UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
September 2, 2003
HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Commission File Number - 0-15087
NEVADA 93-0926999
(State of other Jurisdiction (IRS Employer ID No.)
of Incorporation)
2777 HEARTLAND DRIVE, CORALVILLE, IOWA 52241
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number (including area code): 319-545-2728
ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS AND REQUIRED FD DISCLOSURE
On August 26, 2003, Heartland Express, Inc. (the "Company") announced the
declaration of a quarterly cash dividend. A copy of the press release issued by
the Company is attached as Exhibit 99.1.
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS
(c) Exhibits
The Exhibit listed on the Exhibit Index accompanying Form 8-K is furnished
herewith.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on behalf by the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized.
HEARTLAND EXPRESS, INC.
Date: September 2, 2003 BY: /s/ John P. Cosaert
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JOHN P. COSAERT
Vice-President
Finance and Treasurer
EXHIBIT INDEX
99.1 Press release issued by the Company on August 26, 2003 announcing the
declaration of a quarterly cash dividend.
Exhibit No. 99.1
Tuesday, August 26, 2003, For Immediate Release
Press Release
Heartland Express, Inc. Announces First Ever Cash Dividend
CORALVILLE, IOWA - August 26, 2003 - Heartland Express, Inc. (Nasdaq: HTLD) The
Board of Directors of Heartland Express, Inc. announced today the declaration of
its first-ever-quarterly cash dividend. The $0.02 per share dividend will be
paid on October 2, 2003 to shareholders of record at the close of business on
September 17, 2003.
"Since going public in 1986 we have built a strong cash position and solid
balance sheet through consistent earnings growth. We have decided to implement a
quarterly cash dividend program because of our continued financial strength. In
addition, recent changes in the tax code lessen the effect of double taxation by
providing for the taxation of cash dividends at a favorable tax rate," commented
Russell Gerdin, Chairman and CEO of Heartland Express. "We have historically
used our cash flows to strengthen our company. Our Board has concluded that the
Company's cash flows are sufficient to support future growth and to pay a
regular cash dividend."
The press release may contain forward-looking statements, which are based on
information currently available. These statements and assumptions involve
certain risks and uncertainties. Actual events may differ from these
expectations as specified from time to time in filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update any
forward-looking statement to the extent it becomes aware that it will not be
achieved for any reason.
For further information contact
John P. Cosaert, EVP; CFO
Heartland Express, Inc.
319-545-2728