per tractor per week, partially offset by a 0.4% decrease in the average number of tractors in service. Average revenues per total mile, net of fuel surcharge, increased 2.3% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, and average monthly miles per tractor increased by 0.2%. Truckload segment fuel surcharge revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased $36.6 million or 33.0% when compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to higher average fuel prices in the 2017 period. Werner Logistics revenues decreased to $305.2 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $310.0 million in the same 2016 period.
Operating Expenses
Our operating ratio (operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenues) was 93.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to 93.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. 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 increased $21.3 million or 4.4% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016 and increased as a percentage of operating revenues to 32.3%. The higher dollar amount of salaries, wages and benefits expense was due primarily to higher driver and student pay rates, increased company truck miles and higher workers’ compensation expense in the 2017 period. When evaluated on a per-mile basis, driver salaries increased as well. Non-driver salaries, wages and benefits in the non-trucking Werner Logistics segment increased 9.8%.
Fuel increased $28.5 million or 25.5% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 and increased 1.6% as a percentage of operating revenues due primarily to higher average diesel fuel prices in 2017, partially offset by improved mpg. Average diesel fuel prices were 30 cents per gallon higher in the first nine months of 2017 than in the same 2016 period.
Supplies and maintenance decreased $10.3 million or 7.9% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 and decreased 1.0% as a percentage of operating revenues. Repairs and maintenance for our tractor and trailer fleets decreased in the year-to-date 2017 period despite higher company driver miles driven due to a newer fleet of tractors and trailers. These decreases were partially offset by higher driver recruiting and other driver-related costs in the 2017 period.

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Insurance and claims expense increased $1.0 million or 1.6% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 but decreased 0.1% as a percentage of operating revenues. The higher expense in the 2017 year-to-date period was due primarily to higher liability insurance premiums related to the policy year that ended July 31, 2017.
Depreciation expense increased $9.8 million or 6.4% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same 2016 period and increased 0.2% as a percentage of operating revenues due primarily to a change during fourth quarter 2016 in the estimated life of certain trucks to more rapidly depreciate the trucks to their residual values due to the weak used truck market, which resulted in additional depreciation expense of $3.4 million in 2017, and the higher cost of new trucks purchased versus used trucks that were sold. 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.
Rent and purchased transportation expense decreased $2.0 million or 0.5% in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same 2016 period and decreased 1.1% as a percentage of operating revenues. Rent and purchased transportation for the Truckload segment decreased $5.3 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same 2016 period. This decrease is due primarily to fewer independent contractor miles driven in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. Independent contractor miles as a percentage of total miles were 12.4% and 14.4% in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively. Werner Logistics rent and purchased transportation expense increased $3.3 million and as a percentage of Werner Logistics revenues increased to 84.9% in the 2017 period from 82.6% in the 2016 period. Tighter industry-wide carrier capacity in the 2017 period compared to the 2016 period resulted in higher purchased transportation costs causing the lower gross margin percentage.
Other operating expenses increased $3.5 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 and increased 0.2% as a percentage of operating revenues. Gains on sales of assets (primarily used trucks and trailers) decreased to $6.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $13.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, which included gains of $10.5 million from sales of real estate. In the 2017 year-to-date period, we sold fewer trucks and trailers, realized average gains per truck compared to average losses and realized lower average gains per trailer sold when compared to same period of 2016. Provision for doubtful accounts related to our driver schools and professional and consulting fees were lower in the 2017 period.
Other Expense (Income)
Other expense (income) increased $0.8 million in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same 2016 period and increased 0.1% as a percentage of operating revenues, due primarily to lower interest income. Interest income decreased due to lower average outstanding notes receivable in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the first nine months of 2016.
Income Taxes
Our effective income tax rate (income taxes expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes) decreased to 37.7% for the first nine months of 2017 from 37.9% for the first nine months of 2016. The lower income tax rate is attributed primarily to recognizing excess tax benefits related to share-based awards as a component of income tax expense, partially offset by a lower amount of favorable tax adjustments for the remeasurement of uncertain tax positions in the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same period of 2016.

Liquidity and Capital Resources:
During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we generated cash flow from operations of $216.9 million, an 8% or $15.8 million increase in cash flows compared to the same nine -month period a year ago. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities resulted primarily from the effect of depreciation on net income, lower gain on disposal of operating equipment, and general working capital items, partially offset by a decrease from deferred income taxes. We were able to repay debt, make net capital expenditures and pay dividends with the net cash provided by operating activities and existing cash balances.

Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $110.5 million for the nine -month period ended September 30, 2017 from $280.0 million for the nine -month period ended September 30, 2016 . Net property additions (primarily revenue equipment) were $121.1 million for the nine -month period ended September 30, 2017 , compared to $294.0 million during the same period of 2016. This decrease occurred as we completed a significant reinvestment in our fleet. As of September 30, 2017 , we were committed to property and equipment purchases of approximately $95.2 million. We currently estimate net capital expenditures (primarily revenue equipment) in 2017 to be in the range of $175 million to $225 million, compared to net capital expenditures in 2016 of $429.6 million. We intend to fund these net capital expenditures through cash flow from operations and financing available under our existing credit facilities, if necessary.


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Net financing activities used $113.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , and provided $61.2 million during the same period in 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we repaid $105.0 million of debt; in the same 2016 period, we had borrowings of $135.0 million and repayments of $60.0 million. Our outstanding debt at September 30, 2017 was $75.0 million. We paid dividends of $13.7 million in the nine -month period ended September 30, 2017 and $13.0 million in the period ended September 30, 2016. We increased our quarterly dividend rate by $0.01 per share, or 17%, beginning with the dividend paid in July 2017. We did not repurchase any shares of common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016. 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, 2017 , 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, 2017 is strong. As of September 30, 2017 , we had $10.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and over $1 billion of stockholders’ equity. Cash is invested primarily in government portfolio money market funds. As of September 30, 2017 , 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 $75.0 million. The remaining $250.0 million of credit available under these facilities at September 30, 2017 is reduced by the $28.7 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.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments:
The following tables set forth our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of September 30, 2017 .
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
$
4.1

$
—

$
—

$
—

$
—

$
4.1

Long-term debt including current maturities
75.0

—

75.0

—

—

—

Interest payments on debt
3.7

1.9

1.8

—

—

—

Property and equipment purchase commitments
95.2

95.2

—

—

—

—

Total contractual cash obligations
$
178.0

$
97.1

$
76.8

$
—

$
—

$
4.1

Other Commercial Commitments
Unused lines of credit
$
221.3

$
—

$
221.3

$
—

$
—

$
—

Stand-by letters of credit
28.7

28.7

—

—

—

—

Total commercial commitments
$
250.0

$
28.7

$
221.3

$
—

$
—

$
—

Total obligations
$
428.0

$
125.8

$
298.1

$
—

$
—

$
4.1


As of September 30, 2017 , 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 million credit facility which will expire on July 12, 2020 , and a $75 million term commitment with principal due and payable on September 15, 2019 . We had an unsecured line of credit of $75 million with U.S. Bank, N.A., which will expire on July 13, 2020 . We also had a $75 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, 2017, we had $75 million outstanding under the term commitment at a variable rate of 1.83%, which is effectively fixed at 2.5% with an interest rate swap agreement. Interest payments on debt are based on the debt balance and interest rates at September 30, 2017 . 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, 2017 , we had recorded a $4.1 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 $4.1 million categorized as “period unknown” will be settled.



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Regulations:

Item 1 of Part I of our 2016 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 2016 Form 10-K.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) proposed to change the method for assigning a motor carrier’s Safety Fitness Determination (“SFD”) in January 2016, which would replace the three-tier federal rating system in place since 1982 with a single determination of “unfit.” FMCSA announced on March 23, 2017 that it has withdrawn the SFD proposed rule altogether, pending completion of a study of the agency’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program.

Interstate carriers are subject to the FMCSA Hours of Service (“HOS”) regulations. FMCSA adopted a final rule in December 2011 that included provisions affecting restart periods, rest breaks, on-duty time, and penalties for violations, and we began dispatching drivers under the revised HOS rules effective July 1, 2013. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 was passed by Congress with HOS language to reduce negative effects of restricted hours and require the FMCSA study to demonstrate results with statistically significant improvements in safety and driver health, among other things, before the agency could reinstate restart rule restrictions that became effective in July 2013. In March 2017, FMCSA released the HOS Restart study report, which indicated that the restrictions do not improve safety; as a result, the pre-July 2013 restart rule continues to be in effect indefinitely.

In an effort to increase highway safety and improve compliance, Werner supports FMCSA’s electronic logging devices (“ELDs”) mandate. The final ELD rule was issued in December 2015 and becomes effective on December 18, 2017, when carriers must adopt and use compliant ELDs. In March 2016, a legal complaint was filed by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (“OOIDA”) to overturn the ELD mandate. OOIDA asked the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals to strike down the rule, arguing the rule is an unconstitutional violation of truckers’ rights and will do little to enhance safety. On October 31, 2016, OOIDA’s lawsuit was denied. OOIDA appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court on April 11, 2017. On June 12, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court denied OOIDA’s request to take on the issue, leaving in place the lower court’s ruling to uphold the mandate and its December 18, 2017 effective date.

FMCSA issued its final rule for Entry-Level Driver Training (“ELDT”) in December 2016. On December 27, 2016, four groups petitioned FMCSA to reconsider the final rule. The petition was denied by FMCSA on January 19, 2017. This final rule was slated to take effect February 6, 2017, with a compliance date of February 7, 2020; however, agencies were directed by the President in January 2017 to postpone for 60 days the effective date of rules published in the Federal Register but not yet effective. On May 23, 2017, the rule was delayed for a third time; as a result, the final rule became effective June 5, 2017. The compliance date is still set for February 7, 2020.

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 us 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 2016 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 2016 Form 10-K.




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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 2017.

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 additional guidance related to revenue recognition matters in subsequent ASUs, including a one-year deferral of the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard. As a result of the deferral, the new standard will become effective for us beginning January 1, 2018. The standard permits the use of either the full retrospective or modified retrospective (cumulative effect) transition method. We have established an implementation team which is evaluating the effect that adopting the standard will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and developing the necessary processes, reporting and controls to comply with the new requirements. We currently intend to adopt the standard using the modified retrospective transition approach. While we have not yet determined the quantitative impact on our consolidated financial statements, we currently expect the new standard to affect the timing of revenue recognition. Today we recognize revenue and related direct costs when the shipment is delivered. The new standard will require us to recognize revenue over time.

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.

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.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash,” which requires an entity to include in its cash and cash-equivalent balances in the statement of cash flows those amounts that are deemed to be restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. The provisions of this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are evaluating the effect ASU No. 2016-18 will have on our consolidated cash flows and related disclosures.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting,” which provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting. The provisions of this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2017-09 will have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities,” with the objective of improving the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. The provisions of this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2017-12 will have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Other ASUs not identified above and which are not effective until after September 30, 2017 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, 2017 , 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 $0.6 million for third quarter 2017 and $1.0 million for third quarter 2016. These 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 million of debt outstanding at September 30, 2017 , 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. Interest rates on our unused credit facilities are based on the LIBOR (see Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments). Increases in interest rates could impact our annual interest expense on future borrowings.
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, 2017 , 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 2017 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:
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 2, 2017
By:
/s/ John J. Steele
John J. Steele
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer
Date: November 2, 2017
By:
/s/ James L. Johnson
James L. Johnson
Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting
Officer and Corporate Secretary

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