Heartland Express, Inc. Reports Operating Results for the First Quarter of 2025

Rhea-AI Summary

Heartland Express reported challenging Q1 2025 financial results with an operating revenue of $219.4 million and a net loss of $13.9 million. The company's performance was impacted by adverse weather in early 2025, tariff uncertainties, and industry-wide challenges where operating costs outpaced freight demand.

Key financial metrics include:

• Basic Loss per Share: $0.18
• Operating Ratio: 106.8%
• Total Assets: $1.3 billion
• Cash Balance: $23.9 million
• Stockholders' Equity: $807.7 million

While the Heartland Express brand remained profitable, other operating brands (Millis Transfer, Smith Transport, and CFI) faced challenges with underutilized assets and driver retention. The company is implementing strategic fleet size reductions and cost measures, though significant market improvements aren't expected until later in 2025. The company maintained its quarterly dividend of $0.02 per share and continues to operate debt-free on its line of credit.

Positive

• Heartland Express brand remained profitable in Q1 2025
• Strong cash position with $23.9M, up $11.1M since Dec 2024
• Positive operating cash flow of $25.8M (11.8% of operating revenue)
• Reduced debt from initial $447.3M to $199.6M
• Maintained consistent dividend payments ($0.02 per share)
• Won PepsiCo Carrier of the Year (West) award 2024

Negative

• Net loss of $13.9M in Q1 2025
• Operating revenue declined to $219.4M from $270.3M YoY
• Poor operating ratio of 106.8% (higher than 105.3% in Q1 2024)
• Three out of four operating brands unprofitable
• Fleet underutilization and driver retention issues
• No material improvements expected until late 2025
• Basic loss per share of $0.18
• Operating cost inflation outpacing customer demand

Insights

Transportation Industry Financial Analyst

Heartland Express posts Q1 loss with deteriorating metrics; only one brand profitable while signaling recovery not expected until late 2025.

Heartland Express's Q1 2025 results reveal significant operational challenges within the truckload sector. The company reported $219.4 million in revenue, an 18.8% year-over-year decline from $270.3 million. The company posted a net loss of $13.9 million ($0.18 per share), marginally improved from the $15.1 million loss in Q1 2024.

What's particularly concerning is the deterioration in operating efficiency. The operating ratio worsened to 106.8% (and 107.1% on an adjusted basis), compared to 105.3% a year ago. This indicates that for every dollar of revenue, the company spent nearly $1.07 on operations - clearly unsustainable. Only the core Heartland Express brand was profitable among their four operating brands, with the others facing utilization issues and driver retention challenges.

Despite these operational struggles, cash position improved by $11.1 million since year-end to $23.9 million, and debt continues to decrease from the initial $447.3 million for acquisitions to $199.6 million currently. Operating cash flow remained positive at $25.8 million (11.8% of revenue), primarily due to substantial non-cash depreciation charges of $41.6 million.

Management attributes performance issues to weather conditions, tariff uncertainties, and industry-wide challenges where operating cost inflation outpaces freight demand and rate improvements. Their strategic response includes fleet reduction and comprehensive cost evaluation. While they note "encouraging signs" of an early-stage recovery, they explicitly don't expect material improvements until later in 2025, suggesting continued near-term operational pressure.

NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heartland Express, Inc. (Nasdaq: HTLD) announced today financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

Three months ended March 31, 2025:

• Operating Revenue of $219.4 million,
• Net Loss of $13.9 million,
• Basic Loss per Share of $0.18,
• Operating Ratio of 106.8% and 107.1% Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Ratio⁽¹⁾,
• Total Assets of $1.3 billion, including $23.9 million of Cash,
• Stockholders' Equity of $807.7 million.

Heartland Express Chief Executive Officer Mike Gerdin commented on the quarterly operating results and ongoing initiatives of the Company, "Our consolidated operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2025, reflect a combination of adverse weather experienced in January and February, tariff uncertainties amongst our customers in March, along with prolonged industry-wide challenges where operating cost inflation continued to outpace customer freight demand and freight rate improvements. Internally, our four operating brands have delivered current financial results based on their respective time within our legacy operating model - Heartland Express, Millis Transfer, Smith Transport, and Contract Freighter's, Inc. (CFI), respectively. Our Heartland Express brand was profitable during the three months ended March 31, 2025, but did not reflect the operating ratio and financial results that we have expected and delivered in past periods. However, we believe Heartland Express has continued to operate in line with the best full truckload carriers in our industry. The other three operating brands experienced under-utilized assets, operating cost growth, and driver retention challenges that hindered operational performance, resulting in a lack of profitability during the first quarter of 2025. We are strategically shrinking the fleet in order to right size to freight demand along with evaluating all cost measures for opportunities for efficiency. We believe that cost improvements and transportation system changes, which are already underway or planned for each of these brands, will provide a better cost structure and operating visibility to deliver a path toward operating profitability for our consolidated operations over the next twelve months. While we have begun to see encouraging signs pointing to the early stages of a potential freight market recovery, we do not expect material improvements until later in 2025."

Financial Results

The Company ended the first quarter of 2025 with operating revenues of $219.4 million, compared to $270.3 million in the first quarter of 2024. Operating revenues for the quarter included fuel surcharge revenues of $26.3 million, compared to $36.2 million in the same period of 2024. Net loss was $13.9 million, as compared to a net loss of $15.1 million in the first quarter of 2024. Basic loss per share was $0.18 during the quarter, as compared to basic loss per share of $0.19 in the same period of 2024. The Company posted an operating ratio of 106.8%, non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio⁽¹⁾ of 107.1%, and net loss as a percentage of operating revenues of 6.3% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 105.3%, 105.6%, and 5.6% respectively, in the first quarter of 2024.

Balance Sheet, Liquidity, and Capital Expenditures

As of March 31, 2025, the Company had $23.9 million in cash balances, an increase of $11.1 million since December 31, 2024. Debt and financing lease obligations of $199.6 million remain at March 31, 2025, down from the initial $447.3 million borrowings less associated fees for the CFI acquisition in August 2022 and $46.8 million debt and finance lease obligations assumed from the Smith acquisition in May 2022. There were no borrowings under the Company's unsecured line of credit at March 31, 2025. The Company had $88.3 million in available borrowing capacity on the line of credit as of March 31, 2025 after consideration of $11.7 million of outstanding letters of credit. The Company continues to be in compliance with associated financial covenants. The Company ended the quarter with total assets of $1.3 billion and stockholders' equity of $807.7 million.

Net cash flows from operations for the first three months of 2025 were $25.8 million, 11.8% of operating revenue. The primary uses of cash for financing activities were $1.3 million used for repayment of debt and financing leases and $1.6 million for dividends paid. The primary use of cash for investing activities was $11.7 million for net property and equipment transactions.

The average age of the Company's consolidated tractor fleet was 2.6 years as of March 31, 2025 compared to 2.4 years on March 31, 2024. The average age of the Company's consolidated trailer fleet was 7.4 years as of March 31, 2025 compared to 6.7 years as of March 31, 2024. During the calendar year of 2025, we currently expect net capital expenditures of approximately $40 to $50 million and $10 to $15 million of gains on disposal of property and equipment.

The Company continues its commitment to stockholders through the payment of cash dividends. A regular dividend of $0.02 per share was declared during the first quarter of 2025 and paid on April 4, 2025. The Company has now paid cumulative cash dividends of $556.8 million, including four special dividends, ($2.00 in 2007, $1.00 in 2010, $1.00 in 2012, and $0.50 in 2021) over the past eighty-seven consecutive quarters since 2003. Our outstanding shares at March 31, 2025 were 78.5 million. A total of 3.2 million shares of common stock have been repurchased for $52.7 million over the past five years. However, no shares of common stock were repurchased in the first three months of 2025 or the same period of 2024. The Company has the ability to repurchase an additional 6.0 million shares under the current authorization which would result in 72.5 million outstanding shares if fully executed.

Other Information

During the first quarter of 2025, our family of operating brands continued to deliver award-winning service and fleet safety as evidenced by the following awards for our company and our employees:

• PepsiCo - 2024 Carrier of the Year (West)
• TCA Fleet Safety Award 2024 - 2nd Place (Division VI, 100+ Million Miles)

Operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, adjusted operating income, and adjusted operating ratio are non-GAAP financial measures and are not intended to replace financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures supplement our GAAP results. We believe that using these measures affords a more consistent basis for comparing our results of operations from period to period. The information required by Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Regulation G under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including a reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, is included in the table at the end of this press release.

This press release may contain statements that might be considered as forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such statements may be identified by their use of terms or phrases such as “seek,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “believes,” “hopes,” “plans,” “goals,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “likely,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “potential,” “predict,” “continue,” “strategy,” “future,” “ensure,” “outlook,” and similar terms and phrases. In this press release, the statements relating to freight supply and demand, our ability to react to and capitalize on changing market conditions, the expected impact of operational improvements and strategic changes, progress toward our goals, future capital expenditures, future dispositions of revenue equipment and gains therefrom, future profitability, and future stock repurchases, dividends, and debt repayment are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's belief or interpretation of information currently available. These statements and assumptions involve certain risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Actual events may differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying such statements as a result of numerous factors, including, without limitation, those specified in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, which speak as of their respective dates.

Contact: Heartland Express, Inc. (319-645-7060) Mike Gerdin, Chief Executive Officer Chris Strain, Chief Financial Officer

HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2025				2024
OPERATING REVENUE		$	219,420			$	270,320
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries, wages, and benefits		$	93,237			$	112,697
Rent and purchased transportation			14,274				23,863
Fuel			37,918				47,321
Operations and maintenance			17,279				16,264
Operating taxes and licenses			4,741				5,315
Insurance and claims			11,922				14,584
Communications and utilities			2,266				2,440
Depreciation and amortization			41,628				46,504
Other operating expenses			12,837				15,626
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment			(1,784	)			89
			234,318				284,703
Operating loss			(14,898	)			(14,383	)
Interest income			129				366
Interest expense			(3,105	)			(5,302	)
Loss before income taxes			(17,874	)			(19,319	)
Federal and state income tax benefit			(4,001	)			(4,211	)
Net loss		$	(13,873	)		$	(15,108	)
Loss per share
Basic		$	(0.18	)		$	(0.19	)
Diluted		$	(0.18	)		$	(0.19	)
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic			78,540				79,044
Diluted			78,610				79,122
Dividends declared per share		$	0.02			$	0.02

HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
		March 31,				December 31,
ASSETS			2025				2024
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents		$	23,873			$	12,812
Trade receivables, net			94,991				91,620
Prepaid tires			10,245				10,428
Other current assets			11,309				12,554
Income taxes receivable			—				2,034
Total current assets			140,418				129,448
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT			1,299,139				1,283,980
Less accumulated depreciation			532,377				519,573
			766,762				764,407
GOODWILL			322,597				322,597
OTHER INTANGIBLES, NET			92,266				93,520
OTHER ASSETS			15,540				15,408
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES, NET			950				946
OPERATING LEASE RIGHT OF USE ASSETS			6,178				7,866
		$	1,344,711			$	1,334,192
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	62,403			$	35,370
Compensation and benefits			27,626				27,003
Insurance accruals			24,510				23,518
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities - current portion			10,739				9,041
Operating lease liabilities - current portion			4,893				6,115
Other accruals			23,062				18,512
Income taxes payable			2,268				—
Total current liabilities			155,501				119,559
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Income taxes payable			6,248				6,226
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities less current portion			188,842				191,707
Operating lease liabilities less current portion			1,285				1,751
Deferred income taxes, net			150,380				158,374
Insurance accruals less current portion			34,730				33,976
Total long-term liabilities			381,485				392,034
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock, common, $.01 par value; authorized 395,000 shares; issued 90,689 in 2025 and 2024; outstanding 78,542 and 78,519 in 2025 and 2024, respectively			907				907
Additional paid-in capital			3,306				3,175
Retained earnings			1,008,636				1,024,081
Treasury stock, at cost; 12,147 and 12,170 in 2025 and 2024, respectively			(205,124	)			(205,564	)
			807,725				822,599
		$	1,344,711			$	1,334,192

 

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation Schedule:
Operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, adjusted operating income, and adjusted operating ratio reconciliation (a)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2025				2024
		(Unaudited, in thousands)
Operating revenue		$	219,420			$	270,320
Less: Fuel surcharge revenue			26,321				36,212
Operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharge revenue			193,099				234,108
Operating expenses			234,318				284,703
Less: Fuel surcharge revenue			26,321				36,212
Less: Amortization of intangibles			1,254				1,254
Adjusted operating expenses			206,743				247,237
Operating (loss) income			(14,898	)			(14,383	)
Adjusted operating (loss) income		$	(13,644	)		$	(13,129	)
Operating ratio			106.8	%			105.3	%
Adjusted operating ratio			107.1	%			105.6	%

(a) Operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, as reported in this press release is based upon operating revenue minus fuel surcharge revenue. Adjusted operating income as reported in this press release is based upon operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, less operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue, and non-cash amortization expense related to intangible assets. Adjusted operating ratio as reported in this press release is based upon operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue, and amortization of intangibles, as a percentage of operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue. We believe that operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, adjusted operating income, and adjusted operating ratio are more representative of our underlying operations by excluding the volatility of fuel prices, which we cannot control. Operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, adjusted operating income, and adjusted operating ratio are not substitutes for operating revenue, operating income, or operating ratio measured in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures. Although we believe that operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, adjusted operating income, and adjusted operating ratio improve comparability in analyzing our period-to-period performance, they could limit comparability to other companies in our industry if those companies define such measures differently. Because of these limitations, operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, adjusted operating income, and adjusted operating ratio should not be considered measures of income generated by our business or discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. Management compensates for these limitations by primarily relying on GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures on a supplemental basis.

FAQ

Why did Heartland Express (HTLD) report a $13.9 million loss in Q1 2025?

Heartland Express reported a Q1 2025 loss due to adverse weather in January-February, tariff uncertainties in March, and industry-wide challenges where operating costs outpaced freight demand. The company's operating ratio was 106.8%, with underutilized assets and driver retention issues affecting profitability.

What is Heartland Express (HTLD) doing to improve profitability in 2025?

Heartland Express is strategically shrinking its fleet to match freight demand, evaluating cost measures, and implementing transportation system changes across its brands. The company expects these improvements to create a path toward operating profitability over the next twelve months.

How much debt does Heartland Express (HTLD) have as of March 2025?

As of March 31, 2025, Heartland Express has $199.6 million in debt and financing lease obligations, significantly reduced from the initial $447.3 million borrowed for the CFI acquisition. The company has $88.3 million available in credit line capacity.

What are Heartland Express (HTLD) capital expenditure plans for 2025?

Heartland Express expects net capital expenditures of $40-50 million and anticipates $10-15 million in gains from property and equipment disposal during 2025.

How much cash dividend did Heartland Express (HTLD) pay in Q1 2025?

Heartland Express paid a regular quarterly dividend of $0.02 per share in Q1 2025, continuing its 87-quarter streak of consecutive dividend payments since 2003, with total cumulative dividends reaching $556.8 million.