The New WERN Comes into Focus

Research evidence excerpt

The New WERN Comes into Focus

Idea

July 28, 2026 11:31 PM GMT

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLCMWerner Enterprises | North America Ravi Shanker

Equity Analyst

The New WERN Comes into Ravi.Shanker@morganstanley.comNancy Hipp +1 212 761-6350

Research Associate

Nancy.Hipp@morganstanley.com +1 212 761-1311

Focus Madison J Pasterchick

Madison.Pasterchick@morganstanley.com +1 212 761-3787

AlphaSignals Earnings Reaction

Werner Enterprises (WERN.O, WERN US)

Unchanged Modest shortfall Modest revision higher

Freight Transportation | United States of America

Impact to our thesis Financial results versus consensus Direction of next 12-month

consensus EPS Stock Rating Overweight

Source: Company data, Morgan Stanley Research Industry View In-Line

Price target $55.00

Shr price, close (Jul 28, 2026) $38.31

WERN reported a decent 2Q in TTS and mgmt. endorsed the Mkt cap, curr (mm) $2,308

structural and powerful nature of the upcycle. Pressure in 52-Week Range $47.49-23.06

Logistics, a push out of fleet growth and some optionality on

one-way exposure brings some noise but risk-reward remains

attractive.

Key Takeaways

2Q EBIT slightly missed, but the asset-heavy TTS segment outperformed

expectations, reinforcing confidence in earnings quality despite Logistics

weakness.

Mgmt.'s outlook remained highly constructive, citing multiple indicators that

support a structural truckload upcycle.

Execution continues to improve, with restructuring costs ending, insurance

expense at a two-year low, and FirstFleet synergies on track.

Fleet growth guidance was reduced due to productivity gains and driver

shortages, highlighting tightening industry capacity even among large carriers.

We remain OW, as WERN appears well positioned for the cycle with a credible