WallStSmart

Heartland Express Inc (HTLD)vsSaia Inc (SAIA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Saia Inc generates 327% more annual revenue ($3.25B vs $762.54M). SAIA leads profitability with a 7.8% profit margin vs -5.7%. HTLD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.68. SAIA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 46/100 (D+).

HTLD

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 2.0Value: 6.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.70

SAIA

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.5Value: 3.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.95
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

HTLDUndervalued (+30.4%)

Margin of Safety

+30.4%

Fair Value

$16.98

Current Price

$15.52

$1.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $16.98Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for SAIA.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HTLD2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.209/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

SAIA2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0610/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.9510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Areas to Watch

HTLD4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.684/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$1.22B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-5.8%2/10

ROE of -5.8% — below average capital efficiency

SAIA4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.4%4/10

2.4% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
7.8%3/10

7.8% margin — thin

PEG RatioValuation
2.652/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : HTLD

The strongest argument for HTLD centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book.

Bull Case : SAIA

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

Bear Case : HTLD

The primary concerns for HTLD are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : SAIA

The primary concerns for SAIA are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. A P/E of 50.8x leaves little room for execution misses.

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 2.12 — expect wider price swings.

SAIA is growing revenue faster at 2.4% — sustainability is the question.

SAIA generates stronger free cash flow (74M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SAIA scores higher overall (46/100 vs 34/100). HTLD offers better value entry with a 30.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Hold" and "Avoid" 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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