Heartland Express Inc (HTLD)

Operating return on assets (Operating ROA)

		Dec 31, 2024	Sep 30, 2024	Jun 30, 2024	Mar 31, 2024	Dec 31, 2023	Sep 30, 2023	Jun 30, 2023	Mar 31, 2023	Dec 31, 2022	Sep 30, 2022	Jun 30, 2022	Mar 31, 2022	Dec 31, 2021	Sep 30, 2021	Jun 30, 2021	Mar 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Sep 30, 2020	Jun 30, 2020	Mar 31, 2020
Operating income (ttm)	US$ in thousands	-21,270	-36,801	-37,102	-20,013	17,171	57,846	100,028	188,853	188,358	188,696	187,227	109,523	105,407	102,668	96,734	94,372	93,419	87,316	86,716	90,757
Total assets	US$ in thousands	1,334,190	1,361,450	1,413,430	1,452,480	1,509,650	1,575,520	1,596,660	1,612,510	1,669,490	1,701,590	1,113,200	947,113	928,542	958,280	956,985	949,421	951,176	959,751	930,499	913,291
Operating ROA		-1.59%	-2.70%	-2.62%	-1.38%	1.14%	3.67%	6.26%	11.71%	11.28%	11.09%	16.82%	11.56%	11.35%	10.71%	10.11%	9.94%	9.82%	9.10%	9.32%	9.94%

December 31, 2024 calculation

Operating ROA = Operating income (ttm) ÷ Total assets
= $-21,270K ÷ $1,334,190K
= -1.59%

Heartland Express Inc's operating return on assets (operating ROA) has exhibited fluctuations over the period under review, indicating changes in the efficiency of asset utilization to generate operating profits.

From March 31, 2020, to June 30, 2021, the operating ROA has shown a generally positive trend, with modest variations. The percentage ranged between 9.32% and 10.71%, signaling a relatively stable performance during this period.

However, starting from June 30, 2021, until June 30, 2022, there was a significant spike in operating ROA, reaching a peak of 16.82% by the end of June 2022. This notable increase could suggest improved operational efficiency and profitability during this timeframe.

Subsequently, from September 30, 2022, to December 31, 2024, there was a noticeable decline in the operating ROA, with values dropping into negative territory. In particular, the operating ROA deteriorated from 11.71% in March 31, 2023, to -2.70% in September 30, 2024, reflecting challenges in efficiently utilizing assets to generate operating income.

The negative operating ROA figures in the latter half of the period may raise concerns about the company's operational effectiveness and profitability. Further analysis would be required to understand the factors contributing to the decline and to assess the company's overall financial health and performance.