Heartland Express, Inc. Reports Revenues and Earnings for the Second Quarter of 2019

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NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa, July 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heartland Express, Inc. HTLD announced today financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.

Three months ended June 30, 2019:

  • Net Income of $22.4 million, Basic Earnings per Share of $0.27 a 22.7% increase from quarter ended June 30, 2018,
  • Operating Revenue of $142.1 million,
  • Operating Income of $29.0 million, a 31.1% increase from June 30, 2018,
  • Operating Ratio of 79.6% and 76.6% Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Ratio(1),
  • Cash Balance of $205.6 million, a Debt-Free Balance Sheet, and Stockholders' Equity of $653.3 million.

Six months ended June 30, 2019:

  • Net Income of $39.7 million, Basic Earnings per Share of $0.48 a 26.3% increase from six months ended June 30, 2018,
  • Operating Revenue of $281.7 million,
  • Operating Income of $49.9 million, a 42.1% increase from June 30, 2018,
  • Operating Ratio of 82.3% and 79.8% Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Ratio(1).

Heartland Express Chief Executive Officer Michael Gerdin, commented on the quarterly operating results and ongoing initiatives of the Company, "We are excited to report our results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.  Our operating results were strong in terms of profit and overall operating efficiency despite general freight environment challenges during the quarter. We were also able to deliver sequential growth in our top line revenues during the second quarter as compared to the first quarter of 2019. We accomplished this by staying disciplined on freight rates, collaborating with strategic and long-term focused customers, and continued to improve on our driver recruiting and retention efforts. As a result, our operating ratio improved from 85.1% during the first quarter of 2019 to 79.6% during the second quarter of 2019, and even after removing the impact of gains we were below our long-term internal benchmark of 85.0% operating ratio.  Our net income grew from $17.8 million during the second quarter of 2018 to $22.4 million in 2019, a 25.6% increase.  Our cash balances have increased to $205 million, up from $176 million at the end of the first quarter of 2019 and is our highest level of cash reserves since September of 2012. We now have nearly $100 million more cash on hand than we had at June 30, 2018.  In addition, we continued with our efforts to refresh our fleet of tractors and trailers as well as several of our terminal locations as we look to provide the latest equipment and terminal amenities to our professional drivers while remaining debt free.  The overall freight environment could produce periods of both ups and downs for the remainder of the year, but I believe that our organization is well positioned for whatever opportunities or challenges lie before us.  I am pleased with our drivers, our team that supports our drivers, and our financial results for the second quarter of 2019."

Financial Results

Heartland Express ended the second quarter of 2019 with net income of $22.4 million, compared to $17.8 million in the second quarter of 2018, an increase of $4.6 million (25.6%).  Basic earnings per share were $0.27 during the quarter compared to $0.22 basic earnings per share in the second quarter of 2018.  Operating revenues were $142.1 million, compared to $155.8 million in the second quarter of 2018, a decrease of $13.7 million, (8.8%).  Operating revenues for the quarter included fuel surcharge revenues of $18.1 million compared to $22.4 million in the same period of 2018, a $4.3 million decrease.  Operating revenues decreased 7.0%, excluding the impact of fuel surcharge revenues(1), primarily due to fewer miles driven during the second quarter of 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018.  Although operating revenues were down quarter over quarter, operating revenues increased sequentially from the first quarter to the second quarter of 2019. Operating income for the three month period ended June 30, 2019 increased $6.9 million primarily due to improved operating margins as compared to the same three month period in 2018.  The Company posted an operating ratio of 79.6%, non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio(1) of 76.6%, and a 15.7% net margin (net income as a percentage of operating revenues) in the second quarter of 2019 compared to 85.8%, 83.4%, and 11.4%, respectively, in the second quarter of 2018.

For the six month period ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded net income of $39.7 million, compared to $31.2 million in the same period of 2018.  Basic earnings per share were $0.48 compared to $0.38 earnings per share in the same period of 2018.  Operating revenues were $281.7 million, compared to $312.5 million in the same period of 2018.  Operating revenues included fuel surcharge revenues of $35.1 million compared to $43.9 million in the same period of 2018, an $8.8 million decrease.  Operating revenues excluding fuel surcharge revenue(1) decreased 8.2%.  Operating income for the six month period increased $14.8 million mainly as a result of improved operating costs and $3.1 million more gains on disposal of property and equipment.  The Company posted an operating ratio of 82.3%, non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio(1) of 79.8%, and a 14.1% net margin (net income as a percentage of operating revenues) in the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to 88.8%, 86.9% and 10.0%, respectively in 2018.

Balance Sheet, Liquidity, and Capital Expenditures

At June 30, 2019, the Company had $205.6 million in cash balances and no borrowings under the Company's unsecured line of credit.  The Company had $89.3 million in available borrowing capacity on the line of credit at June 30, 2019 after consideration of $10.7 million outstanding letters of credit. In addition to the current borrowing base of $100 million, the Company has the ability to increase the available borrowing base by an additional $100 million, subject to normal credit and lender approvals.  The Company continues to be in compliance with associated financial covenants.  The Company ended the quarter with total assets of $859.8 million and stockholders' equity of $653.3 million.

Net cash flows from operations for the six months of 2019 were $71.7 million, 25.4% of operating revenue.  The primary use of net cash generated from operations during the six month period ended June 30, 2019 was $27.7 million for net equipment transactions, and $1.6 million for dividends. The average age of the Company's tractor fleet was 1.5 years as of June 30, 2019 and at June 30, 2018.  The average age of the Company's trailer fleet was 3.2 years at June 30, 2019 compared to 4.6 years at June 30, 2018.  The Company currently anticipates a total of approximately $80 to $100 million in net capital expenditures for calendar year 2019.  The Company ended the past twelve months with a return on total assets of 9.8% and a 13.0% return on equity.

The Company continues its commitment to stockholders through the payment of cash dividends and repurchases of common stock.  A dividend of $0.02 per share was declared in the first and second quarters of 2019.  The second quarter dividend was paid on July 1, 2019.  The Company has now paid cumulative cash dividends of $480.6 million, including three special dividends, ($2.00 in 2007, $1.00 in 2010, and $1.00 in 2012) over the past sixty-four consecutive quarters.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company purchased no shares of our common stock but purchased 1.2 million shares of our common stock for $20.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018. Our outstanding shares at June 30, 2019 were 82.0 million shares.  A total of 6.1 million shares of common stock have been repurchased for $113.8 million over the past five years.  The Company has the ability to repurchase an additional 6.9 million shares under the current authorization which would result in 75.1 million outstanding shares if fully executed.

Other Information

During the second quarter of 2019, we continued to deliver award-winning service and safety to our customers, and continued our commitment to board of director diversity and community service as evidenced by the following awards received:

  • FedEx Carrier of the Year
  • FedEx Platinum Service Award (99.3% On-Time Delivery)
  • Lowe's One-Way Store Carrier of the Year
  • 2020 Women on Boards Winning Company
  • Wreaths Across America Honor Fleet

Operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue 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.

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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," "outlook," and similar terms and phrases. In this press release, the statements relating to future dividends and stock repurchases, if any, operational improvements, progress toward our goals, our ability to remain debt free, and future capital expenditures 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, 2018. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, which speak as of their respective dates.

Contact: Heartland Express, Inc. (319-626-3600)

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
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018 
OPERATING REVENUE $142,144  $155,826  $281,681  $312,521  
          
OPERATING EXPENSES:         
Salaries, wages, and benefits $53,432  $57,558  $107,228  $119,568  
Rent and purchased transportation 1,868  5,460  4,280  11,584  
Fuel 23,339  28,941  46,519  57,880  
Operations and maintenance 5,626  6,637  11,471  14,501  
Operating taxes and licenses 3,500  4,150  7,391  8,101  
Insurance and claims 3,985  4,231  8,774  8,455  
Communications and utilities 1,104  1,566  2,327  3,436  
Depreciation and amortization 22,615  24,757  44,842  50,358  
Other operating expenses 5,187  5,765  10,358  11,796  
Gain on disposal of property and equipment (7,542) (5,386) (11,383) (8,254) 
          
  113,114  133,679  231,807  277,425  
          
Operating income 29,030  22,147  49,874  35,096  
          
Interest income 1,229  423  2,374  765  
          
Income before income taxes 30,259  22,570  52,248  35,861  
          
Federal and state income taxes 7,898  4,767  12,569  4,679  
          
Net income $22,361  $17,803  $39,679  $31,182  
          
Earnings per share         
Basic $0.27  $0.22  $0.48  $0.38  
Diluted $0.27  $0.22  $0.48  $0.38  
          
Weighted average shares outstanding         
Basic 81,968  82,330  81,952  82,817  
Diluted 82,027  82,368  81,991  82,855  
          
Dividends declared per share $0.02  $0.02  $0.04  $0.04  


HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
  June 30, December 31,
ASSETS 2019 2018
CURRENT ASSETS    
Cash and cash equivalents $205,642  $161,448 
Trade receivables, net 53,643  48,955 
Prepaid tires 9,217  9,378 
Other current assets 11,980  12,551 
Income tax receivable   170 
Total current assets 280,482  232,502 
     
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 625,367  603,670 
Less accumulated depreciation 214,566  200,550 
  410,801  403,120 
GOODWILL 132,410  132,410 
OTHER INTANGIBLES, NET 13,290  14,494 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES, NET 5,211  4,535 
OTHER ASSETS 17,643  19,152 
  $859,837  $806,213 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY    
CURRENT LIABILITIES    
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $23,785  $10,552 
Compensation and benefits 20,916  22,558 
Insurance accruals 21,027  22,130 
Other accruals 10,470  9,449 
Income taxes payable 617   
Total current liabilities 76,815  64,689 
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES    
Income taxes payable 5,736  5,577 
Deferred income taxes, net 76,138  71,041 
Insurance accruals less current portion 47,819  48,934 
Total long-term liabilities 129,693  125,552 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES    
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY    
Capital stock, common, $.01 par value; authorized 395,000 shares; issued 90,689 in
2019 and 2018; outstanding 81,968 in 2019 and 81,930 in 2018, respectively
 907  907 
Additional paid-in capital 3,799  3,454 
Retained earnings 796,661  760,262 
Treasury stock, at cost; 8,721 in 2019 and 8,759 in 2018, respectively (148,038) (148,651)
  653,329  615,972 
  $859,837  $806,213 


(1)

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation Schedule:     
Operating revenue, operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, operating income, operating ratio, and adjusted operating ratio reconciliation (a) 
        
  Three Months Ended 
  June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
  June 30,
 
  2019 2018 2019 2018 
  (Unaudited, in thousands) (Unaudited, in thousands) 
          
Operating revenue $142,144  $155,826  $281,681  $312,521  
Less: Fuel surcharge revenue 18,095  22,407  35,111  43,937  
Operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharge revenue 124,049  133,419  246,570  268,584  
          
Operating expenses 113,114  133,679  231,807  277,425  
Less: Fuel surcharge revenue 18,095  22,407  35,111  43,937  
Adjusted operating expenses 95,019  111,272  196,696  233,488  
          
Operating income $29,030  $22,147  $49,874  $35,096  
Operating ratio 79.6% 85.8% 82.3% 88.8% 
Adjusted operating ratio 76.6% 83.4% 79.8% 86.9% 

(a) Operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue and adjusted operating ratio as reported in this press release are based upon operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue, as a percentage of operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue. We believe that adjusted operating ratio is more representative of our underlying operations by excluding the volatility of fuel prices, which we cannot control. Adjusted operating ratio is not a substitute for operating ratio measured in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures. Although we believe that adjusted operating ratio improves comparability in analyzing our period-to-period performance, it could limit comparability to other companies in our industry if those companies define adjusted operating ratio differently. Because of these limitations, adjusted operating ratio should not be considered a measure 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.

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