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8-K - 8-K - HEARTLAND EXPRESS INCearningsrelease8k2016q4.htm


Exhibit 99.1

January 26, 2017 For Immediate Release

Press Release

Heartland Express, Inc. Reports Revenues and Earnings for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2016

NORTH LIBERTY, IOWA - January 26, 2017 - Heartland Express, Inc. (Nasdaq: HTLD) announced today financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2016.

Three months ended December 31, 2016:
Net Income of $13.1 million, Earnings per Share of $0.16, and Operating Revenue of $140.0 million,
Operating Ratio of 85.1% and 83.3% Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Ratio(1). 

Twelve months ended December 31, 2016:
Net Income of $56.4 million, Earnings per Share of $0.68, and Operating Revenue of $612.9 million,
Operating Ratio of 86.0% and 84.6% Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Ratio(1), 
Cash balance of $128.5 million, a $95.3 million increase since December 31, 2015.

Heartland Express Chief Executive Officer Michael Gerdin, commented on the operating results and ongoing initiatives of the Company, "We delivered solid operating results as evidenced by our mid-80's operating ratios and cash generated from our operations for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016. In addition, our operating ratio has improved year over year before the effects of the decrease in gain on disposal of property and equipment. Gains on disposal of property and equipment declined $25.8 million year over year as a result of less trade activity in 2016 following our fleet upgrade in 2015. These results were achieved even though our top-line revenue was challenged by significant pricing pressure from shippers attempting to capitalize on short-term excess capacity in the industry. When faced with short-term industry challenges we chose to focus internally on our operations to allow us to deliver the highest level of service while still operating profitably to generate incremental cash reserves. I am proud of our team and our accomplishments in 2016 and we believe we are properly positioned to navigate the exciting road ahead and capitalize on new opportunities."

Financial Results

Heartland Express ended the fourth quarter of 2016 with net income of $13.1 million, compared to $17.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2015. Basic earnings per share were $0.16 during the quarter compared to $0.20 earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2015. Operating revenues were $140.0 million, compared to $174.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2015. Operating revenues for the quarter included fuel surcharge revenues of $14.7 million compared to $18.2 million in the same period of 2015, a $3.5 million decrease. Operating revenues excluding fuel surcharge revenue(1) decreased 19.9%, primarily due to lower miles driven due to softer freight volumes in the fourth quarter compared to the same period in 2015. Operating income for the three-month period decreased $6.8 million mainly due to the current operating environment challenges on freight volume and pricing. The Company posted an operating ratio of 85.1%, an adjusted operating ratio(1) of 83.3%, and a 9.4% net margin (net income as a percentage of operating revenues) in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to 84.1%, 82.3% and 9.7%, respectively in the fourth quarter of 2015.

For the twelve month period ended December 31, 2016 the Company recorded net income of $56.4 million, compared to $73.1 million in the same period of 2015. Basic earnings per share were $0.68 compared to $0.84 earnings per share in the same period of 2015. Operating revenues were $612.9 million, compared to $736.3 million in the same period of 2015. Operating revenues included fuel surcharge revenues of $58.4 million compared to $91.8 million in the same period of 2015, a $33.4 million decrease. Operating revenues





excluding fuel surcharge revenue(1) decreased 14.0%. Operating income for the twelve-month period decreased $31.0 million mainly as a result of the continued operating environment challenges on freight volume and pricing. The Company posted an operating ratio of 86.0%, an adjusted operating ratio(1) of 84.6% and a 9.2% net margin (net income as a percentage of operating revenues) in the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 compared to 84.2%, 81.9% and 9.9%, respectively in 2015.


Balance Sheet, Liquidity, and Capital Expenditures

At December 31, 2016, the Company had $128.5 million in cash balances and no borrowings under the Company's unsecured line of credit. The Company had $169.5 million in available borrowing capacity on the line of credit at December 31, 2016 after consideration of $5.5 million outstanding letters of credit. The Company continues to be in compliance with associated financial covenants. The Company ended the quarter with total assets of $738.2 million and stockholders' equity of $505.8 million.

Net cash flows from operations for the twelve month period ended December 31, 2016 were $155.8 million. The primary use of cash during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2016 was $28.8 million for purchases of property and equipment, net of trades and sale proceeds, $14.7 million for stock repurchases, and $6.7 million for dividends. The average age of the Company's tractor fleet was 1.7 years as of December 31, 2016 compared to 1.25 years at December 31, 2015. The average age of the Company's trailer fleet was 4.6 years at December 31, 2016 compared to 4.6 years at December 31, 2015. The Company currently estimates a total of approximately $40 to $50 million in net capital expenditures for 2017. The Company ended the past twelve months with a return on total assets of 7.6% and a 11.6% return on equity.
    
The Company continues its commitment to stockholders through the payment of cash dividends and repurchase of common stock. Dividends of $0.02 per share were declared and paid during each quarter of 2016. The Company has now paid cumulative cash dividends of $464.1 million, including three special dividends, ($2.00 in 2007, $1.00 in 2010, and $1.00 in 2012) over the past fifty-four consecutive quarters. In 2016, 0.9 million shares were repurchased for $14.7 million. In 2015, 3.8 million shares were repurchased for $74.0 million. The Company has repurchased 6.5 million shares of common stock for approximately $112.9 million over the past five years. The Company has the ability to repurchase an additional 3.3 million shares under the current Board authorization.
 
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 several of our customers. These awards include:

Fedex Express - Carrier of the Year (6th consecutive year and 9th time in 10 years),
Fedex Express - Platinum Award for On-Time Service (99.96% on-time service),
Sam's Club (Walmart) - Carrier of the Year,
United Sugars - Carrier of the Year,
Winegard - Truckload Carrier of the Year,
Johnson and Johnson - Truckload Service Provider of the Year,
Quaker/Gatorade - Carrier of the Year (Northwest Region),
Quaker/Gatorade - Carrier of the Year (Central West Region),
DHL - On Time Delivery - Truckload.

During 2016, our operating fleet was also recognized with the following safety and operational awards:

Commercial Carrier Journal Top 250 Award (#36),
BP Lubricants USA Inc. Driving Safety Standards for 2016,





Logistics Management Quest for Quality Award,
California Trucking Association - Fleet Safety Award (1st Place - LTL/Gen Commodities-Local/Short Haul, over 4 million miles),
California Trucking Association - Fleet Safety Award (1st Place - Truckload, over 7 million miles).

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

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.

This press release may contain statements that might be considered as forward-looking statements or predictions of future operations. Such statements are based on management's belief or interpretation of information currently available. These statements and assumptions involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual events may differ from these expectations as specified from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Contact: Heartland Express, Inc. -- 319-626-3600
Mike Gerdin, Chief Executive Officer
John Cosaert, 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,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
OPERATING REVENUE
$
140,044

 
$
174,605

 
$
612,937

 
$
736,345

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries, wages, and benefits
$
46,638

 
$
66,432

 
$
231,980

 
$
277,318

Rent and purchased transportation
5,132

 
7,713

 
23,485

 
34,489

Fuel
22,920

 
25,848

 
91,494

 
123,714

Operations and maintenance
6,160

 
8,300

 
26,159

 
34,025

Operating taxes and licenses
3,836

 
4,405

 
15,559

 
18,095

Insurance and claims
6,842

 
4,126

 
24,449

 
21,618

Communications and utilities
1,065

 
1,306

 
4,485

 
6,001

Depreciation and amortization
26,755

 
29,707

 
105,578

 
110,973

Other operating expenses
1,730

 
6,839

 
13,385

 
28,572

Gain on disposal of property and equipment
(1,932
)
 
(7,790
)
 
(9,205
)
 
(35,040
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
119,146

 
146,886

 
527,369

 
619,765

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
20,898

 
27,719

 
85,568

 
116,580

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
173

 
53

 
481

 
210

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense

 

 

 
(19
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
21,071

 
27,772

 
86,049

 
116,771

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal and state income taxes
7,957

 
10,757

 
29,663

 
43,715

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
13,114

 
$
17,015

 
$
56,386

 
$
73,056

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.16

 
$
0.20

 
$
0.68

 
$
0.84

Diluted
$
0.16

 
$
0.20

 
$
0.68

 
$
0.84

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
83,287

 
84,932

 
83,297

 
86,974

Diluted
83,340

 
85,034

 
83,365

 
87,109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
 
2016
 
2015
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
128,507

 
$
33,232

Trade receivables, net
 
46,844

 
61,009

Prepaid tires
 
8,181

 
9,584

Other current assets
 
13,841

 
8,316

Income tax receivable
 
4,738

 
7,641

Deferred income taxes, net
 

 
16,662

Total current assets
 
202,111

 
136,444

 
 
 
 
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
659,053

 
671,946

Less accumulated depreciation
 
251,405

 
197,948

 
 
407,648

 
473,998

GOODWILL
 
100,212

 
100,212

OTHER INTANGIBLES, NET
 
12,090

 
14,013

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES, NET
 
3,785

 

OTHER ASSETS
 
12,382

 
11,363

 
 
$
738,228

 
$
736,030

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
12,355

 
$
7,516

Compensation and benefits
 
23,320

 
24,636

Insurance accruals
 
19,132

 
21,573

Other accruals
 
10,727

 
12,443

Total current liabilities
 
65,534

 
66,168

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
Income taxes payable
 
11,954

 
16,228

Deferred income taxes, net
 
94,657

 
112,118

Insurance accruals less current portion
 
60,257

 
59,435

Other long-term liabilities
 

 
12,153

Total long-term liabilities
 
166,868

 
199,934

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 
 
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Capital stock, common, $.01 par value; authorized 395,000 shares; issued 90,689 in 2016 and 2015; outstanding 83,287 and 84,115 in 2016 and 2015, respectively
 
$
907

 
$
907

Additional paid-in capital
 
3,433

 
4,126

Retained earnings
 
625,668

 
575,948

Treasury stock, at cost; 7,402 and 6,574 shares in 2016 and 2015, respectively
 
(124,182
)
 
(111,053
)
 
 
505,826

 
469,928

 
 
$
738,228

 
$
736,030







(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 December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(Unaudited, in thousands)
 
(Unaudited, in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
 
$
140,044

 
$
174,605

 
$
612,937

 
$
736,345

Less: Fuel surcharge revenue (non-GAAP)
 
14,714

 
18,171

 
58,378

 
91,780

Operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue
 
125,330

 
156,434

 
554,559

 
644,565

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
 
119,146

 
146,886

 
527,369

 
619,765

Less: Fuel surcharge revenue (non-GAAP)
 
14,714

 
18,171

 
58,378

 
91,780

Adjusted operating expenses
 
104,432

 
128,715

 
468,991

 
527,985

 
 

 

 

 

Operating income
 
$
20,898

 
$
27,719

 
$
85,568

 
$
116,580

Operating ratio
 
85.1
%
 
84.1
%
 
86.0
%
 
84.2
%
Adjusted operating ratio
 
83.3
%
 
82.3
%
 
84.6
%
 
81.9
%

(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.