WallStSmart

Marten Transport Ltd (MRTN)vsSaia Inc (SAIA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Saia Inc generates 276% more annual revenue ($3.25B vs $864.03M). SAIA leads profitability with a 7.8% profit margin vs 1.7%. MRTN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.83. SAIA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 46/100 (D+).

MRTN

Hold

41

out of 100

Grade: D

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

SAIA

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.5Value: 3.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.95
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MRTNUndervalued (+35.1%)

Margin of Safety

+35.1%

Fair Value

$21.10

Current Price

$17.52

$3.58 discount

UndervaluedFair: $21.10Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for SAIA.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MRTN3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0010/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.6910/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

SAIA2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
0.0610/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.9510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Areas to Watch

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

Expensive relative to growth rate

Market CapQuality
$1.48B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
1.9%3/10

ROE of 1.9% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.7%3/10

1.7% margin — thin

SAIA4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.4%4/10

2.4% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
7.8%3/10

7.8% margin — thin

PEG RatioValuation
2.652/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MRTN

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

Bull Case : SAIA

The strongest argument for SAIA centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : MRTN

The primary concerns for MRTN are PEG Ratio, Market Cap, Return on Equity. A P/E of 100.5x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 1.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : SAIA

The primary concerns for SAIA are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. A P/E of 50.8x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SAIA carries more volatility with a beta of 2.12 — expect wider price swings.

SAIA is growing revenue faster at 2.4% — sustainability is the question.

SAIA generates stronger free cash flow (74M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor TRUCKING industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

SAIA scores higher overall (46/100 vs 41/100). MRTN offers better value entry with a 35.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Hold" 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.

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