ITEM 1A—RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the risks described below in addition to other information contained or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report before investing in our securities. Realization of any of the following risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Business, Strategy and Operations
Demand for our products is sensitive to economic conditions over which we have no control and that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Demand for our products is sensitive to changes in economic conditions, including changes related to unemployment, consumer confidence, consumer income, new housing starts, industrial production, government regulations, inflationary pressures, and the availability of financing and interest rates. The status of these economic conditions periodically has an adverse effect on truck freight and the demand for, and the pricing of, our products, and has also resulted in, and could in the future result in, the inability of customers to meet their contractual terms or payment obligations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Our business is highly cyclical, and a downturn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
The truck trailer manufacturing industry historically has been, and is expected to continue to be, cyclical, as well as affected by overall economic conditions. Customers historically have replaced trailers in cycles that run from five to 12 years, depending on service and trailer type. Poor economic conditions can adversely affect demand for new trailers and has historically led to an overall aging of trailer fleets beyond a typical replacement cycle. Customers’ buying patterns can also be influenced by regulatory changes, such as federal hours-of-service rules as well as overall truck safety, limitations on vehicle weight, size, and configuration, and federal emissions standards.
The steps we have taken to diversify our product offerings through the implementation of our strategic plan do not insulate us from this cyclicality. During downturns, we operate with a lower level of backlog and have had to temporarily slow down or halt production at some or all of our facilities, including extending normal shut down periods and reducing salaried headcount levels. An economic downturn may reduce, and in the past has reduced, demand for trailers and our other products, resulting in lower sales volumes and lower prices and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Economic weakness and its impact on the markets and customers we serve could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
While the trailer industry has recently experienced a period of strong demand levels, we cannot provide any assurances that we will be profitable in future periods or that we will be able to sustain or increase profitability in the future. Increasing our profitability will depend on several factors including our ability to increase our overall trailer volumes, improve our gross margins, gain continued momentum on our product diversification efforts and manage our expenses. If we are unable to sustain profitability in the future, we may not be able to meet our payment and other obligations under our outstanding debt agreements.
We continue to be reliant on the credit, housing, energy and construction-related markets in the U.S. The same general economic concerns faced by us are also faced by our customers. We believe that some of our customers are highly leveraged and have limited access to capital, and their continued existence may be reliant on liquidity from global credit markets and other sources of external financing. Lack of liquidity by our customers could impact our ability to collect amounts owed to us and our failure to collect these amounts could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Our backlog may not be indicative of the level of our future revenues.
Our backlog represents future production for which we have written orders from our customers that have defined delivery timeframes. Orders that comprise our backlog may be subject to changes in quantities, delivery, specifications and terms, or cancellation. Our reported backlog may not be converted to revenue in any particular period and actual revenue from such orders may not equal our backlog. Therefore, our backlog may not be fully indicative of the level of our future revenues.
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A change in our customer relationships or in the financial condition of our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
We have longstanding relationships with a number of large customers to whom we supply our products. We do not have long-term agreements with all of these customers. Our success is dependent, to a significant extent, upon the continued strength of these relationships and the growth of our core customers. We often are unable to predict the level of demand for our products from these customers, or the timing of their orders. In addition, the same economic conditions that adversely affect us also often adversely affect our customers. Furthermore, we are subject to a concentration of risk as the five largest customers together accounted for approximately 32% of our aggregate net sales in 2023. Our largest customer accounted for 12% of our aggregate net sales in 2023. No individual customer accounted for more than 10% of our aggregate net sales in either 2022 or 2021. The loss of a significant customer or unexpected changes or delays in product purchases could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
We rely significantly on information technology to support our operations and if we are unable to protect against service interruptions or security breaches, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
We depend on a number of information technologies, some of which are managed by third parties, to integrate departments and functions, enhance the ability to service customers, improve our control environment, and manage our cost reduction initiatives. We also collect and store certain sensitive data in data centers owned by third parties and on information technology networks. The secure maintenance and operation of these data centers and information technology networks is critical for our business operations and strategy. We have put in place a number of systems, processes, and practices designed to protect against the failure of our technologies, as well as the misappropriation, exposure or corruption of the information stored thereon. Unintentional service disruptions or intentional actions such as intellectual property theft, cyber-attacks, unauthorized access, or malicious software, may lead to such misappropriation, exposure or corruption if our protective measures prove to be inadequate. Any issues involving these critical business applications and infrastructure may adversely impact our ability to manage operations and the customers we serve. We could also encounter violations of applicable law or reputational damage from the disclosure of confidential business, customer, or employee information or the failure to protect the privacy rights of our employees in their personal identifying information. In addition, the disclosure of non-public information could lead to the loss of our intellectual property and diminished competitive advantages. Should any of the foregoing events occur, we may be required to incur significant costs to protect against damage caused by these disruptions or security breaches in the future, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Inflation could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Inflation rates in the markets in which we operate have seen increases in past years and may continue to rise. Inflation and elevated price levels have led us to experience higher costs of labor, materials and transportation. Our suppliers have raised their prices and may continue to raise prices, and in the competitive markets in which we operate, we may not be able to make corresponding price increases to preserve our gross margins and profitability. Deteriorating economic and political conditions and uncertainty, such as increased unemployment, changes in capital spending, declines in consumer confidence, or economic slowdowns or recessions, could cause a decrease in demand for our products. If inflation rates continue to rise or remain elevated for a sustained period of time, they could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations.
We have a limited number of suppliers of raw materials and components; increases in the price of raw materials and components or the inability to obtain raw materials and components could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
We currently rely on a limited number of suppliers for raw materials and key components in the manufacturing of our products, such as tires, landing gear, axles, suspensions, specialty steel coil, stainless steel, plastic, aluminum and lumber. There have been, and may continue to be, shortages of supplies of raw materials or components (including foam insulation, suspension components and wiring), or our suppliers may place us on allocation, which has and would continue to have an adverse impact on our ability to meet demand for our products. Disruptions to the supply chain, shortages and allocations of raw materials and components have resulted and may continue to result in an increased backlog of orders for trailers and certain other products and inefficient operations, and in some cases may produce a build-up of inventory, all of which can negatively affect our working capital position, increase costs that are passed on to customers and delay our ability to fulfill customer orders. The loss of any of our suppliers or their inability to meet our price, quality, quantity and delivery requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. In addition, price volatility and changes in the availability of commodities we purchase, which have fluctuated significantly in the past, impact the pricing of raw materials, can increase production costs and could have negative impacts on our operating margins.
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The ongoing global supply chain disruption continues to interfere with our ability to receive raw materials, components and commodities as scheduled and at expected costs. Such disruptions have been compounded with logistical factors that include reduced freight, railway, trucking and air capacity and delays, shortages of shipping containers and chassis, natural disasters and severe weather conditions, trade conflicts and labor availability constraints, which have resulted in increased transportation costs, shortages of raw materials, components and commodities, inefficient order fulfillment and significant order backlogs. Our supply chain may also continue to be impacted by damaging weather or acts of nature (including acts of nature caused by climate change). Supply chain disruptions, which may also include capacity constraints, effects of economic downturn, cybersecurity threats, geopolitical uncertainties and other related interferences, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
The inability to attract and retain key personnel or a sufficient workforce could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Our ability to operate our business and implement our strategies depends, in part, on the efforts of our executive officers and other key associates. Tight labor markets may negatively impact our ability to retain a sufficient workforce of qualified personnel. Labor shortages, increased competition in the hiring market, high employee turnover rates and the resulting impacts of increased recruitment costs, wages and training and related inefficiencies, may disrupt our ability to meet consumer demands and expectations. Our future success depends, in large part, on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, including manufacturing personnel, sales professionals and engineers. The unexpected loss of services of any of our key personnel or the failure to attract or retain other qualified personnel, including personnel with engineering and technical expertise in the industry, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
We may not be able to execute on our long-term strategic plan and growth initiatives, or meet our long-term financial goals, and this may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Our long-term strategic plan is intended to generate long-term value for our shareholders while delivering profitable growth through all our business segments. The long-term financial goals that we expect to achieve as a result of our long-term strategic plan and organic growth initiatives are based on certain assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Organically, our focus is on profitably growing and diversifying our operations by leveraging our existing assets, capabilities, and technology into higher margin products and markets and thereby providing value-added customer solutions, including continuing to expand and develop our parts & services operating segment. We cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to fully execute on our strategic plan or growth initiatives, which are subject to a variety of risks including our ability to: diversify the product offerings of our non-trailer businesses, including continuing to expand and develop our parts and services offerings; leverage acquired businesses and assets to grow sales with our existing products; design, develop, and commercialize new products to meet the needs of our customers; increase the pricing of our products and services to offset cost increases and expand gross margins; scale our manufacturing capacity and resources to efficiently meet customer demand; and execute potential future acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, and other business development opportunities. If we are unable to successfully execute on our strategic plan, we may experience increased competition, material adverse financial consequences and a decrease in the value of our stock. Additionally, our management’s attention to the implementation of the strategic plan, which includes our efforts at diversification, may distract them from implementing our core business which may also have material adverse financial consequences.
Volatility in the supply of vehicle chassis and other vehicle components could have a material adverse effect on our truck body product line.
With the exception of some specialty vehicle products, we generally do not purchase vehicle chassis for our inventory and accept shipments of vehicle chassis owned by dealers or end-users for the purpose of installing and/or manufacturing our specialized truck bodies on such chassis. Historically, General Motors Company (“GM”), Freightliner Custom Chassis (“Freightliner”), International Truck (“International”), and Ford Motor Company (“Ford”) have been the primary suppliers of chassis. In the event of a disruption in supply from one major supplier, we would attempt to use another major supplier, but there can be no assurance that this attempt would be successful. Nevertheless, in the event of chassis supply disruptions, there could be unforeseen consequences that may have a material adverse effect on our truck body operations.
We also face risks relative to finance and storage charges for maintaining an excess supply of chassis from GM, Freightliner, International, and Ford. Under the converter chassis pool agreements, if a chassis is not delivered to a customer within a specified time frame, we are required to pay finance or storage charges on such chassis.
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Significant competition in the industries in which we operate may result in our competitors offering new or better products and services or lower prices, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
The industries in which we participate are highly competitive. We compete with other manufacturers of varying sizes, some of which have substantial financial resources. Manufacturers compete primarily on the quality of their products, customer relationships, service availability and price. Additionally, we face increasing competition to develop innovative products that result in lower emissions. Manufacturing over-capacity and high leverage of some of our competitors, along with bankruptcies and financial stresses that affected the industry, have in the past contributed, and may in the future contribute to significant pricing pressures.
If we are unable to successfully compete with other manufacturers, we could lose customers and our revenues may decline. In addition, competitive pressures in the industry may affect the market prices of our new and used equipment, which, in turn, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Our truck body product lines compete in the highly competitive specialized vehicle industry which may impact our financial results.
The competitive nature of the specialized vehicle industry creates a number of challenges for our truck body products. Important factors include product pricing, quality of product, lead times, geographic proximity to customers, and the ability to manufacture a product customized to customer specifications. Specialized vehicles are produced by a number of smaller, regional companies which create product pricing pressures that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Our technology and products may not achieve market acceptance or competing products could gain market share, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
We continue to optimize and expand our product offerings to meet our customers’ needs. While we target product development to meet customer needs, there is no assurance that our product development efforts will be embraced and that we will meet our strategic goals, including sales projections. Companies in the truck transportation industry, a very fluid industry in which our customers primarily operate, make frequent changes to maximize their operations and profits.
A number of our competitors followed our leadership in the development and use of composite sidewalls that brought them into direct competition with our DuraPlate® products. Our product development is focused on maintaining our leadership for these products and others, but competitive pressures may erode our market share or margins. We hold U.S. and foreign utility and design patents and patent applications on various components and techniques utilized in our manufacturing of transportation equipment and products with expiration dates ranging from 2024 to 2044. We continue to take steps to protect our proprietary rights in our products and the processes used to produce them. However, the steps we have taken may not be sufficient or may not be enforced by a court of law. If we are unable to protect our intellectual properties, other parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain or use our products or technology. If competitors are able to use our technology, our ability to effectively compete could be harmed and this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. In addition, litigation related to intellectual property could result in substantial costs and efforts which may not result in a successful outcome.
Disruption of our manufacturing operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
We manufacture our van trailer products at two facilities in Lafayette, Indiana, a flatbed trailer facility in Cadiz, Kentucky, a hardwood floor facility in Harrison, Arkansas, three liquid-transportation systems facilities in New Lisbon, Wisconsin; Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; and Queretaro, Mexico, two engineered products facilities in New Lisbon, Wisconsin; and Elroy, Wisconsin, five truck body facilities in Goshen, Indiana; Cleburne, Texas; Griffin, Georgia; Jonestown, Pennsylvania; and Moreno Valley, California, produce composite products in Lafayette, Indiana, and produce our EcoNexTM Technology products in Little Falls, Minnesota. Our production at these facilities could be subject to disruptions which may include work stoppages, severe weather, natural disaster, public health crises, including the spread of a contagious disease, pandemics or epidemics, quarantines or shutdowns related to public health crises, threats to physical security or information security systems or other catastrophic events beyond our control. The effects of climate change, including increased severity and frequency of extreme weather events, natural disasters, long term changes in temperature levels and water availability, may exacerbate these risks, and could increase the costs of insuring company assets. An unexpected disruption in our production at any of these facilities for any length of time could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. Similarly, if one or more of our customers experiences an unexpected disruption, that customer may reduce or halt purchases of our products, which could result in reduced production or other cost-reduction initiatives at our related manufacturing facilities.
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Our failure to effectively manage, safeguard, design, manufacture, service, repair, and maintain our leased (or subleased) trailers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Our Trailers as a Service (TAAS)SM initiative includes leased and subleased trailers. These trailers and our current and future TAAS initiative trailers have long economic lives and managing our evolving trailer fleet is a critical element to our leasing business.
We face significant risks and challenges to our business and prospects as a recent entrant into the leasing and subleasing industry, including, among other things, with respect to our ability to design and build long-lived products that are aligned with freight leasing customer needs and changes in legislation and regulations in the various markets in which we operate, and cost-effectively maintain and repair our fleet to maximize the economic life of the products and the proceeds we receive from product sales. As the needs of our freight leasing customers and the scope of our customers change, we may incur costs to relocate or retrofit our assets to better meet shifts in demand. If the distribution of our assets is not aligned with regional demand or there is excess leased equipment in the fleet industry, we may be unable to take advantage of sales and leasing opportunities in certain regions, despite excess inventory in other regions.
If we do not appropriately manage the design, manufacture, repair and maintenance of our product fleet, or if we are unexpectedly unable to complete such repair or maintenance or suffer unexpected losses of equipment due to theft or obsolescence, we may be required to incur impairment charges for equipment that is beyond economic repair or incur significant capital expenditures to build new equipment to serve demand. These failures may also result in personal injury or property damage claims and termination of leases or contracts by customers. Costs of contract performance, potential litigation and profits lost from termination could materially adversely affect our future operating results and cash flows. If a significant number of leased units are returned in a short period of time, a large supply of units would need to be remarketed. If we are not able to successfully manage our lease assets or remarket a large influx of units returning from leases, our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
Our joint venture arrangement to create Linq Venture Holdings LLC and related agreements are subject to risks and we may fail to realize all of the expected enhanced revenue, earnings and cash flows.
Our ability to realize all of the expected enhanced revenue, earnings, and cash flows from our agreements related to the creation of Linq Venture Holdings LLC, a jointly owned legal entity, will depend, in substantial part, on each party’s ability to successfully develop, operate, and scale a digital marketplace for the transportation and logistics distribution industry. In connection with this joint venture, the parties plan to use an engaged investor operating model to help accelerate the development and scaling, with a goal to migrate the digital marketplace to us and terminate these relationships in the future. While we believe we will ultimately achieve these objectives, it is possible that we will be unable to achieve all of the goals within our anticipated time frame or in the anticipated amounts.
If we are not able to successfully complete our digital marketplace strategy and transition of the related business, the anticipated enhanced revenue, earnings and cash flows resulting from this joint venture may not be realized fully or may take longer to realize than expected. Our participation in this joint venture is also subject to the risks that put/call arrangements and other joint venture exit rights could require us to utilize our cash flow, incur additional indebtedness or issue stock to satisfy the payment obligations in respect of such arrangements.
Additional risks include that we do not have sole decision‐making authority and have a minority right to appoint members to the board of the joint venture, which could require us to expend additional resources on resolving impasses or potential disputes. Our future growth may be limited if we are unable to maintain good relationships or maintain aligned goals with our joint venture partner.
We may fail to realize all of the expected enhanced revenue, earnings and cash flow from our agreement to create Wabash Parts LLC, a jointly owned legal entity.
Our ability to realize all of the expected enhanced revenue, earnings, and cash flow from our 2022 agreement with a partner to create Wabash Parts LLC, a jointly owned legal entity, will depend, in substantial part, on each party’s ability to successfully operate a parts and services distribution platform and achieve our projected distribution goals. While we believe we will ultimately achieve these objectives, it is possible that we will be unable to achieve all of the goals within our anticipated time frame or in the anticipated amounts. If we are not able to successfully complete our parts and services distribution strategy, the anticipated enhanced revenue, earnings and cash flows resulting from this joint venture may not be realized fully or may take longer to realize than expected.
As part of the joint venture, we have the obligation to absorb the benefits and losses of Wabash Parts LLC that could potentially be significant to the entity. We are also required to provide funding to the entity if needed. These potential losses and funding requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
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We are subject to extensive governmental laws and regulations, and our costs related to compliance with, or our failure to comply with, existing or future laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
The length, height, width, maximum weight capacity and other specifications of truck and tank trailers are regulated by individual states. The federal government also regulates certain trailer safety features, such as lamps, reflective devices, tires, air-brake systems and rear-impact guards. In addition, most tank trailers we manufacture have specific federal regulations and restrictions that dictate tank design, material type and thickness. Our products are also subject to various state and federal environmental laws and regulations specifically including those related to greenhouse gas emissions, including regulations with respect to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Changes or anticipation of changes in these regulations can have a material impact on our financial results, as our customers may defer purchasing decisions and we may have to re-engineer products. We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations dealing with the transportation, storage, presence, use, disposal and handling of hazardous materials, discharge of storm water and underground fuel storage tanks, and we may be subject to liability associated with operations of prior owners of acquired property. In addition, we are subject to laws and regulations relating to the employment of our employees and labor-related practices.
If we are found to be in violation of applicable laws or regulations in the future, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. Our costs of complying with these or any other current or future regulations may be material. Such regulations include technical safety standards that could delay product development or require manufacturer recall campaigns to remedy certain defects. In addition, if we fail to comply with existing or future laws and regulations, we may be subject to governmental or judicial fines or sanctions.
Changes to U.S. or foreign tax laws could affect our effective tax rate and our future profitability.
Tax rates in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant change. Changes in tax legislation could significantly impact our overall profitability, the provisions for income taxes, the amount of taxes payable, and our deferred tax asset and liability balances.
Changes in U.S. trade policy, including the imposition of tariffs and the resulting consequences, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
The U.S. government previously announced, and in some cases implemented, an approach to trade policy that includes renegotiating or potentially terminating certain trade agreements, as well as implementing or increasing tariffs on foreign goods and raw materials such as steel and aluminum. These tariffs and potential tariffs have resulted, and may further result, in increased prices for certain imported goods and raw materials. While we source the majority of our materials and components domestically, tariffs and potential tariffs have caused, and may continue to cause, increases and volatility in prices for domestically sourced goods and materials that we require for our products, particularly aluminum and steel. When the costs of our components and raw materials increase, we may not be able to hedge or pass on these costs to our customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Product liability and other legal claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
As a manufacturer of products widely used in commerce, we are subject to product liability claims and litigation, as well as warranty claims. From time-to-time claims may involve material amounts and novel legal theories, and any insurance we carry may not provide adequate coverage to insulate us from material liabilities for these claims, or we may not be able to maintain this insurance on our preferred terms or at an acceptable cost. Additionally, we are, and may in the future be, party to safety-related litigation that could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Our strategy has been, and continues to be, to mount a vigorous defense against such claims. We cannot predict with certainty the extent to which we will be successful in litigating or otherwise resolving these claims in the future, and we continue to evaluate different strategies related to the safety-related claims filed against us. Even if lawsuits are decided in our favor, or are unfounded, we may incur material expenses and reputational damage. Such matters may also require significant management attention. Unfavorable rulings, judgments or settlement terms could have a material adverse impact on our business and financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In addition to product liability claims, we are subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business, such as workers’ compensation claims, OSHA investigations, employment disputes and customer and supplier disputes arising out of the conduct of our business. Litigation may result in substantial costs and may divert management’s attention and resources from the operation of our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
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Climate change and related public focus from regulators and various stakeholders could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
There is scientific consensus and increased public concern that emissions of greenhouse gases are linked to global climate changes. Climate changes, such as extreme weather conditions, including floods or hurricanes, decreased water availability or quality, sea level changes, extreme fires and overall temperature shifts, may have physical impacts on our facilities and operations, as well as those of our suppliers and customers. Such impacts are geographically specific, highly uncertain and may result in diminished availability of materials, indirect financial risks passed through our supply chain, decreased demand for our products and adverse impacts on our financial performance and operations.
These considerations may also result in additional and increasingly stringent international, national, regional or local legislative or regulatory responses to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Timing and scope of any regulations are uncertain, and regulation could result in additional costs of compliance, increased energy, transportation and materials costs and other additional expenses to improve the efficiency of our products, facilities and operations. We could also face increased costs related to defending and resolving legal claims and other litigation related to climate change regulations and the alleged impact of our operations on climate change.
Relatedly, the expectations of our customers, stockholders and employees have heightened in areas such as the environment, social matters and corporate governance. Increased public focus requires us to provide information on our approach to these issues, including certain climate-related matters such as mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and continuously monitor related reporting standards. A failure to adequately meet stakeholder expectations or to comply with climate change related regulations may result in a loss of business, diminished ability to successfully market our products to new and existing customers, decreased demand for our products, diluted market valuation or an inability to attract and retain key personnel.
An impairment in the carrying value of goodwill and other long-lived intangible assets could negatively affect our operating results.
We have a substantial amount of goodwill and purchased intangible assets on our balance sheet as a result of acquisitions. The carrying value of goodwill represents the fair value of an acquired business in excess of identifiable assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date. The carrying value of other long-lived intangible assets represents the fair value of trademarks and trade names (until the non-cash impairment charge discussed throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K), customer relationships and technology as of the acquisition date, net of accumulated amortization. Under generally accepted accounting principles, goodwill is required to be reviewed for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if potential interim indicators exist that could result in impairment, and other long-lived intangible assets require review for impairment only when indicators exist. If any business conditions or other factors cause profitability or cash flows to significantly decline, we may be required to record an additional non-cash impairment charge, which could adversely affect our operating results. Events and conditions that could result in impairment include a prolonged period of global economic weakness, a decline in economic conditions or a slow, weak economic recovery, sustained declines in the price of our common stock, adverse changes in the regulatory environment, adverse changes in the market share of our products, adverse changes in interest rates, or other factors leading to reductions in the long-term sales or profitability that we expect.
There is no assurance that we will have the ability to continue a regular quarterly dividend.
Our ability to pay dividends, and our Board of Directors’ determination to maintain our current dividend policy, will depend on numerous factors, including:
▪The state of our business, competition, and changes in our industry;
▪Changes in the factors, assumptions, and other considerations made by our Board of Directors in reviewing and revising our dividend policy;
▪Our future results of operations, financial condition, liquidity needs, and capital resources; and
▪Our various expected cash needs, including cash interest and principal payments on our indebtedness, capital expenditures, the purchase price of acquisitions, and taxes.
Each of the factors listed above could negatively affect our ability to pay dividends in accordance with our dividend policy or at all. In addition, the Board may elect to suspend or alter the current dividend policy at any time.
Our ability to fund our working capital needs and capital expenditures, and our ability to pay dividends on our common stock, is limited by the net cash provided by operations, cash on hand and available borrowings under our Credit Agreement (as defined below). Declines in net cash provided by operations, increases in working capital requirements necessitated by an increased demand for our products and services, decreases in the availability under the Credit Agreement or changes in the credit our suppliers provide to us, could rapidly exhaust our liquidity.
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We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.
Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. We may be unable to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to fund our day-to-day operations or to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, and other cash requirements, we could face substantial liquidity problems and could be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures or to sell assets or operations, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. We may not be able to affect any such alternative measures, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms or at all and, even if successful, such alternative actions may not allow us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. Rising interest rates, along with actions by credit ratings agencies, such as downgrades or negative changes to our ratings outlook, may also reduce our ability to access the capital markets and/or increase our cost of capital either of which could have material adverse effects on our financial condition and cash flows. The indenture governing the New Senior Notes and the Credit Agreement (each, as defined below) restrict (a) our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from any such dispositions and (b) the Company’s and our subsidiaries’ ability to raise debt or certain equity capital to be used to repay our indebtedness when it becomes due. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain proceeds in an amount sufficient to meet any debt service obligations then due.
Our inability to generate sufficient cash flows to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all, would materially and adversely affect our financial position and results of operations and our ability to satisfy our indebtedness.
If we cannot make scheduled payments on our debt, it will be in default and, as a result, holders of our outstanding debt could declare all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable, the lenders under the Credit Agreement could terminate their commitments to loan money, our secured lenders could foreclose against the assets securing such borrowings and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.
Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations thereunder.
As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $400.0 million of total indebtedness, and approximately $339.9 million of additional borrowings were available and undrawn under the Revolving Credit Agreement (as defined below). We also have other contractual obligations and currently pay a regular quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share, or approximately $4.0 million in the aggregate per quarter.
Our debt level could have significant consequences on future operations and financial position. For example, it could:
▪Negatively affect our ability to pay principal and interest on our debt;
▪Increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
▪Limit our ability to fund future capital expenditures and working capital, to engage in future acquisitions or development activities, or to otherwise realize the value of our assets and opportunities fully because of the need to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments of interest and principal or to comply with any restrictive terms of our debt;
▪Limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;
▪Impair our ability to obtain additional financing or to refinance our indebtedness in the future;
▪Place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that may have proportionately less debt; and
▪Impact our ability to continue to fund a regular quarterly dividend.
International operations are subject to increased risks, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Our ability to manage our business and conduct operations internationally is subject to a number of risks, including the following:
▪Economic and political instability, including international conflicts, war, acts of terrorism, or the threat thereof, political or labor unrest, civil unrest, riots, or insurrections;
▪Public health crises, including the spread of a contagious disease, pandemics or epidemics, quarantines or shutdowns related to public health crises and other catastrophic events;
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▪Challenges caused by distance, language and cultural differences and by doing business with foreign agencies and governments;
▪Uncertainty regarding liability for services and content;
▪Currency exchange rate fluctuations and our ability to manage these fluctuations;
▪Foreign exchange controls that might prevent us from repatriating cash earned outside the U.S.;
▪Import and export requirements that may prevent us from shipping products or providing services to a particular market and may increase our operating costs;
▪Potentially adverse tax consequences; and
▪Different expectations regarding working hours, work culture and work-related benefits.
Compliance with complex foreign and U.S. laws and regulations that apply to international operations may increase our cost of doing business and could expose us or our employees to fines, penalties and other liabilities. These numerous and sometimes conflicting laws and regulations include import and export requirements, content requirements, trade restrictions, tax laws, environmental laws and regulations, sanctions, internal and disclosure control rules, data privacy requirements, labor relations laws, and U.S. laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and substantially equivalent local laws prohibiting corrupt payments to governmental officials and/or other foreign persons. Any violation of the laws and regulations that apply to our operations and properties could result in, among other consequences, fines, environmental and other liabilities, criminal sanctions against us, our officers or our employees, and prohibitions on our ability to offer our products and services to one or more countries. Such consequences could materially damage our reputation, brand, business, efforts to diversify our business, ability to attract and retain employees, financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations.
Failure to meet environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) expectations or standards or to achieve our ESG goals could result in legal and regulatory proceedings against us and materially adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
We make statements about our ESG goals and initiatives through information provided on our website, press statements and other communications, including through our Corporate Responsibility Report. Our publicly announced goals, commitments and targets, which we may refine or expand further in the future, reflect our current plans and aspirations and are not guarantees that we will be able to achieve them. Responding to these ESG considerations and implementation of these goals and initiatives involves risks and uncertainties, requires investments and are impacted by factors that may be outside our control.
Such risks and uncertainties include:
▪Reputational harm, including damage to our relationships with customers, suppliers, investors, governments or other stakeholders;
▪Adverse impacts on our ability to sell and manufacture products;
▪The success of our collaborations with third parties;
▪Increased risk of litigation, investigations or regulatory enforcement action;
▪Unfavorable ESG ratings or investor sentiment;
▪Diversion of resources and increased costs to control, assess and report on ESG metrics;
▪Our ability to achieve our goals, commitments and targets within the timeframes announced;
▪Access to and increased cost of capital; and
▪Adverse impacts on our stock price.
In addition, some stakeholders may disagree with our goals and initiatives and the focus of stakeholders may change and evolve over time. Stakeholders also may have very different views on where ESG focus should be placed, including differing views of regulators in various jurisdictions in which we operate. Any failure, or perceived failure, to achieve our goals, further our initiatives, adhere to our public statements, comply with federal, state or international ESG laws and regulations or meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and standards could result in legal and regulatory proceedings against us and materially adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
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Provisions of the New Senior Notes could discourage a potential future acquisition of us by a third party.
Certain provisions of the New Senior Notes could make it more difficult or more expensive for a third party to acquire us. Upon the occurrence of certain transactions constituting a fundamental change, holders of the New Senior Notes will have the right, at their option, to require us to repurchase all of their New Senior Notes, as applicable, or any portion of the principal amount of such New Senior Notes, as applicable. In addition, the indentures governing the New Senior Notes prohibit us from engaging in certain mergers or acquisitions unless, among other things, the surviving entity assumes our obligations under the New Senior Notes. These and other provisions of the New Senior Notes could prevent or deter a third party from acquiring us even where the acquisition could be beneficial to our stockholders.
Our New Senior Notes indenture and Credit Agreement contain restrictive covenants that, if breached, could limit our financial and operating flexibility and subject us to other risks.
Our New Senior Notes indenture and Credit Agreement include customary covenants limiting our ability to, among other things, pay cash dividends, incur debt or liens, redeem or repurchase stock, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge, dissolve, repay subordinated indebtedness, make investments and dispose of assets. As required under our Credit Agreement, we are required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 as of the end of any period of 12 fiscal months when excess availability under the facility is less than the greater of (a) 10% of the lesser of (i) the total revolving commitments and (ii) the borrowing base (such lesser amount, the “Line Cap”) and (b) $25 million.
If availability under the Credit Agreement is less than the greater of (i) 10% of the Line Cap and (ii) $25 million for three consecutive business days, if there exists an event of default, amounts in any of the Borrowers’ and the Guarantors’ deposit accounts (other than certain excluded accounts) will be transferred daily into a blocked account held by the Agent and applied to reduce the outstanding amounts under the facility.
As of December 31, 2023, we believe we are in compliance with the provisions of our New Senior Notes indenture and our Credit Agreement. Our ability to comply with the various terms and conditions in the future may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions.
Risks Related to an Investment in Our Common Stock
Our common stock has experienced, and may continue to experience, price and trading volume volatility.
The trading price and volume of our common stock has been and may continue to be subject to large fluctuations. The market price and volume of our common stock may increase or decrease in response to a number of events and factors, including:
▪Trends in our industry and the markets in which we operate;
▪Changes in the market price of the products we sell;
▪The introduction of new technologies or products by us or by our competitors;
▪Changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates by securities analysts and investors;
▪Operating results that vary from the expectations of securities analysts and investors;
▪Announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, financings or capital commitments;
▪Changes in laws and regulations;
▪Any announcement that we plan to issue additional equity to the public;
▪General economic and competitive conditions; and
▪Changes in key management personnel.
This volatility may adversely affect the prices of our common stock regardless of our operating performance. To the extent that the price of our common stock declines, our ability to raise funds through the issuance of equity or otherwise use our common stock as consideration will be reduced. These factors may limit our ability to implement our operating and growth plans.
Also, shareholders may from time to time engage in proxy solicitations, advance shareholder proposals or otherwise attempt to effect changes or acquire control over the Company. Such shareholder campaigns could disrupt our operations and divert the attention of our Board of Directors and senior management and employees from the pursuit of business strategies and adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
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ITEM 1B—UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C—CYBERSECURITY
The Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) recognizes the critical importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our customers, clients, business partners and employees. The Board is actively involved in oversight of the Company’s risk management program, and cybersecurity represents an important component of the Company’s overall approach to enterprise risk management (“ERM”). The Company’s cybersecurity policies, standards, processes, and practices are fully integrated into the Company’s ERM program. In general, the Company seeks to address cybersecurity risks through a comprehensive, cross-functional approach that is focused on preserving the confidentiality, security and availability of the information that the Company collects and stores by identifying, preventing and mitigating cybersecurity threats and effectively responding to cybersecurity incidents when they occur.
Risk Management and Strategy
As one of the critical elements of the Company’s overall ERM approach, the Company’s cybersecurity program is focused on the following key areas:
Governance: The Board’s oversight of cybersecurity risk management is supported by the Audit Committee of the Board, which regularly interacts with the Company’s General Counsel, ERM committee, the Sr. Director, IT, and executive leadership. The ERM committee is a cross-functional team of high-level leaders that meet at least quarterly to anticipate, identify, prioritize, and manage material risks to the Company’s strategic objectives. It conducts an extensive bi-annual survey and interview process to identify the material risks, and it continues to monitor for any emerging material risks between surveys. The ERM Committee reports on its findings and activities twice annually to the Audit Committee of the Board.
Collaborative Approach: The Company has implemented a comprehensive, cross-functional approach to identifying, preventing and mitigating cybersecurity threats and incidents, while also implementing controls and procedures, including an incident response team, that provide for the prompt escalation of certain cybersecurity incidents so that decisions regarding the public disclosure and reporting of such incidents can be made by management in a timely manner. Senior leadership also briefs the Board on information security matters with quarterly updates.
Technical Safeguards: The Company deploys technical safeguards that are designed to protect the Company’s information systems from cybersecurity threats, like artificial intelligence platforms with an array of technologies, extensive encryption, firewalls, intrusion prevention and detection systems, anti-malware functionality and access controls, which are evaluated and improved through vulnerability assessments and cybersecurity threat intelligence. The Company’s cybersecurity controls are incorporated into our internal control environment, managed and tested in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Incident Response Planning: The Company has established, maintains and regularly tests incident response plans that address the Company’s response to a cybersecurity incident. The Company also has a cybersecurity risk insurance policy.
Third-Party Risk Management: The Company maintains a comprehensive, risk-based approach to identifying and overseeing cybersecurity risks presented by third parties, including vendors, service providers and other external users of the Company’s systems, as well as the systems of third parties that could adversely impact our business in the event of a cybersecurity incident affecting those third-party systems.
Education and Awareness: The Company employs a variety of security-focused training/awareness practices to equip the Company’s personnel with effective tools to address cybersecurity threats. Information Technology (“IT”) and cybersecurity-based training is performed during employee on-boarding to communicate the Company’s evolving information security policies, standards, processes and practices. Phishing simulations are performed on a monthly basis and Company-wide notifications and/or cyber awareness messages are sent on an as-needed basis.
The Audit Committee also surveys data and factors that impact costs and incident response efforts.
Governance
The Board, in coordination with the Audit Committee, oversees the Company’s ERM process, including the management of risks arising from cybersecurity threats. The Board and the Audit Committee each receive regular presentations and reports on cybersecurity risks from the Sr. Director, IT. The Board and the Audit Committee also receive prompt and timely information regarding any cybersecurity incident that meets established reporting thresholds, as well as ongoing updates regarding any such incident until it has been addressed. On an annual basis, the Board and the Audit Committee discuss the Company’s approach to cybersecurity risk management with members of management.
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The Sr. Director, IT, in coordination with management, works collaboratively across the Company to implement a program designed to protect the Company’s information systems from cybersecurity threats and to promptly respond to any cybersecurity incidents in accordance with the Company’s incident response plans. Risks are evaluated with cross functional input using external guidance, risk matrices, governmental guidelines, and other cybersecurity best practices. This evaluation is shared with executive leadership via the ERM committee and through regular updates provided by the Sr. Director, IT.
To facilitate the success of the Company’s cybersecurity risk management program, multidisciplinary processes and controls are in place to address cybersecurity threats and to respond to cybersecurity incidents. Through ongoing communications with the ERM committee and the cybersecurity team, management monitors the prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity threats and incidents in real time and reports such threats and incidents to the Audit Committee when appropriate.
The Sr. Director, IT holds a chief information security officer certification from Heinze College at Carnegie Mellon and has over 15 years of cybersecurity experience.
The Company has not experienced a material information security breach in the last three years.
The Company has not experienced a material third-party information security breach.
Cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, have not materially affected the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. For a discussion of whether and how any risks from cybersecurity threats are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition, refer to Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” - “We rely significantly on information technology to support our operations and if we are unable to protect against service interruptions or security breaches, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations,” which is incorporated by reference into this Item 1C.
ITEM 2—PROPERTIES
We have manufacturing and retail operations located throughout the United States as well as a facility in Mexico. Properties owned by Wabash are subject to security interests held by our lenders. We believe the facilities we are now using, as well as any planned capacity expansions, are adequate and suitable for our current business operations and the currently foreseeable level of operations. The following table provides information regarding the locations of our major facilities. In addition to the locations listed below, we have other facilities in the United States.
Cadiz, Kentucky Owned Manufacturing Transportation Solutions (Platform Trailers)
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ITEM 3—LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As of December 31, 2023, we were named as a defendant or were otherwise involved in numerous legal proceedings and governmental examinations, including class action lawsuits, in connection with the conduct of our business activities, in various jurisdictions, both in the United States and internationally. Accrual for losses have been recorded for those matters deemed both probable and reasonably estimated. On the basis of information currently available to us, management does not believe that existing proceedings and investigations will have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition or liquidity if determined in a manner adverse to us. However, such matters are unpredictable, and we could incur judgments or enter into settlements for current or future claims that could materially and adversely affect our financial statements. Costs associated with the litigation and settlements of legal matters are reported within General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Legal Matter Estimated Liability
As of September 30, 2023, we were named as a defendant in California state court in two purported class action lawsuits, alleging wage and hour claims under California-specific employment laws (collectively, the “Matters”). The defense of both lawsuits is being handled conjunctively. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, in accordance with ASC 450, we concluded a liability related to the Matters was probable and estimable. As such, an estimated liability of $3.0 million is included in General & administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. During the second quarter of 2023, we reached an agreement to resolve the Matters via settlement for an amount materially consistent with the estimated liability. The settlement proceeds will be paid in the first quarter of 2024.
Product Liability Claims
We have been, and may in the future be, subject to product liability claims and litigation incidental to our normal operating activities. The ultimate outcome of such claims and litigation cannot be predicted with any certainty and any such claim or litigation could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Environmental Disputes
In August 2014, we received notice as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (the “DHEC”) pertaining to the Philip Services Site located in Rock Hill, South Carolina pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) and corresponding South Carolina statutes. PRPs include parties identified through manifest records as having contributed to deliveries of hazardous substances to the Philip Services Site between 1979 and 1999. The DHEC’s allegation that we were a PRP arises out of four manifest entries in 1989 under the name of a company unaffiliated with Wabash National Corporation (or any of its former or current subsidiaries) that purport to be delivering a de minimis amount of hazardous waste to the Philip Services Site “c/o Wabash National Corporation.” As such, the Philip Services Site PRP Group (the “PRP Group”) notified Wabash in August 2014 that it was offering us the opportunity to resolve any liabilities associated with the Philip Services Site by entering into a Cash Out and Reopener Settlement Agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with the PRP Group, as well as a Consent Decree with the DHEC. We have accepted the offer from the PRP Group to enter into the Settlement Agreement and Consent Decree, while reserving its rights to contest its liability for any deliveries of hazardous materials to the Philips Services Site. The requested settlement payment is immaterial to our financial condition and results of operations, and as a result, if the Settlement Agreement and Consent Decree are finalized, the payment to be made by us thereunder is not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
On November 13, 2019, we received a notice that we were considered one of several PRPs by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (“IDEM”) under CERCLA and state law related to substances found in soil and groundwater at a property located at 817 South Earl Avenue, Lafayette, Indiana (the “Site”). We have never owned or operated the Site, but the Site is near certain of our owned properties. In 2020, we agreed to implement a limited work plan to further investigate the source of the contamination at the Site and worked with IDEM and other PRPs to finalize the terms of the work plan. We submitted our initial site investigation report to IDEM during the third quarter of 2020, indicating that the data collected by our consultant confirmed that our properties are not the source of contamination at the Site. In December 2021, after completing further groundwater sampling work, we submitted to IDEM a supplemental written report, which again stated that we are not a responsible party and our properties are not a source of any contamination. In June 2022, we and other PRPs finalized Work Plan Addendum No. 3, which provided for additional groundwater sampling on another PRP property. We completed all additional sampling between the second quarter and fourth quarter of 2023, and all available information establishes there is no source of any contamination on our owned properties. As of December 31, 2023, based on the information available, we do not expect this matter to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 4—MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not Applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5—MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Information Regarding our Common Stock
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “WNC.” The number of record holders of our common stock at February 15, 2024 was 508.
In December 2016, our Board of Directors approved the reinstatement of a dividend program under which we pay regular quarterly cash dividends to holders of our common stock. Prior to 2017, no dividends had been paid since the third quarter of 2008. Payments of cash dividends depends on our future earnings, capital availability, financial condition, and the discretion of our Board of Directors.
Our Certificate of Incorporation, as amended and approved by our stockholders, authorizes 225 million shares of capital stock, consisting of 200 million shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 25 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.
Performance Graph
The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total returns for an investment in our common stock, the S&P 500 Composite Index, and the Dow Jones Transportation Index. It covers the period commencing December 31, 2018 and ending December 31, 2023. The graph assumes that the value for the investment in our common stock and in each index was $100 on December 31, 2018.
Comparative of Cumulative Total Return
December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2023
among Wabash National Corporation, the S&P 500 Index,
and the Dow Jones Transportation Index
Base PeriodDecember 31, Indexed ReturnsYears ended December 31,
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Purchases of Our Equity Securities
On February 15, 2024, we announced that our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of an additional $150 million in shares of common stock over a three-year period. This authorization was an increase to the previous $150 million repurchase program approved in August 2021 and the previous $100 million repurchase programs approved in November 2018, February 2017, and February 2016. The repurchase program is set to expire in February 2027. Stock repurchases under this program may be made in the open market or in private transactions at times and in amounts determined by us. During the fourth quarter of 2023, there were 904,899 shares repurchased pursuant to our repurchase program. As of December 31, 2023, $38.5 million remained available under the program. Additionally, for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, there were 364 shares surrendered or withheld to cover minimum employee tax withholding obligations generally upon the vesting of restricted stock awards.
ITEM 6—RESERVED
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ITEM 7—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
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.
For discussion of results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021, see Part II, Item 7,—”Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 23, 2023.
Executive Summary
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Operating Performance
We generally measure our operating performance in five key areas – Safety/Morale, Quality, Delivery, Cost Reduction, and Environment. We maintain a continuous improvement mindset in each of these key performance areas.
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Safety/Morale. The safety of our employees is our number one priority. We demonstrate this core value by working on innovations to protect the people who operate our equipment and partnering with others to promote higher standards in transportation and manufacturing. We continually focus on reducing the severity and frequency of workplace injuries to create a safe environment for our employees and minimize workers compensation costs. We believe that our improved environmental, health, and safety management translates into higher labor productivity and lower costs as a result of less time away from work and improved system management. See the “Human Capital Resources and Management” section in Part I, Item 1, "Business" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional detail on our commitment to safety and human capital.
Quality. Our commitment to quality and safety is backed by a robust concern reporting system and associated processes. Any Wabash employee can report a potential safety-related concern that could cause unreasonable risk of harm to our customers. Potential or reported safety concerns are routed to a cross-functional Product Safety Team that includes members from Quality, Warranty, Engineering, Sales and Strategic Sourcing. The Product Safety Team investigates submissions and serves as an initial filter of potential safety issues. Issues that need to be escalated are sent to the Product Safety Council, which consists of executive team members who will coach and give final direction to the Product Safety Team. We monitor product quality on a continual basis through a number of means for both internal and external performance as follows:
▪Internal performance. Key process indicators for our quality measurement include both First Time Quality (“FTQ”) and Defects Per Unit (“DPU”). FTQ is a performance metric that measures the impact of all aspects of the business on our ability to ship our products at the end of the production process and DPU is a measurement of defects found at the end of the production process. As with previous years, the expectations of the highest quality product continue to increase while maintaining FTQ performance and reducing rework. In addition, we currently maintain ISO 9001 registrations at our Lafayette, Indiana (since 2012) and Cadiz, Kentucky facilities (since 2014).
▪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.
In addition to managing a robust quality management system for Wabash’s operations for internal and external performance, we expect all direct and indirect suppliers to meet certain standards of quality, engineering, delivery, and management. Our supplier audit process is a comprehensive assessment performed at the supplier’s facility focusing on their system capabilities and how they measure to Wabash’s established requirements. Based on a supplier’s overall rating, action plans are developed to identify improvement opportunities, corrective actions, and timelines to ensure proper closure.
Delivery/Productivity. We measure productivity on many fronts. Some key indicators include production line throughput, labor hours per trailer or truck body, labor cost as a percentage of revenue, scrap rates, and inventory levels. Improvements over the last several years in these areas have translated into significant improvements in our ability to better manage inventory flow, control costs, and analyze material and contribution margins.
▪During the past several years, we have focused on productivity enhancements across all of our product lines within manufacturing assembly and sub-assembly areas through developing the capability for mixed model production.
▪Through deployment of the Wabash Management System (“WMS”), all of our business reporting segments have focused on increasing velocity at all our manufacturing locations. We have engaged in extensive lean training and over the last three years have deployed purposeful capital to accelerate our productivity initiatives.
▪Our manufacturing leadership teams have developed competencies to isolate process constraints, and then address those constraints through multiple avenues that drive additional throughput and cost reductions.
Cost Reduction and our Operating System. The WMS allows us to develop and scale high standards of excellence across the organization. We believe in our One Wabash approach and standardized processes to drive and monitor performance inside our manufacturing facilities. Continuous improvement is a fundamental component of our operational excellence focus. Our focus on leveraging One Wabash and the WMS mindset across the Company, for example, has allowed us to make strides in all areas of manufacturing including safety, quality, on-time delivery, cost reduction, employee morale, and environment. We continue to maintain focus on continuous improvement. In the past several years, we made adjustments throughout our processes to align variable and fixed costs with capacity and created leaner internal processes in multiple areas. In addition, we continued to invest capital in our processes to reduce variable cost, lowered inherent safety risk in our processes, improved overall consistency in our manufacturing processes, and maintained our assets to capitalize on any economic and/or industry upswings.
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Environment. We have been on a sustainability journey since the Company’s inception. Uniquely incentivized to improve product designs by utilizing new composite materials to reduce the weight and improve the durability of our products, we are a leader in creating value for customers by facilitating improved fuel efficiency and ensuring the quality and longevity of our equipment. We commit to our employees, customers and shareholders to manage all of our business activities in a responsible manner with respect for the environment through pollution prevention and with our highest priority being the health and safety of our employees. Energy conservation efforts are another critical part of our commitment to continuous improvement and environmental stewardship, and we require energy conservation efforts across all of our facilities. This policy includes improving operational efficiency as well as upgrading to energy-conserving equipment where possible.
We demonstrate our commitment to sustainability by maintaining ISO 14001 registration of our Environmental Management System at our Lafayette, Indiana; Cadiz, Kentucky; San José Iturbide, Mexico; and Harrison, Arkansas locations. In 2005, our Lafayette, Indiana facility was one of the first trailer manufacturing operations in the world to be ISO 14001 registered. Being ISO 14001 registered requires us to demonstrate quantifiable and third-party verified environmental improvements. In addition, our San José Iturbide, Mexico facility was recognized with Clean Industry certification from Mexico’s Federal Agency of Environmental Protection for adhering to environmental care in its manufacturing processes.
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.
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.
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.
Our annual Corporate Responsibility Report is available on our website (ir.onewabash.com) and references the ongoing environmental, social, and governance (“ESG”) initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The content on any website referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K unless expressly noted.
Industry Trends
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:
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Transportation Regulations and Legislation. There are several different areas within both federal and state government regulations and legislation that are expected to have an impact on trailer demand, including:
▪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.
▪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.
▪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 CO2 emissions.
▪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.
▪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.
▪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.
▪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.
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▪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 EcoNexTM 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.
▪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.
Other Developments. Other developments and potential impacts on the industry include:
▪While EPA and NHTSA are unable to regulate trailers due to a previous ruling, which reduces the risk to trailer manufacturers in the near term, CARB continues to seek additional states to join their position in attempting to drive regulation at the state level.
▪While we believe the need for trailer equipment will be positively impacted by the legislative and regulatory changes addressed above, these demand drivers could be offset by factors that contribute to the increased concentration and density of loads.
▪Trucking company profitability, which can be influenced by factors such as fuel prices, freight tonnage volumes, and government regulations, is highly correlated with the overall economy of the U.S.; carrier profitability significantly impacts demand for, and the financial ability to, purchase new trailers.
▪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.
▪The expected transition from diesel tractors (and their coolant systems) to electric or fuel cell vehicles changes how heated or cooled trailers can regulate temperature. This creates a market need for alternate heating and cooling solutions.
▪The impacts of the continued near-shoring trend should be positive for trucking. It will continue to impact current supply chain routes, with possible movement of logistics hubs.
▪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.
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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain operating data as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:
Years Ended December 31,
General and administrative expenses 5.8 % 4.5 % 4.9 %
Selling expenses 1.0 % 1.1 % 1.3 %
Amortization of intangibles 0.5 % 0.6 % 1.3 %
Impairment and other, net — % — % 1.5 %
Income from operations 12.3 % 6.7 % 1.9 %
Interest expense (0.8) % (0.8) % (1.3) %
Other, net 0.1 % — % (0.5) %
Other expense, net (0.6) % (0.8) % (1.8) %
Loss from unconsolidated entity — % — % — %
Income before income taxes 11.6 % 5.9 % 0.1 %
Income tax expense 2.5 % 1.3 % — %
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2023 Compared to 2022
Net Sales
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):
Year Ended December 31, Change
(prior to elimination of intersegment sales)
Sales by Segment
New Units Shipped (units)
Used Units Shipped (units)
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.
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.
Cost of Sales
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.
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.
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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.
Gross Profit
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):
Year Ended December 31, Change
Gross Profit by Segment
Corporate and Eliminations — — —
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.
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.
General and Administrative Expenses
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.
Selling Expenses
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.
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Amortization of Intangibles
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.
Impairment and Other, Net
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.
Other Income
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.
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.
Income Taxes
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.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Capital Structure
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.
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.
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.
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Debt Agreements and Related Amendments
Senior Notes due 2028
On October 6, 2021, we closed on an offering of $400 million in aggregate principal amount of our 4.50% unsecured Senior Notes due 2028 (the “New Senior Notes”). The New Senior Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture dated as of October 6, 2021, by and among us, certain subsidiary guarantors named therein (the “Guarantors”) and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the “Indenture”). The New Senior Notes bear interest at the rate of 4.50% and pay interest semi-annually in cash in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The New Senior Notes will mature on October 15, 2028. At any time prior to October 15, 2024, we may redeem some or all of the New Senior Notes for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Senior Notes being redeemed plus an applicable make-whole premium set forth in the Indenture and accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date.
Prior to October 15, 2024, we may redeem up to 40% of the New Senior Notes at a redemption price of 104.500% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date, with the proceeds of certain equity offerings so long as if, after any such redemption occurs, at least 60% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Senior Notes remain outstanding. On and after October 15, 2024, we may redeem some or all of the New Senior Notes at redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) equal to 102.250% for the twelve-month period beginning on October 15, 2024, 101.125% for the twelve-month period beginning October 15, 2025 and 100.000% beginning on October 15, 2026, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in the Indenture), unless we have exercised our optional redemption right in respect of the New Senior Notes, the holders of the New Senior Notes will have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of the New Senior Notes at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Senior Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of repurchase.
The New Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all direct and indirect existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain restrictions. The New Senior Notes and related guarantees are our and the Guarantors’ general unsecured senior obligations and will be subordinated to all of our and the Guarantors’ existing and future secured debt to the extent of the assets securing that secured obligation. In addition, the New Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to any existing and future debt of any of our subsidiaries that are not Guarantors, to the extent of the assets of those subsidiaries.
Subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications, the Indenture restricts our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends or make other distributions in respect of, or repurchase or redeem, our capital stock or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, our profits; (iii) make loans and certain investments; (iv) sell assets; (v) create or incur liens; (vi) enter into transactions with affiliates; and (vii) consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets. These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications.
During any time when the New Senior Notes are rated investment grade by at least two of Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and no Default (as defined in the Indenture) has occurred and is continuing, many of such covenants will be suspended and we and our subsidiaries will cease to be subject to such covenants during such period.
The Indenture contains customary events of default, including payment defaults, breaches of covenants, failure to pay certain judgments and certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the principal amount of the New Senior Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, may be declared immediately due and payable. These amounts automatically become due and payable if an event of default relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occurs. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants.
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.
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Contractual coupon interest expense and accretion of fees for the New Senior Notes for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were $18.0 million and $0.6 million, $18.0 million and $0.6 million, and $4.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
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.
Contractual coupon interest expense and accretion of discount and fees are included in Interest expense on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Revolving Credit Agreement
On September 23, 2022, we entered into the Third Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among us, certain of our subsidiaries as borrowers (together with us, the “Borrowers”), certain of our subsidiaries as guarantors, the lenders party thereto, and Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as the administrative agent (the “Agent”), which amended our existing Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2018 (as amended from time to time, the “Revolving Credit Agreement”).
Under the Revolving Credit Agreement, the lenders agree to make available a $350 million revolving credit facility to the Borrowers with a scheduled maturity date of September 23, 2027. We have the option to increase the total commitments under the facility by up to an additional $175 million, subject to certain conditions, including obtaining agreements from one or more lenders, whether or not party to the Revolving Credit Agreement, to provide such additional commitments. Availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement is based upon quarterly (or more frequent under certain circumstances) borrowing base certifications of the Borrowers’ eligible inventory, eligible leasing inventory and eligible accounts receivable, and is reduced by certain reserves in effect from time to time.
Subject to availability, the Revolving Credit Agreement provides for a letter of credit subfacility in the amount of $25 million and allows for swingline loans in the amount of $35 million. Outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at an annual rate, at the Borrowers’ election, equal to (i) adjusted term Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75% or (ii) a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 0.75%, in each case depending upon the monthly average excess availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement. The Borrowers are required to pay a monthly unused line fee equal to 0.20% times the average daily unused availability along with other customary fees and expenses of the Agent and the lenders.
The Revolving Credit Agreement is guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”) and is secured by substantially all personal property of the Borrowers and the Guarantors.
The Revolving Credit Agreement contains customary covenants limiting our ability and certain of our subsidiaries to, among other things, pay cash dividends, incur debt or liens, redeem or repurchase stock, enter into transactions with affiliates, merge, dissolve, repay subordinated indebtedness, make investments and dispose of assets. In addition, we will be required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 as of the end of any period of 12 fiscal months when excess availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement is less than the greater of (a) 10% of the lesser of (i) the total revolving commitments and (ii) the borrowing base (such lesser amount, the “Line Cap”) and (b) $25 million. As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with all covenants.
If availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement is less than the greater of (i) 10% of the Line Cap and (ii) $25 million for three consecutive business days, or if there exists an event of default, amounts in any of the Borrowers’ and the Guarantors’ deposit accounts (other than certain excluded accounts) will be transferred daily into a blocked account held by the Agent and applied to reduce the outstanding amounts under the facility.
The Revolving Credit Agreement contains customary events of default. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the lenders may, among other things, require the immediate payment of all amounts outstanding and foreclose on collateral. In addition, in the case of an event of default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, the lenders’ obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement would automatically terminate, and all amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement would automatically become due and payable.
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.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we had payments of principal of $104.2 million and borrowings of principal of $104.2 million under the Revolving Credit Agreement, and as of December 31, 2023, there were no amounts outstanding.
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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.
Interest expense under the Revolving Credit Agreement for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, was approximately $0.9 million, $1.7 million, and $0.6 million, respectively. Interest expense under the Revolving Credit Agreement is included in Interest expense on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
New and Old Term Loan Credit Agreements
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.
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.
Cash Flow
2023 Compared to 2022
Cash provided by operating activities for 2023totaled $319.6 million, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $124.1 million in 2022. The cash provided by operations during the current year was the result of net income adjusted for various non-cash activities, including depreciation, amortization, deferred taxes, stock-based compensation, and a $42.1 million decrease in our working capital. Changes in key working capital accounts for 2023 and 2022 are summarized below (in thousands):
Source (Use) of cash:
Accounts receivable decreased $72.6 million in 2023 and increased $79.1 million in 2022. Days sales outstanding, a measure of working capital efficiency that measures the amount of time a receivable is outstanding, was approximately 28 days and 35 days for the year-ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in accounts receivable in 2023 was primarily due to the decrease in shipments during the second half of 2023 compared to 2022 as well as the timing of shipments and receipt of customer payments. Inventories increased in 2023 by $23.8 million compared to an increase in 2022 of $6.2 million. The overall increase in inventory for 2023 was primarily attributable to higher finished goods inventory compared to prior year. Our inventory turns, a commonly used measure of working capital efficiency that measures how quickly inventory turns per year, was approximately 6 times in 2023 and 7 times 2022. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased $5.8 million in 2023 compared to an increase of $46.1 million for 2022. Days payable outstanding, a measure of working capital efficiency that measures the amount of time a payable is outstanding, was 29 days in 2023 and 30 days in 2022.
Investing activities used $106.0 million during 2023 compared to $55.3 million used in 2022. Investing activities for 2023 included capital expenditures for property, plant, and equipment of $98.1 million, which was an increase compared to $57.1 million during 2022. In addition, expenditures related to revenue generating assets totaled approximately $5.7 million and expenditures related to investment in Linq Venture Holdings, LLC totaled approximately $2.5 million, which is further detailed in Note 6 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Cash used in investing activities in 2023 and 2022 was primarily related to capital expenditures to support growth and improvement initiatives at our facilities. In 2023, investing activities included $0.2 million proceeds from the sale of assets compared to approximately $1.8 million in 2022.
Financing activities used $92.5 million during 2023 as compared to using $82.3 million during 2022. Net cash used in 2023 primarily relates to common stock repurchases of $76.2 million and cash dividend payments to our shareholders of $15.9 million. Borrowings under our Revolving Credit Agreement totaled $104.2 million which were fully offset by principal, interest, and unused fee payments made under our Revolving Credit Agreement of $104.2 million. Net cash used in financing activities in 2022 due in part to net payments on our Revolving Credit Agreement of $33.0 million. We also repurchased common stock of $34.3 million and paid cash dividends to our shareholders of $16.0 million in 2022.
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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 prior year is primarily attributable to a higher cash balance, a result of higher net cash provided by operating activities in 2023. Total debt obligations amounted to $400.0 million as of December 31, 2023.
For 2024 and forward, 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 capitalize on any economic and/or industry upswings, 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.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
A summary of our contractual obligations and commercial commitments, both on and off-balance sheet, as of December 31, 2023 are as follows (in thousands):
Debt:
Revolving Credit Agreement (due 2027) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ —
Other:
Other Commercial Commitments:
Raw Material Purchase Commitments 35,700 — — — — — 35,700
Chassis Agreements and Programs 28,212 — — — — — 28,212
Total Other Commercial Commitments 69,914 — — — — — 69,914
1 Future interest payments on variable rate long-term debt (if any) are estimated based on the rate in effect as of December 31, 2023, and only include interest payments (not unused line fees). However, as of December 31, 2023, there was no variable rate debt (Revolving Credit Agreement) outstanding.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a variable rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) or a base rate determined by the lender’s prime rate plus an applicable margin, as defined in the agreement. Any outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate, at our election, equal to (i) adjusted term SOFR plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75% or (ii) a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 0.75%, in each case depending upon the monthly average excess availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement. We are required to pay a monthly unused line fee equal to 0.20% times the average daily unused availability along with other customary fees and expenses of our agent and lenders. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we had payments of principal of $104.2 million and borrowings of principal of $104.2 million under the Revolving Credit Agreement, and as of December 31, 2023, there were no amounts outstanding.
The Senior Notes due 2028 bear interest at the rate of 4.5% per annum from the date of issuance, payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15.
Operating leases represent the total future minimum lease payments for leases that have commenced. As of December 31, 2023, obligations related to operating leases that we have executed but have not yet commenced were nominal.
We have standby letters of credit totaling $6.0 million issued in connection with workers compensation claims and surety bonds.
We have $35.7 million in purchase commitments through December 2024 for various raw material commodities, including aluminum, steel, polyethylene, and nickel, as well as other raw material components which are within normal production requirements.
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We obtain vehicle chassis for our specialized vehicle products directly from the chassis manufacturers under converter pool agreements. Chassis are obtained from the manufacturers based on orders from customers, and to a lesser extent, for unallocated orders. Although each manufacturer’s agreement has different terms and conditions, the agreements generally state that the manufacturer will provide a supply of chassis to be maintained from time to time at our various facilities with the condition that we will store such chassis and will not move, sell, or otherwise dispose of such chassis except under the terms of the agreement. The manufacturer transfers the chassis to us on a “restricted basis” retaining the sole authority to authorize commencement of work on the chassis and to make certain other decisions with respect to the chassis including the terms and pricing of sales of the chassis to the manufacturer’s dealers. The manufacturer also does not transfer the certificate of origin to us nor permit us to sell or transfer the chassis to anyone other than the manufacturer (for ultimate resale to a dealer). Although we are party to related finance agreements with manufacturers, we have not historically settled, nor do we expect to in the future settle, any related obligations in cash. Instead, the obligation is settled by the manufacturer upon reassignment of the chassis to an accepted dealer, and the dealer is invoiced for the chassis by the manufacturer. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2023, our outstanding chassis converter pool with the manufacturer totaled $27.3 million and has included this financing agreement on our Consolidated Balance Sheets within Prepaid expenses and other and Other accrued liabilities. All other chassis programs are handled as consigned inventory belonging to the manufacturer and totaled approximately $0.9 million. Under these agreements, if the chassis is not delivered to a customer within a specified time frame, we are required to pay a finance or storage charge on the chassis. Additionally, we receive finance support funds from manufacturers when the chassis are assigned into our chassis pool. Typically, chassis are converted and delivered to customers within 90 days of our receipt of the chassis.
The total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, including positions impacting only the timing of tax benefits, was $4.8 million at December 31, 2023. Payment of these obligations would result from settlements with taxing authorities. Due to the difficulty in determining the timing of settlements, these obligations are not included in the table above. We do not expect to make a tax payment related to these obligations within the next year that would significantly impact liquidity.
Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Certain of our accounting policies require the application of significant judgment by management in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. These judgments are based on our historical experience, terms of existing contracts, evaluation of trends in the industry, information provided by our customers, and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate.
We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if it requires us to make assumptions about matters that were uncertain at the time we were making the estimate or changes in the estimate or different estimates that we could have selected would have had a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
Legal and Other Contingencies. The outcomes of legal proceedings and claims brought against us and other loss contingencies are subject to significant uncertainty. We establish legal contingency reserves when we determine that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. In determining the appropriate accounting for loss contingencies, we consider the likelihood of loss or the incurrence of a liability, as well as our ability to reasonably estimate the amount of loss. We regularly evaluate current information available to us to determine whether an accrual should be established or adjusted. Estimating the probability that a loss will occur and estimating the amount of a loss or a range of loss involves significant judgment and such matters are unpredictable. We could incur judgments or enter into settlements for current or future claims that could materially impact our results of operations.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets. We review, on at least a quarterly basis, the financial performance of each business unit for indicators of impairment. In reviewing for impairment indicators, we also consider events or changes in circumstances such as business prospects, customer retention, market trends, potential product obsolescence, competitive activities, and other economic factors. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value of an asset group exceeds the future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset group. The impairment loss recognized is the amount by which the carrying value of the asset group exceeds its fair value.
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Impairment of Trade Name and Trademark Intangible Assets (2021)
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.
Goodwill. We assess goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis as of October 1st, after the annual planning process is complete. More frequent evaluations may be required if we experience changes in our business climate or as a result of other triggering events that may take place. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, the asset is considered impaired and is reduced to its fair value.
In assessing goodwill for impairment, we may choose to initially evaluate qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, then an impairment analysis for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level using a quantitative approach. The quantitative test is a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit, determined using a combination of the income and market approaches, to its recorded amount. If the recorded amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment is recorded to reduce the carrying amount to fair value, but will not exceed the amount of goodwill that is recorded.
The process of evaluating goodwill for impairment is subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis. If we elect to perform an optional qualitative analysis, we consider many factors including, but not limited to, general economic conditions, industry and market conditions, financial performance and key business drivers, long-term operating plans, and potential changes to significant assumptions used in the most recent fair value analysis for the reporting unit. When performing a quantitative goodwill impairment test, we generally determine fair value using a combination of an income-based approach and a market-based approach. The fair value determination consists primarily of using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) under the fair value measurement standards. We believe the most critical assumptions and estimates in determining the estimated fair value of our reporting units include, but are not limited to, the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows which is largely dependent on expected EBITDA margins, the discount rate applied to those cash flows, and terminal growth rates. The assumptions used in determining our expected future cash flows consider various factors such as historical operating trends and long-term operating strategies and initiatives. The discount rate used by each reporting unit is based on our assumption of a prudent investor’s required rate of return assuming the risk of investing in a particular company. The terminal growth rate reflects the sustainable operating income a reporting unit could generate in a perpetual state as a function of revenue growth, inflation, and future margin expectations.
Annual Goodwill Impairment Test
As of December 31, 2023, goodwill allocated to our TS and P&S segments was approximately $120.5 million and $67.9 million, respectively. For the 2023 annual goodwill impairment test conducted as of October 1st, 2023, the Company chose to evaluate qualitative factors to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of the TS and P&S reporting units were less than their respective carrying amounts. In accordance with the relevant accounting guidance, in order to perform the qualitative assessment, the Company considered many factors including, but not limited to, general economic conditions, industry and market conditions, financial performance and key business drivers, future operating plans, and potential changes to significant assumptions used in the most recent quantitative fair value analysis for each reporting unit (which was conducted in connection with the Company’s segment realignment beginning in September 2021 as further described below). Based on the analysis of the factors and considerations described above, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit continued to be greater than the respective carrying value. Therefore, no impairment charges were recorded and a quantitative analysis was not performed.
During the fourth quarters of 2022 and 2021, the Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test using the qualitative assessment. Based on all assessments performed, the Company believed it was more likely than not that the fair value of its reporting units were greater than their carrying amount and no additional impairment of goodwill was recognized.
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.
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2021 Segment Realignment
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.
Goodwill Allocation for Extract Technology® (“Extract”)
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.
Other
Inflation
Inflation impacts prices paid for labor, materials and supplies. Significant increases in the costs of production or certain commodities, raw materials, and components could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. As has been our practice, we will endeavor to offset the impact of inflation through selective price increases, productivity improvements, and hedging activities. Our ability to mitigate the impact of inflation through selective price increases may be limited by our backlog in cases of orders without inflation-based price adjustment provisions.
New Accounting Pronouncements
For information related to new accounting standards, see Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
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ITEM 7A–QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
In addition to the risks inherent in our operations, we have exposure to financial and market risk resulting from volatility in commodity prices, interest rates, and foreign exchange rates. The following discussion provides additional detail regarding our exposure to these risks.
Commodity Price Risks