Heartland Express, Inc. Announces Declaration of 91st Consecutive Quarterly Dividend

NORTH LIBERTY, IOWA – March 13, 2026: Heartland Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTLD), a leading North American truckload carrier, announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend for its shareholders. This marks a significant milestone as the Company continues its long-standing practice of returning value to its investors through dividends.

Key Highlights from the Report

• Quarterly Dividend Amount: The Board declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of \$0.02 per share.
• Payment Date: The dividend will be paid on April 3, 2026 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 24, 2026.
• Aggregate Payment: The estimated total dividend payout is approximately \$1.6 million across about seventy-eight million shares of common stock outstanding.
• Dividend History: This is the Company’s 91st consecutive quarterly cash dividend since the dividend program began in Q3 2003.
• Total Dividends Paid: Including this dividend and four special dividends, Heartland Express has paid a cumulative total of \$563.0 million in cash dividends to shareholders since program inception.

Shareholder Information & Potential Price Sensitivity

• Consistency in Returns: The uninterrupted streak of quarterly dividends, even through challenging economic cycles, is a notable indicator of the Company’s financial stability and management’s commitment to shareholder returns. This could positively influence investor sentiment and share value.
• Dividend Yield & Value Proposition: While the dividend amount remains modest, the continuity and reliability may attract income-focused investors, potentially supporting the stock price, especially in volatile markets.
• Record Date and Ex-Dividend Date: Investors must own shares before the record date of March 24, 2026, to receive the dividend. This could prompt trading activity as the ex-dividend date approaches.
• Forward-Looking Statements: The Company cautions that the press release and related statements may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ from current expectations due to various factors, as detailed in the Company’s filings with the SEC.

Leadership Contacts

• Michael J. Gerdin, CEO
• Christopher A. Strain, CFO
• Contact Number: 319-645-7060

Why This Matters to Investors

• The regularity and history of dividend payments demonstrate Heartland Express’s operational consistency and cash flow strength, which are key metrics for long-term investors.
• This announcement can be viewed as a reaffirmation of management’s confidence in the Company’s financial position, even amidst industry and economic uncertainties.
• Dividend-paying stocks can be particularly attractive in uncertain or low-interest-rate environments, potentially supporting the share price or even driving it higher as investors seek yield and stability.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research and consult with their financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The information herein contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ. Please refer to Heartland Express’s official filings with the SEC for further information.

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