WallStSmart

Heartland Express Inc (HTLD)vsSaia Inc (SAIA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Saia Inc generates 301% more annual revenue ($3.23B vs $805.71M). SAIA leads profitability with a 7.9% profit margin vs -6.5%. HTLD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.68. SAIA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 44/100 (D).

HTLD

Hold

41

out of 100

Grade: D

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

SAIA

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.5Value: 7.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.95
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for HTLD.

SAIASignificantly Overvalued (-500.4%)

Margin of Safety

-500.4%

Fair Value

$64.74

Current Price

$344.36

$279.62 premium

UndervaluedFair: $64.74Overvalued

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

SAIA2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.9510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Debt/EquityHealth
0.169/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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%

SAIA4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.874/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
34.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.1%4/10

0.1% revenue growth

Profit MarginProfitability
7.9%3/10

7.9% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HTLD

The strongest argument for HTLD centers on Price/Book.

Bull Case : SAIA

The strongest argument for SAIA centers on Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.

Bear Case : HTLD

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

Bear Case : SAIA

The primary concerns for SAIA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

SAIA carries more volatility with a beta of 2.03 — expect wider price swings.

SAIA is growing revenue faster at 0.1% — sustainability is the question.

SAIA generates stronger free cash flow (37M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SAIA scores higher overall (44/100 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.

Saia Inc

INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA

Saia, Inc., is a transportation company in North America. The company is headquartered in Johns Creek, Georgia.

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