WallStSmart

Heartland Express Inc (HTLD)vsXPO Logistics Inc (XPO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

XPO Logistics Inc generates 988% more annual revenue ($8.30B vs $762.54M). XPO leads profitability with a 4.2% profit margin vs -5.7%. HTLD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.68. XPO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).

HTLD

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

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

XPO

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 2.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.63
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
XPOSignificantly Overvalued (-23.4%)

Margin of Safety

-23.4%

Fair Value

$163.60

Current Price

$218.94

$55.34 premium

UndervaluedFair: $163.60Overvalued

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

XPO1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
46.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 46.6% YoY

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

XPO4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
13.8x4/10

Trading at 13.8x book value

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.634/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Profit MarginProfitability
4.2%3/10

4.2% margin — thin

PEG RatioValuation
2.532/10

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 : XPO

The strongest argument for XPO centers on EPS Growth.

Bear Case : HTLD

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

Bear Case : XPO

The primary concerns for XPO are Price/Book, Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin. A P/E of 78.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 2.18 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

XPO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.64 — expect wider price swings.

XPO is growing revenue faster at 7.3% — sustainability is the question.

XPO generates stronger free cash flow (72M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

XPO scores higher overall (53/100 vs 34/100). HTLD offers better value entry with a 30.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" 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.

XPO Logistics Inc

INDUSTRIALS · TRUCKING · USA

XPO Logistics, Inc. provides supply chain solutions in the United States, the rest of North America, France, the United Kingdom, the rest of Europe, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut.

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