WallStSmart

Marten Transport Ltd (MRTN)vsSaia Inc (SAIA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Saia Inc generates 296% more annual revenue ($3.39B vs $857.65M). SAIA leads profitability with a 8.2% profit margin vs 1.5%. SAIA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.49. SAIA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

MRTN

Hold

41

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 2.0Profit: 4.0Value: 5.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 4.69

SAIA

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.0Value: 5.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.95
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MRTNUndervalued (+33.7%)

Margin of Safety

+33.7%

Fair Value

$20.67

Current Price

$13.80

$6.87 discount

UndervaluedFair: $20.67Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for SAIA.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MRTN3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0010/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.6910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

SAIA4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.1010/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.9510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.1%8/10

17.1% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.5% YoY

Areas to Watch

MRTN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.834/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$1.17B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
1.9%3/10

ROE of 1.9% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.5%3/10

1.5% margin — thin

SAIA1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.5x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MRTN

The strongest argument for MRTN centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bull Case : SAIA

The strongest argument for SAIA centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 17.1% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.49 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : MRTN

The primary concerns for MRTN are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity. A P/E of 96.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : SAIA

The primary concerns for SAIA are P/E Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MRTN profiles as a value stock while SAIA is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

SAIA carries more volatility with a beta of 2.14 — expect wider price swings.

SAIA is growing revenue faster at 17.1% — sustainability is the question.

SAIA generates stronger free cash flow (57M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SAIA scores higher overall (62/100 vs 41/100) and 17.1% revenue growth. MRTN offers better value entry with a 33.7% 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.

Marten Transport Ltd

INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA

Marten Transport, Ltd. is a temperature sensitive cargo truck for carriers in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The company is headquartered in Mondovi, Wisconsin.

Saia Inc

INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA

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

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?