Heartland Express, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual Financial Results which includes All-Time Record High Annual Operating Revenue

Rhea-AI Summary

Heartland Express, Inc. (Nasdaq: HTLD) reported financial results for Q4 and full-year 2023. Despite challenges in the freight environment, the company achieved record operating revenues of $1.2 billion. Net income for Q4 was $5.1 million with an operating ratio of 96.1%. Debt was reduced to $300 million following strategic divestments. The company remains committed to operational improvements and cost reduction measures.

Positive

• Record operating revenues of $1.2 billion for the full-year 2023
• Reduction of debt levels to $300 million following $114.1 million in debt payments during the year
• Strategic divestment of certain real estate assets to better align with the company's freight pattern
• Recognition for customer service and environmental, operational, industry, and community service awards

Negative

• Net income for Q4 was $5.1 million compared to $15.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022
• Operating ratio of 96.1% in Q4 compared to 92.6% in the fourth quarter of 2022
• Net income for the full-year 2023 was $14.8 million compared to $133.6 million in 2022
• Basic earnings per share were $0.06 during Q4 compared to $0.20 in the fourth quarter of 2022

Insights

Financial Analyst

The financial results of Heartland Express, Inc. indicate a mixed picture for investors assessing the company's performance. While the operating revenue reached an all-time high of $1.2 billion for the year, this was juxtaposed against a backdrop of declining net income and basic earnings per share, which fell from $133.6 million and $1.69 respectively in 2022 to $14.8 million and $0.19 in 2023. This contraction in profitability could be attributed to the challenging freight environment and excess industry capacity, which pressured financial results below historical norms and management expectations.

The operating ratio, a key metric in the transportation industry reflecting expenses as a percentage of revenue, worsened year-over-year from 80.5% to 96.5%. A higher operating ratio suggests less efficiency and profitability, which, in this case, could be a cause for concern among shareholders and potential investors. Furthermore, the company's strategic divestiture of certain real estate assets and its focus on debt reduction, with $114.1 million paid in 2023, are critical points for financial analysis. These actions reflect a commitment to improving the balance sheet and aligning assets with the company's operational model, which could be beneficial in the long term.

While the company's commitment to shareholder returns through regular dividends is noteworthy, the reduced net margin from 13.8% to 1.2% year-over-year is a significant contraction that warrants a closer examination of the company's cost structure and operational efficiency.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, Heartland Express's performance reflects broader industry trends. The reported weak freight environment and excess capacity are symptomatic of cyclical downturns that transportation companies often face. However, the company's strategic acquisitions and enhanced scale position it to potentially capitalize on future freight demand growth. The contrasting operating ratios of legacy Heartland Express and the newly acquired Smith Transport and CFI suggest integration and operational improvement opportunities that could lead to enhanced profitability once market conditions improve.

Moreover, the strategic divestitures of non-core real estate assets indicate a proactive approach to optimizing the company's asset base, which could improve operational focus and cost management. The company's ability to navigate this complex environment and its strategic positioning will be essential in determining its competitive edge and market share in the future.

Economist

An economist perspective highlights the importance of external economic factors on Heartland Express's financials. The weak freight environment can be tied to macroeconomic conditions such as consumer demand, trade flows and economic cycles. The excess industry capacity may result from overinvestment in periods of higher demand, leading to a subsequent imbalance when the economy slows. This cyclical nature of the industry underscores the importance of strategic flexibility and the ability to adjust to changing economic conditions.

The company's focus on debt reduction during an economic downturn is a prudent measure to strengthen financial stability. However, it's also important to consider the opportunity costs of these debt repayments, such as foregone investments in technology or fleet upgrades that could improve efficiency and competitiveness. The financial results also raise questions about the company's cost management and pricing strategies during periods of economic stress and how these might be adapted to maintain profitability.

NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa, Jan. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heartland Express, Inc. (Nasdaq: HTLD) announced today financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023.

Three months ended December 31, 2023:

• Net Income of $5.1 million and Basic Earnings per Share of $0.06,
• Operating Revenue of $275.3 million,
• Operating Income of $10.7 million,
• Operating Ratio of 96.1% and 94.9% Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Ratio⁽¹⁾_,
• Total Assets of $1.5 billion,
• Stockholders' Equity of $865.3 million.

Twelve months ended December 31, 2023:

• Net Income of $14.8 million, Basic Earnings per Share of $0.19,
• Operating Revenue of $1.2 billion (All-time record),
• Operating Income of $42.4 million,
• Operating Ratio of 96.5% and 95.4% Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Ratio⁽¹⁾,
• $114.1 million paid for debt reductions in 2023 ($195.6 million paid since acquisition in 2022).
  

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 and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 reflect the continued weak freight environment combined with excess industry capacity throughout the year. This challenging freight environment combined with two acquisitions in the prior year, have pressured our financial results to a level below our historical results and management expectations. However, these recent acquisitions have also allowed us to deliver $1.2 billion of operating revenues, an all-time record for our organization. We believe this enhanced scale provides a better strategic position given the cyclical nature of the industry we operate in. This enhanced scale has allowed us to increase capacity, enhance our customer offerings, and further diversify our customer base. The 2022 acquisitions have also allowed us the opportunity to upgrade our real estate portfolio of terminal locations. During the fourth quarter, the Company strategically divested certain real estate assets that no longer fit the Company’s freight pattern or were concentrated in markets where multiple properties existed. The Company will continue to evaluate its real estate portfolio for strategic opportunities and better alignment with our model of maintaining our fleet of revenue equipment in conjunction with the needs of our customers and lanes of freight."

Mr. Gerdin continued, "Even in a challenging operating environment, we remain committed to paying down the debt resulting from the acquisitions of Smith Transport and Contract Freighter's, Inc. ("CFI"). During 2023, we reduced our debt levels to $300 million following $114.1 million in debt payments during the year and $195.6 million since the acquisitions of Smith and CFI were completed in 2022. We expect the strategic changes that we have implemented during 2023 will improve our operational readiness ahead of future expected freight demand growth. Heartland Express and Millis Transfer combined had an operating ratio of 86.9%, during 2023 which included legacy Heartland Express operating ratio of 85.1%. In contrast, Smith Transport and CFI combined for an operating ratio of 103.8% during 2023. We expect to continue on our path for future operational improvements and cost reduction measures at all four operating brands. We project we can improve our consolidated operating results, within three to four years following the 2022 acquisitions to align with our historical operational results. We continue to be extremely proud of our professional drivers, our team that works hard to support our drivers, and the outstanding service provided to our customers."

Financial Results

Heartland Express ended the fourth quarter of 2023 with operating revenues of $275.3 million ($235.6 million excluding fuel surcharge revenue), compared to $354.9 million ($293.6 million excluding fuel surcharge revenue) in the fourth quarter of 2022. Operating revenues for the quarter included fuel surcharge revenues of $39.7 million compared to $61.4 million in the same period of 2022. The weak freight environment continued to present challenges on our financial results during the quarter. Lower freight volumes, freight rate mix, and an increase in empty miles compared to the same quarter a year ago were products of the continued freight environment weakness. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, we benefited from an aggregate gain of $25.6 million from the sale of three terminal properties. Net income was $5.1 million, compared to $15.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, and basic earnings per share were $0.06 during the quarter compared to $0.20 basic earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2022. The Company posted an operating ratio of 96.1%, non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio⁽¹⁾ of 94.9%, and a 1.9% net margin (net income as a percentage of operating revenues) in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to 92.6%, 90.6% and 4.4%, respectively in the fourth quarter of 2022.

For the twelve month period ended December 31, 2023, operating revenues were $1.2 billion, compared to $968.0 million in the same period of 2022, an increase of 24.7% and the best annual period of operating revenues in our Company's 45-year history. Operating revenues included fuel surcharge revenues of $173.8 million compared to $169.2 million in the same period of 2022, a $4.6 million increase. Net income was $14.8 million, compared to $133.6 million in 2022. Basic earnings per share were $0.19 compared to $1.69 basic earnings per share in 2022. The 2022 results included Smith Transport starting June 1, 2022 and CFI starting September 1, 2022 and the sale of a terminal property for an unusually large gain during the second quarter. The Company posted an operating ratio of 96.5%, non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio⁽¹⁾ of 95.4% and a 1.2% net margin (net income as a percentage of operating revenues) in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 compared to 80.5%, 84.8% and 13.8%, respectively in 2022.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

At December 31, 2023, the Company had $28.1 million in cash balances, a decrease of $21.3 million since December 31, 2022. Debt and financing lease obligations of $300.0 million remain at December 31, 2023 ($275 million of CFI acquisition debt and $25 million of Smith Transport acquired equipment financing). These amounts are 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. During 2023, the Company made $114.1 million debt payments. There were no borrowings under the Company's unsecured line of credit at December 31, 2023. The Company had $88.0 million in available borrowing capacity on the line of credit as of December 31, 2023 after consideration of $12.0 million of outstanding letters of credit. The Company continues to be in compliance with associated financial covenants. The Company ended the year with total assets of $1.5 billion and stockholders' equity of $865.3 million.

Net cash flows from operations for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2023 were $165.3 million, 13.7% of operating revenues. The primary use of cash during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2023 were $114.1 million repayments of debt and financing leases, $6.3 million for regular dividends, and $71.3 million for net property and equipment transactions.

The average age of the Company's tractor fleet was 2.2 years as of December 31, 2023 compared to 2.0 years at December 31, 2022. The average age of the Company's trailer fleet was 6.4 years at December 31, 2023 compared to 6.3 years at December 31, 2022.

The Company continued its commitment to shareholders through the payment of cash dividends. Regular dividends of $0.02 per share were declared and paid during each quarter of 2023. The Company has now paid cumulative cash dividends of $548.9 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-two consecutive quarters since 2003. Our outstanding shares at December 31, 2023 were 79.0 million. A total of 3.3 million shares of common stock have been repurchased for $57.7 million over the past five years. The Company has the ability to repurchase an additional 6.6 million shares under the current authorization which would result in 72.4 million outstanding shares if fully executed.

Other Information

Historical commitment to customer service has allowed us to build solid, long-term relationships and brand ourselves as an industry leader for on-time service. This past year we once again were recognized for customer service by our customers. These awards received include:

• FedEx Express National Carrier of the Year (12 years in a row)
• FedEx Express Platinum Award (99.98% On-Time Delivery)
• Lowe’s One-Way Outbound Carrier of the Year
• United Sugar Producers & Refiners Carrier of the Year
• Mark Anthony Carrier of the Year
• PepsiCo/Gatorade SW Carrier of the Year
• DHL/Tempur Pedic Carrier of the Year
• Uber Freight Carrier of the Year
• Henkel Carrier Base Logistics Award – Asset Excellence
  

During 2023, we were also recognized with the following environmental, operational, industry, and community service awards:

• Smartway – High Performer Award
• Logistics Management Quest for Quality Award (our 19th award in 21 years)
• CFI Driver Zach Yeakley TCA’s Highway Angel of the Year
• CFI Driver Endrea Davisson – Women in Trucking Association – 2023 Top Women to Watch in Transportation
• Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet (our 9th year)
• Pepsi Co “Rolling Remembrance” Participant

These awards are hard-earned and are a direct reflection upon our outstanding group of employees and our focus on excellence in all areas of our business.

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, strategic changes, enhanced scale, and cost reductions, evaluation of real estate opportunities, progress toward our goals, deployment of cash reserves, future dispositions of revenue equipment and real estate and gains therefrom, future operating ratio, future stock repurchases, dividends, acquisitions, and debt repayment, and results of the foregoing 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, 2022 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. 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 December 31,								Twelve Months Ended December 31,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
OPERATING REVENUE	$	275,347			$	354,923			$	1,207,458			$	967,996
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries, wages, and benefits	$	112,237			$	124,336			$	474,803			$	346,271
Rent and purchased transportation		24,464				33,368				112,749				54,288
Fuel		49,023				69,438				212,228				194,608
Operations and maintenance		15,688				15,673				63,358				39,092
Operating taxes and licenses		5,404				5,482				21,804				16,387
Insurance and claims		14,512				11,737				45,278				34,436
Communications and utilities		2,458				2,915				10,508				6,995
Depreciation and amortization		51,120				50,639				199,039				133,047
Other operating expenses		14,950				19,269				66,393				51,420
Gain on disposal of property and equipment		(25,214	)			(4,100	)			(41,087	)			(96,906	)
		264,642				328,757				1,165,073				779,638
Operating income		10,705				26,166				42,385				188,358
Interest income		304				345				1,655				1,288
Interest expense		(5,934	)			(6,036	)			(24,187	)			(8,555	)
Income before income taxes		5,075				20,475				19,853				181,091
Federal and state income taxes		(20	)			4,987				5,078				47,507
Net income	$	5,095			$	15,488			$	14,775			$	133,584
Earnings per share
Basic	$	0.06			$	0.20			$	0.19			$	1.69
Diluted	$	0.06			$	0.20			$	0.19			$	1.69
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic		79,030				78,964				79,010				78,941
Diluted		79,110				79,010				79,079				78,974
Dividends declared per share	$	0.02			$	0.02			$	0.08			$	0.08

HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
		December 31,				December 31,
ASSETS			2023				2022
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents		$	28,123			$	49,462
Trade receivables, net			102,740				139,819
Prepaid tires			10,650				11,293
Other current assets			17,602				26,069
Income tax receivable			10,157				3,139
Total current assets			169,272				229,782
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT			1,319,909				1,282,194
Less accumulated depreciation			434,558				308,936
			885,351				973,258
GOODWILL			322,597				320,675
OTHER INTANGIBLES, NET			98,537				103,701
OTHER ASSETS			14,953				19,894
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES, NET			1,494				1,224
OPERATING LEASE RIGHT OF USE ASSETS			17,442				20,954
		$	1,509,646			$	1,669,488
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	37,777			$	62,712
Compensation and benefits			28,492				30,972
Insurance accruals			21,507				18,490
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities - current portion			9,303				13,946
Operating lease liabilities - current portion			9,259				12,001
Other accruals			17,138				18,636
Total current liabilities			123,476				156,757
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Income taxes payable			6,270				6,466
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities less current portion			290,696				399,062
Operating lease liabilities less current portion			8,183				8,953
Deferred income taxes, net			189,121				207,516
Insurance accruals less current portion			26,640				35,257
Total long-term liabilities			520,910				657,254
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock, common, $.01 par value; authorized 395,000 shares; issued 90,689 in 2023 and 2022; outstanding 79,039 and 78,984 in 2023 and 2022, respectively		$	907			$	907
Additional paid-in capital			4,527				4,165
Retained earnings			1,060,094				1,051,641
Treasury stock, at cost; 11,650 and 11,705 shares in 2023 and 2022, respectively			(200,268	)			(201,236	)
			865,260				855,477
		$	1,509,646			$	1,669,488

(1)

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation Schedule:
Operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, adjusted operating income, and adjusted operating ratio reconciliation (a)
		Three Months Ended December 31,								Twelve Months Ended December 31,
			2023				2022				2023				2022
		(Unaudited, in thousands)								(Unaudited, in thousands)
Operating revenue		$	275,347			$	354,923			$	1,207,458			$	967,996
Less: Fuel surcharge revenue			39,740				61,358				173,817				169,173
Operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharge revenue			235,607				293,565				1,033,641				798,823
Operating expenses			264,642				328,757				1,165,073				779,638
Less: Fuel surcharge revenue			39,740				61,358				173,817				169,173
Less: Amortization of intangibles			1,262				1,432				5,164				3,653
Less: Acquisition-related costs			—				—				—				2,254
Less: Gain on sale of a terminal property			—				—				—				(73,175	)
Adjusted operating expenses			223,640				265,967				986,092				677,733
Operating income			10,705				26,166				42,385				188,358
Adjusted operating income		$	11,967			$	27,598			$	47,549			$	121,090
Operating ratio			96.1	%			92.6	%			96.5	%			80.5	%
Adjusted operating ratio			94.9	%			90.6	%			95.4	%			84.8	%

(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, non-cash amortization expense related to intangible assets, acquisition-related legal and professional fees, and the gain on sale of a terminal property. Adjusted operating ratio as reported in this press release is based upon operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue, amortization of intangibles, acquisition-related costs, and the gain on sale of terminal property, 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, and removes items resulting from acquisitions or one-time transactions that do not reflect our core operating performance. 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

What were Heartland Express' operating revenues for the full-year 2023?

Heartland Express reported operating revenues of $1.2 billion for the full-year 2023, marking an all-time record for the company.

How much was the debt reduced to in 2023?

The debt was reduced to $300 million following $114.1 million in debt payments during the year.

What were the major challenges faced by Heartland Express in the freight environment?

Heartland Express faced challenges such as lower freight volumes, freight rate mix, and an increase in empty miles compared to the same quarter a year ago.

What were the company's net income and operating ratio for Q4?

The net income for Q4 was $5.1 million with an operating ratio of 96.1%.

What strategic changes did Heartland Express implement during 2023?

Heartland Express strategically divested certain real estate assets that no longer fit the company’s freight pattern or were concentrated in markets where multiple properties existed.

What were the highlights of Heartland Express' recognition in 2023?

Heartland Express received awards for customer service, environmental, operational, industry, and community service, reflecting the company's commitment to excellence.