WallStSmart

Marten Transport Ltd (MRTN)vsSaia Inc (SAIA)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Saia Inc generates 294% more annual revenue ($3.39B vs $860.41M). SAIA leads profitability with a 8.2% profit margin vs 1.6%. MRTN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.83. SAIA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 58/100 (C).

MRTN

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

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

SAIA

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.3Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.95
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MRTNUndervalued (+33.2%)

Margin of Safety

+33.2%

Fair Value

$20.52

Current Price

$11.66

$8.86 discount

UndervaluedFair: $20.52Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for SAIA.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MRTN4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

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

EPS GrowthGrowth
30.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 30.5% YoY

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: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.834/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.3%4/10

1.3% revenue growth

Market CapQuality
$961.97M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
1.7%3/10

ROE of 1.7% — below average capital efficiency

SAIA2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.464/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
32.3x4/10

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.

Bear Case : MRTN

The primary concerns for MRTN are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. A P/E of 73.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : SAIA

The primary concerns for SAIA are PEG Ratio, 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 2.19 — 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 (58/100 vs 53/100) and 17.1% revenue growth. MRTN offers better value entry with a 33.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" 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.

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