Werner Enterprises expects third-quarter 2026 revenue of $946 million to $951 million, but its preliminary profit figures need two separate labels. The transport and logistics company expects GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.10 to $0.11, compared with non-GAAP adjusted diluted EPS of $0.15 to $0.16.
In its October 19 release, Werner called the numbers preliminary and unaudited. It plans to publish additional details on October 27, 2026, after the U.S. market closes. The ranges should not be presented as final quarterly results.
The accompanying Form 8-K, Item 2.02, describes the announcement as third-quarter earnings expectations and furnishes the release as Exhibit 99.1. It is the same issuer announcement, not independent corroboration or a final quarterly financial statement.
Revenue and earnings are different measures
| Measure | Preliminary position | Official evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter covered | Three months ended September 30, 2026 | Issuer SEC exhibit |
| Total revenue | $946 million–$951 million expected | Issuer SEC exhibit |
| GAAP diluted EPS | $0.10–$0.11 expected | Issuer SEC exhibit |
| Adjusted diluted EPS | $0.15–$0.16 expected; non-GAAP | Issuer SEC exhibit |
| Adjustment bridge per diluted share | +$0.03 intangible amortization; +$0.03 acquisition expenses; −$0.01 tax effect | Issuer SEC exhibit |
| Next scheduled report | October 27, 2026, after U.S. market close | Issuer SEC exhibit |
Revenue measures sales. Diluted EPS is earnings allocated to each share after allowing for potentially dilutive securities. Werner’s adjusted figure removes specified items from the GAAP result; it is not additional profit to be added to GAAP EPS.
The release’s reconciliation shows $0.03 per share for amortization of acquired intangible assets and $0.03 for acquisition expenses, offset by a $0.01 income-tax effect. The net $0.05 adjustment explains the gap between the two EPS ranges. These are issuer estimates, not CapKet’s forecast.
What Werner says affected the quarter
Werner attributed about $0.18 per share of cumulative cost headwinds, compared with the second quarter of 2026, to rising fuel prices, driver recruitment and retention investment, and a late-quarter insurance reserve adjustment for past claims. That is the company’s explanation; it does not establish a current share-price move or a broader market trend.
The $0.18 cost comparison is separate from the $0.05 GAAP-to-adjusted EPS bridge. Treating one as the other would mix a quarter-on-quarter operating comparison with the accounting reconciliation.
What to check on October 27
The fuller release should be checked for the final reported figures, the reconciliation and additional detail on costs. Preliminary figures can change during the closing process; the scheduled release date is not evidence that publication has already happened.
For another example of why reported and adjusted numbers should remain separate, see CapKet’s Truist earnings report.
Official source checked: . Release dated October 19, 2026; figures cover the quarter ended September 30, 2026. This is a preliminary issuer update, not a final earnings release.