Live News • 2h
Heartland Express Stock Under Pressure as Sales and Earnings Trends Raise Concerns Heartland Express has experienced annual sales declines of 18.5% over the past two years, pointing to weaker demand or challenges in retaining business.
Earnings per share have fallen 19.4% annually over the last five years, indicating that additional revenue has not translated into improved profitability.
Returns on capital have declined from an already low base, raising questions about the effectiveness of Heartland Express’s current operating and investment decisions.
These trends suggest Heartland Express is under meaningful financial and operational pressure, with profitability and capital efficiency both moving in an unfavorable direction.
Investors may want to pay close attention to any upcoming commentary from management on how they plan to address these issues, particularly around cost control, network efficiency, and capital allocation. Announcement • Jun 13
Heartland Express, Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend, Payable on July 6, 2026 The Board of Directors of Heartland Express, Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend. The $0.02 per share dividend will be paid on July 6, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 23, 2026. Live News • May 26
Heartland Express Rallies 103% as Short-Term Gains Clash With Weak Long-Term Trends Heartland Express shares have gained 103% over the past six months, with a recent 6.7% move higher following Q1 results that were stronger than analyst expectations.
The company reports operating improvements and better efficiency, but also faces sluggish long-term revenue growth of around 3.8% over five years and recent annual sales declines of 18.5%.
Earnings per share have fallen 19.4% annually in recent years, return on invested capital has weakened, and the stock trades at a very high forward P/E relative to an intrinsic value estimate of US$8.02 from GuruFocus.
The key tension here is that short-term earnings strength and efficiency gains are pulling the stock up, while longer-term trends in revenue, EPS and return on capital point to weaker growth prospects.
For investors, the main risk is that a lot of optimism may already be reflected in the current valuation, which could leave less room for error if growth or profitability disappoints. Reported Earnings • Apr 24
First quarter 2026 earnings: EPS exceeds analyst expectations First quarter 2026 results: US$0.062 loss per share (improved from US$0.18 loss in 1Q 2025). Revenue: US$176.3m (down 20% from 1Q 2025). Net loss: US$4.82m (loss narrowed 65% from 1Q 2025). Revenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) surpassed analyst estimates by 42%. Revenue is forecast to grow 4.3% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 7.5% growth forecast for the Transportation industry in the US. Over the last 3 years on average, the company's share price growth rate has exceeded its earnings growth rate by 110 percentage points per year, which is a significant difference in performance. Announcement • Apr 12
BrandPoint acquired Franklin Logistics Inc. from Heartland Express, Inc. (NasdaqGS:HTLD). BrandPoint acquired Franklin Logistics Inc. from Heartland Express, Inc. (NasdaqGS:HTLD) on April 10, 2026.
BrandPoint completed the acquiaition of Franklin Logistics Inc. from Heartland Express, Inc. (NasdaqGS:HTLD) on April 10, 2026. Major Estimate Revision • Apr 08
Consensus estimates of losses per share improve by 12% The consensus outlook for earnings per share (EPS) in fiscal year 2026 has improved. 2026 revenue forecast increased from US$731.1m to US$738.6m. EPS estimate increased from -US$0.24 per share to -US$0.211 per share. Transportation industry in the US expected to see average net income growth of 18% next year. Consensus price target of US$10.00 unchanged from last update. Share price rose 6.6% to US$11.20 over the past week. Announcement • Apr 03
Heartland Express, Inc., Annual General Meeting, May 14, 2026 Heartland Express, Inc., Annual General Meeting, May 14, 2026. Location: 901 heartland way, north liberty, iowa, 52317, United States Announcement • Apr 02
Heartland Express, Inc. Announces Director Dr. Benjamin J. Allen Not Standing for Re-Election Heartland Express, Inc. announced that on March 25, 2026, Dr. Benjamin J. Allen, a member of the Board of Directors, notified the company of his decision not to stand for re-election at the company's 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Dr. Allen will continue to serve on the Board, as well as Chairperson of the Compensation Committee and as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee, until the Annual Meeting. Dr. Allen’s decision to not stand for re-election at the Annual Meeting was not the result of any disagreement with management or the Board or related to the Company's operations, policies, or practices. Declared Dividend • Mar 16
Fourth quarter dividend of US$0.02 announced Dividend of US$0.02 is the same as last year. Ex-date: 24th March 2026 Payment date: 3rd April 2026 Dividend yield will be 0.8%, which is lower than the industry average of 1.6%. Sustainability & Growth Dividend is being paid despite the company being loss-making over the last 12 months and having no free cash flows available, indicating it may be using cash reserves or debt to pay the dividend. The dividend has not increased over the past 10 years but has been stable with no material reductions to payments, indicating a long track record of dividend stability. Announcement • Mar 13
Heartland Express, Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend, Payable on April 3, 2026 The Board of Directors of Heartland Express, Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend. The $0.02 per share dividend will be paid on April 3, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 24, 2026. Major Estimate Revision • Mar 10
Consensus EPS estimates upgraded to US$0.23 loss The consensus outlook for fiscal year 2026 has been updated. 2026 losses forecast to reduce from -US$0.299 to -US$0.232 per share. Revenue forecast unchanged from US$731.1m at last update. Transportation industry in the US expected to see average net income growth of 34% next year. Consensus price target up from US$9.80 to US$10.00. Share price fell 8.9% to US$10.03 over the past week. Price Target Changed • Mar 03
Price target increased by 7.5% to US$10.00 Up from US$9.30, the current price target is an average from 5 analysts. New target price is 9.2% below last closing price of US$11.01. Stock is up 10% over the past year. The company is forecast to post a net loss per share of US$0.30 next year compared to a net loss per share of US$0.67 last year. Price Target Changed • Feb 05
Price target increased by 7.7% to US$9.80 Up from US$9.10, the current price target is an average from 5 analysts. New target price is 15% below last closing price of US$11.48. Stock is down 0.7% over the past year. The company is forecast to post a net loss per share of US$0.19 next year compared to a net loss per share of US$0.67 last year. Reported Earnings • Feb 04
Full year 2025 earnings: EPS and revenues miss analyst expectations Full year 2025 results: US$0.67 loss per share (further deteriorated from US$0.38 loss in FY 2024). Revenue: US$805.7m (down 23% from FY 2024). Net loss: US$52.5m (loss widened 77% from FY 2024). Revenue missed analyst estimates by 2.0%. Earnings per share (EPS) also missed analyst estimates by 30%. Revenue is forecast to grow 3.3% p.a. on average during the next 2 years, compared to a 7.8% growth forecast for the Transportation industry in the US. Over the last 3 years on average, the company's share price growth rate has exceeded its earnings growth rate by 112 percentage points per year, which is a significant difference in performance. New Risk • Feb 03
New major risk - Revenue and earnings growth Earnings have declined by 51% per year over the past 5 years. This is considered a major risk. Ultimately, shareholders want to see a good return on their investment and that generally comes from sharing in the company's profits. If profits are declining over an extended period, then in most cases the share price will decline over time unless the company can turn around its fortunes. A trend of falling earnings can be very difficult to turn around. If the company is well already established it may also be a sign the company has matured and is in decline. In addition, if the company pays dividends it will also likely need to reduce or cut them, striking a dual blow to total shareholder returns. This is currently the only risk that has been identified for the company. Announcement • Jan 08
Heartland Express, Inc. Appoints Joshua Helmich as Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary, Effective January 1, 2026 Heartland Express, Inc. announced that in association with the previously announced integration of the U.S. operations of Contract Freighters, Inc. ("CFI") into Heartland Express, Joshua Helmich has been appointed as the Chief Administrative Officer of Heartland Express, Inc. (the “Company”), effective January 1, 2026. Mr. Helmich will also continue to serve as the Company’s Secretary, but in association with the integration of CFI has ceased to serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CFI, effective December 31, 2025. Price Target Changed • Jan 07
Price target increased by 9.6% to US$9.10 Up from US$8.30, the current price target is an average from 5 analysts. New target price is 13% below last closing price of US$10.40. Stock is down 4.1% over the past year. The company is forecast to post a net loss per share of US$0.52 next year compared to a net loss per share of US$0.38 last year. Declared Dividend • Dec 21
Third quarter dividend of US$0.02 announced Dividend of US$0.02 is the same as last year. Ex-date: 26th December 2025 Payment date: 7th January 2026 Dividend yield will be 0.9%, which is lower than the industry average of 1.6%. Sustainability & Growth Dividend is being paid despite the company being loss-making over the last 12 months and having no free cash flows available, indicating it may be using cash reserves or debt to pay the dividend. The dividend has not increased over the past 10 years but has been stable with no material reductions to payments, indicating a long track record of dividend stability. Announcement • Dec 17
Heartland Express, Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend, Payable on January 7, 2026 The Board of Directors of Heartland Express, Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend. The $0.02 per share dividend will be paid on January 7, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 26, 2025. Price Target Changed • Dec 08
Price target decreased by 9.8% to US$8.30 Down from US$9.20, the current price target is an average from 5 analysts. New target price is 9.0% below last closing price of US$9.12. Stock is down 24% over the past year. The company is forecast to post a net loss per share of US$0.52 next year compared to a net loss per share of US$0.38 last year. Reported Earnings • Nov 02
Third quarter 2025 earnings: EPS exceeds analyst expectations while revenues lag behind Third quarter 2025 results: US$0.11 loss per share (improved from US$0.12 loss in 3Q 2024). Revenue: US$196.5m (down 24% from 3Q 2024). Net loss: US$8.28m (loss narrowed 11% from 3Q 2024). Revenue missed analyst estimates by 6.3%. Earnings per share (EPS) exceeded analyst estimates by 17%. Revenue is forecast to grow 3.7% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 8.1% growth forecast for the Transportation industry in the US. Over the last 3 years on average, the company's share price growth rate has exceeded its earnings growth rate by 104 percentage points per year, which is a significant difference in performance. New Risk • Oct 31
New major risk - Revenue and earnings growth Earnings have declined by 44% per year over the past 5 years. This is considered a major risk. Ultimately, shareholders want to see a good return on their investment and that generally comes from sharing in the company's profits. If profits are declining over an extended period, then in most cases the share price will decline over time unless the company can turn around its fortunes. A trend of falling earnings can be very difficult to turn around. If the company is well already established it may also be a sign the company has matured and is in decline. In addition, if the company pays dividends it will also likely need to reduce or cut them, striking a dual blow to total shareholder returns. This is currently the only risk that has been identified for the company. Declared Dividend • Sep 15
Second quarter dividend of US$0.02 announced Dividend of US$0.02 is the same as last year. Ex-date: 23rd September 2025 Payment date: 3rd October 2025 Dividend yield will be 0.9%, which is lower than the industry average of 1.6%. Sustainability & Growth Dividend is being paid despite the company being loss-making over the last 12 months and having no free cash flows available, indicating it may be using cash reserves or debt to pay the dividend. The dividend has not increased over the past 10 years but has been stable with no material reductions to payments, indicating a long track record of dividend stability. Announcement • Sep 12
Heartland Express, Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend, Payable on October 3, 2025 The Board of Directors of Heartland Express, Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend. The $0.02 per share dividend will be paid on October 3, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 23, 2025. We currently estimate that a total of $1.6 million will be paid on the Company's approximate seventy-eight million shares of common stock. This is the Company's eighty-ninth consecutive quarterly cash dividend. With the payment of this dividend, the Company will have paid a total of $559.9 million in cash dividends, including four special dividends since the dividend program was implemented in the third quarter of 2003. Recent Insider Transactions • Aug 19
Chairman of the Board recently bought US$246k worth of stock On the 18th of August, Michael Gerdin bought around 30k shares on-market at roughly US$8.19 per share. This transaction amounted to less than 1% of their direct individual holding at the time of the trade. This was the largest purchase by an insider in the last 3 months. Michael has been a buyer over the last 12 months, purchasing a net total of US$9.8m worth in shares. Reported Earnings • Jul 25
Second quarter 2025 earnings: EPS and revenues miss analyst expectations Second quarter 2025 results: US$0.14 loss per share (further deteriorated from US$0.044 loss in 2Q 2024). Revenue: US$210.4m (down 23% from 2Q 2024). Net loss: US$10.9m (loss widened 212% from 2Q 2024). Revenue missed analyst estimates by 8.4%. Earnings per share (EPS) also missed analyst estimates by 67%. Revenue is forecast to grow 5.7% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 7.3% growth forecast for the Transportation industry in the US. Over the last 3 years on average, the company's share price growth rate has exceeded its earnings growth rate by 96 percentage points per year, which is a significant difference in performance. Major Estimate Revision • Jul 09
Consensus EPS estimates fall by 17% The consensus outlook for fiscal year 2025 has been updated. 2025 expected loss increased from -US$0.307 to -US$0.358 per share. Revenue forecast unchanged at US$934.0m. Transportation industry in the US expected to see average net income growth of 25% next year. Consensus price target of US$9.50 unchanged from last update. Share price rose 3.0% to US$9.34 over the past week. Declared Dividend • Jun 18
First quarter dividend of US$0.02 announced Dividend of US$0.02 is the same as last year. Ex-date: 23rd June 2025 Payment date: 3rd July 2025 Dividend yield will be 0.9%, which is lower than the industry average of 1.6%. Sustainability & Growth Dividend is being paid despite the company being loss-making over the last 12 months. However, the dividend is covered by cash flows (58% cash payout ratio). The dividend has not increased over the past 10 years but has been stable with no material reductions to payments, indicating a long track record of dividend stability. Announcement • Jun 14
Heartland Express, Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend, Payable on July 3, 2025 The Board of Directors of Heartland Express, Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend. The $0.02 per share dividend will be paid on July 3, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 23, 2025. The currently estimate that a total of $1.6 million will be paid on the Company's approximate seventy-eight million shares of common stock. This is the Company's eighty-eighth consecutive quarterly cash dividend. With the payment of this dividend, the Company will have paid a total of $558.3 million in cash dividends, including four special dividends since the dividend program was implemented in the third quarter of 2003. Announcement • May 10
Heartland Express Inc. Approves the Election of Amanda M. Hupfeld to the Board of Directors Heartland Express Inc. at its AGM held on May 8, 2025, approved the election of Amanda M. Hupfeld to the Board of Directors. Recent Insider Transactions • May 09
Chairman of the Board recently bought US$3.1m worth of stock On the 8th of May, Michael Gerdin bought around 397k shares on-market at roughly US$7.80 per share. This transaction amounted to 2.5% of their direct individual holding at the time of the trade. This was the largest purchase by an insider in the last 3 months. Michael has been a buyer over the last 12 months, purchasing a net total of US$6.8m worth in shares. Price Target Changed • May 06
Price target decreased by 10% to US$9.63 Down from US$10.75, the current price target is an average from 4 analysts. New target price is 27% above last closing price of US$7.60. Stock is down 31% over the past year. The company is forecast to post a net loss per share of US$0.26 next year compared to a net loss per share of US$0.38 last year. Reported Earnings • May 01
First quarter 2025 earnings: EPS and revenues miss analyst expectations First quarter 2025 results: US$0.18 loss per share (improved from US$0.19 loss in 1Q 2024). Revenue: US$219.4m (down 19% from 1Q 2024). Net loss: US$13.9m (loss narrowed 8.2% from 1Q 2024). Revenue missed analyst estimates by 8.9%. Earnings per share (EPS) also missed analyst estimates by 102%. Revenue is forecast to grow 7.5% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 7.4% growth forecast for the Transportation industry in the US. Over the last 3 years on average, the company's share price growth rate has exceeded its earnings growth rate by 81 percentage points per year, which is a significant difference in performance. New Risk • Apr 30
New major risk - Revenue and earnings growth Earnings have declined by 29% per year over the past 5 years. This is considered a major risk. Ultimately, shareholders want to see a good return on their investment and that generally comes from sharing in the company's profits. If profits are declining over an extended period, then in most cases the share price will decline over time unless the company can turn around its fortunes. A trend of falling earnings can be very difficult to turn around. If the company is well already established it may also be a sign the company has matured and is in decline. In addition, if the company pays dividends it will also likely need to reduce or cut them, striking a dual blow to total shareholder returns. This is currently the only risk that has been identified for the company. Price Target Changed • Apr 19
Price target decreased by 8.9% to US$10.75 Down from US$11.80, the current price target is an average from 4 analysts. New target price is 30% above last closing price of US$8.28. Stock is down 21% over the past year. The company is forecast to post a net loss per share of US$0.027 next year compared to a net loss per share of US$0.38 last year. Announcement • Mar 31
Heartland Express, Inc., Annual General Meeting, May 08, 2025 Heartland Express, Inc., Annual General Meeting, May 08, 2025. Location: 901 heartland way, iowa, 52317, north liberty, United States Declared Dividend • Mar 19
Fourth quarter dividend of US$0.02 announced Dividend of US$0.02 is the same as last year. Ex-date: 25th March 2025 Payment date: 4th April 2025 Dividend yield will be 0.8%, which is lower than the industry average of 1.6%. Sustainability & Growth Dividend is being paid despite the company being loss-making over the last 12 months. However, the dividend is well covered by cash flows (18% cash payout ratio). The dividend has not increased over the past 10 years but has been stable with no material reductions to payments, indicating a long track record of dividend stability. Announcement • Mar 14
Heartland Express, Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend, Payable on April 4, 2025 Heartland Express, Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend. The $0.02 per share dividend will be paid on April 4, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 25, 2025. We currently estimate that a total of approximately $1.6 million will be paid on the Company's 78.7 million shares of common stock. This is the Company's eighty-seventh consecutive quarterly cash dividend. With the payment of this dividend, the Company will have paid a total of $556.8 million in cash dividends, including four special dividends since the dividend program was implemented in the third quarter of 2003. Reported Earnings • Jan 29
Full year 2024 earnings: EPS exceeds analyst expectations while revenues lag behind Full year 2024 results: US$0.38 loss per share (down from US$0.19 profit in FY 2023). Revenue: US$1.05b (down 13% from FY 2023). Net loss: US$29.7m (down 301% from profit in FY 2023). Revenue missed analyst estimates by 1.2%. Earnings per share (EPS) exceeded analyst estimates by 4.1%. Revenue is forecast to grow 3.2% p.a. on average during the next 2 years, compared to a 7.5% growth forecast for the Transportation industry in the US. Over the last 3 years on average, the company's share price growth rate has exceeded its earnings growth rate by 76 percentage points per year, which is a significant difference in performance. Announcement • Dec 18
Heartland Express, Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend, Payable on January 8, 2025 The Board of Directors of Heartland Express, Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend. The $0.02 per share dividend will be paid on January 8, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 27, 2024. Recent Insider Transactions • Nov 22
Chairman of the Board recently bought US$606k worth of stock On the 18th of November, Michael Gerdin bought around 50k shares on-market at roughly US$12.24 per share. This transaction amounted to less than 1% of their direct individual holding at the time of the trade. In the last 3 months, they made an even bigger purchase worth US$750k. Michael has been a buyer over the last 12 months, purchasing a net total of US$11m worth in shares. Recent Insider Transactions • Nov 08
Chairman of the Board recently bought US$750k worth of stock On the 6th of November, Michael Gerdin bought around 68k shares on-market at roughly US$10.99 per share. This transaction amounted to less than 1% of their direct individual holding at the time of the trade. This was the largest purchase by an insider in the last 3 months. Michael has been a buyer over the last 12 months, purchasing a net total of US$11m worth in shares. Reported Earnings • Oct 29
Third quarter 2024 earnings: EPS and revenues miss analyst expectations Third quarter 2024 results: US$0.12 loss per share (improved from US$0.14 loss in 3Q 2023). Revenue: US$259.9m (down 12% from 3Q 2023). Net loss: US$9.28m (loss narrowed 13% from 3Q 2023). Revenue missed analyst estimates by 3.2%. Earnings per share (EPS) also missed analyst estimates. Revenue is forecast to grow 4.5% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 8.0% growth forecast for the Transportation industry in the US. Over the last 3 years on average, the company's share price growth rate has exceeded its earnings growth rate by 54 percentage points per year, which is a significant difference in performance. Declared Dividend • Sep 20
Second quarter dividend of US$0.02 announced Dividend of US$0.02 is the same as last year. Ex-date: 27th September 2024 Payment date: 7th October 2024 Dividend yield will be 0.7%, which is lower than the industry average of 1.6%. Announcement • Sep 17
Heartland Express, Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend, Payable on October 7, 2024 The Board of Directors of Heartland Express, Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend. The $0.02 per share dividend will be paid on October 7, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 27, 2024. Recent Insider Transactions • Sep 16
Chairman of the Board recently bought US$584k worth of stock On the 11th of September, Michael Gerdin bought around 50k shares on-market at roughly US$11.67 per share. This transaction amounted to less than 1% of their direct individual holding at the time of the trade. This was the largest purchase by an insider in the last 3 months. Michael has been a buyer over the last 12 months, purchasing a net total of US$10m worth in shares. Announcement • Aug 07
Heartland Express, Inc. Announces Retirement of Michael Donovan, Chief Operating Officer of Smith Transport Effective August 2, 2024, Mr. Michael Donovan, Chief Operating Officer of Smith Transport, retired. In recognition of Mr. Donovan's service, the Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Donovan 26,261 shares of common stock. Heartland Express, Inc. would like to thank Mr. Donovan for his service and leadership to Smith Transport during his tenure. Reported Earnings • Jul 24
Second quarter 2024 earnings: EPS exceeds analyst expectations Second quarter 2024 results: US$0.044 loss per share (down from US$0.098 profit in 2Q 2023). Revenue: US$274.8m (down 10% from 2Q 2023). Net loss: US$3.48m (down 145% from profit in 2Q 2023). Revenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) surpassed analyst estimates by 38%. Revenue is forecast to grow 3.5% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 7.8% growth forecast for the Transportation industry in the US. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has fallen by 47% per year but the company’s share price has only fallen by 8% per year, which means it has not declined as severely as earnings. Price Target Changed • Jul 09
Price target decreased by 9.5% to US$11.40 Down from US$12.60, the current price target is an average from 5 analysts. New target price is approximately in line with last closing price of US$11.61. Stock is down 25% over the past year. The company is forecast to post a net loss per share of US$0.29 compared to earnings per share of US$0.19 last year. Declared Dividend • Jun 19
First quarter dividend of US$0.02 announced Dividend of US$0.02 is the same as last year. Ex-date: 25th June 2024 Payment date: 5th July 2024 Dividend yield will be 0.7%, which is lower than the industry average of 1.6%. Announcement • Jun 15
Heartland Express, Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend, Payable on July 5, 2024 The Board of Directors of Heartland Express, Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend. The $0.02 per share dividend will be paid on July 5, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 25, 2024. Recent Insider Transactions • May 02
Chairman of the Board recently bought US$2.8m worth of stock On the 30th of April, Michael Gerdin bought around 275k shares on-market at roughly US$10.14 per share. This transaction amounted to 4.2% of their direct individual holding at the time of the trade. This was the largest purchase by an insider in the last 3 months. Michael has been a buyer over the last 12 months, purchasing a net total of US$17m worth in shares. Reported Earnings • Apr 24
First quarter 2024 earnings: Revenues exceed analysts expectations while EPS lags behind First quarter 2024 results: US$0.19 loss per share (down from US$0.16 profit in 1Q 2023). Revenue: US$270.3m (down 18% from 1Q 2023). Net loss: US$15.1m (down 220% from profit in 1Q 2023). Revenue exceeded analyst estimates by 2.0%. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates by 51%. Revenue is forecast to grow 6.1% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 7.7% growth forecast for the Transportation industry in the US. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has fallen by 26% per year but the company’s share price has only fallen by 17% per year, which means it has not declined as severely as earnings. Price Target Changed • Apr 24
Price target decreased by 7.4% to US$12.60 Down from US$13.60, the current price target is an average from 5 analysts. New target price is 22% above last closing price of US$10.33. Stock is down 29% over the past year. The company is forecast to post earnings per share of US$0.034 for next year compared to US$0.19 last year. Price Target Changed • Apr 09
Price target decreased by 7.2% to US$12.80 Down from US$13.80, the current price target is an average from 5 analysts. New target price is 18% above last closing price of US$10.89. Stock is down 31% over the past year. The company is forecast to post earnings per share of US$0.017 for next year compared to US$0.19 last year. Major Estimate Revision • Apr 02
Consensus EPS estimates increase by 15% The consensus outlook for fiscal year 2024 has been updated. 2024 EPS estimate increased from US$0.145 to US$0.166. Revenue forecast unchanged at US$1.17b. Net income forecast to shrink 9.3% next year vs 23% growth forecast for Transportation industry in the US . Consensus price target broadly unchanged at US$13.60. Share price fell 3.7% to US$11.06 over the past week. Announcement • Mar 30
Heartland Express, Inc., Annual General Meeting, May 09, 2024 Heartland Express, Inc., Annual General Meeting, May 09, 2024, at 08:00 Central Daylight. Location: headquarters, 901 Heartland Way North Liberty Iowa United States Agenda: To consider and act upon a proposal to elect seven directors of the company; to consider to ratify the appointment of Grant Thomton LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024; to consider to conduct an advisory, non-binding vote on the company's executive compensation; to consider and act upon such other matters as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournment thereof; and to transact such other business issues. Declared Dividend • Mar 18
Fourth quarter dividend of US$0.02 announced Dividend of US$0.02 is the same as last year. Ex-date: 25th March 2024 Payment date: 5th April 2024 Dividend yield will be 0.7%, which is lower than the industry average of 1.6%. Announcement • Mar 15
Heartland Express, Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend, Payable on April 5, 2024 The Board of Directors of Heartland Express, Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend. The $0.02 per share dividend will be paid on April 5, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 26, 2024. Reported Earnings • Mar 04
Full year 2023 earnings: EPS exceeds analyst expectations while revenues lag behind Full year 2023 results: EPS: US$0.19 (down from US$1.69 in FY 2022). Revenue: US$1.21b (up 25% from FY 2022). Net income: US$14.8m (down 89% from FY 2022). Profit margin: 1.2% (down from 14% in FY 2022). Revenue missed analyst estimates by 1.4%. Earnings per share (EPS) exceeded analyst estimates. Revenue is forecast to grow 4.0% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 7.7% growth forecast for the Transportation industry in the US. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has fallen by 7% per year but the company’s share price has fallen by 14% per year, which means it is performing significantly worse than earnings. Major Estimate Revision • Feb 07
Consensus EPS estimates fall by 38% The consensus outlook for earnings per share (EPS) in fiscal year 2024 has deteriorated. 2024 revenue forecast decreased from US$1.20b to US$1.11b. EPS estimate also fell from US$0.233 per share to US$0.145 per share. Net income forecast to grow 6.2% next year vs 11% growth forecast for Transportation industry in the US. Consensus price target down from US$13.83 to US$13.50. Share price was steady at US$12.84 over the past week. Reported Earnings • Feb 01
Full year 2023 earnings: EPS exceeds analyst expectations while revenues lag behind Full year 2023 results: EPS: US$0.19 (down from US$1.69 in FY 2022). Revenue: US$1.21b (up 25% from FY 2022). Net income: US$14.8m (down 89% from FY 2022). Profit margin: 1.2% (down from 14% in FY 2022). Revenue missed analyst estimates by 1.4%. Earnings per share (EPS) exceeded analyst estimates. Revenue is forecast to grow 1.7% p.a. on average during the next 2 years, compared to a 6.8% growth forecast for the Transportation industry in the US. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has fallen by 7% per year whereas the company’s share price has fallen by 12% per year. Major Estimate Revision • Jan 10
Consensus EPS estimates fall by 14% The consensus outlook for fiscal year 2023 has been updated. 2023 EPS estimate fell from US$0.054 to US$0.047 per share. Revenue forecast steady at US$1.23b. Net income forecast to shrink 48% next year vs 6.3% growth forecast for Transportation industry in the US . Consensus price target broadly unchanged at US$13.83. Share price was steady at US$13.40 over the past week. Major Estimate Revision • Dec 22
Consensus EPS estimates fall by 21% The consensus outlook for fiscal year 2023 has been updated. 2023 EPS estimate fell from US$0.069 to US$0.054. Revenue forecast unchanged from US$1.23b at last update. Net income forecast to shrink 68% next year vs 7.1% growth forecast for Transportation industry in the US . Consensus price target broadly unchanged at US$14.00. Share price rose 4.4% to US$14.31 over the past week. Recent Insider Transactions • Dec 07
Chairman of the Board recently bought US$611k worth of stock On the 5th of December, Michael Gerdin bought around 44k shares on-market at roughly US$13.75 per share. This transaction amounted to less than 1% of their direct individual holding at the time of the trade. In the last 3 months, they made an even bigger purchase worth US$1.3m. Michael has been a buyer over the last 12 months, purchasing a net total of US$12m worth in shares. Upcoming Dividend • Nov 27
Upcoming dividend of US$0.02 per share at 0.6% yield Eligible shareholders must have bought the stock before 04 December 2023. Payment date: 15 December 2023. Payout ratio is a comfortable 25% but the company is not cash flow positive. Trailing yield: 0.6%. Lower than top quartile of American dividend payers (5.0%). Lower than average of industry peers (1.8%). Recent Insider Transactions • Nov 24
Chairman of the Board recently bought US$1.3m worth of stock On the 20th of November, Michael Gerdin bought around 96k shares on-market at roughly US$13.08 per share. This transaction amounted to 1.2% of their direct individual holding at the time of the trade. In the last 3 months, they made an even bigger purchase worth US$2.9m. Michael has been a buyer over the last 12 months, purchasing a net total of US$12m worth in shares. Announcement • Nov 22
Heartland Express, Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Cash Dividend, Payable on December 15, 2023 The Board of Directors of Heartland Express, Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend. The $0.02 per share dividend will be paid on December 15, 2023, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 5, 2023. Announcement • Nov 04
Heartland Express, Inc. Announces Board Changes On October 30, 2023 the board of directors of Heartland Express, Inc. elected Brenda Lantz Ph.D. as a director of the company, effective immediately. Dr. Lantz will serve as a member of the company's nominating and governance committee and compensation committee. As a non-employee director, Dr. Lantz will receive compensation for her services as a member of the company's board of directors, and the committees of the board of directors on which she serves, that is consistent with compensation received by the other non-employee members of the company's board of directors. Dr. Brenda Lantz is the Associate Director of North Dakota State University's Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute (the UGPTI) as well as the Program Director for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Center (the CVSC) at UGPTI. As Associate Director, Dr. Lantz, helps lead the UGPTI’s research, education, and outreach activities. She assists in managing and promoting the institute while working to improve coordination among the institute’s centers and encouraging synergy among staff. As Program Director of the CVSC, Dr. Lantz serves as a point of contact for universities, law enforcement, and other agencies seeking assistance to establish partnerships to improve commercial vehicle safety in the U.S. Western region. She also conducts safety-related research and analysis. On November 1, 2023, Larry Gordon, a member of the board of directors of the company, provided notice to the company of his retirement as a board member effective immediately. Mr. Gordon's decision to retire is not a result of any disagreement with the company on any matter relating to the company's operations, policies, or practices. The company thanks Mr. Gordon for his 10 years of board service to the company. Valuation Update With 7 Day Price Move • Nov 02
Investor sentiment deteriorates as stock falls 17% After last week's 17% share price decline to US$11.89, the stock trades at a forward P/E ratio of 47x. Average forward P/E is 16x in the Transportation industry in the US. Total loss to shareholders of 34% over the past three years. Price Target Changed • Oct 30
Price target decreased by 7.4% to US$14.67 Down from US$15.83, the current price target is an average from 6 analysts. New target price is 19% above last closing price of US$12.33. Stock is down 17% over the past year. The company is forecast to post earnings per share of US$0.079 for next year compared to US$1.69 last year. Reported Earnings • Oct 28
Third quarter 2023 earnings: Revenues exceed analysts expectations while EPS lags behind Third quarter 2023 results: US$0.14 loss per share (down from US$0.31 profit in 3Q 2022). Revenue: US$295.0m (up 7.7% from 3Q 2022). Net loss: US$10.7m (down 144% from profit in 3Q 2022). Revenue exceeded analyst estimates by 1.7%. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates. Revenue is forecast to stay flat during the next 3 years compared to a 7.1% growth forecast for the Transportation industry in the US. Over the last 3 years on average, earnings per share has increased by 9% per year but the company’s share price has fallen by 12% per year, which means it is significantly lagging earnings. Price Target Changed • Oct 27
Price target decreased by 7.9% to US$15.20 Down from US$16.50, the current price target is an average from 5 analysts. New target price is 23% above last closing price of US$12.36. Stock is down 17% over the past year. The company is forecast to post earnings per share of US$0.44 for next year compared to US$1.69 last year. Major Estimate Revision • Oct 11
Consensus EPS estimates fall by 12% The consensus outlook for fiscal year 2023 has been updated. 2023 EPS estimate fell from US$0.479 to US$0.42. Revenue forecast unchanged from US$1.25b at last update. Net income forecast to shrink 23% next year vs 14% decline forecast for Transportation industry in the US. Consensus price target down from US$16.50 to US$15.83. Share price rose 4.6% to US$15.12 over the past week. Announcement • Sep 16
Heartland Express, Inc. Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend, Payable on October 5, 2023 The Board of Directors of Heartland Express, Inc. announced the declaration of a regular quarterly cash dividend. The $0.02 per share dividend will be paid on October 5, 2023, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 25, 2023. Recent Insider Transactions • Sep 10
Chairman of the Board recently bought US$1.6m worth of stock On the 6th of September, Michael Gerdin bought around 109k shares on-market at roughly US$14.86 per share. This transaction amounted to 49% of their direct individual holding at the time of the trade. In the last 3 months, they made an even bigger purchase worth US$1.7m. Michael has been a buyer over the last 12 months, purchasing a net total of US$10m worth in shares. Recent Insider Transactions • Aug 27
Chairman of the Board recently bought US$296k worth of stock On the 22nd of August, Michael Gerdin bought around 20k shares on-market at roughly US$15.00 per share. This transaction amounted to less than 1% of their direct individual holding at the time of the trade. In the last 3 months, they made an even bigger purchase worth US$1.7m. Michael has been a buyer over the last 12 months, purchasing a net total of US$7.6m worth in shares. Recent Insider Transactions • Aug 20
Chairman of the Board recently bought US$1.7m worth of stock On the 16th of August, Michael Gerdin bought around 111k shares on-market at roughly US$15.40 per share. This transaction amounted to 1.5% of their direct individual holding at the time of the trade. This was the largest purchase by an insider in the last 3 months. Michael has been a buyer over the last 12 months, purchasing a net total of US$7.2m worth in shares.