icon
icon
icon
icon
Upgrade
Upgrade

News /

Articles /

Werner®’s 5-Star Veteran Commitment Drives ESG-Driven Investment Appeal

Marcus LeeWednesday, Apr 23, 2025 3:56 am ET
38min read

Werner Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: WERN) has solidified its position as a leader in veteran employment with its second consecutive VETS Indexes 5 Star Employer Award for 2025. This prestigious designation, reserved for top-tier employers prioritizing veterans and military families, underscores Werner’s strategic focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. For investors, this recognition highlights Werner’s growing appeal in a market increasingly valuing companies with strong social impact credentials.

The Significance of the 5 Star Award

The VETS Indexes 5 Star Award evaluates employers across five pillars: veteran recruitment, development/retention, inclusive policies, support for National Guard/Reserves, and military spouse/family programs. To earn the 5 Star distinction, Werner outperformed 348 other applicants in 2025, ranking among just 294 recognized organizations. As the only transportation/logistics company to achieve this honor in 2025, Werner distinguishes itself in an industry often overlooked for ESG innovation.

Werner’s veteran workforce constitutes 20% of its total employees, a figure bolstered by initiatives like the Military Skills Test Waiver Program, which streamlines hiring for veterans, and the WEVets Veteran Resource Group, fostering retention and career growth. The company also offers deployment support for Guard/Reserve members and flexible policies for military spouses, addressing systemic challenges faced by this demographic.

ESG Investing and Werner’s Competitive Edge

ESG criteria are no longer niche—they’re a cornerstone of modern investing. According to the VETS Indexes methodology, companies prioritizing veteran support often exhibit stronger workforce stability, reduced turnover costs, and heightened employee loyalty. These factors can translate directly into financial performance.

The VictoryShares Top Veteran Employers ETF (VTRN), which tracks companies like Werner that excel in veteran-friendly practices, has historically outperformed broader markets. For example, the VTRN ETF delivered a 33% return in 2020, outpacing the S&P 500’s 16% gain that year. While 2025 data is pending, Werner’s inclusion in such indexes positions it to benefit from the $40.5 trillion projected under ESG assets globally by 2025 (as per the Global Sustainable Investment Review).

Data-Driven ESG Credibility

Werner’s commitment to veterans is quantifiable. Its veteran retention rate exceeds industry averages, and its SkillBridge/Career Skills Program partners with the Department of Defense to train transitioning service members. Such programs not only attract talent but also reduce recruitment costs—a critical advantage in a tight labor market.

The VETS Indexes Benchmarking Service, which Werner participates in, provides investors with granular data on veteran employment metrics. This transparency aligns with ESG investors’ demand for measurable outcomes, reducing the risk of “greenwashing” accusations.

Market Recognition and Long-Term Growth

Werner’s 5 Star Award has drawn attention from major media outlets, including CNBC and Military Times, amplifying its brand equity. The company’s leadership in veteran support also aligns with federal initiatives like the Veterans Employment Mission, which incentivizes corporate hiring of veterans.

Werner’s CEO, Derek Leathers, emphasized the award’s significance: “Being named a 5 Star Employer for a second year reinforces our mission to empower veterans as they transition to civilian careers.” This sentiment resonates with investors seeking companies that align profit with purpose.

Conclusion: A Strategic Bet on Social Impact

Werner’s dual 5 Star awards reflect a sustainable business model that merges operational excellence with social responsibility. With 20% of its workforce as veterans and programs tailored to military families, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on growing ESG investor demand.

The data underscores this advantage:
- VTRN ETF’s historical outperformance (33% in 2020 vs. 16% for the S&P 500).
- 349 organizations applied for the 2025 VETS Indexes awards, but only 294 were recognized—a testament to Werner’s elite standing.
- Werner’s exclusive 5 Star status in logistics creates a moat against competitors in an industry reliant on skilled labor.

For investors, Werner’s ESG leadership signals resilience and adaptability in a shifting market. As ESG criteria become standard in portfolio construction, companies like Werner that prioritize veterans and families will increasingly attract capital—proving that doing good can indeed drive doing well.

Disclaimer: The news articles available on this platform are generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence and may not have been reviewed or fact checked by human editors. While we make reasonable efforts to ensure the quality and accuracy of the content, we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the truthfulness, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided. It is your sole responsibility to independently verify any facts, statements, or claims prior to acting upon them. Ainvest Fintech Inc expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or harm arising from the use of or reliance on AI-generated content, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.