WABASH NATIONAL Corp
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 18, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 18, 2025
WNC$10.91-1.8%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-22.
0000879526-24-000008
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-18.
0000879526-25-000012
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 158 previous paragraphs and 141 current paragraphs.
73 unchanged; 60 reworded; 8 added; 21 removed; 4 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 6 previous and 5 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (8)
Current report
In 2024, the company continued to build on our record setting financial and strategic accomplishments of 2023 by demonstrating improved resilience during an industry down-cycle and maintaining a forward posture by continuing to invest in strategic growth in a manner that's unprecedented relative to market conditions. Operating loss in 2024 totaled $356.1 million and the operating margin was (18.3)%. The Company’s operating loss includes a $450.0 million non-cash charge for punitive damages stemming from the Product Liability Matter as further described in Note 14 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Additional discussion related to financial results are included in the “Results of Operations” section below.
Current report
▪PFAS regulations are being developed and issued by EPA and various states. We are monitoring the regulations and their applicability to our operations and products.
Current report
TS segment sales, prior to the elimination of intersegment sales, were $1,755.1 million in 2024, a decrease of $583.5 million, or 24.9% compared to 2023. The decrease in sales was primarily due to a decline in shipments due to lower demand. New trailers shipped during 2024 totaled 32,100 compared to 44,450 trailers in prior year, a decrease of 27.8%. New truck bodies shipped during 2024 totaled 14,255 compared to 16,070 truck bodies in prior year, a decrease of 11.3%. The decrease in shipments was primarily driven by lower demand due to the softening freight market. Pricing did not see any significant year over year degradation due in part to our continued efforts to tie pricing to key commodity indicators, our curated customer portfolio, and improved pricing processes.
Current report
P&S segment sales, prior to the elimination of intersegment sales, were $205.1 million in 2024, a decrease of $15.8 million, or 7.2%, compared to 2023. The overall decrease in sales for this segment was due primarily to lower sales in our Process Systems and Components businesses of $13.0 million and $14.4 million, respectively, due to decreased demand. The overall decrease in sales was partially offset by higher sales within our Upfitting Solutions and Services business of $10.7 million.
Current report
TS segment gross profit was $217.6 million in 2024 compared to $439.9 million in 2023, a decrease of $222.2 million. Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales prior to the elimination of intersegment sales, was 12.4% in 2024 as compared to 18.8% in 2023, a decrease of 6.4%. The overall decrease in gross profit from the prior year period was primarily driven by the decline in shipments across all of our product lines. Various fixed costs that remained constant reduced gross profit as a percentage of net sales.
Current report
P&S segment gross profit was $47.5 million in 2024 compared to $58.3 million in 2023. Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales prior to the elimination of intersegment sales, was 23.1% in 2024 compared to 26.4% in 2023, a decrease of 3.3%. The overall decrease in gross profit was primarily related to the year over year decrease in sales.
Current report
Senior Notes
Current report
Our liquidity position, defined as cash on hand and available borrowing capacity on the Revolving Credit Agreement, amounted to $421.9 million as of December 31, 2024 and $516.1 million as of December 31, 2023, a decrease of $94.2 million (or 18%). The decrease from the prior year is primarily attributable to a lower cash balance at December 31, 2024, due to a reduction in cash provided by operating activities in 2024 versus 2023. The decrease from the prior year is primarily attributable to a lower cash balance at December 31, 2024, due to a reduction in cash provided by operating activities in 2024 versus 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we had payments of principal totaling $0.9 million and borrowings of principal totaling $0.9 million under the Revolving Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2024, there were no amounts outstanding.
Removed paragraphs (21)
Previous report
The Company’s record operating performance throughout 2023 highlights the success of our adaptability, balanced growth, and diversification, all of which are driven by our long-term strategic plan to transform the Company into the visionary leader of connected solutions for the transportation, logistics, and distribution industries. In December 2023, Wabash was named to Forbes list of America’s Most Successful Small-Cap Companies 2024. Operating income in 2023 totaled a Wabash record $311.9 million and operating margin was 12.3%, both of which are significant increases from 2022 driven in part by record sales and strong demand for our products. Additional discussion related to financial results are included in the “Results of Operations” section below.
Previous report
▪In December 2017, the CARB unveiled its own proposal for new greenhouse gas standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and trailers that operate in California. On September 27, 2018, CARB approved for adoption the California Phase 2 GHG regulation. That regulation largely aligns California’s GHG emission standards and test procedures with the federal Phase 2 GHG emission standards and test procedures, however it would remain applicable to Wabash trailers registered in the state of California. The CARB requirements to be met for model years 2021, 2024, and 2027 become progressively more stringent and are driven by tire rolling resistance and pressure monitoring, aerodynamic drag, and weight—all of which effect CO 2 emissions.
Previous report
TS segment sales, prior to the elimination of intersegment sales, were $2,338.6 million in 2023, an increase of $17.7 million, or 0.8%, compared to 2022. The increase in sales was primarily due to higher revenue per trailer unit along with an increase in truck body shipments. Trailers shipped in 2023 decreased 14.9% as 44,450 trailers were shipped in 2023 compared to 52,210 trailer shipments in 2022. New truck bodies shipped during 2023 totaled 16,070 compared to 14,800 truck bodies in prior year, an increase of 8.6% primarily due to strong demand. The decrease in trailer shipments was primarily driven by our previously announced intentional ramp-down of manufacturing conventional refrigerated van trailers and fewer dry van shipments. While new trailer shipments decreased from the prior year period, higher revenue per new trailer unit along with the increase in truck body shipments and truck body revenue per unit resulted in an overall increase in new trailer and truck body revenue. The increases were primarily due to increased pricing to account for inflation, our curated customer portfolio, and improved pricing processes.
Previous report
P&S segment sales, prior to the elimination of intersegment sales, were $220.9 million in 2023, an increase of $27.4 million, or 14.2%, compared to 2022. The overall increase in sales was primarily attributable to a $16.6 million increase in our upfitting solutions and services businesses based on strong demand for these offerings. There was also an increase in sales within our Engineered Products business of approximately $10.8 million, which was largely due to product mix and higher revenue per unit. In addition, the Wabash Parts LLC parts and distribution entity had higher sales in the current year period of approximately $7.9 million, which was primarily attributable to the fact that the entity was established with our partner during the second quarter of 2022 as further described in Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Previous report
TS segment gross profit was $439.9 million in 2023 compared to $277.8 million in 2022, an increase of $162.0 million. Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales prior to the elimination of intersegment sales, was 18.8% in 2023 as compared to 12.0% in 2022, an increase of 6.8%. The overall increase in gross profit from the prior year period was primarily driven by an increase in our dry van products of approximately $95.2 million. In addition, our truck bodies, tank trailers, and platforms had increases from the prior year period. Each of these increases, as well as the increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales, was primarily attributable to higher revenue per new trailer unit and truck body due to increased pricing to account for inflation, our curated customer portfolio, and improved pricing processes.
Previous report
P&S segment gross profit was $58.3 million in 2023 compared to $44.8 million in 2022. Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales prior to the elimination of intersegment sales, was 26.4% in 2023 compared to 23.2% in 2022, an increase of 3.2%. The overall increase in gross profit was primarily related to an increase within our Engineered Products business of approximately $6.1 million. In addition, our upfitting solutions and services businesses increased approximately $4.7 million from the prior year period on strong demand for these offerings. Finally, our Composites business, which focuses on the use of DuraPlate® composite panels beyond the semi-trailer market, increased approximately $2.4 million compared to the prior year period due in part to increased pricing.
Previous report
Senior Notes due 2028
Previous report
The sale of the New Senior Notes resulted in net proceeds of approximately $395 million, after deducting financing fees and other offering expenses. We used the net proceeds of the New Senior Notes and a portion of the $50 million draw from the increased capacity under the Revolving Credit Agreement to fund the redemption in full of the Senior Notes due 2025, to repay in full the $108.8 million of outstanding borrowings under the term loan credit agreement entered into on September 28, 2020 (the “New Term Loan Credit Agreement”) among us, the lenders from time to time party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as the administrative agent, and to pay all related fees and expenses. (The New Term Loan Credit Agreement refinanced and replaced that certain Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of May 8, 2012 (as amended, restated, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Old Term Loan Credit Agreement”), among us, the lenders party thereto and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as the administrative agent.) Debt extinguishment charges totaling $9.1 million were recorded during the fourth quarter of 2021 in connection with the redemption in full of the Senior Notes due 2025 and the repayment in full of the outstanding borrowings under the New Term Loan Credit Agreement. The loss on debt extinguishment charges is included in Other, net on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Previous report
Contractual coupon interest expense and accretion of discount and fees for the Senior Notes due 2025, which were redeemed in full during the fourth quarter of 2021 as described above, for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $13.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
Previous report
Our liquidity position, defined as cash on hand and available borrowing capacity on the Revolving Credit Agreement, amounted to $516.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and $401.2 million as of December 31, 2022, an increase of $114.9 million (or 29%). The increase from the prior year is primarily attributable to a higher cash balance due to favorable cash flow from operations.
Previous report
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we had net payments of principal of $130.6 million and net borrowings of principal of $97.6 million under the Revolving Credit Agreement, and as of December 31, 2022, there were no amounts outstanding.
Previous report
New and Old Term Loan Credit Agreements
Previous report
As described above, in October 2021, we used the net proceeds of the New Senior Notes and a portion of the $50 million draw from the increased capacity under the Revolving Credit Agreement to repay in full the $108.8 million of outstanding borrowings under the New Term Loan Credit Agreement. In addition to the full repayment during the fourth quarter, during the second quarter of 2021, we made principal payments totaling $30.0 million and recognized loss on debt extinguishment charges of approximately $0.5 million. The extinguishment charges are included in Other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Previous report
For the year ended December 31, 2021, under the New Term Loan Credit Agreement we paid interest of $3.9 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we incurred charges of $0.2 million for amortization of fees and original issuance discount, which are included in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Previous report
Impairment of Trade Name and Trademark Intangible Assets (2021)
Previous report
As further described in Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, on January 10, 2022, we completed our review and approval of our plan for rebranding as Wabash®. As part of the planning process, we assessed our usage of trade names and brand names in connection with the long-term growth strategy as One Wabash. Under the plan as approved, we no longer use certain trade names or brand names, and predominantly use Wabash (or variations thereof) to refer to the Company. The decision resulted in non-cash impairment charges of approximately $28.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2021 related to trade name and trademark intangible assets due to the significant reduction in the related useful lives of these assets.
Previous report
In connection with the Company’s segment realignment beginning in September 2021 described in greater detail below, the Company performed a quantitative assessment for each reporting unit utilizing a combination of the income and market approaches, the results of which were weighted evenly. No impairment was indicated in either annual test as the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its respective carrying value.
Previous report
2021 Segment Realignment
Previous report
As further described in Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, beginning in September 2021 we realigned our operating and reportable segments. Based on these changes, we established two operating and reportable segments: Transportation Solutions (“TS”) and Parts & Services (“P&S”). These operating and reportable segments were also determined to be the applicable reporting units for purposes of goodwill assignment and evaluation. In accordance with the relevant accounting guidance, we performed a quantitative impairment assessment of goodwill immediately prior to and subsequently following the change in segments and reporting units. The quantitative analyses did not result in any impairment charges as the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded the carrying value. In addition, as part of the change in segment structure, we reassigned goodwill from the historical Commercial Trailer Products (“CTP”), Diversified Products (“DPG”), and Final Mile Products (“FMP”) reporting units to the TS and P&S reporting units using a relative fair value allocation approach as required by the relevant accounting guidance.
Previous report
Goodwill Allocation for Extract Technology® (“Extract”)
Previous report
As further described in Note 21 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, during the second quarter of 2021, we sold our Extract business that manufactured stainless steel isolators and downflow booths, as well as custom-fabricated equipment, including workstations and drum booths for the pharmaceutical, fine chemical, biotech, and nuclear end markets. Prior to the divestiture, Extract was an operating unit within the historical Process Systems reporting unit (which was within the historical DPG segment). In accordance with the relevant accounting guidance, as part of the sale we allocated $11.1 million of goodwill based upon the relative fair value of the Extract operating unit compared to the historical DPG reporting unit as a whole. This goodwill was included in the carrying value of the disposed assets and the resulting net gain recognized in connection with the sale. Prior to and subsequent to the divestiture, we performed an impairment assessment for the historical DPG reporting unit and concluded the fair value of the reporting unit continued to exceed the carrying value.
Reworded paragraphs (60)
Previous wording
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) describes the matters that we consider to be important to understanding the results of our operations for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and our capital resources and liquidity as of December 31, 2023. Our discussion begins with our assessment of the condition of the North American trailer industry along with a summary of the actions we have taken to strengthen the Company. We then analyze the results of our operations for the last two years, including trends in the overall business and our operating segments, followed by a discussion of our cash flows and liquidity, capital market events, our debt obligations, and our contractual commitments. We conclude with a review of critical accounting judgments and estimates and information on recent accounting pronouncements that we adopted during the year, if any, as well as those not yet adopted that may have an impact on our financial accounting practices, if any.
Current wording
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) describes the matters that we consider to be important to understanding the results of our operations for the years ending December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. In addition, we address our capital resources and liquidity as of December 31, 2024. Our discussion begins with our assessment of the condition of the North American trailer industry along with a summary of the actions we have taken to strengthen the Company. We then analyze the results of our operations for the last two years, including trends in the overall business and our operating segments, followed by a discussion of our cash flows and liquidity, capital market events, our debt obligations, and our contractual commitments. We conclude with a review of critical accounting judgments and estimates and information on recent accounting pronouncements that we adopted during the year, if any, as well as those not yet adopted that may have an impact on our financial accounting practices, if any.
Previous wording
Despite uncertainty over the past several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related impacts, primarily centered around supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, we have maintained a solid position from a liquidity perspective. While we are focused in the near-term on executing on demand that has fallen back to a more normalized environment, we continue to work on strategic initiatives to profitably grow the Company in the long-term. In 2023, we added 20% more dry van manufacturing capacity which we believe will allow us to go-to-market with a portfolio-based selling approach that leverages the breadth of our products. We have also created more points of connection with our customers with greater focus on Parts & Services as well as innovative offerings like Trailers as a Service that allow us to add recurring, longer-term value beyond an initial transaction. These advancements have not only deepened our customer engagement but have also enriched our collaborations with supplier and technology partners. We have solidified specific partnerships that are enabling us to grow our recurring revenue within the transportation, logistics and distribution ecosystem. Our Wabash Parts joint venture rapidly established significant distribution capabilities that allow our dealer network efficient access to our comprehensive portfolio of aftermarket parts. Fernweh Group is now playing a crucial role in advancing our digital capabilities, which aim to revolutionize the online experience for our dealers, traditional and non-traditional suppliers of both parts and services and a broad set of customers spanning across the vast transportation and logistics landscape.
Current wording
Throughout 2024, we have continued to create more points of connection with our customers with greater focus on Parts & Services as well as innovative offerings like Trailers as a Service (TaaS)℠ that allow us to add recurring, longer-term value beyond an initial transaction. These advancements have not only deepened our customer engagement but have also enriched our collaborations with supplier and technology partners. We have solidified specific partnerships that are enabling us to grow our recurring revenue within the transportation, logistics and infrastructure ecosystem. Our Wabash Parts joint venture rapidly established significant distribution capabilities that allow our dealer network efficient access to our comprehensive portfolio of aftermarket parts. Linq Venture Holdings, LLC continues to play a crucial role in advancing our digital capabilities, which aim to revolutionize the online experience for our dealers, traditional and non-traditional suppliers of both parts and services and a broad set of customers spanning across the vast transportation and logistics landscape. Additionally, our 2023 investment to add 20% more dry van manufacturing capacity has reinforced our go-to-market strategy with a portfolio-based selling approach that leverages the breadth of our products.
Previous wording
In addition to our commitment to sustain profitable growth within each of our existing reporting segments, our long-term strategic initiatives include a focus on diversification efforts, both organic and strategic, to continue to transform Wabash into a lean, visionary leader of connected solutions with a higher growth and margin profile to successfully deliver a greater value to our shareholders. Our strategy is centered around our ability to scale core competencies by growing in and around core markets with known customers—this strategy is evidenced by our multi-year order agreement with J.B. Hunt Transport Inc., which we announced in January 2023.
Current wording
In addition to our commitment to sustain profitable growth within each of our existing reporting segments, our long-term strategic initiatives include a focus on diversification efforts, both organic and strategic, to continue to transform Wabash into a lean, visionary leader of connected solutions with a higher growth and margin profile to successfully deliver a greater value to our shareholders. Our strategy is centered around our ability to scale core competencies by growing in and around core markets with known customers.
Previous wording
Key strategic initiatives include, but are not limited to, cold chain, recurrent revenue, and logistics network efficiency. Our ability to generate solid margins and cash flows and a healthy balance sheet should position the Company with ample resources to (1) fund our internal capital needs to support both organic growth and productivity improvements, (2) optimize our debt leverage and other financial ratios, (3) return capital to shareholders, and (4) selectively pursue strategic acquisitions. We will continue our internal effort to strategically identify potential acquisition or partnership targets that we believe can create shareholder value and accelerate our growth and diversification efforts, while leveraging our strong competencies in manufacturing execution, sourcing and innovative engineering leadership to assure strong value creation. Organically, our focus is on profitably growing and diversifying our operations through leveraging our existing assets, capabilities, and technology into higher margin products and markets and thereby providing value-added customer solutions.
Current wording
Our ability to generate solid margins and cash flows and a healthy balance sheet should position the Company with ample resources to (1) fund our internal capital needs to support both organic growth and productivity improvements, (2) optimize our debt leverage and other financial ratios, (3) return capital to shareholders, and (4) selectively pursue strategic acquisitions. We will continue our internal effort to strategically identify potential acquisition or partnership targets that we believe can create shareholder value and accelerate our growth and diversification efforts, while leveraging our strong competencies in manufacturing execution, sourcing and innovative engineering leadership to assure strong value creation. Organically, our focus is on profitably growing and diversifying our operations through leveraging our existing assets, capabilities, and technology into higher margin products and markets and thereby providing value-added customer solutions.
Previous wording
Throughout 2023, we demonstrated our commitment to be responsible stewards of the business by maintaining a balanced approach to capital allocation. Our operational performance, healthy backlog, industry outlook, and financial position provided us the opportunity to take specific actions as part of the ongoing commitment to prudently manage the overall financial risks of the Company, returning capital to our shareholders, and deleveraging our balance sheet. These actions included repurchasing $66.6 million (inclusive of excise tax) of common stock under the share repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors and paying dividends of $15.9 million. In addition, as further described in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section below, in September 2022 we amended our Revolving Credit Agreement. The amendment increased the total credit facility to $350 million, extended the maturity to September 2027, which is the nearest maturity date of our long-term debt, and as of December 31, 2023, there were no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement. During the fourth quarter of 2023, our credit rating was upgraded by Moody’s which followed another upgrade by S&P earlier in the year. Collectively, these actions demonstrate our confidence in the financial outlook of the Company and our ability to generate cash flow, both near and long term, and reinforce our overall commitment to deliver shareholder value while maintaining the flexibility to continue to execute our strategic plan for profitable growth and diversification.
Current wording
Throughout 2024, we demonstrated our commitment to being responsible stewards of the business by maintaining a balanced approach to capital allocation. The resilience of our operations and our strong financial position provided us the opportunity to take specific actions as part of our ongoing commitment to prudently manage the overall financial risks of the Company, returning capital to our shareholders, and deleveraging our balance sheet. These actions included repurchasing $64.4 million (inclusive of excise tax) of common stock under the share repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors and paying dividends of $14.8 million. In addition, as further described in the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section below, in September 2022 we amended our Revolving Credit Agreement. The amendment increased the total credit facility to $350 million, extended the maturity to September 2027, which is the nearest maturity date of our long-term debt, and as of December 31, 2024, there were no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement. Collectively, these actions demonstrate our confidence in the financial outlook of the Company and our ability to generate cash flow, both near and long term, and reinforce our overall commitment to deliver shareholder value while maintaining the flexibility to continue to execute our strategic plan for profitable growth and diversification.
Previous wording
In addition to overall industry risks, there are downside risks relating to issues with both the domestic and global economies, including the housing, energy, and construction-related markets in the U.S. Other potential risks as we proceed into 2024 primarily relate to the fact that we rely on a limited number of suppliers for certain key components and raw materials in the manufacturing of our products, including tires, landing gear, axles, suspensions, aluminum extrusions, chassis and specialty steel coil. While we have taken actions to mitigate certain of these risks, which include our previously announced supply agreements with Hydro, Ryerson and Rockland Flooring, at current and expected demand levels, there may be additional or increased shortages of supplies of raw materials or components which would have an adverse impact on our ability to meet demand for our products. Despite these risks, we believe we are well positioned to capitalize on a historically normalized overall demand level while maintaining or growing margins through improvements in product pricing as well as productivity and other operational excellence initiatives.
Current wording
In addition to overall industry risks, there are downside risks relating to issues with both the domestic and global economies, including the housing, energy, and construction-related markets in the U.S. Other potential risks as we proceed into 2025 primarily relate to the fact that we rely on a limited number of suppliers for certain key components and raw materials in the manufacturing of our products, including tires, landing gear, axles, suspensions, aluminum extrusions, chassis and specialty steel coil. While we have taken actions to mitigate certain of these risks, there may be additional or increased shortages of supplies of raw materials or components which would have an adverse impact on our ability to meet demand for our products. Despite these risks, we believe we are well positioned to capitalize on a historically normalized overall demand level while maintaining or growing margins through improvements in product pricing as well as productivity and other operational excellence initiatives.
Previous wording
As we enter 2024, we will continue to adjust to changes in the current environment, preserve the strength of our balance sheet, prioritize the safety of our employees, and ensure the liquidity and financial well-being of the Company. We believe we remain well-positioned for both near-term and long-term success in the transportation, logistics, and distribution industries because: (1) our core customers are among the major participants in these industries; (2) our technology and innovation provides value-added solutions for our customers by reducing operating costs, improving revenue opportunities, and solving unique transportation problems; (3) our Wabash Management System (“WMS”) principles and processes and enterprise-wide lean efforts drive focus on the interconnected processes that are critical for success across our business; (4) our significant brand recognition, presence throughout North America, and the utilization of our extensive dealer network to market and sell our products; and (5) our One Wabash approach to create a consistent, superior experience for all customers who seek our connected solutions in the transportation, logistics, and distribution markets. By continuing to be an innovation leader in the transportation, logistics, and distribution industries we expect to leverage our existing assets and capabilities into higher margin products and markets by delivering connected value-added customer solutions.
Current wording
As we enter 2025, we will continue to adjust to changes in the current environment, preserve the strength of our balance sheet, prioritize the safety of our employees, and ensure the liquidity and financial well-being of the Company. We believe we remain well-positioned for both near-term and long-term success in the transportation, logistics, and infrastructure industries because: (1) our core customers are among the major participants in these industries; (2) our technology and innovation provides value-added solutions for our customers by reducing operating costs, improving revenue opportunities, and solving unique transportation problems; (3) our Wabash Management System (“WMS”) principles and processes and enterprise-wide lean efforts drive focus on the interconnected processes that are critical for success across our business; (4) our significant brand recognition, presence throughout North America, and the utilization of our extensive dealer network to market and sell our products; and (5) our One Wabash approach to create a consistent, superior experience for all customers who seek our connected solutions in the transportation, logistics, and infrastructure markets. By continuing to be a premier provider of diverse solutions aimed at optimizing end-to-end supply chains across the transportation, logistics, and infrastructure industries we expect to leverage our existing assets and capabilities into higher margin products and markets by delivering connected value-added customer solutions.
Previous wording
▪External performance. We actively track our warranty claims and costs to identify and drive improvement opportunities in quality and reliability. Early life-cycle warranty claims for our van trailers are trended for performance monitoring. Using a unit-based warranty reporting process to track performance and document failure rates, early life-cycle warranty units per 100 van trailers shipped averaged approximately 1.8, 1.5, and 1.9 units in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Continued low claim rates have been driven by our successful execution of continuous improvement programs centered on process variation reduction and responding to the input from our customers. We expect that these activities will continue to drive down our total warranty cost profile.
Current wording
▪External performance. We actively track our warranty claims and costs to identify and drive improvement opportunities in quality and reliability for our customers. Early life-cycle warranty claims for our van trailers are trended for performance monitoring. Using a unit-based warranty reporting process to track performance and document failure rates, early life-cycle warranty units per 100 van trailers shipped averaged approximately 2.8, 2.6, and 1.8 units in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Continued low claim rates have been driven by our successful execution of continuous improvement programs centered on process variation reduction and responding to the input from our customers. We expect that these activities will continue to allow us to manage our total warranty cost profile.
Previous wording
During 2022, our recycling programs and use of recycled materials saved 346,000 cubic yards of landfill space (an increase of 49,000, or 17%, from 2021), 85,700,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity (an increase of 21,400,000, or 33%, from 2021), 83,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions (an increase of 26,300, or 46%, from 2021), and 38,000 mature trees (an increase of 6,800, or 22%, from 2021). In addition, in December 2023 we were recognized among Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024.
Current wording
During 2023, our recycling programs and use of recycled materials saved 336,000 cubic yards of landfill space (a decrease of 2.7% from 2022), 82,122,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity (a decrease of 4.2% from 2022), 80,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions (a decrease of 3.6% from 2022), and 40,000 mature trees (an increase of 6.1% from 2021). In addition, in December 2024, we were recognized among Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies 2025.
Previous wording
Additionally, Wabash views remanufacturing as an opportunity to help customers extend the useful life of their equipment, which reduces the amount of raw materials needed to produce new machinery. In 2022, revenue from remanufacturing totaled approximately $10.4 million.
Current wording
Additionally, Wabash views remanufacturing as an opportunity to help customers extend the useful life of their equipment, which reduces the amount of raw materials needed to produce new machinery. In 2023, revenue from remanufacturing totaled approximately $12.8 million (an increase of 23.1% from 2022).
Previous wording
In addition, manufacturers across multiple industries choose our proprietary DuraPlate® composite technology for its versatility and strength. Each DuraPlate® panel and product contains between 15% and 30% post-consumer resin (“PCR”). By using PCR in the manufacture of DuraPlate®, Wabash has diverted more than 1.7 billion plastic bottles from landfills including 130 million bottles in 2022. Furthermore, at the end of the product lifespan, DuraPlate® is 100% recyclable.
Current wording
In addition, manufacturers across multiple industries choose our proprietary DuraPlate® composite technology for its versatility and strength. Each DuraPlate® panel and product contains between 15% and 30% post-consumer resin (“PCR”). By using PCR in the manufacture of DuraPlate®, Wabash has diverted the equivalent of more than 1.86 billion plastic bottles from landfills including 127 million bottles in 2023. Furthermore, at the end of the product lifespan, DuraPlate® is recyclable.
Previous wording
Trucking in the U.S., according to the American Trucking Association (“ATA”), was estimated to be a $940.8 billion industry in 2022, representing approximately 81% of the total U.S. transportation industry revenue. From a financial (e.g., value) industry perspective, this represents an increase of approximately 7.5% from ATA’s 2021 estimate and is consistent with the prior year as a percentage of the total U.S. transportation industry revenue (81% in both 2022 and 2021). Furthermore, ATA estimates that approximately 72.6% of all domestic freight tonnage in 2022 was carried by trucks, and 327.5 billion miles were traveled by registered trucks in 2021. Trailer demand is a direct function of the amount of freight to be transported. To monitor the state of the industry, we evaluate a number of indicators related to trailer manufacturing and the transportation industry. Recent trends we have observed include the following:
Current wording
Trucking in the U.S., according to the American Trucking Association (“ATA”), was estimated to be a $906 billion industry in 2024, representing a decrease of approximately 4% from ATA’s 2023 estimate. Trailer demand is a direct function of the amount of freight to be transported. To monitor the state of the industry, we evaluate a number of indicators related to trailer manufacturing and the transportation industry. Recent trends we have observed include the following:
Previous wording
The most recent estimates from industry forecasters ACT Research Co. (“ACT”) and FTR Associates (“FTR”) indicate total United States trailer production levels for 2023 of approximately 311,000 and 322,000, respectively, which represents an increase of approximately 0.8% and 4.4%, respectively, from 2022 production levels.
Current wording
Transportation / Trailer Cycle. The trailer industry generally follows the transportation industry cycles. The most recent estimates from industry forecasters ACT Research Co. (“ACT”) and FTR Associates (“FTR”) indicate total United States trailer production levels for 2024 of approximately 235,000 and 224,000, respectively, which represents a decrease of approximately 26.1% and 28.7%, respectively, from 2023 production levels.
Previous wording
Current estimates from ACT and FTR for 2024 United States trailer production are 254,000 and 240,000, respectively, representing a decrease from 2023 of approximately 18.2% and 25.5%, respectively. These estimates are generally in-line with our expectations as trailer manufacturers manage a softening 2024 demand compared to previous years.
Current wording
Current estimates from ACT and FTR for 2025 United States trailer production are 217,000 and 234,000, respectively, representing a decrease of approximately 7.7% and an increase of 4.5%, respectively, versus 2024. These estimates are generally in-line with our expectations as trailer manufacturers manage a continued softening of 2025 demand compared to previous years.
Previous wording
In addition, ACT is forecasting annual new trailer production levels for 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028 of approximately 291,000, 296,000, 309,000, and 300,000, respectively. These estimates are generally more consistent with historical trailer industry production levels, and in some years higher than historical production levels. However, overall economic uncertainty and softening demand in the industry for certain of our products could continue to impact these estimates. This uncertainty and softening are evident in the ACT and FTR forecasts, particularly for 2024 production. However, we believe that our strategic plan and actions taken over the last several years have positioned us to remain well-suited to adapt to changes in the industry and demand environment due to our strong balance sheet, liquidity profile, and diversification.
Current wording
ACT is forecasting annual new trailer production levels for 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 of approximately 255,000, 302,000, 307,000, and 289,000, respectively. In addition, FTR is forecasting annual new trailer production levels of 280,000 in 2026. These estimates are generally more consistent with historical trailer industry production levels, and in some years higher than historical production levels. However, overall economic uncertainty and softening demand in the industry for certain of our products could continue to impact these estimates. This uncertainty and softening are evident in the ACT and FTR forecasts, particularly for 2025 production. However, we believe that our strategic plan and actions taken over the last several years have positioned us to remain well-suited to adapt to changes in the industry and demand environment due to our strong balance sheet, liquidity profile, and diversification.
Previous wording
▪On July 15, 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) issued the final rule to upgrade Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (“FMVSS”) No. 223, ‘‘Rear impact guards,’’ and FMVSS No. 224, ‘‘Rear impact protection,’’ which together provide protection for occupants of passenger vehicles in crashes into the rear of trailers. This final rule adopts requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (“CMVSS”) No. 223, ‘‘Rear impact guards’’ for energy absorption, loadings, and the definition for rear extremity. Additionally, it defines an acceptable elimination of load path during the energy absorption test. The final rule became effective on January 11, 2023, with a compliance date of July 15, 2024. The majority of our trailer products comply with the final rule, while certain tank trailer configurations are being validated to ensure compliance by July 2024 when the rule becomes effective.
Current wording
▪On July 15, 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) issued the final rule to upgrade Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (“FMVSS”) No. 223, ‘‘Rear impact guards,’’ and FMVSS No. 224, ‘‘Rear impact protection,’’ which together provide protection for occupants of passenger vehicles in crashes into the rear of trailers. This final rule adopts requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (“CMVSS”) No. 223, ‘‘Rear impact guards’’ for energy absorption, loadings, and the definition for rear extremity. Additionally, it defines requirements for maintaining load paths during the energy absorption test. The final rule became effective on January 11, 2023, with a compliance date of July 15, 2024. All Wabash van, tank, and platform trailer products were certified to be compliant with the final rule before July 2024 when the rule enforcement began.
Previous wording
▪On May 14, 2022, the Canadian Department of the Environment announced an interim order delaying the trailer portions of Canada’s greenhouse gas regulations (“GHG2”) until mid-2024 at the earliest, essentially following the California Air Resource Board (“CARB”) who will provide at least a six-month notice prior to commencement of enforcing GHG2. This rule mirrored the EPA GHG2 regulations and would only apply to Wabash trailers registered in Canada.
Current wording
▪The Canadian Department of the Environment continues to delay the trailer portions of Canada’s greenhouse gas regulations (“GHG2”), essentially following the California Air Resource Board (“CARB”) who will provide at least a six-month notice prior to commencement of enforcing GHG2. This rule mirrored the EPA GHG2 regulations and would only apply to Wabash trailers registered in Canada.
Previous wording
▪On December 3, 2019, CARB issued an official advisory notifying trailer manufacturers that CARB will be suspending enforcement of GHG2 trailer requirements and will provide at least a six-month written notice prior to commencement of enforcing GHG2. CARB continues to process and approve voluntary applications during the suspension period. If we were to receive CARB’s six-month advance notice of enforcement, more stringent van trailer standards would become effective in model year 2024 and model year 2027—requiring more advanced fuel efficiency technologies, such as rear boat tails and higher percentage improvement side skirts and tires. (While CARB’s 2021 requirements remain intact, they are not enforced—however, if we were to receive the six-month advance notice of enforcement prior to 2024, the 2021 objectives would become the requirement.) CARB continues to suspend enforcement as a six-month written notice has not been issued. We will continue preparations to become compliant if and when official notice has been received for commencement of the regulation.
Current wording
▪On December 3, 2019, CARB issued an official advisory notifying trailer manufacturers that CARB will be suspending enforcement of GHG2 trailer requirements and will provide at least a six-month written notice prior to commencement of enforcing GHG2. If we were to receive CARB’s six-month advance notice of enforcement, more stringent van trailer standards became effective in model year 2024 and would again in model year 2027—requiring more advanced fuel efficiency technologies, such as rear boat tails and higher percentage improvement side skirts and tires. CARB continues to suspend enforcement as a six-month written notice has not been issued. We will continue to monitor the status of the regulation.
Previous wording
▪CARB Advanced Clean Fleet (“ACF”) legislation sets requirements for organizations to reduce the overall emissions of the vehicle fleets they operate. These standards apply to fleets owned and operated by Wabash at the Moreno Valley and Perris, California facilities. ACF also affects many Wabash customers who own and operate fleets in California and is expected to increase demand for electric vehicles over the next 10 years as the requirements are ramped up.
Current wording
▪CARB Advanced Clean Fleet (“ACF”) legislation sets requirements for organizations to reduce the overall emissions of the vehicle fleets they operate. These standards applied to fleets owned and operated by Wabash at the Moreno Valley and Perris, California facilities as well as many Wabash customers who own and operate fleets in California. However, CARB recently withdrew a waiver request from EPA and will not enforce ACF regulations for high-priority (large commercial) and drayage fleets. State and local government fleets remain subject to the regulation.
Previous wording
▪CARB’s Advanced Clean Truck regulations impact the truck body chassis manufacturers that supply to Wabash by setting an annual zero emission sales requirement. This regulation is expected to drive larger market penetration of electric commercial trucks over the next 10 years as requirements are ramped up.
Current wording
▪CARB’s Advanced Clean Truck regulations impact the truck body chassis manufacturers that supply to Wabash by setting an annual zero emission sales requirement. This regulation, while being challenged by multiple states, is expected to drive larger market penetration of electric commercial trucks over the next 10 years as requirements are ramped up.
Previous wording
▪In 2024, CARB zero-emissions Transport Refrigeration Unit (“TRU”) rules become effective. Like ACF, these requirements impact Wabash customers and will drive greater demand for electric TRUs that are installed on Wabash vehicles.
Current wording
▪In 2024, CARB zero-emissions Transport Refrigeration Unit (“TRU”) rules went into effect. Like ACF, these requirements impacted Wabash customers and worked to drive greater demand for electric TRUs that are installed on Wabash vehicles. CARB requested and received a partial waiver from EPA for TRUs. CARB withdrew the portion of the waiver request that covered the TRU zero emission requirements. While CARB withdrew their waiver request for some of their zero emissions related regulations, we believe that innovation will continue to drive the industry toward a lower emission solution that provides a value proposition to the customers over and above a compliance-only driven solution.
Previous wording
▪EPA’s American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (“AIM”) continues to phase-down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (“HFCs”) in the United States. The AIM Act currently mandates that EPA provide Wabash with application-specific allowances to manufacture EcoNex™ Technology products. Such allowances operate to increase certainty that HFCs are made available to Wabash during the time that the application-specific provisions are active.
Current wording
▪EPA’s American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (“AIM”) continues to phase-down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (“HFCs”) in the United States. The AIM Act currently mandates that EPA provide Wabash with application-specific allowances to manufacture EcoNex™ Technology products. Such allowances operate to increase certainty that HFCs are made available to Wabash during the time that the application-specific provisions are active. EPA is evaluating extending the allocation program with a rule expected in 2025.
Previous wording
▪Updates to the proposed CARB 2024 Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus regulation provided greater flexibility to chassis manufacturers for 2024–2026 engine model years. While this should help OEMs as they develop near-term engine updates, OEMs will be required to comply with 2027 emission regulations in the long-term. While the number of chassis manufacturers registering EVs continued to grow (albeit largely in the traditional OEM space), hydrogen fuel cell manufacturers also started to register. While the numbers were small (primarily testing and over-the-road applications), this was a positive sign for the future of work trucks.
Current wording
▪Updates to the proposed CARB 2024 Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Omnibus regulation provided greater flexibility to chassis manufacturers for 2024–2026 engine model years. While this should help OEMs as they develop near-term engine updates, OEMs will be required to comply with 2027 emission regulations in the long-term. While the number of chassis manufacturers registering EVs continued to grow (albeit largely in the traditional OEM space), hydrogen fuel cell manufacturers also started to register. While the numbers were small (primarily testing and over-the-road applications), this was a positive sign for the future of work trucks. In December 2024, the EPA issued a waiver officially giving CARB federal permission to enforce the rule.
Previous wording
▪We expect that the majority of freight in our industry will continue to be moved by truck and, according to ATA, total freight transportation revenue is expected to increase from an estimated $1.04 trillion in 2022 to $1.51 trillion in 2034.
Current wording
▪We expect that the majority of freight in our industry will continue to be moved by truck and, according to ATA, total freight transportation revenue is expected to increase from an estimated $906 trillion in 2024 to $1.46 trillion in 2035.
Previous wording
▪Oversupply of refrigerated trailers in 2022-2023 has led to a surplus of inventory in the market, which will put downward pressure on supply for the majority of 2024. The long-term outlook of the market still remains strong, and there is expected to be a return to normal levels by the end of 2024.
Current wording
▪Oversupply of refrigerated trailers in 2022-2023 has led to a surplus of inventory in the market, which put downward pressure on supply for the majority of 2024. The long-term outlook of the market still remains strong, and there is expected to be a return to normal levels by early or mid-2025.
Previous wording
Net sales in 2023 increased $34.4 million, or 1.4%, compared to 2022. By business segment, net sales prior to intersegment eliminations and related trailer units sold were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Current wording
Net sales in 2024 decreased $589.8 million, or 23.3%, compared to 2023. By business segment, net sales prior to intersegment eliminations and related trailer units sold were as follows (dollars in thousands):
Previous wording
Cost of sales was $2,038.3 million in 2023, a decrease of $141.1 million, or 6.5%, compared to 2022. Cost of sales is comprised of material costs, a variable expense, and other manufacturing costs, comprised of both fixed and variable expenses, including direct and indirect labor, outbound freight, overhead expenses, and depreciation.
Current wording
Cost of sales was $1,681.7 million in 2024, a decrease of $356.6 million, or 17.5%, compared to 2023. Cost of sales is comprised of material costs, a variable expense, and other manufacturing costs, comprised of both fixed and variable expenses, including direct and indirect labor, outbound freight, overhead expenses, and depreciation.
Previous wording
TS segment cost of sales was $1,898.7 million in 2023, a decrease of $144.3 million, or 7.1%, compared to 2022. The decrease in cost of sales, which was primarily driven by lower shipment volumes, was due to a decrease in materials costs of $160.8 million, or 11.0%, along with a decrease in certain other manufacturing costs. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in labor and employee-related costs of approximately $15.0 million as well as an increase in operating supplies and maintenance and repairs costs totaling approximately $13.3 million.
Current wording
TS segment cost of sales was $1,537.5 million in 2024, a decrease of $361.2 million, or 19.0%, compared to 2023. The decrease in cost of sales, which was primarily driven by lower shipment volumes, resulted in a decrease in materials costs of $305.6 million, or 23.5%, a decrease in labor and employee related costs of $55.2 million, or 14.6%, along with a decrease in certain other manufacturing costs.
Previous wording
P&S segment cost of sales, prior to the elimination of intersegment sales, was $162.6 million in 2023, an increase of $13.9 million, or 9.4%, compared to 2022. The increase in cost of sales for this segment was due in part to an increase in materials costs of approximately $4.4 million, or 3.9%. In addition, there was an increase in labor and employee-related costs of approximately $5.1 million, and an increase in outside services, freight, and lease/rent costs of approximately $2.4 million in the aggregate.
Current wording
P&S segment cost of sales, prior to the elimination of intersegment sales, was $157.6 million in 2024, a decrease of $4.9 million, or 3.0%, compared to 2023. The decrease in cost of sales, which was primarily driven by lower sales, resulted in a decrease in materials costs of $13.4 million, or 11.3%. This was partially offset by an increase in labor and employee related costs of $5.4 million, or 20.7%, and an increase in certain other overhead costs associated with growth initiatives within the segment.
Previous wording
Gross profit was $498.2 million in 2023, an increase of $175.5 million, or 54.4% from 2022. Gross profit as a percentage of sales, or gross margin, was 19.6% in 2023 as compared to 12.9% in 2022. Gross profit by segment was as follows (in thousands):
Current wording
Gross profit was $265.1 million in 2024, a decrease of $233.1 million, or 46.8% from 2023. Gross profit as a percentage of sales, or gross margin, was 13.6% in 2024 as compared to 19.6% in 2023. Gross profit by segment was as follows (in thousands):
Previous wording
General and administrative expenses were $146.7 million in 2023, an increase of $33.6 million, or 29.7%, compared to 2022. The increase from the prior year period was due in part to an increase of approximately $18.3 million in professional fees and outside services costs, which includes the estimated liability for the Matters, as defined and further described in Note 14 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. There was also an increase in general and administrative employee-related costs, including benefits and incentive programs, of approximately $12.0 million. In addition, maintenance and repairs expense and lease/rental costs increased in total by approximately $2.7 million. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses were 5.8% for the 2023 period as compared to 4.5% for the same period of 2022. The overall increase in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to the increase in professional and outside services costs and employee-related costs, which outpaced the increase in sales.
Current wording
General and administrative expenses were $580.7 million in 2024, an increase of $434.0 million, or 295.9%, compared to 2023. The increase from the prior year period was due to an increase in professional and outside services costs of $447.3 million, which includes the estimated liability of $450.0 million for the Product Liability Matter, as defined and further described in Note 14 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. This was partially offset by a decrease in general and administrative employee-related costs, including benefits and incentive programs, of approximately $14.4 million. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses were 29.8% for the 2024 period as compared to 5.8% for the same period of 2023. The overall increase in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to the Product Liability Matter.
Previous wording
Selling expenses were $26.5 million in 2023, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 2.0%, compared to 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to a decrease in advertising and promotional expense of approximately $1.6 million, which is due in part to expenses incurred during the 2022 period related to our Ignite Conference. In addition, there was a decrease in professional fees and outside services costs of approximately $1.4 million. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in sales employee-related costs, including benefits and incentive programs, of approximately $1.6 million. There was also an increase in our reserve for expected credit losses and travel-related expenses totaling approximately $0.8 million. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses were 1.0% in 2023 compared to 1.1% in 2022. The overall decrease in selling expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to the increase in sales and the decrease in advertising and promotional expense and professional fees and outside services costs.
Current wording
Selling expenses were $28.0 million in 2024, an increase of $1.5 million, or 5.7%, compared to 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in advertising and promotional expense of approximately $3.5 million, which is due in part to expenses incurred during the 2024 period related to our Ignite Conference. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in sales employee-related costs, including benefits and incentive programs, of approximately $1.7 million. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses were 1.4% in 2024 compared to 1.0% in 2023. The overall increase in selling expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to the increase in advertising and promotional expense, which outpaced the increase in sales.
Previous wording
Amortization of intangibles was $12.8 million in 2023 compared to $15.2 million in 2022. Amortization of intangibles was the result of expenses recognized for intangible assets recorded from previous acquisitions. The decrease from the prior year period is related to certain of the intangible assets that became fully amortized during the second quarter of 2022.
Current wording
Amortization of intangibles was $12.0 million in 2024 compared to $12.8 million in 2023. Amortization of intangibles was the result of expenses recognized for intangible assets recorded from previous acquisitions. In 2024, certain technology-related intangible assets became fully amortized. There were no intangible assets that became fully amortized 2023.
Previous wording
Impairment and other, net was a net loss of $0.2 million during 2023 and a net loss of $0.7 million during 2022. Activity during the prior year period primarily related to the impairment of $1.0 million of construction-in-progress projects that were no longer expected to be completed and the write-off of certain property, plant, and equipment and IT-related assets. These items were partially offset by the sale of a building (and the related land) as further described in Note 21 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which resulted in a gain of approximately $0.7 million.
Current wording
Impairment and other, net was a net loss of $0.5 million during 2024 and a net loss of $0.2 million during 2023. Activity during the current year period primarily related to the impairment of $1.0 million of construction-in-progress projects that were no longer expected to be completed and the write-off of certain property, plant, and equipment and IT-related assets. These items were partially offset by the sale of a building (and the related land) as further described in Note 21 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which resulted in a gain of approximately $0.5 million.
Previous wording
Interest expense in 2023 totaled $19.9 million compared to $20.5 million in 2022. Interest expense relates to interest and non-cash accretion charges on our Senior Notes due 2028 and Revolving Credit Agreement. Interest expense in the current year period was lower than in the 2022 period due to lower average outstanding balances under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Current wording
Interest expense in 2024 totaled $19.8 million compared to $19.9 million in 2023. Interest expense relates to interest and non-cash accretion charges on our Senior Notes and Revolving Credit Agreement. Interest expense in the current year period was lower than in the 2023 period due to lower average outstanding balances under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Previous wording
Other, net for 2023 represented income of $3.4 million as compared to income of $0.3 million for 2022. Income for both the current and prior year period primarily relates to interest income.
Current wording
Other, net for 2024 represented income of $5.4 million as compared to income of $3.4 million for 2023. Income for both the current and prior year period primarily relates to interest income.
Previous wording
We recognized income tax expense of $62.8 million in 2023 compared to income tax expense of $33.7 million in 2022. The effective tax rate for 2023 was 21.3% compared to 23.0% for 2022. The effective tax rate for both 2023 and 2022 differs from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to the impact of state and local taxes and discrete items, including stock-based compensation. Net cash paid for income taxes in 2023 was $82.6 million compared to net cash paid during 2022 of $18.3 million.
Current wording
We recognized income tax benefit of $93.5 million in 2024 compared to income tax expense of $62.8 million in 2023. The effective tax rate for 2024 was 24.8% compared to 21.3% for 2023. The effective tax rate for both 2024 and 2023 differs from the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 21.0% primarily due to the impact of state and local taxes and discrete items, including stock-based compensation. Net cash paid for income taxes in 2024 was $29.8 million compared to net cash paid during 2023 of $82.6 million.
Previous wording
Our capital structure is comprised of a mix of debt and equity. As of December 31, 2023, our debt-to-equity ratio was approximately 0.7:1.0. Our long-term objective is to generate operating cash flows sufficient to support the growth within our businesses and increase shareholder value. This objective will be achieved through a balanced capital allocation strategy of sustaining strong liquidity, maintaining healthy leverage ratios, investing in the business, both organically and strategically, and returning capital to our shareholders. Our Board of Directors designated a Finance Committee for the primary purpose of assisting the Board in its oversight of the Company’s capital structure, financing, investment, and other financial matters of importance to the Company.
Current wording
Our capital structure is comprised of a mix of debt and equity. As of December 31, 2024, our debt-to-equity ratio was approximately 2.1:1.0. Our long-term objective is to generate operating cash flows sufficient to support the growth within our businesses and increase shareholder value. This objective will be achieved through a balanced capital allocation strategy of sustaining strong liquidity, maintaining healthy leverage ratios, investing in the business both organically and strategically, and returning capital to our shareholders. Our Board of Directors designated a Finance Committee to assist the Board in overseeing the Company’s capital structure, financing, investment, and other financial matters of importance.
Previous wording
Throughout 2023, and in keeping to this balanced approach, we repurchased $66.6 million (inclusive of excise tax) of common stock under the share repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors and paid dividends of $15.9 million. Also, as further described below in the “Debt Agreements and Related Amendments” section below, in September 2022 we amended our Revolving Credit Agreement. The amendment increased the total revolving commitments to $350 million and extended the maturity to September 2027, which is the nearest maturity date of our long-term debt. As of December 31, 2023, there were no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement. During the fourth quarter of 2023, our credit rating was upgraded by Moody’s which followed another upgrade by S&P earlier in the year. Collectively, these actions demonstrate our confidence in the financial outlook of the Company and our ability to generate cash flow, both near and long term, and reinforce our overall commitment to deliver shareholder value while maintaining the flexibility to continue to execute our strategic plan for profitable growth and diversification.
Current wording
Throughout 2024, in keeping with this balanced approach, we repurchased $64.4 million (inclusive of excise tax) of common stock under the share repurchase program approved by our Board of Directors and paid dividends of $14.8 million. Additionally, as described in the “Debt Agreements and Related Amendments” section below, in September 2022 we amended our Revolving Credit Agreement. The amendment increased the total revolving commitments to $350 million and extended the maturity to September 2027, the nearest maturity date of our long-term debt. As of December 31, 2024, there were no amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement. Collectively, these demonstrate our confidence in the Company’s long-term financial outlook and ability to generate cash flow both near and long term. They reinforce our commitment to delivering shareholder value while maintaining the flexibility to execute our strategic plan for profitable growth and diversification.
Previous wording
Our liquidity position, defined as cash on hand and available borrowing capacity on the Revolving Credit Facility, amounted to $516.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and $401.2 million as of December 31, 2022, an increase of 29%. The increase from the prior year is primarily attributable to a higher cash balance at December 31, 2023 due to positive cash flow from operating activities. For 2024, we expect to continue our commitment to fund our working capital requirements and capital expenditures from net cash provided by operations or available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Agreement (as needed). Along with these investments, we will also maintain our assets to react to any economic and/or industry changes, while also responsibly returning capital to our shareholders. We will continue to move rapidly to adjust to the current environment to preserve the strength of our balance sheet, while prioritizing the safety of our employees and ensuring the liquidity and financial well-being of the Company.
Current wording
Our liquidity position, defined as cash on hand and available borrowing capacity on the Revolving Credit Facility, amounted to $421.9 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $516.1 million as of December 31, 2023, an decrease of 18%. The decrease from the prior year is primarily attributable to a lower cash balance at December 31, 2024, due to a reduction in cash provided by operating activities in 2024 versus 2023. For 2025, we expect to continue our commitment to fund our working capital requirements and capital expenditures from net cash provided by operations or available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Agreement, as needed. Along with these investments, we will also maintain our assets to react to any economic and/or industry changes, while also responsibly returning capital to our shareholders. We will continue to move rapidly to adjust to the current environment to preserve the strength of our balance sheet, while prioritizing the safety of our employees and ensuring the liquidity and financial well-being of the Company.
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Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Current estimates from ACT and FTR for 2024 United States trailer production are 254,000 and 240,000, respectively, representing decreases from 2023 of approximately 18.2% and 25.5%, respectively. These estimates are generally in-line with our expectations as trailer manufacturers manage a softening of 2024 demand compared to previous years.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Transportation / Trailer Cycle. The trailer industry generally follows the transportation industry cycles. Data related to new trailer shipments over the last nine years is shown below.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
The most recent estimates from industry forecasters ACT Research Co. (“ACT”) and FTR Associates (“FTR”) indicate total United States trailer production levels for 2023 of approximately 311,000 and 322,000, respectively, which each represent an increase of approximately 0.8% and 4.4%, respectively, from 2022 production levels.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
In addition, ACT is forecasting annual new trailer production levels for 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028 of approximately 291,000, 296,000, 309,000, and 300,000, respectively. These estimates are generally more consistent with historical trailer industry production levels, and in some years higher than historical production levels. However, overall economic uncertainty and softening demand in the industry for certain of our products could continue to impact these estimates. This uncertainty and softening are evident in the ACT and FTR forecasts, particularly for 2024 production. However, we believe that our strategic plan and actions taken over the last several years have positioned us to remain well-suited to adapt to changes in the industry and demand environment due to our strong balance sheet, liquidity profile, and diversification.