WallStSmart

Forward Air Corporation (FWRD)vsJB Hunt Transport Services Inc (JBHT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

JB Hunt Transport Services Inc generates 392% more annual revenue ($12.13B vs $2.46B). JBHT leads profitability with a 5.1% profit margin vs -3.7%. FWRD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.66. JBHT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 51/100 (C-).

FWRD

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 3.0Value: 6.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.80

JBHT

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.0Value: 3.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.58

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FWRD2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
145.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 145.0% YoY

PEG RatioValuation
0.668/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

JBHT2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.5810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

FWRD4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$327.63M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Operating MarginProfitability
4.0%3/10

Operating margin of 4.0%

Return on EquityProfitability
-112.9%2/10

ROE of -112.9% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-5.1%2/10

Revenue declined 5.1%

JBHT4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
5.1%3/10

5.1% margin — thin

PEG RatioValuation
2.822/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
44.9x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FWRD

The strongest argument for FWRD centers on EPS Growth, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.66 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : JBHT

The strongest argument for JBHT centers on Altman Z-Score, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : FWRD

The primary concerns for FWRD are Market Cap, Operating Margin, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 26.55 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : JBHT

The primary concerns for JBHT are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 44.9x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FWRD profiles as a turnaround stock while JBHT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

FWRD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.42 — expect wider price swings.

JBHT is growing revenue faster at 4.6% — sustainability is the question.

JBHT generates stronger free cash flow (243M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

JBHT scores higher overall (51/100 vs 50/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Forward Air Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · INTEGRATED FREIGHT & LOGISTICS · USA

Forward Air Corporation is a light freight logistics and transportation company in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Greeneville, Tennessee.

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JB Hunt Transport Services Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INTEGRATED FREIGHT & LOGISTICS · USA

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. is an American transportation and logistics company based in Lowell, Arkansas.

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