Heartland Express Inc - HTLD STOCK NEWS

Heartland Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTLD) announced the acquisition of Smith Transport, Inc. for approximately $170 million. This strategic move aims to enhance Heartland's operational capabilities and service offerings in the truckload transportation industry. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings per share immediately. Smith Transport, founded in 1982, operates a modern fleet and serves a blue-chip customer base. The purchase includes both equity and real estate, with the latter valued at $14 million.

Heartland Express, Inc. (HTLD) reported Q1 2022 financial results with net income of $16.8 million, a 25.3% increase in EPS to $0.21. Operating revenue was $151.3 million, slightly down from $152.4 million in Q1 2021. Operating income reached $22.4 million, reflecting a 22.5% increase. The operating ratio improved to 85.2%, with cash balances up to $187.1 million. Despite strong freight demand, hiring challenges persist. The company remains debt-free and committed to dividend payments and stock repurchases.

The Board of Directors of Heartland Express declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per share, set to be paid on April 5, 2022, to shareholders of record by March 25, 2022. This dividend represents a total payout of approximately $1.6 million across the company's 78.9 million shares. With this announcement, Heartland Express continues its strong history, marking the 75th consecutive quarterly dividend paid, accumulating to $537.8 million in cash dividends since the program's inception in 2003.

Heartland Express (HTLD) reported strong financial results for the year ended December 31, 2021, achieving a net income of $79.3 million and a record EPS of $1.00. Operating revenue reached $607.3 million, despite a slight decrease from the previous year. The company maintained a debt-free balance sheet with cash reserves of $157.7 million. In Q4, net income rose to $20.3 million, up 15.1% year-over-year. The operating ratio was 82.1%, reflecting operational efficiency, while dividends returned $46 million to shareholders.

Heartland Express (HTLD) announced a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per share, payable on December 17, 2021, to shareholders of record by the close of business on December 7, 2021. This marks the company's 74th consecutive quarterly dividend, bringing total cash dividends paid to approximately $536.3 million since the program's inception in 2003. A total of about $1.6 million will be distributed across the 79 million shares outstanding.

Heartland Express, Inc. (Nasdaq: HTLD) will participate in the virtual Baird 2021 Global Industrial Conference on November 9, 2021, at 9:40 AM ET. The company, based in North Liberty, Iowa, specializes in irregular route truckload carrier services across the United States, emphasizing medium to short haul regional freight. Heartland Express aims to provide industry-leading on-time service to help clients meet their shipping needs effectively. More information can be found on their website.

Heartland Express reported strong financial results for Q3 2021, with net income of $24.5 million and basic earnings per share (EPS) of $0.31. Total operating revenue reached $152.6 million, despite a slight decline from the previous year. The company maintained a cash balance of $180.4 million and a debt-free balance sheet. The operating ratio improved to 78.2%, marking the best result since 2013. A special dividend of $0.50 per share was paid on October 1, 2021, showcasing the company's commitment to shareholders.