
Setting new records in a variety of different categories allowed trailer manufacturer Wabash National Corp. (NYSE:WNC) to report on Tuesday it more than doubled its first quarter profit compared to a year ago.
Setting new records in a variety of different categories allowed trailer manufacturer Wabash National Corp. to report more than doubled first quarter profit over a year ago.

Photo: Wabash National

Setting new records in a variety of different categories allowed trailer manufacturer Wabash National Corp. (NYSE:WNC) to report on Tuesday it more than doubled its first quarter profit compared to a year ago.
Net income totaled $27.5 million, or 42 cents per share, compared to $10.5 million, or 15 cents per share, a year earlier, as net sales increased 2% to $448 million.
According to the Indiana-based company, the year-over-year improvement in operating performance is due to the successful execution of its growth and diversification strategies, a strong pricing environment in its commercial trailer products segment, and operational improvements across its manufacturing facilities.
“First quarter results represent the best in our company’s history as we set first quarter records for sales, gross profit, income from operations and operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA),” said Dick Giromini, president and CEO. “Furthermore, we established new records for gross profit margin and operating income margin of 17.8% and 10.8%, respectively.”
These figures compare to a gross profit margin of 13.8% and operating income margin of 6.2% in the first quarter of last year
Wabash reported new trailer shipments for the first quarter were approximately 14,500, exceeding its previous guidance of 13,000 to 14,000 trailers, which it says was driven by strong customer pick-ups and favorable weather conditions.
“A robust backlog of $1.1 billion, overall trailer market projections by ACT Research and FTR, customer commentary, and outstanding operational execution across the business, have put us on pace to deliver another record year in 2016, our fifth consecutive year of record performance,” Giromini said. “As such, we are increasing our full-year adjusted earnings guidance to $1.65 to $1.75 per diluted share.
Wabash’s commercial trailer products’ net sales increased $40 million, or 12.8% from a year earlier, allowing gross profit to increase $30 million while operating income increased $29.3 million, or 128.6%.
Sales in the company’s diversified products business fell 23.6%, primarily to due lower tank trailer shipments, according to Wabash. Retail’s net sales of $34 million decreased 21.1%, primarily due to lower shipments of new trailers.

SAF-Holland reengineered the UltraLite40 Slider for the ULX40 Mechanical Sliding Suspension and Axle System to reduce weight, improve durability, extend trailer life, and increase payload efficiency.
Read More →
Volvo Trucks North America highlighted new connectivity, safety tech and production investments at TMC. The OEM also signaled that a new heavy-haul flagship tractor is coming soon.
Read More →
The system combines a fifth-wheel air release with stowage for air and electrical connections, helping prevent damage and reducing driver injury risk.
Read More →
New Haldex sensor technology from SAF-Holland integrates with telematics systems to give fleets continuous insight into air disc brake condition.
Read More →
The company’s expanded EPEQ ecosystem includes flexible solar panels, lithium batteries, hydraulic power systems, and a portable fast charger for electric trucks.
Read More →
Phillips Connect Smart Trailer enhancements give fleets deeper operational insights from trailers -- even when another provider supplies basic GPS tracking.
Read More →
Accuride’s patent-pending surface-coating technology targets filiform corrosion and promises easier cleaning, longer-lasting gloss, and greater durability for aluminum truck wheels.
Read More →
New approval for Valvoline Premium Blue One Solution Gen2 allows fleets running Cummins X15 engines to extend oil drain intervals by up to 25,000 miles -- reaching intervals as high as 100,000 miles.
Read More →
Peterson’s Genesis lighting system and repairable J560 connector target two persistent fleet problems: LED light failures and costly electrical connector downtime.
Read More →
Many fleets extended truck replacement cycles during recent market disruptions. But holding equipment too long can lead to higher repair costs, longer downtime, and new operational risks.
Read More →