Heartland Express Inc (HTLD)vsOld Dominion Freight Line Inc (ODFL)
HTLD
Heartland Express Inc
$12.34
+1.23%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $935.73M
ODFL
Old Dominion Freight Line Inc
$179.79
-0.42%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $38.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Old Dominion Freight Line Inc generates 661% more annual revenue ($5.60B vs $736.28M). ODFL leads profitability with a 19.4% profit margin vs -3.0%. HTLD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.68. ODFL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
HTLD
Hold36
out of 100
Grade: F
ODFL
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+27.2%
Fair Value
$16.24
Current Price
$12.34
$3.90 discount
Margin of Safety
-27.0%
Fair Value
$143.29
Current Price
$179.79
$36.50 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 28.8%
Earnings expanding 32.3% 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
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 8.2x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : HTLD
The strongest argument for HTLD centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity.
Bull Case : ODFL
The strongest argument for ODFL centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.4% and operating margin at 28.8%. Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : HTLD
The primary concerns for HTLD are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : ODFL
The primary concerns for ODFL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HTLD profiles as a turnaround stock while ODFL is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
HTLD carries more volatility with a beta of 1.33 — expect wider price swings.
ODFL is growing revenue faster at 10.4% — sustainability is the question.
ODFL generates stronger free cash flow (196M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ODFL scores higher overall (67/100 vs 36/100), backed by strong 19.4% margins and 10.4% revenue growth. HTLD offers better value entry with a 27.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong 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.
Old Dominion Freight Line Inc
INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is an American less than truckload shipping (LTL) company. It offers regional, inter-regional and national LTL service. In addition to its core LTL services, the company offers logistics services including ground and air expedited transportation, supply chain consulting, transportation management, truckload brokerage, container delivery and warehousing, as well as household moving services.
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