Schneider National, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2020 Results

Schneider National, Inc. (NYSE: SNDR, “Schneider” or the “Company”), a leading transportation and logistics services company, today announced results for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

“Our first quarter results are a direct reflection of the integral role our portfolio of services plays, especially during difficult times, in meeting the fundamental needs of consumers,” said Mark Rourke, Chief Executive Officer and President of Schneider. “Our hearts go out to the millions of people impacted by the COVID-19 virus. The health and well-being of every Schneider associate, owner-operator and their families, our customers and the communities in which we live and operate in are our top priorities.”

“We are navigating this situation from a position of strength,” Rourke continued. “Our resilient balance sheet and ample liquidity allow us to focus our efforts on safety, execution, service, and long-term positioning of our business. Our broad and scaled portfolio of services anchored on our Quest technology platform allows for flexible redeployment of drivers and equipment to support the dynamic supply chain needs of our diverse customer base. The combination of these factors positions the Company for long-term success and value creation.”

“Of Schneider’s workforce of nearly 19,000, the vast majority cannot work from home,” Rourke stated. “These are drivers, owner-operators, shop, warehouse and driver services personnel. I am especially thankful for their commitment and dedication during this time. To the healthcare professionals, first responders, and all others on the front line fighting this virus, we are truly grateful for your efforts and service.”

Results of Operations (unaudited)

The following table summarizes the Company’s results of operations for the periods indicated:

Enterprise

Enterprise operating revenues for the first quarter of 2020 were $1.1 billion, a decrease of $75.0 million, or 6%, compared to the same quarter in 2019. The shutdown of First to Final Mile (FTFM) in 2019 accounted for $31.6 million of the decrease in revenue, with the remaining primarily due to a large customer warehouse insourcing during 2019 in the Company's import/export business and decreased fuel surcharge revenues. Enterprise income from operations for the first quarter of 2020 was $54.9 million, an increase of $3.4 million, or 7%, compared to the same quarter in 2019. On a year over year basis, earnings were favorably impacted by the elimination of FTFM operating losses, which were $12.1 million in the first quarter of 2019, ongoing benefits from cost savings initiatives, and lower fuel costs. Negatively impacting year over year earnings was a $7.6 million decrease related to equipment dispositions and valuations, as the first quarter of 2020 included $4.8 million of equipment losses and impairments while the first quarter of 2019 included $2.8 million of equipment gains.

In the first quarter of 2020, the Company recorded a $6.1 million non-operating, mark-to-market gain on its ownership interest in Platform Science. In the second quarter of 2018, the Company contributed a non-exclusive license and invested proprietary intellectual property in return for an ownership interest in Platform Science. The collaborative effort is focused on the transformation of the driver's in-cab experience through a software-based telematics platform utilizing an IoT (Internet of Things) ecosystem which can be customized to the needs and requirements of transportation and logistics customers.

Free cash flow was $109.1 million in the first quarter of 2020, compared to $83.1 million in the same quarter a year ago. The Company ended the quarter with $649.8 million of cash and investments and $375.8 million of available credit capacity. At March 31, 2020, the Company had $336.9 million of debt and expects to repay a $30.0 million senior note at maturity in September of this year.

Results of Operations – Reportable Segments

Truckload

Truckload revenues (excluding fuel surcharge) for the first quarter of 2020 were $469.4 million, a decrease of $62.4 million, or 12%, compared to the same quarter in 2019 primarily due to the shutdown of FTFM and lower price, partially offset by improved productivity. Pre-COVID-19, for-hire volumes and dedicated activity, in both existing and new business development, were ahead of plan. In the second half of March, COVID-19 brought about increased demand. Truckload redeployed several hundred drivers from certain Dedicated accounts designated as non-essential to support customers that experienced elevated demand for essential products.

Truckload income from operations was $36.6 million in the first quarter 2020, an increase of $13.4 million, or 58%, compared to the same quarter in 2019. The shutdown of FTFM, lower fuel costs and improved variable cost management in areas of driver recruiting, safety and maintenance more than offset lower price, equipment losses and impairment charges. Truckload segment operating ratio was 92.2% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 95.6% in the first quarter of 2019.

Intermodal

Intermodal revenues (excluding fuel surcharge) for the first quarter of 2020 were $238.0 million, flat with the first quarter of 2019. Revenue per order decreased $98, or 4%, compared to the same quarter in 2019 primarily due to a higher mix of shorter length of haul volume in the East. In the quarter, orders increased 3% in a declining domestic intermodal market.

Intermodal income from operations for the first quarter of 2020 was $16.3 million, a decrease of $3.6 million, or 18%, compared to the same quarter in 2019 primarily due to increased rail purchased transportation costs. Intermodal operating ratio was 93.2% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 91.6% in the first quarter of 2019.

Logistics

Logistics revenues (excluding fuel surcharge) for the first quarter of 2020 were $239.6 million, a decrease of $4.3 million, or 2%, compared to the same quarter in 2019. Increased revenue from brokerage volume growth essentially offset the April 2019 large customer warehouse insourcing in the Company's import/export business.

Logistics income from operations for the first quarter of 2020 was $4.2 million, a decrease of $6.1 million, or 59%, compared to the same quarter in 2019 due primarily to continued brokerage net revenue compression. The prior year warehouse insourcing had minimal impact on year over year earnings in the quarter. Logistics operating ratio was 98.2% in the first quarter of 2020, compared to 95.8% in the first quarter of 2019.

Business Update and Outlook

“Our base case assumptions coming into April were that the largest impacts of the virus-driven economic disruption on our business volumes would be incurred in the second quarter, and that steady improvement would occur throughout the third and fourth quarters,” Rourke stated. “While it is unknown how this will ultimately play out, the base case assumptions have held to date. Our Truckload and Intermodal freight volumes stabilized in late April after steadily declining earlier in the month and brokerage has experienced improved net revenue.”

“In late April, Truckload volumes are down upper single-digit percentages from the prior year, and Intermodal volumes are down upper teen percentages,” Rourke continued. “In addition, while there is still much to play out, we are starting to see encouraging signs that some impacted customers and suppliers are in the process of reopening or ramping up their operations.”

“However, given that there is ongoing uncertainty regarding the timing and pace of recovery, we are suspending our full year 2020 EPS guidance,” stated Rourke. “Regarding capital expenditures, we are maintaining investments in replacement equipment, while also curtailing several discretionary projects and accelerating our technology spend. The net result is that our updated full year 2020 net capital expenditure guidance is approximately $260 million.”

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company has presented certain non-GAAP financial measures, including revenues (excluding fuel surcharge), adjusted income from operations, adjusted operating ratio, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share. Management believes the use of non-GAAP measures assists investors in understanding the business, as further described below. The non-GAAP information provided is used by Company management and may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies. The non-GAAP measures used herein have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of results as reported under GAAP.

A reconciliation of net income per share to adjusted diluted earnings per share as projected for 2020 is not provided. Schneider does not forecast net income per share as the Company cannot, without unreasonable effort, estimate or predict with certainty various components of net income. The components of net income that cannot be predicted include expenses for items that do not relate to core operating performance, such as costs related to potential future acquisitions, as well as the related tax impact of these items. Further, in the future, other items with similar characteristics to those currently included in adjusted net income, that have a similar impact on the comparability of periods, and which are not known at this time may exist and impact adjusted net income.

About Schneider National, Inc.

Schneider National is a leading transportation and logistics services company providing a broad portfolio of premier truckload, intermodal and logistics solutions, and operating one of the largest for-hire trucking fleets in North America. The Company believes it has developed a differentiated business model that is difficult to replicate due to its scale, breadth of complementary service offerings, and proprietary technology platform. Its highly flexible and balanced business combines asset-based truckload services with asset-light intermodal and non-asset logistics offerings, enabling the Company to serve customers’ diverse transportation needs. Since its founding in 1935, the Company believes it has become an iconic and trusted brand within the transportation industry by adhering to a culture of safety “first and always” and upholding its responsibility to associates, customers, and the communities the Company serves.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This earnings release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations, beliefs, plans, or forecasts with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance and trends in the business and industry. The words “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “prospects,” “potential,” “budget,” “forecast,” “continue,” “predict,” “seek,” “objective,” “goal,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “effort,” “target,” and similar words, expressions, terms, and phrases among others, generally identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, expectations, projections, goals, forecasts, assumptions, risks, and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that a forward-looking statement is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statement.

The statements in this news release are based on currently available information and the current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions of the Company's management concerning risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those outcomes or results that are projected, anticipated, or implied in these statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 19, 2020, subsequent Reports on Form 10-Q and 8-K and our other filings we make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition to any such risks, uncertainties, and other factors discussed elsewhere herein, risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause or contribute to actual results differing materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Economic and business risks inherent in the truckload and transportation industry, including competitive pressures pertaining to pricing, capacity, and service;
• Our ability to successfully manage the demand, supply, and operational challenges (including the impact of reduced freight volumes) associated with a disease outbreak, including epidemics, pandemics, or similar widespread public health concerns (including the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, outbreak);
• Our ability to maintain key customer and supply arrangements (including Dedicated arrangements) and to manage disruption of our business due to factors outside of our control, such as natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, disease outbreaks, or pandemics;
• Our ability to manage and implement effectively our growth and diversification strategies and cost saving initiatives;
• Our dependence on our reputation and the Schneider brand and the potential for adverse publicity, damage to our reputation, and the loss of brand equity;
• Risks related to demand for our service offerings;
• Risks associated with the loss of a significant customer or customers;
• Capital investments that fail to match customer demand or for which we cannot obtain adequate funding;
• Fluctuations in the price or availability of fuel, the volume and terms of diesel fuel purchase commitments, and our ability to recover fuel costs through our fuel surcharge programs;
• Our ability to attract and retain qualified drivers and owner-operators;
• Our reliance on owner-operators to provide a portion of our truck fleet;
• Our dependence on railroads in the operation of our intermodal business;
• Service instability from third-party capacity providers used by our logistics brokerage business;
• Changes in the outsourcing practices of our third-party logistics customers;
• Difficulty in obtaining material, equipment, goods, and services from our vendors and suppliers;
• Variability in insurance and claims expenses and the risks of insuring claims through our captive insurance company;
• The impact of laws and regulations that apply to our business, including those that relate to the environment, taxes, employees, owner-operators, and our captive insurance company; changes to those laws and regulations; and the increased costs of compliance with existing or future federal, state, and local regulations;
• Political, economic, and other risks from cross-border operations and operations in multiple countries;
• Risks associated with financial, credit, and equity markets, including our ability to service indebtedness and fund capital expenditures and strategic initiatives;
• Negative seasonal patterns generally experienced in the trucking industry during traditionally slower shipping periods and winter months;
• Risks associated with severe weather and similar events;
• Significant systems disruptions, including those caused by cybersecurity events;
• Exposure to claims and lawsuits in the ordinary course of business; and
• Our ability to adapt to new technologies and new participants in the truckload and transportation industry.

The Company disclaims any intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of its forward-looking statements after the date of this release to reflect actual results or future events or circumstances whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

The Company will host an earnings conference call today at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The conference call can be accessed by dialing 877-451-6152 (U.S.) or 201-389-0879 (international). A replay will be available approximately three hours after the call through May 7 by dialing 844-512-2921 (U.S.) or 412-317-6671 (international). The passcode for the replay is 13700011. A live webcast of the conference call can also be accessed on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, schneider.com.

Schneider National, Inc.
Key Performance Indicators by Segment
(unaudited)

We monitor and analyze a number of KPIs in order to manage our business and evaluate our financial and operating performance. Below are our KPIs by segment.

Truckload

The following table presents KPIs for our Truckload segment for the periods indicated, consistent with how revenues and expenses are reported internally for segment purposes.

Prior to 2020, we reported KPIs within our Truckload segment by quadrant. Going forward, KPIs will be reported for our dedicated and for-hire operations only. This presentation change does not impact KPIs at the segment level. Descriptions of the two operations that make up our Truckload segment are as follows:

• Dedicated - Transportation services with equipment devoted to customers under long-term contracts.
• For-hire - Transportation services of one-way shipments.

Intermodal

The following table presents our KPIs for our Intermodal segment for the periods indicated.

In support of a few key customers, we provide dray-only service utilizing our drivers and chassis. The length of haul and revenue characteristics of dray-only service are much different than rail. Prior to 2020, we reported orders and revenue per order inclusive of dray-only activity. Due to a recent surge in dray-only activity, orders and revenue per order presented below for both 2020 and 2019 exclude dray-only shipments to not distort period over period comparisons in our core-rail KPIs.

Logistics

The following table presents our KPI for our Logistics segment for the periods indicated:

Schneider National, Inc.
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(unaudited)

In this earnings release, we present the following non-GAAP financial measures: (1) revenues (excluding fuel surcharge), (2) adjusted income from operations, (3) adjusted operating ratio, (4) adjusted net income, (5) adjusted diluted earnings per share, and (6) free cash flow. We also provide reconciliations of these measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

Management believes the use of each of these non-GAAP measures assists investors in understanding our business by (1) removing the impact of items from our operating results that, in our opinion, do not reflect our core operating performance, (2) providing investors with the same information our management uses internally to assess our core operating performance, and (3) presenting comparable financial results between periods. In addition, in the case of revenues (excluding fuel surcharge), we believe the measure is useful to investors because it isolates volume, price, and cost changes directly related to industry demand and the way we operate our business from the external factor of fluctuating fuel prices and the programs we have in place to manage fuel price fluctuations. Fuel-related costs and their impact on our industry are important to our results of operations, but they are often independent of other, more relevant factors affecting our results of operations and our industry.

Although we believe these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors, they have limitations as analytical tools and may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies. You should not consider the non-GAAP measures in this report in isolation or as substitutes for, or alternatives to, analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. The exclusion of unusual or infrequent items or other adjustments reflected in the non-GAAP measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will not be affected by unusual or infrequent items or by other items similar to such adjustments. Our management compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results in addition to using the non-GAAP measures.

Adjustments to arrive at non-GAAP measures are made at the enterprise level, with the exception of fuel surcharge revenues, which are not included in segment revenues.

Revenues (excluding fuel surcharge)

We define “revenues (excluding fuel surcharge)” as operating revenues less fuel surcharge revenues, which are excluded from revenues at the segment level. Included below is a reconciliation of operating revenues, the most closely comparable GAAP financial measure, to revenues (excluding fuel surcharge).

Adjusted income from operations

We define “adjusted income from operations” as income from operations, adjusted to exclude material items that do not reflect our core operating performance. Included below is a reconciliation of income from operations, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to adjusted income from operations. Excluded items for the periods shown are explained in the table and notes below.

Adjusted operating ratio

We define “adjusted operating ratio” as operating expenses, adjusted to exclude material items that do not reflect our core operating performance, divided by revenues (excluding fuel surcharge). Included below is a reconciliation of operating ratio, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to adjusted operating ratio.

Adjusted net income

We define “adjusted net income” as net income, adjusted to exclude material items that do not reflect our core operating performance. Included below is a reconciliation of net income, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to adjusted net income.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (1)

Free cash flow

Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure and is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less net cash used for capital expenditures. The following is a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities, which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to free cash flow.

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