HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC (HTLD) Stock Fundamental Analysis

NASDAQ:HTLD • US4223471040

11.76 USD
+0.27 (+2.35%)
At close: Feb 20, 2026
11.99 USD
+0.23 (+1.96%)
After Hours: 2/20/2026, 8:00:01 PM
Overview Stock Chart Technical Analysis Fundamental Analysis Analyst Ratings Earnings Estimates Financials Ownership News
Fundamental Rating

2

Taking everything into account, HTLD scores 2 out of 10 in our fundamental rating. HTLD was compared to 42 industry peers in the Ground Transportation industry. HTLD scores quite bad on profitability, while its financial health is fine. Not spectacular, but in line with the averages. HTLD does not seem to be growing, but still is valued expensively.


Dividend Valuation Growth Profitability Health

1

1. Profitability

1.1 Basic Checks

  • HTLD had negative earnings in the past year.
  • In the past year HTLD had a positive cash flow from operations.
  • In multiple years HTLD reported negative net income over the last 5 years.
  • Of the past 5 years HTLD 4 years had a positive operating cash flow.
HTLD Yearly Net Income VS EBIT VS OCF VS FCFHTLD Yearly Net Income VS EBIT VS OCF VS FCFYearly Net Income VS EBIT VS OCF VS FCF 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 0 50M -50M 100M 150M

1.2 Ratios

  • The Return On Assets of HTLD (-2.77%) is worse than 66.67% of its industry peers.
  • HTLD has a Return On Equity of -4.50%. This is in the lower half of the industry: HTLD underperforms 64.29% of its industry peers.
Industry RankSector Rank
ROA -2.77%
ROE -4.5%
ROIC N/A
ROA(3y)-1.88%
ROA(5y)2.18%
ROE(3y)-2.95%
ROE(5y)3.53%
ROIC(3y)N/A
ROIC(5y)N/A
HTLD Yearly ROA, ROE, ROICHTLD Yearly ROA, ROE, ROICYearly ROA, ROE, ROIC 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 0 5 -5 10 15

1.3 Margins

  • HTLD does not have Profit Margin and Operating Margin and Gross Margin available, so we won't be analyzing them here.
Industry RankSector Rank
OM N/A
PM (TTM) N/A
GM N/A
OM growth 3YN/A
OM growth 5YN/A
PM growth 3YN/A
PM growth 5YN/A
GM growth 3YN/A
GM growth 5YN/A
HTLD Yearly Profit, Operating, Gross MarginsHTLD Yearly Profit, Operating, Gross MarginsYearly Profit, Operating, Gross Margins 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 0 5 -5 10

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ROAROEROICOperating and Profit MarginShow most profitable peers

4

2. Health

2.1 Basic Checks

  • HTLD does not have a ROIC to compare to the WACC, probably because it is not profitable.
  • The number of shares outstanding for HTLD has been reduced compared to 1 year ago.
  • HTLD has less shares outstanding than it did 5 years ago.
  • Compared to 1 year ago, HTLD has an improved debt to assets ratio.
HTLD Yearly Shares OutstandingHTLD Yearly Shares OutstandingYearly Shares Outstanding 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 20M 40M 60M 80M
HTLD Yearly Total Debt VS Total AssetsHTLD Yearly Total Debt VS Total AssetsYearly Total Debt VS Total Assets 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 500M 1B 1.5B

2.2 Solvency

  • An Altman-Z score of 2.81 indicates that HTLD is not a great score, but indicates only limited risk for bankruptcy at the moment.
  • HTLD's Altman-Z score of 2.81 is in line compared to the rest of the industry. HTLD outperforms 59.52% of its industry peers.
  • A Debt/Equity ratio of 0.23 indicates that HTLD is not too dependend on debt financing.
  • The Debt to Equity ratio of HTLD (0.23) is better than 61.90% of its industry peers.
Industry RankSector Rank
Debt/Equity 0.23
Debt/FCF N/A
Altman-Z 2.81
ROIC/WACCN/A
WACC10.56%
HTLD Yearly LT Debt VS Equity VS FCFHTLD Yearly LT Debt VS Equity VS FCFYearly LT Debt VS Equity VS FCF 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 0 200M 400M 600M 800M

2.3 Liquidity

  • A Current Ratio of 1.14 indicates that HTLD should not have too much problems paying its short term obligations.
  • HTLD has a Current ratio (1.14) which is in line with its industry peers.
  • A Quick Ratio of 1.14 indicates that HTLD should not have too much problems paying its short term obligations.
  • Looking at the Quick ratio, with a value of 1.14, HTLD is in line with its industry, outperforming 47.62% of the companies in the same industry.
Industry RankSector Rank
Current Ratio 1.14
Quick Ratio 1.14
HTLD Yearly Current Assets VS Current LiabilitesHTLD Yearly Current Assets VS Current LiabilitesYearly Current Assets VS Current Liabilites 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 50M 100M 150M 200M

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WACCDebt/EquityHow to determine the health of a companyAltman-Z scoreShow peers with great health

2

3. Growth

3.1 Past

  • The earnings per share for HTLD have decreased strongly by -18.92% in the last year.
  • Looking at the last year, HTLD shows a very negative growth in Revenue. The Revenue has decreased by -23.08% in the last year.
  • The Revenue has been growing slightly by 4.54% on average over the past years.
EPS 1Y (TTM)-18.92%
EPS 3YN/A
EPS 5YN/A
EPS Q2Q%50%
Revenue 1Y (TTM)-23.08%
Revenue growth 3Y-5.93%
Revenue growth 5Y4.54%
Sales Q2Q%-26.06%

3.2 Future

  • The Earnings Per Share is expected to grow by 48.87% on average over the next years. This is a very strong growth
  • Based on estimates for the next years, HTLD will show a decrease in Revenue. The Revenue will decrease by -1.34% on average per year.
EPS Next Y71.67%
EPS Next 2Y71.77%
EPS Next 3Y48.87%
EPS Next 5YN/A
Revenue Next Year-10.6%
Revenue Next 2Y-1.32%
Revenue Next 3Y-1.34%
Revenue Next 5YN/A

3.3 Evolution

  • The Revenue growth rate is decreasing: in the next years the growth will be less than in the last years.
HTLD Yearly Revenue VS EstimatesHTLD Yearly Revenue VS EstimatesYearly Revenue VS Estimates 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 200M 400M 600M 800M 1B
HTLD Yearly EPS VS EstimatesHTLD Yearly EPS VS EstimatesYearly EPS VS Estimates 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 0 0.5 1

More info and screens

Find the best growth stocksShow best growing peers

1

4. Valuation

4.1 Price/Earnings Ratio

  • The Price/Earnings Ratio is negative for HTLD. In the last year negative earnings were reported.
  • Also next year HTLD is expected to report negative earnings again, which makes the also the Forward Price/Earnings Ratio negative.
Industry RankSector Rank
PE N/A
Fwd PE N/A
HTLD Price Earnings VS Forward Price EarningsHTLD Price Earnings VS Forward Price Earnings ChartPrice Earnings - Forward Price Earnings PE FPE 0 50 -50 100 150

4.2 Price Multiples

  • Compared to the rest of the industry, the Enterprise Value to EBITDA ratio of HTLD indicates a somewhat cheap valuation: HTLD is cheaper than 71.43% of the companies listed in the same industry.
Industry RankSector Rank
P/FCF N/A
EV/EBITDA 9.25
HTLD Per share dataHTLD EPS, Sales, OCF, FCF, BookValue per sharePer Share Data Per Share 0 2 4 6 8 10

4.3 Compensation for Growth

  • HTLD's earnings are expected to grow with 48.87% in the coming years. This may justify a more expensive valuation.
PEG (NY)N/A
PEG (5Y)N/A
EPS Next 2Y71.77%
EPS Next 3Y48.87%

More info and screens

Price/EarningsPrice/FCFFCF per shareEV/EBITDAPEG RATIOShow best valued peers

2

5. Dividend

5.1 Amount

  • HTLD has a yearly dividend return of 0.70%, which is pretty low.
  • HTLD's Dividend Yield is comparable with the industry average which is at 0.67.
  • Compared to an average S&P500 Dividend Yield of 1.81, HTLD's dividend is way lower than the S&P500 average.
Industry RankSector Rank
Dividend Yield 0.7%

5.2 History

  • The dividend of HTLD decreases each year by -5.74%.
  • HTLD has been paying a dividend for at least 10 years, so it has a reliable track record.
  • HTLD has decreased its dividend in the last 3 years.
Dividend Growth(5Y)-5.74%
Div Incr Years1
Div Non Decr Years2
HTLD Yearly Dividends per shareHTLD Yearly Dividends per shareYearly Dividends per share 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5

5.3 Sustainability

  • The earnings of HTLD are negative and hence is the payout ratio. HTLD will probably not be able to sustain this dividend level.
DP-17.97%
EPS Next 2Y71.77%
EPS Next 3Y48.87%
HTLD Yearly Income VS Free CF VS DividendHTLD Yearly Income VS Free CF VS DividendYearly Income VS Free CF VS Dividend 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 0 50M -50M 100M

More info and screens

Find the best dividend stocksShow peers with best dividend

HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC

NASDAQ:HTLD (2/20/2026, 8:00:01 PM)

After market: 11.99 +0.23 (+1.96%)

11.76

+0.27 (+2.35%)

Chartmill FA Rating
GICS SectorIndustrials
GICS IndustryGroupTransportation
GICS IndustryGround Transportation
Earnings (Last)02-03
Earnings (Next)04-28
Inst Owners50.74%
Inst Owner Change-3.25%
Ins Owners25.81%
Ins Owner Change-174.45%
Market Cap910.69M
Revenue(TTM)805.71M
Net Income(TTM)-34.87M
Analysts50.91
Price Target9.49 (-19.3%)
Short Float %5.03%
Short Ratio3.79
Dividend
Industry RankSector Rank
Dividend Yield 0.7%
Yearly Dividend0.06
Dividend Growth(5Y)-5.74%
DP-17.97%
Div Incr Years1
Div Non Decr Years2
Ex-DateN/A
Surprises & Revisions
EPS beat(2)1
Avg EPS beat(2)-28.41%
Min EPS beat(2)-71.57%
Max EPS beat(2)14.75%
EPS beat(4)2
Avg EPS beat(4)-22.51%
Min EPS beat(4)-86.15%
Max EPS beat(4)52.94%
EPS beat(8)4
Avg EPS beat(8)-90.54%
EPS beat(12)5
Avg EPS beat(12)-86.5%
EPS beat(16)7
Avg EPS beat(16)-64.9%
Revenue beat(2)0
Avg Revenue beat(2)-8.73%
Min Revenue beat(2)-9.07%
Max Revenue beat(2)-8.38%
Revenue beat(4)0
Avg Revenue beat(4)-8.7%
Min Revenue beat(4)-10.87%
Max Revenue beat(4)-6.47%
Revenue beat(8)1
Avg Revenue beat(8)-6.27%
Revenue beat(12)2
Avg Revenue beat(12)-4.81%
Revenue beat(16)4
Avg Revenue beat(16)-2.72%
PT rev (1m)2.2%
PT rev (3m)6.9%
EPS NQ rev (1m)0%
EPS NQ rev (3m)11.55%
EPS NY rev (1m)0%
EPS NY rev (3m)9.48%
Revenue NQ rev (1m)0%
Revenue NQ rev (3m)-9.54%
Revenue NY rev (1m)-8.9%
Revenue NY rev (3m)-16.06%
Valuation
Industry RankSector Rank
PE N/A
Fwd PE N/A
P/S 1.05
P/FCF N/A
P/OCF 8.12
P/B 1.17
P/tB 2.51
EV/EBITDA 9.25
EPS(TTM)-0.44
EYN/A
EPS(NY)-0.12
Fwd EYN/A
FCF(TTM)-0.88
FCFYN/A
OCF(TTM)1.45
OCFY12.32%
SpS11.22
BVpS10.02
TBVpS4.69
PEG (NY)N/A
PEG (5Y)N/A
Graham NumberN/A
Profitability
Industry RankSector Rank
ROA -2.77%
ROE -4.5%
ROCE N/A
ROIC N/A
ROICexc N/A
ROICexgc N/A
OM N/A
PM (TTM) N/A
GM N/A
FCFM N/A
ROA(3y)-1.88%
ROA(5y)2.18%
ROE(3y)-2.95%
ROE(5y)3.53%
ROIC(3y)N/A
ROIC(5y)N/A
ROICexc(3y)N/A
ROICexc(5y)N/A
ROICexgc(3y)N/A
ROICexgc(5y)N/A
ROCE(3y)N/A
ROCE(5y)N/A
ROICexgc growth 3YN/A
ROICexgc growth 5YN/A
ROICexc growth 3YN/A
ROICexc growth 5YN/A
OM growth 3YN/A
OM growth 5YN/A
PM growth 3YN/A
PM growth 5YN/A
GM growth 3YN/A
GM growth 5YN/A
F-Score5
Asset Turnover0.69
Health
Industry RankSector Rank
Debt/Equity 0.23
Debt/FCF N/A
Debt/EBITDA 1.54
Cap/Depr 108.8%
Cap/Sales 20.75%
Interest Coverage N/A
Cash Conversion 97.56%
Profit Quality N/A
Current Ratio 1.14
Quick Ratio 1.14
Altman-Z 2.81
F-Score5
WACC10.56%
ROIC/WACCN/A
Cap/Depr(3y)N/A
Cap/Depr(5y)N/A
Cap/Sales(3y)N/A
Cap/Sales(5y)N/A
Profit Quality(3y)N/A
Profit Quality(5y)N/A
High Growth Momentum
Growth
EPS 1Y (TTM)-18.92%
EPS 3YN/A
EPS 5YN/A
EPS Q2Q%50%
EPS Next Y71.67%
EPS Next 2Y71.77%
EPS Next 3Y48.87%
EPS Next 5YN/A
Revenue 1Y (TTM)-23.08%
Revenue growth 3Y-5.93%
Revenue growth 5Y4.54%
Sales Q2Q%-26.06%
Revenue Next Year-10.6%
Revenue Next 2Y-1.32%
Revenue Next 3Y-1.34%
Revenue Next 5YN/A
EBIT growth 1Y-36.28%
EBIT growth 3YN/A
EBIT growth 5YN/A
EBIT Next Year502.39%
EBIT Next 3Y90.61%
EBIT Next 5YN/A
FCF growth 1Y-176.26%
FCF growth 3YN/A
FCF growth 5YN/A
OCF growth 1Y-23.87%
OCF growth 3YN/A
OCF growth 5YN/A

HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC / HTLD FAQ

What is the ChartMill fundamental rating of HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC (HTLD) stock?

ChartMill assigns a fundamental rating of 2 / 10 to HTLD.


Can you provide the valuation status for HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC?

ChartMill assigns a valuation rating of 1 / 10 to HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC (HTLD). This can be considered as Overvalued.


Can you provide the profitability details for HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC?

HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC (HTLD) has a profitability rating of 1 / 10.


Can you provide the financial health for HTLD stock?

The financial health rating of HEARTLAND EXPRESS INC (HTLD) is 4 / 10.