Heartland Express Inc (HTLD)vsKnight Transportation Inc (KNX)
HTLD
Heartland Express Inc
$10.19
-1.74%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $795.75M
KNX
Knight Transportation Inc
$60.88
-3.43%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $10.55B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Knight Transportation Inc generates 975% more annual revenue ($7.73B vs $719.24M). KNX leads profitability with a 0.6% profit margin vs -1.8%. KNX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.25. KNX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).
HTLD
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
KNX
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+25.1%
Fair Value
$15.77
Current Price
$10.19
$5.58 discount
Margin of Safety
+54.4%
Fair Value
$134.15
Current Price
$60.88
$73.27 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 23.8% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Weak financial health signals
ROE of -2.9% — below average capital efficiency
Grey zone — moderate risk
ROE of 0.6% — below average capital efficiency
0.6% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HTLD
The strongest argument for HTLD centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity.
Bull Case : KNX
The strongest argument for KNX centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 12.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.25 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : HTLD
The primary concerns for HTLD are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : KNX
The primary concerns for KNX are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 240.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.6% 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 1.35 — expect wider price swings.
KNX is growing revenue faster at 12.6% — sustainability is the question.
KNX generates stronger free cash flow (57M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
KNX scores higher overall (63/100 vs 36/100) and 12.6% revenue growth. HTLD offers better value entry with a 25.1% margin of safety. 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.
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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