htld-20250930

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2025

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 0-15087

HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Nevada

93-0926999

(State or Other Jurisdiction

(I.R.S. Employer

of Incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

901 Heartland Way,

North Liberty,

Iowa

52317

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

319-645-7060

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value	HTLD	NASDAQ

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.


Yes			[X]			No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).


Yes			[X]			No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:


Large accelerated filer [ ]						Accelerated filer [X]
Non-accelerated filer [ ]						Smaller reporting company [ ]
						Emerging growth company [ ]

If an emerging company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).


Yes [ ]			No [ X ]

As of November 6, 2025 there were 77,447,537 shares of the registrant’s common stock ($0.01 par value) outstanding.

HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.

AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS




			Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 (unaudited)			3
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 (unaudited)			4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 (unaudited)			5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 (unaudited)			6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)			7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			15
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk			25
Item 4. Controls and Procedures			26

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings			27
Item 1A. Risk Factors			27
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds			27
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities			27
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures			27
Item 5. Other Information			27
Item 6. Exhibits			28

Signatures			29

PART I


HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
ASSETS	September 30, 2025		December 31, 2024
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	32,688	$	12,812
Trade receivables, net of $2.0 and $2.2 million allowance in 2025 and 2024, respectively	79,996		91,620
Prepaid tires	10,628		10,428
Other current assets	14,055		12,554
Income tax receivable	761		2,034
Total current assets	138,128		129,448
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land and land improvements	120,156		120,392
Buildings	150,659		150,583
Furniture and fixtures	6,666		6,818
Shop and service equipment	20,998		21,127
Revenue equipment	869,408		975,872
Construction in progress	28,368		9,188
Property and equipment, gross	1,196,255		1,283,980
Less accumulated depreciation	507,415		519,573
Property and equipment, net	688,840		764,407
GOODWILL	322,597		322,597
OTHER INTANGIBLES, NET	89,757		93,520
OTHER ASSETS	14,707		15,408
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES, NET	921		946
OPERATING LEASE RIGHT OF USE ASSETS	2,668		7,866
	$	1,257,618	$	1,334,192
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	40,768	$	35,370
Compensation and benefits	26,763		27,003
Insurance accruals	26,268		23,518
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities - current portion	7,836		9,041
Operating lease liabilities - current portion	2,051		6,115
Other accruals	17,756		18,512
Total current liabilities	121,442		119,559
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Income taxes payable	5,119		6,226
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities less current portion	177,546		191,707
Operating lease liabilities less current portion	617		1,751
Deferred income taxes, net	141,284		158,374
Accident and work comp accruals less current portion	35,980		33,976
Total long-term liabilities	360,546		392,034
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 14)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, par value $.01; authorized 5,000 shares; none issued	—		—
Capital stock, common, $.01 par value; authorized 395,000 shares; issued 90,689 in 2025 and 2024; outstanding 77,413 and 78,519 in 2025 and 2024, respectively	907		907
Additional paid-in capital	2,914		3,175
Retained earnings	986,396		1,024,081
Treasury stock, at cost; 13,276 and 12,170 shares in 2025 and 2024, respectively	(214,587)		(205,564)
	775,630		822,599
	$	1,257,618	$	1,334,192

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2025		2024		2025		2024

OPERATING REVENUE	$	196,547	$	259,861	$	626,354	$	804,935

OPERATING EXPENSES
Salaries, wages, and benefits	77,253		107,392		257,649		330,205
Rent and purchased transportation	12,303		18,343		39,920		63,893
Fuel	34,081		43,793		105,708		138,125
Operations and maintenance	15,367		19,338		50,085		52,334
Operating taxes and licenses	4,241		5,010		13,404		15,580
Insurance and claims	15,342		11,341		41,419		38,898
Communications and utilities	2,187		2,765		6,658		7,475
Depreciation and amortization	38,742		44,955		121,833		137,596
Other operating expenses	10,971		14,539		35,501		43,596
Gain on disposal of property and equipment	(6,688)		(476)		(11,254)		(1,510)
	203,799		267,000		660,923		826,192

Operating loss	(7,252)		(7,139)		(34,569)		(21,257)

Interest income	235		258		561		911
Interest expense	(2,908)		(4,243)		(8,974)		(14,119)

Loss before income taxes	(9,925)		(11,124)		(42,982)		(34,465)

Federal and state income tax benefit	(1,641)		(1,841)		(9,971)		(6,596)

Net loss	$	(8,284)	$	(9,283)	$	(33,011)	$	(27,869)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	—		—		—		—
Comprehensive loss	$	(8,284)	$	(9,283)	$	(33,011)	$	(27,869)

Net loss per share
Basic	$	(0.11)	$	(0.12)	$	(0.42)	$	(0.35)
Diluted	$	(0.11)	$	(0.12)	$	(0.42)	$	(0.35)

Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic	77,465		78,489		78,024		78,814
Diluted	77,518		78,500		78,086		78,866

Dividends declared per share	$	0.02	$	0.02	$	0.06	$	0.06

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

	Capital		Additional
	Stock,		Paid-In		Retained		Treasury
	Common		Capital		Earnings		Stock		Total
Balance, December 31, 2024	$	907	$	3,175	$	1,024,081	$	(205,564)	$	822,599
Net loss	—		—		(13,873)		—		(13,873)
Dividends on common stock, $0.02 per share	—		—		(1,572)		—		(1,572)
Stock-based compensation, net of tax	—		131		—		440		571
Balance, March 31, 2025	$	907	$	3,306	$	1,008,636	$	(205,124)	$	807,725
Net loss	—		—		(10,855)		—		(10,855)
Repurchases of common stock	—		—		—		(8,931)		(8,931)
Dividends on common stock, $0.02 per share	—		—		(1,552)		—		(1,552)
Stock-based compensation, net of tax	—		(221)		—		571		350
Balance, June 30, 2025	$	907	$	3,085	$	996,229	$	(213,484)	$	786,737
Net loss	—		—		(8,284)		—		(8,284)
Repurchases of common stock	—		—		—		(1,429)		(1,429)
Dividends on common stock, $0.02 per share	—		—		(1,549)		—		(1,549)
Stock-based compensation, net of tax	—		(171)		—		326		155
Balance, September 30, 2025	$	907	$	2,914	$	986,396	$	(214,587)	$	775,630

	Capital		Additional
	Stock,		Paid-In		Retained		Treasury
	Common		Capital		Earnings		Stock		Total
Balance, December 31, 2023	$	907	$	4,527	$	1,060,094	$	(200,268)	$	865,260
Net loss	—		—		(15,108)		—		(15,108)
Dividends on common stock, $0.02 per share	—		—		(1,582)		—		(1,582)
Stock-based compensation, net of tax	—		(9)		—		229		220
Balance, March 31, 2024	$	907	$	4,518	$	1,043,404	$	(200,039)	$	848,790
Net loss	—		—		(3,478)		—		(3,478)
Repurchases of common stock	—		—		—		(7,281)		(7,281)
Dividends on common stock, $0.02 per share	—		—		(1,569)		—		(1,569)
Stock-based compensation, net of tax	—		(185)		—		489		304
Balance, June 30, 2024	$	907	$	4,333	$	1,038,357	$	(206,831)	$	836,766
Net loss	—		—		(9,283)		—		(9,283)
Dividends on common stock, $0.02 per share	—		—		(1,569)		—		(1,569)
Stock-based compensation, net of tax	—		(1,018)		—		853		(165)
Balance, September 30, 2024	$	907	$	3,315	$	1,027,505	$	(205,978)	$	825,749

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2025		2024
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss	$	(33,011)	$	(27,869)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	121,833		137,596
Deferred income taxes	(17,065)		(25,016)
Stock-based compensation expense	1,354		742
Debt-related amortization	175		789
Gain on disposal of property and equipment	(11,254)		(1,510)
Changes in certain working capital items:
Trade receivables	11,624		2,723
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,054		2,297
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and accrued expenses	(504)		8,030
Accrued income taxes	166		8,778
Net cash provided by operating activities	74,372		106,560
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	72,664		27,698
Purchases of property and equipment	(97,031)		(26,229)
Change in other assets	139		30
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(24,228)		1,499
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payment of cash dividends	(4,694)		(3,151)
Shares withheld for employee taxes related to stock-based compensation	(278)		(383)
Repayments of finance leases and debt	(15,541)		(94,001)
Repurchases of common stock	(10,360)		(7,281)
Net cash used in financing activities	(30,873)		(104,816)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	19,271		3,243
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
Beginning of period	26,284		41,188
End of period	$	45,555	$	44,431
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the period for interest expense	$	9,324	$	14,296
Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net of refunds	$	6,928	$	10,030
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Purchased property and equipment in accounts payable	$	12,376	$	12,086
Sold revenue equipment and property in other current assets	3,310		1,253
Common stock dividends declared in accounts payable	$	1,549	$	1,569
RECONCILIATION OF CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
Cash and cash equivalents	$	32,688	$	30,739
Restricted cash included in other current assets	237		312
Restricted cash included in other assets	12,630		13,380
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$	45,555	$	44,431

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation and New Accounting Pronouncements

Heartland Express, Inc. is a holding company incorporated in Nevada, which directly or indirectly owns all of the stock of the following active legal entities: Heartland Express, Inc. of Iowa, Heartland Express Services, Inc., Heartland Express Maintenance Services, Inc. ("Heartland Express"), and Midwest Holding Group, LLC and Millis Transfer, LLC ("Millis Transfer"), and Smith Transport, LLC ("Smith Transport"), and CFI entities, Transportation Resources, Inc. and Contract Freighters, Inc. (collectively with certain Mexican entities, "CFI"). Effective December 31, 2024, Franklin Logistics, LLC was merged into Smith Transport, LLC. We, together with our subsidiaries, are a short, medium, and long-haul truckload carrier and transportation services provider. We primarily provide nationwide asset-based dry van truckload service for major shippers across the United States, along with cross-border freight and other transportation services offered through third party partnerships in Mexico.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the parent company, Heartland Express, Inc., and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All material intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes to the financial statements required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal, recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2024 included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 18, 2025. Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other interim periods. There were no changes to the Company's significant accounting policies during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025.

In December 2023, the FASB issued Update 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures". The amendments in the update improve income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information as well as the effectiveness of certain other income tax disclosures. The new standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new standard although based on initial evaluation we do not believe there will be a material impact from adoption.

Note 2. Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. There were no significant changes in estimates and assumptions used by management related to our critical accounting policies during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025.

Note 3. Segment Information

We provide truckload services across the United States (U.S.), Mexico, and parts of Canada. These truckload services are primarily asset-based transportation services in the dry van truckload market, and we also offer truckload temperature-controlled transportation services and Mexico logistics services, which are not significant to our consolidated operations. Our Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) oversees and manages all of our transportation services, on a combined basis, including previously acquired entities. As a result of the foregoing, we have determined that we have one reportable segment, consistent with the authoritative accounting guidance on disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information.

The accounting policies for the reportable segment are the same as those for the Company. The CODM is our CEO and President. The primary measure of profit or loss utilized by our CODM is operating ratio (operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenues) which is regularly reviewed to allocate resources and assess performance of our reportable segment. In addition to operating ratio, our CODM also regularly reviews consolidated net income to allocate resources and assess performance of our reportable segment when we have significant non-operating activity as is the case currently given we have significant interest expense as a result of debt resulting from recent acquisitions in 2022. The revenue, costs and expenses for

the reportable segment are the same as those presented on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as there are no other significant segment expenses that would require disclosure or other segment items needed to reconcile to the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. There are no other segment items as there are no significant assets or operations not regularly reviewed by the CODM.

Note 4. Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue over time as control of the promised services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. The delivery of the shipment and completion of the performance obligation allows for the collection of payment predominantly within 30 days after the delivery date of the shipment for the majority of our customers.

The Company's operations are consistent with those in the trucking industry where freight is hauled twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week, subject to hours of service rules. Approximately 75% of our loads are less than 500 miles in length of haul. Each individual shipment accepted by the Company is considered a separate contract with the performance obligation being the delivery of the freight. Our average length of haul for each load of freight generally equals less than two days of continuous transit time. The Company estimates revenue for multiple-stop loads based on miles run and estimates revenue for single stop loads based on transit time, as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefit provided. The Company hauls freight and earns revenue on a consistent basis throughout the periods presented. A corresponding contract asset existed for the estimated revenue of these in-process loads for $3.4 million and $1.6 million at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Recorded contract assets are included in the accounts receivable line item of the balance sheet. Corresponding liabilities are recorded in the accounts payable and accrued liabilities and compensation and benefits line items for the estimated expenses on these same in-process loads. The Company had no contract liabilities associated with our operations as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

Total revenues recorded were $196.5 million and $259.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Fuel surcharge revenues were $24.1 million and $32.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Accessorial, brokerage and other revenues recorded in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) collectively represented $13.5 million and $18.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Total revenues recorded were $626.4 million and $804.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Fuel surcharge revenues were $75.0 million and $105.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Accessorial, brokerage and other revenues recorded in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) collectively represented $44.1 million and $58.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Note 5. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less at acquisition. At September 30, 2025, restricted and designated cash and investments totaled $12.8 million, of which $0.2 million was included in other current assets and $12.6 million was included in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. Restricted and designated cash and investments totaled $13.5 million at December 31, 2024, of which $0.3 million was included in other current assets and $13.2 million was included in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The restricted funds represent designated funds that are earmarked for a specific purpose and not for general business use.

Note 6. Prepaid Tires, Property, Equipment, and Depreciation

Property and equipment are reported at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. New tires are capitalized separately from revenue equipment and are reported separately as “Prepaid tires” in the consolidated balance sheets and amortized over two years. Depreciation for financial statement purposes is computed by the straight-line method for all assets other than new tractors. We recognize depreciation expense on new tractors (excludes assets acquired through an acquisition) using the declining balance method. Revenue equipment acquired through acquisitions is generally revalued to current market values as of the acquisition date. Assets obtained more than a year prior to the acquisition by the acquired company are depreciated on a straight-line basis aligned with the remaining period of expected use, whereas those obtained less than a year prior are depreciated consistent with newly purchased assets. As acquired equipment is replaced, our fleet returns to our base methods of declining balance depreciation for tractors and straight-line depreciation for trailers. New tractors are depreciated to salvage values of $15,000 while new trailers are depreciated to salvage

values of $4,000. For equipment acquired through acquisitions the salvage values on used equipment is determined based upon factors including the age of the equipment, estimated market value, and expected period of usage. At September 30, 2025, there were $3.3 million receivables related to equipment sales recorded in other current assets compared to $0.9 million at December 31, 2024.

Note 7. Other Intangibles, Net and Goodwill

All intangible assets determined to have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The useful life of an intangible asset is the period over which the asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to future cash flows. There was no change in the gross amount of identifiable intangible assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2025. The $89.7 million of other intangibles, net recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2025 includes $31.6 million of indefinite lived trade name intangible assets, not subject to amortization, along with $58.1 million finite lived intangible assets, net. Amortization expense of $1.3 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, was included in depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Amortization expense of $3.8 million and $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively, was included in depreciation and amortization in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following at September 30, 2025:


	Amortization period (years)	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net finite intangible assets
		(in thousands)
Customer relationships	15-20	$	75,836	$	20,195	$	55,641
Trade name	0.5-10	12,900		11,020		1,880
Covenants not to compete	1-10	5,839		5,227		612
		$	94,575	$	36,442	$	58,133

The carrying amount of goodwill was $322.6 million at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

Note 8. (Loss) Earnings per Share

Basic (loss) earnings per share is based upon the weighted average common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted (loss) earnings per share is based on the basic weighted (loss) earnings per share with additional weighted common shares for common stock equivalents. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, we had outstanding restricted shares of common stock to certain of our employees under the Company's restricted stock award plans. A reconciliation of the numerator (net (loss) income) and denominator (weighted average number of shares outstanding of basic and diluted) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):


	Three months ended September 30, 2025
	Net Loss (numerator)		Shares (denominator)	Per Share Amount
Basic loss per share	$	(8,284)	77,465	$	(0.11)
Effect of restricted stock	—		53
Diluted loss per share	$	(8,284)	77,518	$	(0.11)


	Three months ended September 30, 2024
	Net Loss (numerator)		Shares (denominator)	Per Share Amount
Basic loss per share	$	(9,283)	78,489	$	(0.12)
Effect of restricted stock	—		11
Diluted loss per share	$	(9,283)	78,500	$	(0.12)


	Nine months ended September 30, 2025
	Net Loss (numerator)		Shares (denominator)	Per Share Amount
Basic loss per share	$	(33,011)	78,024	$	(0.42)
Effect of restricted stock	—		62
Diluted loss per share	$	(33,011)	78,086	$	(0.42)


	Nine months ended September 30, 2024
	Net Loss (numerator)		Shares (denominator)	Per Share Amount
Basic loss per share	$	(27,869)	78,814	$	(0.35)
Effect of restricted stock	—		52
Diluted loss per share	$	(27,869)	78,866	$	(0.35)

Note 9. Equity

We have a stock repurchase program with 4.8 million shares remaining authorized for repurchase as of September 30, 2025. There were 0.2 million shares repurchased in the open market for $1.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2025 while no shares were repurchased in the open market during the three months ended September 30, 2024. There were 1.2 million shares repurchased in the open market for $10.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025 while 0.6 million shares were repurchased in the open market for $7.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Repurchases are expected to continue from time to time, as determined by market conditions, cash flow requirements, securities law limitations, long-term debt balances, and other factors, until the number of shares authorized have been repurchased, or until the authorization is terminated. The share repurchase authorization is discretionary and has no expiration date.

During the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, our Board of Directors declared dividends totaling $1.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, our Board of Directors declared dividends totaling $4.7 million and $4.7 million, respectively. Future payment of cash dividends and the amount of such dividends will depend upon our financial conditions, our results of operations, our cash requirements, our tax treatment, and certain corporate law requirements, as well as factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation

In May 2021, at the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Heartland Express, Inc. 2021 Restricted Stock Award Plan (the "Restricted Stock Plan") was approved. The Restricted Stock Plan made available up to 0.6 million shares for the purpose of making restricted stock grants to our eligible employees, directors and consultants. The Restricted Stock Plan has 0.2 million shares that remain available for the purpose of making restricted stock grants at September 30, 2025.

Shares granted in 2023 through 2025 have various vesting terms that range from immediate to four years from the date of grant. Compensation expense associated with these awards is based on the market value of our stock on the grant date. Compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards to employees is included in salaries, wages, and benefits, while expense associated with awards to directors or consultants is included in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). There were no significant assumptions made in determining fair value. Compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards was $0.2 million and $1.4 million respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025. Compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards was $0.1 million and $0.7 million respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. Unrecognized compensation expense was $0.3 million at September 30, 2025 which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.

The following tables summarize our restricted stock award activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024.


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2025
	Number of Shares of Restricted Stock Awards (in thousands)	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period	60.6	$	11.37
Granted	16.0	9.11
Vested	(24.2)	10.30
Forfeited	—	—
Outstanding (unvested) at end of period	52.4	$	11.18


	Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
	Number of Shares of Restricted Stock Awards (in thousands)	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period	62.5	$	14.85
Granted	26.3	12.97
Vested	(63.8)	14.05
Forfeited	(14.0)	14.81
Outstanding (unvested) at end of period	11.0	$	15.05


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025
	Number of Shares of Restricted Stock Awards (in thousands)	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period	9.5	$	15.08
Granted	141.5	10.17
Vested	(95.8)	10.08
Forfeited	(2.8)	10.96
Outstanding (unvested) at end of period	52.4	$	11.18


	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
	Number of Shares of Restricted Stock Awards (in thousands)	Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period	85.8	$	14.84
Granted	54.2	12.39
Vested	(115.0)	13.67
Forfeited	(14.0)	14.81
Outstanding (unvested) at end of period	11.0	$	15.05

Note 11. Long-Term Debt

In conjunction with the acquisition of CFI on August 31, 2022, (the “CFI Closing Date”), Heartland entered into a $550.0 million unsecured credit facility which included a $100.0 million revolving line of credit (“Revolving Facility”) and $450.0 million in term loans (“Term Facility” and, together with the Revolving Facility, the “Credit Facilities”). The Credit Facilities includes a consortium of lenders, including joint bookrunners JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”).

The Credit Facilities replaced the previous credit arrangements in place for the Company which consisted of a November 2013 Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo, along with an asset-based credit facility with Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania that was assumed as part of the acquisition of Smith Transport on May 31, 2022.

The full amount of the Term Facility was made in a single draw on the CFI Closing Date and amounts borrowed under the Term Facility that are repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. The Term Facility amortizes in quarterly installments which began in September 2023, at 5% per annum through June 2025 and 10% per annum from September 2025 through June 2027, with the balance due on the date that is five years from the CFI Closing Date. Based on debt repayments made through September 30, 2025, required minimum payments have been covered until the term loan maturity on August 31, 2027.

The Revolving Facility consists of a five-year revolving credit facility with aggregate commitments in an amount equal to $100.0 million, of which up to $50.0 million is available for the issuance of letters of credit, and including a swingline facility in an amount equal to $20.0 million. The Revolving Facility will mature and the commitments thereunder will terminate on the date that is five years after the CFI Closing Date. Amounts repaid under the Revolving Facility may be reborrowed. The Credit Facilities include an uncommitted accordion feature pursuant to which the Company may request up to $275.0 million in incremental revolving or term loans, subject to lender approvals.

The indebtedness, obligations, and liabilities under the Credit Facilities are unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured basis by the Company and certain other subsidiaries of the Company. We may voluntarily prepay outstanding loans under the Credit Facilities in whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty, subject to payment of customary breakage costs in the case of Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) rate loans.

The Credit Facilities contain usual and customary events of default and negative covenants for a facility of this nature including, among other things, restrictions on the Company’s ability to incur certain additional indebtedness or issue guarantees, to create liens on the Company’s assets, to make distributions on or redeem equity interests (subject to certain exceptions, including that (a) the Company may pay regularly scheduled dividends on the Company’s common stock not to exceed $10.0 million during any fiscal year and (b) the Company may make any other distributions so long as it maintains a net leverage ratio not greater than 2.50 to 1.00), to make investments and to engage in mergers, consolidations, or acquisitions. The Credit Facilities contain customary financial covenants, including (i) a maximum net leverage ratio of 2.75 to 1.00, measured quarterly on a trailing twelve-month basis, and (ii) a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00, measured quarterly on a trailing twelve-month basis. We were in compliance with the respective financial covenants at September 30, 2025 and have been in compliance since the inception of the Credit Facilities.

Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facilities will accrue interest, at our option, at a per annum rate of (i) for an “ABR Loan”, the alternate base rate (defined as the interest rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the variable rate of interest announced by the administrative agent as its “prime rate”, (b) 0.50% above the Federal Funds Rate, (c) the Term SOFR for an interest period of one-month plus 1.1%, or (d) 1.00%) plus the applicable margin or (ii) for a “SOFR Loan”, the Term SOFR Rate for an interest period of one, three or six-months as selected by Company plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin for ABR Loans ranges from 0.250% to 0.875% and the applicable margin for SOFR Loans ranges from 1.250% to 1.875%, depending on the Company’s net leverage ratio.

We had $174.9 million outstanding on the Term Facility and nothing outstanding under the Revolving Facility at September 30, 2025. Outstanding letters of credit associated with the Revolving Facility at September 30, 2025 were $11.7 million. As of September 30, 2025, the Revolving Facility available for future borrowing was $88.3 million. As of September 30, 2025 the weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facilities was 5.9%.

The May 31, 2022 acquisition of Smith Transport included the assumption of $46.8 million of debt and financing lease obligations associated with the fleet of revenue equipment of which $10.5 million was outstanding at September 30, 2025, (the "Smith Debt"). The Smith Debt has $4.6 million of outstanding principal and is made up of installment notes with a weighted average interest rate of 4.4% at September 30, 2025, due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from February 2027 to January 2029, secured by related revenue equipment. The remaining Smith Debt of $5.9 million are

finance lease obligations with a weighted average interest rate of 4.1% at September 30, 2025, due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from November 2025 to April 2026 with the weighted average remaining lease term of 0.4 years.

Note 12. Lease Obligations

During 2023, we sold multiple properties for a combined $25.6 million gain. In separate transactions related to the respective sales, we entered into operating lease agreements, each with a base term of two years. The right-of-use assets associated with terminal leases was $2.0 million as of September 30, 2025.

Smith Transport has revenue equipment operating lease right-of-use assets from leases entered into before the May 31, 2022 acquisition. These right-of-use equipment operating lease assets have a total balance of $0.7 million as of September 30, 2025. The equipment and property operating leases have a weighted average interest rate of 5.3% at September 30, 2025, due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from October 2025 to April 2027 with the weighted average remaining lease term of 1.1 years. See Note 11. Long-Term Debt for additional details on the finance leases.

Our future minimum lease payments as of September 30, 2025, are summarized as follows by lease category:


(in thousands)	Operating		Finance
2025 (remaining)	$	1,057	$	2,203
2026	1,381		3,840
2027	320		—
2028	—		—
2029	—		—
Thereafter	—		—
Total minimum lease payments	$	2,758	$	6,043
Less: future payment amount for interest	90		99
Present value of minimum lease payments	$	2,668	$	5,944
Less: current portion	2,051		5,944
Lease obligations, long-term	$	617	$	—

Note 13. Income Taxes

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Such amounts are adjusted, as appropriate, to reflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when temporary differences reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred taxes is recognized in the period that the change is enacted. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the Company's deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. We had no recorded valuation allowance at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024. Our effective tax rate was 16.5% for both the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024. Our effective tax rate was 23.2% and 19.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The change in rate between years is the result of a reduction in unrecognized tax benefits due to the lapse of applicable statutes of limitations.

We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. We record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

At September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we had a total of $4.2 million and $5.2 million in gross unrecognized tax benefits, respectively included in long-term income taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheet. Of this amount, $3.4 million and $4.1 million represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024. The net change in unrecognized tax benefits was nominal during the three months ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively. The net change in unrecognized tax benefits

was a decrease of $1.0 million and a decrease of $0.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively. The total net amount of accrued interest and penalties for such unrecognized tax benefits was $0.9 million and $1.0 million at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively and is included in long-term income taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheets. These unrecognized tax benefits relate to state income tax filing positions. Income tax expense is increased each period for the accrual of interest on outstanding positions and penalties when the uncertain tax position is initially recorded. Income tax expense is reduced in periods by the amount of accrued interest and penalties associated with reversed uncertain tax positions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations, when applicable or when a position is settled. Net interest and penalties included in income tax expense was nominal for both the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:


	2025
	(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2024	$	5,197
Additions based on tax positions related to current year	57
Additions for tax positions of prior years	79
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations	(1,096)
Balance at September 30, 2025	$	4,237

A number of years may elapse before an uncertain tax position is audited and ultimately settled. It is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome or the timing of resolution for uncertain tax positions. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months. These changes could result from the expiration of the statute of limitations, examinations, or other unforeseen circumstances. We do not have any outstanding litigation related to income tax matters. At this time, management’s best estimate of the reasonably possible change in the amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is a decrease of approximately $0.5 million to an increase of approximately $0.5 million during the next twelve months, due to the combination of expiration of certain statute of limitations and estimated additions. The federal statute of limitations remains open for the years 2022 and forward. Tax years 2015 and forward are subject to audit by state tax authorities depending on the tax code and administrative practice of each state. In July 2025, the U.S. enacted comprehensive tax legislation, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (“OBBBA”). The estimated impact of OBBBA, including the provision for 100% bonus depreciation, has been included in these financial statements.

Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies

We are a party to ordinary, routine litigation and administrative proceedings incidental to our business. In the opinion of management, our potential exposure under pending legal proceedings is adequately provided for in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

The total estimated purchase commitments for tractors (net of tractor sale commitments) and trailer equipment as of September 30, 2025 was $36.0 million. These commitments extend into 2026.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS

OF OPERATIONS

This Item 2 contains certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such statements are subject to the safe harbor created by such sections and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including without limitation: any projections of earnings (losses), revenues, or other financial items; any statement of plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; and any statements of belief and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Such statements may be identified by their use of terms or phrases such as “seeks,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” "ensure," “projects,” “believes,” “hopes,” “plans,” “goals,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “likely,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “potential,” “predict,” “continue,” “strategy,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar terms and phrases. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available operating, financial, and competitive information. In this Form 10-Q, statements relating to general trucking industry trends, including future freight demand and capacity, freight rates, operating ratio goals, anticipated revenue equipment sales and purchases, including revenue equipment gains, the used equipment market, and the availability of revenue equipment, future utilization, future customer relationships, future growth and acquisitions, including the anticipated impact of our acquisitions of Smith Transport and CFI, our ability to attract and retain drivers, future driver compensation, including possible driver compensation increases, future insurance and claims expense, including the impact of our insurance renewal, the impact of changes in interest rates and tire prices, future liquidity, expected fuel costs, including strategies for managing fuel costs, the potential impact of pending litigation, our dividend policy, future capital spending, future depreciation expense, our future repurchases of our shares and debt reduction, future cost reduction and implementation of freight optimization strategies, including at Millis Transfer, CFI, and Smith Transport, our ability to react to and capitalize on changing market conditions, and the expected impact of operational improvements and strategic changes, including transportation system changes, among others, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, which could cause future events and actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the sections entitled "Item 1A. Risk Factors," set forth in this Form 10-Q and the Company's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 2025 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2025. Readers should review and consider such factors, along with various disclosures in our press releases, stockholder reports, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in the events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

References in this Quarterly Report to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Heartland,” or the “Company” or similar terms refer to Heartland Express, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Overview

We provide nationwide asset-based dry van truckload service for major shippers from across the U.S. and approximately 75% of our loads are less than 500 miles in length of haul. We focus on providing high quality service to targeted customers with a high density of freight in our regional operating areas. We also offer truckload temperature-controlled transportation services and logistics services in Mexico, which are not significant to our consolidated operations. We focus on providing quality service to targeted customers with a high density of freight in our regional operating areas. We generally earn revenue based on the number of miles per load delivered and the revenue per mile or per load paid. We operate our consolidated operations under the brand names of Heartland Express, Millis Transfer, Smith Transport, and CFI. We manage our business based on overall corporate operating goals and objectives that are the same for all of our brands. Our CODM, our CEO, evaluates the operational efficiencies of our transportation services, operating performance and asset allocation on a combined basis based on consolidated operating goals and objectives. In addition to consolidated data on a combined basis that has been historically used, our CODM also makes use of available disaggregated operating segment data as well. We believe the keys to success are maintaining high levels of customer service and safety, which are predicated on the availability of experienced drivers and late-model equipment. We believe that our service standards, safety record, and equipment accessibility have made us a core carrier

to many of our major customers, as well as allowed us to build solid, long-term relationships with customers and brand ourselves as an industry leader for on-time service.

We operate in a cyclical industry. In early 2022, freight demand was initially strong, but demand began to soften in the back half of 2022 and continued to degrade throughout all of 2023 and continued to be weak throughout 2024 and 2025. Currently, the overall capacity of available equipment in our industry exceeds the shipping demand for movement of goods. While we have begun to see some encouraging signs of stabilization within current freight demand and customer pricing, we do not expect material improvements until sometime in 2026. We have continued to strategically reduce underperforming lanes of freight and reduce our overall fleet size to better align with current freight demand while focusing on driver utilization and operating cost reductions. We believe that cost improvements and transportation system changes implemented during 2025 will provide a better cost structure and operating visibility to deliver a path toward operating profitability for our consolidated operations over the next twelve months. However, general consumer product output and inventory volatility, consumer demand, the political landscape, potential tariffs, foreign wars, and disruption in oil and diesel markets all could create additional volatility regarding future freight demand.

In addition to past organic growth through the development of our regional operating areas, we have completed ten acquisitions since 1986 with the most recent and our fifth acquisition since 2013, CFI, occurring on August 31, 2022 following the acquisition of Smith Transport on May 31, 2022. These ten acquisitions have enabled us to solidify our position within existing regions, expand into new operating regions, expand service offerings to address longer length of haul needs from customers, and pursue new customer relationships in new markets, as well as expand business relationships with current customers in new markets. However, in the past three years we have been challenged by the weak freight environment, resulting in a shortage of profitable freight and underutilization of our truck assets. We have historically been a debt free organization although with the acquisition of CFI we now have debt, although we significantly lowered our debt balance since the acquisition.

We expect to continue to evaluate acquisition candidates presented to us, however, we do not expect to make any significant acquisitions while we are paying down debt. We believe future growth depends upon several factors including the level of economic growth and the related customer demand, the available capacity in the trucking industry, our ability to identify and consummate future acquisitions, our ability to integrate operations of acquired companies to realize efficiencies, and our ability to attract and retain experienced drivers that meet our hiring standards. We anticipate the profitable freight shortage will be a near term challenge whereas we expect our challenge to attract and retain experienced drivers will be ongoing.

We continually explore new strategies to attract and retain qualified drivers with changes in market conditions and demands. We hire the majority of drivers with at least six to twelve months of over-the-road experience and safe driving records. As discussed below, the Company's driver training program provides an additional source of future potential professional drivers. In order to attract and retain experienced drivers who understand the importance of customer service, we have sought to solidify our position as an industry leader in driver compensation in our operating markets and for the services we provide. We have continued to get more creative in providing better pay, benefits, equipment, and facilities for our drivers. Our comprehensive driver compensation and benefits program rewards drivers for years of service and safe operating mileage benchmarks, which are critical to our operational and financial performance. Certain driver pay packages include future pay increases based on years of continued service with us, increased rates for accident-free miles of operation, detention pay, and other pay programs to assist drivers with unproductive time associated with circumstances outside of their control, such as inclement weather, equipment breakdowns, and customer issues. As a result of the freight environment during 2023, 2024, and to date in 2025, we paid more through these programs, resulting in an increase of driver pay per mile and as a percentage of revenue. We will continue to evaluate our pay offerings to our drivers given the extended duration of lower freight demand. Driver pay, home time, and other amenities has allowed us to maintain driver turnover rates lower than the industry average. We believe that our driver compensation and benefits package is consistently among the best in the industry. We are committed to investing in our drivers and compensating them for safety as both are key to our operational and financial performance. Currently over 12% of our driver employees, individually, have achieved 1.0 million safe miles.

Millis Training Institute, opened in 1989, and Heartland Training Institute, opened in 2022, are driver school training programs dedicated to identifying, training, and developing capable individuals into obtaining their commercial driving license and becoming professional truck drivers. These programs offer an additional opportunity to hire professional drivers other than the traditional approach of hiring only experienced over-the-road drivers. Further, CFI has a training program for individuals who have obtained their CDL, but have less driving experience, as a source of driver trainees, but does not operate a driver school training program.

Current government focus on english-speaking language requirements as well as other reviews of CDL status for non-domiciled drivers will potentially eliminate some level of driver capacity in our industry. We believe this could help supply and demand

dynamics currently being experienced in our industry. However, due to our comprehensive hiring and safety standards we continue to experience a challenging driver hiring environment.

Managing fuel cost continues to be one of management's top priorities given the volatility in the price of diesel fuel. The Department of Energy ("DOE") average diesel fuel prices per gallon for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024 were $3.76 and $3.69 (a 1.8% increase), respectively. Average DOE price in October was $3.69 and has been at lower prices than the three months ended September 30, 2025. Average DOE prices were $3.53, $3.63, and $3.56 for the three months ended December 31, 2024, March 31, 2025, and June 30, 2025 respectively. There are many factors that could impact diesel fuel prices including political, economic and geographic events, cyber attacks, potential tariffs, global conflicts, weather events, and other natural disasters. We cannot predict what fuel prices will be for the remainder of 2025, but year-to-date fuel expense is the third highest expense behind salaries, wages, and benefits as well as deprecation and amortization.

We are not able to pass through all fuel price increases through fuel surcharge agreements with customers due to tractor idling time, along with empty and out-of-route miles. Therefore, our operating income is negatively impacted with increased net fuel costs (fuel expense less fuel surcharge revenue) in a rising fuel environment and is positively impacted in a declining fuel environment. We expect to continue to manage and implement fuel strategies that we believe will effectively manage fuel costs. These strategies include strategic fueling of our trucks, whether it be terminal fuel or over-the-road fuel, reducing tractor idle time, controlling out-of-route miles, controlling empty miles, utilizing on-board power units to minimize idling, educating drivers to save energy, trailer skirting, and increasing fuel economy through the purchase of newer, more fuel-efficient tractors. At September 30, 2025, the Company’s tractor fleet had an average age of 2.6 years and the Company's trailer fleet had an average age of 7.5 years compared to September 30, 2024 when the Company’s tractor fleet had an average age of 2.7 years and the Company's trailer fleet had an average age of 7.2 years.

We ended the first nine months of 2025 with operating revenues of $626.4 million, including fuel surcharges, net loss of $33.0 million, and basic net loss per share of $0.42 on basic weighted average outstanding shares of 78.0 million compared to operating revenues of $804.9 million, including fuel surcharges, net loss of $27.9 million, and basic net loss per share of $0.35 on basic weighted average shares of 78.8 million in the first nine months of 2024. We posted a 105.5% operating ratio (operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenues) for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 compared to 102.6% for the same period of 2024. We posted a 105.6% non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio(1) for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 compared to 102.5% for the same period of 2024. We had total assets of $1.3 billion at September 30, 2025. We had a loss on assets of 2.7% and a loss on equity of 4.4% over the immediate past four quarters ended September 30, 2025, compared to a loss on assets of 1.6% and a loss on equity of 2.7% for the immediate past four quarters ended September 30, 2024.

Despite the recent operating losses, we continue to have positive cash flows from operations, mainly due to non-cash depreciation and amortization charges. Our cash flow from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 of $74.4 million was 11.9% of operating revenues, compared to $106.6 million and 13.2% of operating revenues in the same period of 2024. During 2025, we had net cash used in investing activities of $24.2 million resulting from net property and equipment transactions. We had net cash used in financing activities of $30.9 million resulting primarily from $10.4 million repurchases of common stock, $15.5 million debt repayments associated with debt taken on with our 2022 acquisitions along with $4.7 million for dividend payments. Our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased $19.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025. We ended the third quarter of 2025 with cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $45.6 million. Cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash was $32.7 million at September 30, 2025.

(1)


GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliation Schedule:
Operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, adjusted operating loss, and adjusted operating ratio reconciliation (a)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2025			2024			2025			2024
	(Unaudited, in thousands)						(Unaudited, in thousands)

Operating revenue	$	196,547		$	259,861		$	626,354		$	804,935
Less: Fuel surcharge revenue	24,122			32,820			74,952			105,859
Operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharge revenue	172,425			227,041			551,402			699,076

Operating expenses	203,799			267,000			660,923			826,192
Less: Fuel surcharge revenue	24,122			32,820			74,952			105,859
Less: Amortization of intangibles	1,254			1,254			3,763			3,763
Adjusted operating expenses	178,423			232,926			582,208			716,570

Operating loss	(7,252)			(7,139)			(34,569)			(21,257)
Adjusted operating loss	$	(5,998)		$	(5,885)		$	(30,806)		$	(17,494)

Operating ratio	103.7		%	102.7		%	105.5		%	102.6		%
Adjusted operating ratio	103.5		%	102.6		%	105.6		%	102.5		%

(a) Operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue is based upon operating revenue minus fuel surcharge revenue. Adjusted operating loss is based upon operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, less operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue, and non-cash amortization expense related to intangible assets. Adjusted operating ratio is based upon operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue, and amortization of intangibles, as a percentage of operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue. We believe that operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, adjusted operating loss, and adjusted operating ratio are more representative of our underlying operations by excluding the volatility of fuel prices, which we cannot control. Operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, adjusted operating loss, and adjusted operating ratio are not substitutes for operating revenue, operating loss, or operating ratio measured in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures. Although we believe that operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, adjusted operating loss, and adjusted operating ratio improve comparability in analyzing our period-to-period performance, they could limit comparability to other companies in our industry if those companies define such measures differently. Because of these limitations, operating revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue, adjusted operating loss, and adjusted operating ratio should not be considered measures 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.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the percentage relationships of expense items to total operating revenue for the periods indicated:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2025		2024		2025		2024
Operating revenue	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages, and benefits	39.3	%	41.3	%	41.1	%	41.0	%
Rent and purchased transportation	6.3	%	7.1	%	6.4	%	8.0	%
Fuel	17.3	%	16.9	%	16.9	%	17.2	%
Operations and maintenance	7.8	%	7.4	%	8.0	%	6.5	%
Operating taxes and licenses	2.2	%	1.9	%	2.1	%	1.9	%
Insurance and claims	7.8	%	4.4	%	6.6	%	4.8	%
Communications and utilities	1.1	%	1.1	%	1.1	%	0.9	%
Depreciation and amortization	19.7	%	17.3	%	19.4	%	17.1	%
Other operating expenses	5.6	%	5.6	%	5.7	%	5.4	%
Gain on disposal of property and equipment	(3.4)	%	(0.2)	%	(1.8)	%	(0.2)	%
	103.7	%	102.7	%	105.5	%	102.6	%
Operating loss	(3.7)	%	(2.7)	%	(5.5)	%

SEC Form 10-Q filed by Heartland Express Inc.