Heartland Express, Inc. Reports Revenues and Earnings for the Third Quarter of 2005
CORALVILLE, Iowa--Oct. 2, 20050, 2005--Heartland Express, Inc. announced today financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2005. Gross revenues for the quarter increased 16.1% to $136.2 million from $117.3 million in the third quarter of 2004. Net income increased 2.8% to $17.5 million from $17.1 million in the 2004 period. Basic earnings per share were $0.24 compared to $0.23 for the third quarter of 2004.For the nine months, gross revenues increased 13.7% to $383.7 from $337.6 during the same period in 2004. Net income increased 9.5% to $50.3 million from $45.9 million in the 2004 period. Basic earnings per share were $0.67 compared with $0.61 for the 2004 period.
For the quarter, Heartland Express, Inc. posted an operating ratio (operating expenses as a percentage of gross revenues) of 81.4% and a 12.9% net margin. The Company reported an operating ratio of 81.1% and a 13.1% net margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The third quarter operating ratio was favorably impacted by a $2.0 million gain from the trade of revenue equipment. These gains are now being recognized in compliance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 153, "Accounting for Non-monetary Transactions", which became effective July 1, 2005. Gains were previously deferred as a reduction of the basis of new revenue equipment. The Company's third quarter operating ratio was 82.8% prior to the recognition of the aforementioned gain. Gains on sales of assets are reflected as a reduction of Other Operating Expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of income. In addition, the third quarter operating ratio and net income were negatively impacted by record high diesel prices which have continued into the fourth quarter.
The Company ended the third quarter with cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $276.5 million, an $18.2 million increase from the $258.3 million reported on December 31, 2004. The Company's balance sheet continues to be debt-free.
Heartland Express was recently named to the Forbes magazine listing of "200 Best Small Companies in America". This marks the fourteenth time in the past eighteen years, and the fourth consecutive year that we have been recognized. This recognition exemplifies our consistent performance and solid financial position. The selection process is based on growth in revenues, earnings, and return on equity over the past five years and latest twelve months.
The Company has purchased approximately 1.2 million shares of its outstanding common stock this year under a 5.0 million share repurchase program approved in September 2001 by its Board of Directors. Our strong cash position has allowed us to improve shareholder return with share repurchases and cash dividends without effecting growth opportunities. This repurchase of shares demonstrates the Board of Director's confidence in the Company's performance and future prospects.
The Company is continuing the replacement of its entire tractor fleet. The Company has taken delivery of 600 new Internationals this year. The fleet replacement is approximately 50% completed and is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2006. In addition, the Company purchased 700 new Wabash trailers during this year and will take delivery of 300 more during the fourth quarter.
During the quarter, Heartland Express declared a regular quarterly cash dividend. The quarterly dividend of approximately $1.5 million at the rate of $0.02 per share was paid on October 3, 2005 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 22, 2005. The Company has now paid quarterly dividends of $11.5 million over the past nine consecutive quarters.
The Company recently announced the expansion to the Western United States. The Western operation will be based in Phoenix, Arizona with service initially to the west coast. This expansion will allow for growth with both existing and new customers. Expansion to additional western markets is anticipated in the future.
In addition, the Company announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters to North Liberty, Iowa. The new office and shop facilities are expected to be completed in the spring of 2007 and will be funded primarily with proceeds from the sale of the existing corporate headquarters location.
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.
HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
Three months ended Nine months ended
September 30, September 30,
2005 2004 2005 2004
---- ---- ---- ----
OPERATING
REVENUE $136,209,698 $117,299,278 $383,738,516 $337,647,731
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
OPERATING
EXPENSES:
Salaries,
wages,
benefits $45,028,528 $40,305,667 $131,192,465 $119,163,588
Rent and
purchased
trans-
portation 7,462,499 8,578,807 23,004,432 28,620,347
Operations and
maintenance 38,055,562 25,297,575 98,465,534 68,954,053
Taxes and
licenses 2,249,347 2,143,218 6,505,283 6,638,458
Insurance and
claims 5,015,569 2,562,377 11,817,266 10,454,595
Communications
and utilities 969,344 886,416 2,596,260 2,828,948
Depreciation 9,819,033 7,842,781 27,260,730 21,214,242
Other
operating
expenses 2,277,868 4,022,516 10,217,239 10,836,071
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
110,877,750 91,639,357 311,059,209 268,710,302
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Operating
income 25,331,948 25,659,921 72,679,307 68,937,429
Interest
income 1,865,656 805,135 5,252,948 2,024,522
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Income before
income taxes 27,197,604 26,465,056 77,932,255 70,961,951
Federal and
state income
taxes 9,655,150 9,395,071 27,665,951 25,070,700
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net income $17,542,454 $17,069,985 $50,266,304 $45,891,251
============= ============= ============= =============
Earnings per
common share:
Basic
earnings
per share $0.24 $0.23 $0.67 $0.61
============= ============= ============= =============
Basic weighted
average
shares
outstanding 73,821,609 75,000,000 74,520,040 75,000,000
============= ============= ============= =============
Dividends
declared per
share $0.020 $0.020 $0.060 $0.047
============= ============= ============= =============
HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
September 30, December 31,
2005 2004
------------- -------------
(unaudited)
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $3,656,609 $1,610,543
Short-term investments 272,854,676 256,727,782
Trade receivables 44,983,188 37,102,813
Prepaid tires 3,407,570 2,692,090
Deferred income taxes 27,496,000 24,964,000
Other prepaid expenses 2,773,510 158,267
------------- -------------
Total current assets 355,171,553 323,255,495
------------- -------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 271,567,085 253,648,785
Less accumulated depreciation 81,818,608 68,973,751
------------- -------------
189,748,477 184,675,034
------------- -------------
OTHER ASSETS 8,959,853 9,081,322
------------- -------------
$553,879,883 $517,011,851
============= =============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable & accrued liabilities $15,513,402 $9,722,099
Accrued expenses 71,666,382 63,142,908
Income taxes payable 8,868,330 7,918,914
------------- -------------
Total current liabilities 96,048,114 80,783,921
------------- -------------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 44,834,000 46,885,000
------------- -------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Capital stock: Common, $.01 par value;
authorized 395,000,000 shares; issued
and outstanding 73,821,500 and
75,000,000 738,215 750,000
Additional paid-in capital -- 8,510,305
Retained earnings 412,793,508 380,906,884
------------- -------------
413,531,723 390,167,189
Less unearned compensation (533,954) (824,259)
------------- -------------
412,997,769 389,342,930
------------- -------------
$553,879,883 $517,011,851
============= =============