Attached files

file filename
8-K - 8-K - HEARTLAND EXPRESS INCearningsrelease8k2018q2.htm


Exhibit 99.1

July 19, 2018 For Immediate Release

Press Release

Heartland Express, Inc. Reports Revenues and Earnings for the Second Quarter of 2018

NORTH LIBERTY, IOWA - July 19, 2018 - Heartland Express, Inc. (Nasdaq: HTLD) announced today financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.

Three months ended June 30, 2018:
Net Income of $17.8 million, Basic Earnings per Share of $0.22,
Operating Revenue of $155.8 million a year-over-year increase of 20.2%,
Operating Ratio of 85.8% and 83.4% Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Ratio(1).

Six months ended June 30, 2018:
Net Income of $31.2 million, Basic Earnings per Share of $0.38,
Operating Ratio of 88.8% and 86.9% Non-GAAP Adjusted Operating Ratio(1),
Cash balance of $106.4 million, a $31.0 million increase from December 31, 2017,
Debt-Free Balance Sheet,
Total Stockholders' Equity of $581.8 million and Total Assets of $785.3 million.

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, 2018 which are our strongest operating results delivered to date since our acquisition of Interstate Distributor Co. approximately one year ago on July 6, 2017. We delivered our lowest quarterly operating ratio (85.8% and 83.4% non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio(1)) showing continued improvement over the last three quarters following the acquisition along with increased earnings. I am extremely pleased with our ability to acquire, integrate, and overhaul the operations of our recent acquisitions and return to a quarterly operating ratio which we expect will be at or near the best across our industry. This is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our drivers and the financial diligence of our entire team over the last several years as they have and will continue to focus on operating our company effectively and efficiently. We also have continued to invest in our drivers as we just announced our second driver pay increase in the last ten months. These two driver pay increases together account for a consolidated pay increase of approximately $12 million annually to reward our committed, safe, and hardworking drivers. It will also enable us to attract and retain more good drivers."

Financial Results

Heartland Express ended the second quarter of 2018 with net income of $17.8 million, compared to $14.6 million in the second quarter of 2017. Basic earnings per share were $0.22 during the quarter compared to $0.18 earnings per share in the second quarter of 2017. Operating revenues were $155.8 million, compared to $129.6 million in the second quarter of 2017, a 20.2% increase. Operating revenues for the quarter included fuel surcharge revenues of $22.4 million compared to $14.7 million in the same period of 2017, a $7.7 million increase. Operating revenues increased 16.1%, excluding the impact of fuel surcharge revenues(1), primarily due to higher miles driven following the Interstate Distributor Co. ("IDC") acquisition during the second quarter of 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. Operating income for the three month period increased $0.8 million primarily due to higher miles driven partially offset by the negative operating margin impacts from the consolidation of IDC financial results when compared to the prior period. The Company posted an operating ratio of 85.8%, adjusted operating ratio(1) of 83.4%, and an 11.4% net margin (net income as a percentage of operating revenues) in the second quarter of 2018 compared to 83.6%, 81.4%, and 11.3%, respectively in the second quarter of 2017.






For the six month period ended June 30, 2018 the Company recorded net income of $31.2 million, compared to $28.7 million in the same period of 2017. Basic earnings per share were $0.38 compared to $0.34 earnings per share in the same period of 2017. Operating revenues were $312.5 million, compared to $259.5 million in the same period of 2017. Operating revenues included fuel surcharge revenues of $43.9 million compared to $29.6 million in the same period of 2017, a $14.3 million increase. Operating revenues excluding fuel surcharge revenue(1) increased 16.8%. Operating income for the six month period decreased $5.6 million mainly as a result of $4.1 million less gains on disposal of property and equipment along with the negative operating margin impacts following the acquisition of IDC. The Company posted an operating ratio of 88.8%, an adjusted operating ratio(1) of 86.9% and a 10.0% net margin (net income as a percentage of operating revenues) in the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to 84.3%, 82.3% and 11.0%, respectively in 2017.

Balance Sheet, Liquidity, and Capital Expenditures

At June 30, 2018, the Company had $106.4 million in cash balances and no borrowings under the Company's unsecured line of credit. The Company had $171.3 million in available borrowing capacity on the line of credit at June 30, 2018 after consideration of $3.7 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 $785.3 million and stockholders' equity of $581.8 million.

Net cash flows from operations for the first six months of 2018 were $69.7 million, 22.3% of operating revenue. The primary use of net cash generated from operations during the six month period ended June 30, 2018 was $22.6 million for net equipment transactions, $3.3 million for dividends, and $20.9 million for the repurchase of our common stock. The average age of the Company's tractor fleet was 1.5 years as of June 30, 2018 compared to 1.8 years at December 31, 2017. The average age of the Company's trailer fleet was 4.6 years at June 30, 2018 compared to 5.1 years at December 31, 2017. The Company currently anticipates a total of approximately $70 to $80 million in net capital expenditures for calendar year 2018. The Company ended the past twelve months with a return on total assets of 9.7% and a 13.6% 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 and paid during the second quarter of 2018. The Company has now paid cumulative cash dividends of $474.0 million, including three special dividends, ($2.00 in 2007, $1.00 in 2010, and $1.00 in 2012) over the past sixty consecutive quarters.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company purchased 1.2 million shares of our common stock for $20.9 million. Our outstanding shares at June 30, 2018 were 82.2 million shares. A total of 5.8 million shares of common stock have been repurchased for approximately $109.6 million over the past five years. The Company has the ability to repurchase an additional 7.1 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 2018, we continued to deliver award-winning service and safety to our customers as we were recognized by Fedex Ground with the 100% Service Award in recognition of 100% on-time service. This award is further evidence of our continued partnership with Fedex over the years and is a testament of our ability and commitment in regards to on-time service.

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 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 reducing unnecessary or unproductive costs, operational improvements, progress toward our goals, 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, 2017. 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,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
OPERATING REVENUE
 
$
155,826

 
$
129,616

 
$
312,521

 
$
259,518

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING EXPENSES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries, wages, and benefits
 
$
57,558

 
$
48,642

 
$
119,568

 
$
97,621

Rent and purchased transportation
 
5,460

 
1,820

 
11,584

 
4,682

Fuel
 
28,941

 
21,289

 
57,880

 
43,991

Operations and maintenance
 
6,637

 
6,961

 
14,501

 
12,830

Operating taxes and licenses
 
4,150

 
3,143

 
8,101

 
6,435

Insurance and claims
 
4,231

 
3,581

 
8,455

 
7,361

Communications and utilities
 
1,566

 
1,038

 
3,436

 
2,136

Depreciation and amortization
 
24,757

 
22,604

 
50,358

 
45,534

Other operating expenses
 
5,765

 
5,524

 
11,796

 
10,627

Gain on disposal of property and equipment
 
(5,386
)
 
(6,299
)
 
(8,254
)
 
(12,375
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
133,679

 
108,303

 
277,425

 
218,842

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
22,147

 
21,313

 
35,096

 
40,676

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
423

 
424

 
765

 
713

Interest expense
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
 
22,570

 
21,737

 
35,861

 
41,389

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal and state income taxes
 
4,767

 
7,121

 
4,679

 
12,736

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
17,803

 
$
14,616

 
$
31,182

 
$
28,653

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.22

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.34

Diluted
 
$
0.22

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.38

 
$
0.34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
82,330

 
83,294

 
82,817

 
83,293

Diluted
 
82,368

 
83,338

 
82,855

 
83,337

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
 
2018
 
2017
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
106,402

 
$
75,378

Trade receivables, net
 
58,483

 
64,293

Prepaid tires
 
9,900

 
10,989

Other current assets
 
17,032

 
13,782

Income tax receivable
 
4,361

 
6,393

Total current assets
 
196,178

 
170,835

 
 
 
 
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
636,291

 
666,763

Less accumulated depreciation
 
219,637

 
223,901

 
 
416,654

 
442,862

GOODWILL
 
132,410

 
132,410

OTHER INTANGIBLES, NET
 
15,700

 
17,022

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES, NET
 
3,173

 
1,737

OTHER ASSETS
 
21,141

 
24,261

 
 
$
785,256

 
$
789,127

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
11,823

 
$
14,366

Compensation and benefits
 
24,692

 
26,752

Insurance accruals
 
19,165

 
21,368

Other accruals
 
12,665

 
12,835

Total current liabilities
 
68,345

 
75,321

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
Income taxes payable
 
4,829

 
8,147

Deferred income taxes, net
 
71,291

 
65,488

Insurance accruals less current portion
 
59,002

 
65,526

Total long-term liabilities
 
135,122

 
139,161

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
 
 
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Capital stock, common, $.01 par value; authorized 395,000 shares; issued 90,689 in 2018 and 2017; outstanding 82,151 in 2018 and 83,303 in 2017, respectively
 
907

 
907

Additional paid-in capital
 
3,462

 
3,518

Retained earnings
 
722,045

 
694,174

Treasury stock, at cost; 8,538 in 2018 and 7,386 in 2017, respectively
 
(144,625
)
 
(123,954
)
 
 
581,789

 
574,645

 
 
$
785,256

 
$
789,127







(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,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(Unaudited, in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating revenue
 
$
155,826

 
$
129,616

 
$
312,521

 
$
259,518

Less: Fuel surcharge revenue
 
22,407

 
14,743

 
43,937

 
29,624

Operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharge revenue
 
133,419

 
114,873

 
268,584

 
229,894

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
 
133,679

 
108,303

 
277,425

 
218,842

Less: Fuel surcharge revenue
 
22,407

 
14,743

 
43,937

 
29,624

Adjusted operating expenses
 
111,272

 
93,560

 
233,488

 
189,218

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
$
22,147

 
$
21,313

 
$
35,096

 
$
40,676

Operating ratio
 
85.8
%
 
83.6
%
 
88.8
%
 
84.3
%
Adjusted operating ratio
 
83.4
%
 
81.4
%
 
86.9
%
 
82.3
%

(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.