CVLG
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
Trucking
Market Cap$833M
5Y Perf.+426.7%
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Stock Comparison
CVLG vs HTLD vs WERN vs MRTN
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
HTLD
Heartland Express, Inc.
Trucking
Market Cap$1.01B
5Y Perf.-40.7%
WERN
Werner Enterprises, Inc.
Trucking
Market Cap$2.18B
5Y Perf.-21.3%
MRTN
Marten Transport, Ltd.
Trucking
Market Cap$1.24B
5Y Perf.-11.3%
CVLG vs HTLD vs WERN vs MRTN — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | CVLG | HTLD | WERN | MRTN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Trucking | Trucking | Trucking | Trucking |
| Market Cap | $833M | $1.01B | $2.18B | $1.24B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $1.16B | $806M | $2.97B | $884M |
| Net Income (TTM) | $7M | $-52M | $-14M | $17M |
| Gross Margin | 12.0% | -0.9% | 8.3% | 5.7% |
| Operating Margin | 1.2% | -7.7% | 1.9% | 1.2% |
| Forward P/E | 19.3x | — | 39.8x | 54.4x |
| Total Debt | $339M | $161M | $752M | $388K |
| Cash & Equiv. | $296M | $18M | $60M | $43M |
CVLG vs HTLD vs WERN vs MRTN — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
CVLG
HTLD
WERN
MRTN
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covenant Logistics … (CVLG) | 100 | 526.7 | +426.7% |
| Heartland Express, … (HTLD) | 100 | 59.3 | -40.7% |
| Werner Enterprises,… (WERN) | 100 | 78.7 | -21.3% |
| Marten Transport, L… (MRTN) | 100 | 88.7 | -11.3% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: CVLG vs HTLD vs WERN vs MRTN
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: MRTN leads in 3 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. HTLD and WERN also each lead in at least one category. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
CVLG
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
The Growth Play
CVLG is the #2 pick in this set and the best alternative if growth exposure and long-term compounding is your priority.
- Rev growth 2.9%, EPS growth -79.2%, 3Y rev CAGR -1.5%
- 234.5% 10Y total return vs MRTN's 144.8%
- 2.9% revenue growth vs HTLD's -23.1%
- Lower P/E (19.3x vs 54.4x)
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
HTLD
Heartland Express, Inc.
The Momentum Pick
HTLD is the clearest fit if your priority is momentum.
- +72.8% vs MRTN's +21.2%
Best for: momentum
WERN
Werner Enterprises, Inc.
The Income Pick
WERN is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and defensive.
- Dividend streak 5 yrs, beta 1.24, yield 1.5%
- Beta 1.24, yield 1.5%, current ratio 1.94x
- 1.5% yield, 5-year raise streak, vs CVLG's 0.9%
Best for: income & stability and defensive
MRTN
Marten Transport, Ltd.
The Defensive Pick
MRTN carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for sleep-well-at-night.
- Lower volatility, beta 1.16, Low D/E 0.1%, current ratio 1.86x
- 2.0% margin vs HTLD's -6.5%
- Beta 1.16 vs CVLG's 1.54, lower leverage
- 1.8% ROA vs HTLD's -4.1%, ROIC 1.1% vs -4.8%
Best for: sleep-well-at-night
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | CVLG | 2.9% revenue growth vs HTLD's -23.1% |
| Value | CVLG | Lower P/E (19.3x vs 54.4x) |
| Quality / Margins | MRTN | 2.0% margin vs HTLD's -6.5% |
| Stability / Safety | MRTN | Beta 1.16 vs CVLG's 1.54, lower leverage |
| Dividends | WERN | 1.5% yield, 5-year raise streak, vs CVLG's 0.9% |
| Momentum (1Y) | HTLD | +72.8% vs MRTN's +21.2% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | MRTN | 1.8% ROA vs HTLD's -4.1%, ROIC 1.1% vs -4.8% |
CVLG vs HTLD vs WERN vs MRTN — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
Segment breakdown not available.
FY 2025
FY 2025
CVLG vs HTLD vs WERN vs MRTN — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 4 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLCVLGLAGGINGHTLD
Who Leads Where
CVLG leads in 3 of 6 categories
MRTN leads 2 • WERN leads 1 • HTLD leads 0
Explore the data ↓HTLDHeartland Express, In…
0leads
WERNWerner Enterprises, I…
1leads
MRTNMarten Transport, Ltd.
2leads
CVLGCovenant Logistics Gr…
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs MRTNvs WERNMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
CVLG3/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
CVLG3/5
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
MRTN5/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
CVLG5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
MRTN2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
WERN2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CVLG leads this category, winning 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
WERN is the larger business by revenue, generating $3.0B annually — 3.7x HTLD's $806M. MRTN is the more profitable business, keeping 2.0% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to HTLD's -6.5%. On growth, CVLG holds the edge at +6.5% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | CVLGCovenant Logistic… | HTLDHeartland Express… | WERNWerner Enterprise… | MRTNMarten Transport,… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $1.2B | $806M | $3.0B | $884M |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $113M | $97M | $343M | $116M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $7M | -$52M | -$14M | $17M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $114M | -$67M | -$69M | -$51M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +12.0% | -0.9% | +8.3% | +5.7% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +1.2% | -7.7% | +1.9% | +1.2% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +0.6% | -6.5% | -0.5% | +2.0% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +9.8% | -8.3% | -2.3% | -5.8% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +6.5% | -26.1% | -2.3% | -8.8% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -4.0% | -9.6% | -3.4% | -34.4% |
CVLG leads this category, winning 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
CVLG leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 72.1x trailing earnings, MRTN trades at a 41% valuation discount to CVLG's 122.9x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, CVLG's 7.7x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than HTLD's 11.8x.
| Metric | CVLGCovenant Logistic… | HTLDHeartland Express… | WERNWerner Enterprise… | MRTNMarten Transport,… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $833M | $1.0B | $2.2B | $1.2B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $876M | $1.1B | $2.9B | $1.2B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 122.91x | -19.37x | -151.58x | 72.10x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 19.31x | — | 39.79x | 54.36x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 7.74x | 11.80x | 8.07x | 10.26x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.72x | 1.25x | 0.73x | 1.40x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 2.05x | 1.34x | 1.59x | 1.61x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | — | — | — |
CVLG leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
MRTN leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
MRTN delivers a 2.3% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $2 in annual profit, vs $-7 for HTLD. MRTN carries lower financial leverage with a 0.00x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to CVLG's 0.84x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), WERN scores 5/9 vs MRTN's 4/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | CVLGCovenant Logistic… | HTLDHeartland Express… | WERNWerner Enterprise… | MRTNMarten Transport,… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +1.7% | -6.7% | -1.0% | +2.3% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +0.7% | -4.1% | -0.5% | +1.8% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +1.8% | -4.8% | +2.5% | +1.1% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +1.6% | -5.4% | +2.6% | +1.3% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.84x | 0.21x | 0.54x | 0.00x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $42M | $143M | $692M | -$43M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $296M | $18M | $60M | $43M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $339M | $161M | $752M | $388,000 |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 1.46x | -4.93x | 0.47x | — |
MRTN leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
CVLG leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in CVLG five years ago would be worth $29,261 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $7,237 for HTLD. Over the past 12 months, HTLD leads with a +72.8% total return vs MRTN's +21.2%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors CVLG at 20.0% vs MRTN's -8.3% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | CVLGCovenant Logistic… | HTLDHeartland Express… | WERNWerner Enterprise… | MRTNMarten Transport,… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +49.1% | +42.1% | +19.8% | +32.8% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +64.0% | +72.8% | +45.8% | +21.2% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +72.8% | -13.7% | -16.5% | -22.9% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +192.6% | -27.6% | -19.0% | -5.3% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +234.5% | -19.6% | +78.1% | +144.8% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +20.0% | -4.8% | -5.8% | -8.3% |
CVLG leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
MRTN leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
MRTN is the less volatile stock with a 1.16 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than CVLG's 1.54 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. MRTN currently trades 98.2% from its 52-week high vs CVLG's 92.4% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | CVLGCovenant Logistic… | HTLDHeartland Express… | WERNWerner Enterprise… | MRTNMarten Transport,… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.54x | 1.37x | 1.24x | 1.16x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $35.91 | $13.92 | $38.46 | $15.42 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $18.00 | $7.00 | $23.06 | $9.35 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +92.4% | +93.2% | +94.6% | +98.2% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 59.2 | 63.9 | 65.9 | 63.1 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 149K | 398K | 1.0M | 750K |
MRTN leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
WERN leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: CVLG as "Hold", HTLD as "Hold", WERN as "Hold", MRTN as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 48.6% upside for MRTN (target: $23) vs -7.6% for HTLD (target: $12). For income investors, WERN offers the higher dividend yield at 1.55% vs HTLD's 0.62%.
| Metric | CVLGCovenant Logistic… | HTLDHeartland Express… | WERNWerner Enterprise… | MRTNMarten Transport,… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Hold | Hold | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $12.00 | $36.10 | $22.50 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 9 | 22 | 36 | 13 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +0.9% | +0.6% | +1.5% | +1.2% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.29 | $0.08 | $0.56 | $0.18 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +4.4% | +1.0% | +2.5% | 0.0% |
WERN leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
CVLG leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics). MRTN leads in 2 (Profitability & Efficiency, Risk & Volatility).
Best OverallCovenant Logistics Group, I… (CVLG)Leads 3 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
CVLG vs HTLD vs WERN vs MRTN: Key Questions Answered
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is CVLG or HTLD or WERN or MRTN a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
(CVLG) is the stronger pick with 2. 9% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -23. 1% for Heartland Express, Inc. (HTLD). Marten Transport, Ltd. (MRTN) offers the better valuation at 72. 1x trailing P/E (54. 4x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. (CVLG) a "Hold" — based on 9 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — CVLG or HTLD or WERN or MRTN?
On trailing P/E, Marten Transport, Ltd.
(MRTN) is the cheapest at 72. 1x versus Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. at 122. 9x. On forward P/E, Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. is actually cheaper at 19. 3x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — CVLG or HTLD or WERN or MRTN?
Over the past 5 years, Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
(CVLG) delivered a total return of +192. 6%, compared to -27. 6% for Heartland Express, Inc. (HTLD). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: CVLG returned +234. 5% versus HTLD's -19. 6%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — CVLG or HTLD or WERN or MRTN?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Marten Transport, Ltd.
(MRTN) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 16β versus Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. 's 1. 54β — meaning CVLG is approximately 32% more volatile than MRTN relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Marten Transport, Ltd. (MRTN) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 0% versus 84% for Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — CVLG or HTLD or WERN or MRTN?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
(CVLG) is pulling ahead at 2. 9% versus -23. 1% for Heartland Express, Inc. (HTLD). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Marten Transport, Ltd. grew EPS -36. 4% year-over-year, compared to -143. 6% for Werner Enterprises, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, CVLG leads at -1. 5% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — CVLG or HTLD or WERN or MRTN?
Marten Transport, Ltd.
(MRTN) is the more profitable company, earning 2. 0% net margin versus -6. 5% for Heartland Express, Inc. — meaning it keeps 2. 0% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: WERN leads at 2. 3% versus -7. 7% for HTLD. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — CVLG leads at 8. 0%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is CVLG or HTLD or WERN or MRTN more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
(CVLG) trades at 19. 3x forward P/E versus 54. 4x for Marten Transport, Ltd. — 35. 0x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for MRTN: 48. 6% to $22. 50.
08Which pays a better dividend — CVLG or HTLD or WERN or MRTN?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Werner Enterprises, Inc. (WERN) offers the highest yield at 1. 5%, versus 0. 6% for Heartland Express, Inc. (HTLD).
09Is CVLG or HTLD or WERN or MRTN better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Marten Transport, Ltd.
(MRTN) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 1. 16), 1. 2% yield, +144. 8% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (MRTN: +144. 8%, HTLD: -19. 6%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between CVLG and HTLD and WERN and MRTN?
Both stocks operate in the Industrials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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