📊 HTLD Key Takeaways
Is HTLD a Good Investment? Thesis Analysis
Despite exceptional revenue growth of 1286.8% YoY, Heartland Express demonstrates severe operational distress with negative operating margins (-7.1%), unprofitability (net income -52.5M), and negative free cash flow (-66.9M). The company's cash position of only $18.5M relative to $1.2B in assets, combined with weak liquidity ratios (1.04x current ratio) and inability to cover interest from operations (-5.0x interest coverage), indicates structural financial weakness that cannot support capital intensity of the trucking business.
Why Buy HTLD? Key Strengths
- Positive operating cash flow of 89.3M demonstrates some underlying business generation
- Moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20x indicates controlled leverage relative to equity base
- Revenue growth of 1286.8% suggests significant scale expansion or business restructuring
HTLD Investment Risks to Consider
- Negative free cash flow of -66.9M despite positive operating cash flow indicates capex exceeds cash generation capacity
- Critical liquidity crisis with only $18.5M cash against $1.2B total assets and inability to service debt from operations
- Deteriorating profitability with net income declining 76.5% YoY and all return metrics negative (ROE -6.9%, ROA -4.4%)
- Unsustainable business model: revenue growth paradoxically accompanied by margin compression and operating losses
Key Metrics to Watch
- Free cash flow trend and path to positive FCF with current capex levels
- Cash balance and burn rate relative to operating obligations
- Gross margin and operating margin stabilization or recovery
HTLD Financial Metrics
💡 AI Analyst Insight
HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.
HTLD Profitability Ratios
HTLD vs Default Sector
How HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC compares to Default sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is HTLD Overvalued or Undervalued?
Based on fundamental analysis, HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Default sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
HTLD Balance Sheet & Liquidity
HTLD 5-Year Financial Trend & Growth Analysis
5-Year Trend Summary: HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC's revenue has grown significantly by 563% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $0.19 reflects profitable operations.
HTLD Growth Metrics (YoY)
HTLD Quarterly Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $13.5M | -$3.5M | $-0.11 |
| Q2 2025 | $14.7M | -$3.5M | $-0.04 |
| Q1 2025 | $15.8M | -$13.9M | $-0.18 |
| Q3 2024 | $18.4M | -$3.5M | $0.12 |
| Q2 2024 | $20.0M | -$3.5M | $-0.04 |
| Q1 2024 | $20.1M | $12.6M | $0.16 |
| Q3 2023 | $15.7M | $7.8M | $0.12 |
| Q2 2023 | $4.3M | $7.8M | $0.10 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
HTLD Capital Allocation
HTLD SEC 10-K & 10-Q Filing Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC (CIK: 0000799233)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about HTLD
What is the AI rating for HTLD?
HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC (HTLD) has an AI rating of STRONG SELL with 85% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are HTLD's key strengths?
Claude: Positive operating cash flow of 89.3M demonstrates some underlying business generation. Moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20x indicates controlled leverage relative to equity base.
What are the risks of investing in HTLD?
Claude: Negative free cash flow of -66.9M despite positive operating cash flow indicates capex exceeds cash generation capacity. Critical liquidity crisis with only $18.5M cash against $1.2B total assets and inability to service debt from operations.
What is HTLD's revenue and growth?
HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC reported revenue of $805.7M.
Does HTLD pay dividends?
HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC pays dividends, with $6.2M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find HTLD SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC (CIK: 0000799233) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is HTLD's EPS?
HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC has a diluted EPS of $-0.67.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is HTLD a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC has a STRONG SELL rating with 85% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is HTLD stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for HTLD: ROE of -6.9% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of -6.5% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy HTLD stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC a combined STRONG SELL rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is HTLD's free cash flow?
HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC's operating cash flow is $89.3M, with capital expenditures of $156.2M. FCF margin is -8.3%.
How does HTLD compare to other Default stocks?
Vs Default sector averages: Net margin -6.5% (avg: 12%), ROE -6.9% (avg: 15%), current ratio 1.04 (avg: 1.8).