WallStSmart

Heartland Express Inc (HTLD)vsSaia Inc (SAIA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Saia Inc generates 361% more annual revenue ($3.39B vs $736.28M). SAIA leads profitability with a 8.2% profit margin vs -3.0%. SAIA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.49. SAIA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

HTLD

Hold

36

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 2.0Value: 5.7Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.70

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

HTLDUndervalued (+27.2%)

Margin of Safety

+27.2%

Fair Value

$16.24

Current Price

$12.34

$3.90 discount

UndervaluedFair: $16.24Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for SAIA.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

HTLD2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.199/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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

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

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$935.73M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-2.9%2/10

ROE of -2.9% — below average capital efficiency

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 : HTLD

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

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 : HTLD

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

Bear Case : SAIA

The primary concerns for SAIA are P/E Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

HTLD profiles as a turnaround 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 36/100) and 17.1% revenue growth. HTLD offers better value entry with a 27.2% 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.

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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