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Upturn AI SWOT - About
HTLD 
Heartland Express Inc (HTLD)
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Upturn Advisory Summary
10/15/2025: HTLD (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Upturn Star Rating
Not Recommended Performance
These Stocks/ETFs, based on Upturn Advisory, consistently fall short of market performance, signaling caution before investing.
Number of Analysts
5 Analysts rated it
Limited analyst coverage, niche firm, research info may be scarce.
1 Year Target Price $8.8
1 Year Target Price $8.8
| 0 | Strong Buy |
| 0 | Buy |
| 3 | Hold |
| 2 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit -31.15% | Avg. Invested days 22 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating | Upturn Advisory Performance  1.0 | Stock Returns Performance  1.0 |
| Profits based on simulation | Last Close 10/15/2025 |
Key Highlights
Company Size Small-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 653.33M USD | Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 8.8 |
Price to earnings Ratio - | 1Y Target Price 8.8 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 5 | Beta 1.06 | 52 Weeks Range 7.07 - 12.74 | Updated Date 10/16/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 7.07 - 12.74 | Updated Date 10/16/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 0.99% | Basic EPS (TTM) -0.46 |
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin -3.85% | Operating Margin (TTM) -7.23% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) -2.05% | Return on Equity (TTM) -4.42% |
Valuation
Trailing PE - | Forward PE 21.05 | Enterprise Value 821158629 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.7 |
Enterprise Value 821158629 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.7 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.88 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 5.89 | Shares Outstanding 77408229 | Shares Floating 43840925 |
Shares Outstanding 77408229 | Shares Floating 43840925 | ||
Percent Insiders 52.51 | Percent Institutions 52.2 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Heartland Express Inc
Company Overview
History and Background
Heartland Express Inc. was founded in 1978 in Iowa. Initially a regional carrier, it expanded through acquisitions and organic growth to become a nationwide truckload carrier.
Core Business Areas
- Truckload Services: Heartland provides full truckload transportation services throughout North America, focusing on on-time delivery and safety.
Leadership and Structure
Michael Gerdin serves as the Chairman, President, and CEO. The company has a traditional hierarchical structure with functional departments like operations, finance, and sales.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Truckload Transportation: Heartland's core offering is truckload transportation. Market share data is fragmented, but Heartland is a significant player in the TL market estimated to be worth hundreds of billions. Competitors include Swift Transportation, Knight-Swift, JB Hunt, Schneider and Werner.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The trucking industry is highly competitive and cyclical, influenced by economic growth, fuel prices, and regulatory changes.
Positioning
Heartland Express is known for its financial discipline, safety record, and efficient operations, giving it a competitive advantage in cost and reliability.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The U.S. truckload market is estimated at over $700 billion. Heartland's market capitalization gives it single-digit percentage of the TAM.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Strong Balance Sheet
- Excellent Safety Record
- Efficient Operations
- Experienced Management
Weaknesses
- Dependence on Truckload Market
- Exposure to Fuel Price Volatility
- Driver Shortage Impacts
- Acquisition integration risk
Opportunities
- E-commerce Growth
- Supply Chain Disruptions
- Expansion into Specialized Services
- Acquisitions of smaller carriers
Threats
- Economic Downturn
- Increased Regulation
- Driver Shortage
- Technological Disruption (autonomous vehicles)
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- KNX
- JBHT
- SNDR
- WERN
Competitive Landscape
Heartland Express competes on service, reliability, and safety. Its strong balance sheet and efficient operations provide advantages. Disadvantages include a smaller scale compared to some larger competitors.
Major Acquisitions
Contract Freighters, Inc. (CFI)
- Year: 2022
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 525
- Strategic Rationale: Expand network, enhance driver pool, and improve customer base.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Historical growth is available in company financials, please see company filings
Future Projections: Future projections are not constant and are always changing, please find these at a reliable financial source.
Recent Initiatives: Recent initiatives can be found in the company reports.
Summary
Heartland Express is a financially sound company with a strong reputation for safety and efficiency. Its disciplined approach and focus on truckload services have contributed to its success. However, it faces challenges related to driver shortages, fuel price volatility, and intense competition. The recent CFI acquisition positions the company for further growth but carries integration risks.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Heartland Express Inc. Investor Relations
- SEC Filings
- Industry Reports
- Financial News Outlets
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Market conditions and company performance are subject to change. Actual results may vary.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Heartland Express Inc
Exchange NASDAQ | Headquaters North Liberty, IA, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1990-03-26 | Chairman of the Board, President & CEO Mr. Michael J. Gerdin | ||
Sector Industrials | Industry Trucking | Full time employees 5220 | Website https://www.heartlandexpress.com |
Full time employees 5220 | Website https://www.heartlandexpress.com | ||
Heartland Express, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a short, medium, and long-haul truckload carrier and transportation services provider in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It primarily provides nationwide asset-based dry van truckload service for shippers; cross-border freight and other transportation services; and temperature-controlled truckload services. The company offers its services under the Heartland Express, Millis Transfer, Smith Transport, and CFI brand names. It primarily serves retailers, manufacturers, and parcel carriers in consumer goods, appliances, food products, and automotive industries. Heartland Express, Inc. was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in North Liberty, Iowa.
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