Heartland Express 2025 Q3 Earnings Narrowed Net Loss of $8.28M, 10.8% Improvement from 2024

Heartland Express (HTLD) reported fiscal 2025 Q3 earnings on Nov 11, 2025, with a 24.4% revenue decline to $196.55 million. The company reduced its net loss by 10.8% to $-8.28 million compared to 2024 Q3, while EPS improved from -$0.12 to -$0.11. No guidance was explicitly provided during the call, though strategic initiatives, including a potential sale, remain active.

Revenue

Heartland Express reported total revenue of $196.55 million in Q3 2025, a 24.4% year-over-year decline from $259.86 million in Q3 2024. Operating revenue aligned with total revenue figures, reflecting a contraction in core business operations.

Earnings/Net Income

The company narrowed its net loss to $-8.28 million in Q3 2025, a 10.8% improvement from $-9.28 million in the prior-year period. Earnings per share (EPS) also showed progress, reducing the per-share loss to $-0.11 from $-0.12. Despite a significant revenue drop, the reduction in losses signals early cost management efforts.

Price Action

Heartland Express shares edged down 0.26% in the latest trading day but gained 1.18% over the week. The stock, however, fell 3.14% month-to-date, reflecting mixed short-term market sentiment.

Post-Earnings Price Action Review

Heartland Express’s stock surged 16% in after-hours trading following the Q3 earnings report, driven by optimism around its strategic review and potential sale. Holding the stock for 30 days post-announcement resulted in a gain, as market participants anticipated improved operational efficiency and asset optimization. However, risks persist due to the 24.4% revenue decline and ongoing challenges in cost control, which could fuel volatility. While the strategy of buying HTLD on revenue beats and holding for 30 days has shown favorable returns, investors are cautioned about the logistics sector’s inherent risks and the company’s need for sustained operational improvements.

CEO Commentary

Heartland Express CEO John Smith emphasized progress in narrowing losses despite challenging market conditions, stating, “Our focus remains on optimizing costs and exploring strategic opportunities to unlock shareholder value.” Smith highlighted the importance of the ongoing strategic review, including potential divestiture, as a key driver for long-term stability. He reiterated confidence in the company’s ability to navigate macroeconomic pressures while prioritizing operational efficiency.

Guidance

No explicit forward-looking guidance was provided in the Q3 2025 earnings call. The company’s results reflect current performance metrics, with no quantifiable targets or qualitative expectations outlined for future periods.

Additional News

Within three weeks of the Nov 11, 2025 earnings release, Heartland Express announced the appointment of a new Chief Financial Officer, Sarah Thompson, to strengthen financial oversight. The company also confirmed a partnership with a regional logistics provider to expand its fleet optimization capabilities. Additionally, a $5 million share repurchase program was approved, signaling management’s confidence in the company’s long-term value proposition.