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PAMT vs MRTN vs WERN vs HTLD
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
Trucking
Trucking
Trucking
PAMT vs MRTN vs WERN vs HTLD — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Trucking | Trucking | Trucking | Trucking |
| Market Cap | $216M | $1.24B | $2.18B | $1.01B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $598M | $884M | $2.97B | $806M |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-53M | $17M | $-14M | $-52M |
| Gross Margin | -9.1% | 5.7% | 8.3% | -0.9% |
| Operating Margin | -12.8% | 1.2% | 1.9% | -7.7% |
| Forward P/E | — | 54.4x | 39.8x | — |
| Total Debt | $334M | $388K | $752M | $161M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $35M | $43M | $60M | $18M |
PAMT vs MRTN vs WERN vs HTLD — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
| Stock | Oct 24 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pamt Corp. (PAMT) | 100 | 66.7 | -33.3% |
| Marten Transport, L… (MRTN) | 100 | 97.8 | -2.2% |
| Werner Enterprises,… (WERN) | 100 | 98.6 | -1.4% |
| Heartland Express, … (HTLD) | 100 | 120.1 | +20.1% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: PAMT vs MRTN vs WERN vs HTLD
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
PAMT lags the leaders in this set but could rank higher in a more targeted comparison.
MRTN carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth -8.3%, EPS growth -36.4%, 3Y rev CAGR -11.2%
- 144.8% 10Y total return vs WERN's 78.1%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.16, Low D/E 0.1%, current ratio 1.86x
- 2.0% margin vs PAMT's -8.8%
WERN is the #2 pick in this set and the best alternative if income & stability and defensive is your priority.
- Dividend streak 5 yrs, beta 1.24, yield 1.5%
- Beta 1.24, yield 1.5%, current ratio 1.94x
- -1.8% revenue growth vs HTLD's -23.1%
- Better valuation composite
HTLD is the clearest fit if your priority is momentum.
- +72.8% vs PAMT's -39.3%
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | -1.8% revenue growth vs HTLD's -23.1% | |
| Value | Better valuation composite | |
| Quality / Margins | 2.0% margin vs PAMT's -8.8% | |
| Stability / Safety | Beta 1.16 vs HTLD's 1.37, lower leverage | |
| Dividends | 1.5% yield, 5-year raise streak, vs MRTN's 1.2%, (1 stock pays no dividend) | |
| Momentum (1Y) | +72.8% vs PAMT's -39.3% | |
| Efficiency (ROA) | 1.8% ROA vs PAMT's -7.4%, ROIC 1.1% vs -11.4% |
PAMT vs MRTN vs WERN vs HTLD — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
Segment breakdown not available.
Segment breakdown not available.
PAMT vs MRTN vs WERN vs HTLD — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 4 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
Who Leads Where
WERN leads in 3 of 6 categories
MRTN leads 2 • HTLD leads 1 • PAMT leads 0
Explore the data ↓Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
WERN leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
WERN is the larger business by revenue, generating $3.0B annually — 5.0x PAMT's $598M. MRTN is the more profitable business, keeping 2.0% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to PAMT's -8.8%. On growth, WERN holds the edge at -2.3% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $598M | $884M | $3.0B | $806M |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $7M | $116M | $343M | $97M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$53M | $17M | -$14M | -$52M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$23M | -$51M | -$69M | -$67M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | -9.1% | +5.7% | +8.3% | -0.9% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | -12.8% | +1.2% | +1.9% | -7.7% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -8.8% | +2.0% | -0.5% | -6.5% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -3.9% | -5.8% | -2.3% | -8.3% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -15.1% | -8.8% | -2.3% | -26.1% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +3.4% | -34.4% | -3.4% | -9.6% |
Valuation Metrics
WERN leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
On an enterprise value basis, WERN's 8.1x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than PAMT's 136.9x.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $216M | $1.2B | $2.2B | $1.0B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $515M | $1.2B | $2.9B | $1.1B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -4.17x | 72.10x | -151.58x | -19.37x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | — | 54.36x | 39.79x | — |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 136.89x | 10.26x | 8.07x | 11.80x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.36x | 1.40x | 0.73x | 1.25x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.04x | 1.61x | 1.59x | 1.34x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | — | — | — |
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 $-22 for PAMT. MRTN carries lower financial leverage with a 0.00x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to PAMT's 1.59x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), WERN scores 5/9 vs PAMT's 3/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -21.8% | +2.3% | -1.0% | -6.7% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -7.4% | +1.8% | -0.5% | -4.1% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | -11.4% | +1.1% | +2.5% | -4.8% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | -13.5% | +1.3% | +2.6% | -5.4% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 1.59x | 0.00x | 0.54x | 0.21x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $299M | -$43M | $692M | $143M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $35M | $43M | $60M | $18M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $334M | $388,000 | $752M | $161M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | -3.48x | — | 0.47x | -4.93x |
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
HTLD leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in MRTN five years ago would be worth $9,475 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $6,534 for PAMT. Over the past 12 months, HTLD leads with a +72.8% total return vs PAMT's -39.3%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors HTLD at -4.8% vs PAMT's -13.2% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -14.3% | +32.8% | +19.8% | +42.1% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | -39.3% | +21.2% | +45.8% | +72.8% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -34.7% | -22.9% | -16.5% | -13.7% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -34.7% | -5.3% | -19.0% | -27.6% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -34.7% | +144.8% | +78.1% | -19.6% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -13.2% | -8.3% | -5.8% | -4.8% |
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 HTLD's 1.37 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 PAMT's 59.7% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.36x | 1.16x | 1.24x | 1.37x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $17.29 | $15.42 | $38.46 | $13.92 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $7.15 | $9.35 | $23.06 | $7.00 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +59.7% | +98.2% | +94.6% | +93.2% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 52.9 | 63.1 | 65.9 | 63.9 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 16K | 750K | 1.0M | 398K |
Analyst Outlook
WERN leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: PAMT as "Hold", MRTN as "Hold", WERN as "Hold", HTLD 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 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Hold | Hold | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $22.50 | $36.10 | $12.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 1 | 13 | 36 | 22 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | +1.2% | +1.5% | +0.6% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | $0.18 | $0.56 | $0.08 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +6.9% | 0.0% | +2.5% | +1.0% |
WERN leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics). MRTN leads in 2 (Profitability & Efficiency, Risk & Volatility).
PAMT vs MRTN vs WERN vs HTLD: Key Questions Answered
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is PAMT or MRTN or WERN or HTLD a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Werner Enterprises, Inc.
(WERN) is the stronger pick with -1. 8% 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 Pamt Corp. (PAMT) a "Hold" — based on 1 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 — PAMT or MRTN or WERN or HTLD?
On forward P/E, Werner Enterprises, Inc.
is actually cheaper at 39. 8x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — PAMT or MRTN or WERN or HTLD?
Over the past 5 years, Marten Transport, Ltd.
(MRTN) delivered a total return of -5. 3%, compared to -34. 7% for Pamt Corp. (PAMT). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: MRTN returned +144. 8% versus PAMT's -34. 7%. 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 — PAMT or MRTN or WERN or HTLD?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Marten Transport, Ltd.
(MRTN) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 16β versus Heartland Express, Inc. 's 1. 37β — meaning HTLD is approximately 18% 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 159% for Pamt Corp. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — PAMT or MRTN or WERN or HTLD?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Werner Enterprises, Inc.
(WERN) is pulling ahead at -1. 8% 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, WERN leads at -3. 3% 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 — PAMT or MRTN or WERN or HTLD?
Marten Transport, Ltd.
(MRTN) is the more profitable company, earning 2. 0% net margin versus -8. 8% for Pamt Corp. — 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 -13. 3% for PAMT. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — WERN leads at 5. 8%, 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 PAMT or MRTN or WERN or HTLD more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Werner Enterprises, Inc.
(WERN) trades at 39. 8x forward P/E versus 54. 4x for Marten Transport, Ltd. — 14. 6x 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 — PAMT or MRTN or WERN or HTLD?
In this comparison, WERN (1.
5% yield), MRTN (1. 2% yield), HTLD (0. 6% yield) pay a dividend. PAMT does not pay a meaningful dividend and should not be held primarily for income.
09Is PAMT or MRTN or WERN or HTLD 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%, PAMT: -34. 7%), 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 PAMT and MRTN and WERN and HTLD?
Both stocks operate in the Industrials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
MRTN, WERN, HTLD pay a dividend while PAMT does not, making them suitable for different income and tax situations. 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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