WallStSmart

Heartland Express Inc (HTLD)vsKnight Transportation Inc (KNX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Knight Transportation Inc generates 827% more annual revenue ($7.47B vs $805.71M). KNX leads profitability with a 0.9% profit margin vs -6.5%. KNX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. KNX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 47/100 (D+).

HTLD

Hold

41

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 2.0Profit: 2.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0

KNX

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 4.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.86
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for HTLD.

KNXSignificantly Overvalued (-2059.9%)

Margin of Safety

-2059.9%

Fair Value

$2.79

Current Price

$56.34

$53.55 premium

UndervaluedFair: $2.79Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HTLD1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

KNX2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.5010/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

HTLD4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.684/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$747.44M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
-6.7%2/10

ROE of -6.7% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-26.1%2/10

Revenue declined 26.1%

KNX4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.864/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Return on EquityProfitability
0.9%3/10

ROE of 0.9% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.9%3/10

0.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

Operating margin of 3.5%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HTLD

The strongest argument for HTLD centers on Price/Book.

Bull Case : KNX

The strongest argument for KNX centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.50 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : HTLD

The primary concerns for HTLD are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity.

Bear Case : KNX

The primary concerns for KNX are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 134.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HTLD profiles as a turnaround stock while KNX is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

HTLD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.11 — expect wider price swings.

KNX is growing revenue faster at -0.4% — sustainability is the question.

KNX generates stronger free cash flow (575M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

KNX scores higher overall (47/100 vs 41/100). Both earn "Hold" 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.

Heartland Express Inc

INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA

Heartland Express, Inc., is a short- to medium-haul truck freight carrier in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in North Liberty, Iowa.

Knight Transportation Inc

INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA

Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc., provides truck cargo transportation services in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

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