WallStSmart

Landstar System Inc (LSTR)vsZTO Express (Cayman) Inc (ZTO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc generates 932% more annual revenue ($49.10B vs $4.76B). ZTO leads profitability with a 18.5% profit margin vs 2.4%. LSTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.06. ZTO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

LSTR

Hold

41

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 2.0Profit: 5.0Value: 7.3Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 6.60

ZTO

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

LSTRSignificantly Overvalued (-623.0%)

Margin of Safety

-623.0%

Fair Value

$22.51

Current Price

$157.07

$134.56 premium

UndervaluedFair: $22.51Overvalued
ZTOUndervalued (+67.2%)

Margin of Safety

+67.2%

Fair Value

$75.82

Current Price

$24.32

$51.50 discount

UndervaluedFair: $75.82Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

LSTR2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
6.6010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

ZTO5 strengths · Avg: 8.2/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.199/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
15.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.0%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$7.74B8/10

Generating 7.7B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

LSTR4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Profit MarginProfitability
2.4%3/10

2.4% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
2.7%3/10

Operating margin of 2.7%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
47.5x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

ZTO0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : LSTR

The strongest argument for LSTR centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. PEG of 1.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : ZTO

The strongest argument for ZTO centers on Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.5% and operating margin at 22.0%. Revenue growth of 12.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : LSTR

The primary concerns for LSTR are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 47.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 2.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : ZTO

No major red flags identified for ZTO, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

LSTR profiles as a value stock while ZTO is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

LSTR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.81 — expect wider price swings.

ZTO is growing revenue faster at 12.3% — sustainability is the question.

ZTO generates stronger free cash flow (7.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ZTO scores higher overall (76/100 vs 41/100), backed by strong 18.5% margins and 12.3% revenue growth. 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.

Landstar System Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INTEGRATED FREIGHT & LOGISTICS · USA

Landstar System, Inc. provides integrated transportation management solutions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.

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ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc

INDUSTRIALS · INTEGRATED FREIGHT & LOGISTICS · China

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. provides express delivery and other value-added logistics services in the People's Republic of China. The company is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China.

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