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4 / 10Stock Comparison
SNDR vs MRTN vs KNX vs WERN
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
Trucking
Trucking
Trucking
SNDR vs MRTN vs KNX vs WERN — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | Trucking | Trucking | Trucking | Trucking |
| Market Cap | $5.37B | $1.24B | $10.30B | $2.18B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $5.67B | $884M | $7.50B | $2.97B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $98M | $17M | $34M | $-14M |
| Gross Margin | 22.8% | 5.7% | 30.6% | 8.3% |
| Operating Margin | 2.8% | 1.2% | 2.9% | 1.9% |
| Forward P/E | 35.5x | 54.4x | 34.3x | 39.8x |
| Total Debt | $560M | $388K | $2.89B | $752M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $202M | $43M | $303M | $60M |
SNDR vs MRTN vs KNX vs WERN — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schneider National,… (SNDR) | 100 | 126.8 | +26.8% |
| Marten Transport, L… (MRTN) | 100 | 88.7 | -11.3% |
| Knight-Swift Transp… (KNX) | 100 | 152.4 | +52.4% |
| Werner Enterprises,… (WERN) | 100 | 78.7 | -21.3% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: SNDR vs MRTN vs KNX vs WERN
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
SNDR is the #2 pick in this set and the best alternative if growth exposure is your priority.
- Rev growth 7.3%, EPS growth -10.6%, 3Y rev CAGR -4.9%
- 7.3% revenue growth vs MRTN's -8.3%
- 2.0% ROA vs WERN's -0.5%, ROIC 3.7% vs 2.5%
MRTN is the clearest fit if your priority is sleep-well-at-night.
- Lower volatility, beta 1.16, Low D/E 0.1%, current ratio 1.86x
- 2.0% margin vs WERN's -0.5%
- Beta 1.16 vs KNX's 1.40, lower leverage
KNX carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for long-term compounding.
- 156.2% 10Y total return vs MRTN's 144.8%
- Lower P/E (34.3x vs 39.8x)
- 1.1% yield, 8-year raise streak, vs WERN's 1.5%
- +54.4% vs MRTN's +21.2%
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
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | 7.3% revenue growth vs MRTN's -8.3% | |
| Value | Lower P/E (34.3x vs 39.8x) | |
| Quality / Margins | 2.0% margin vs WERN's -0.5% | |
| Stability / Safety | Beta 1.16 vs KNX's 1.40, lower leverage | |
| Dividends | 1.1% yield, 8-year raise streak, vs WERN's 1.5% | |
| Momentum (1Y) | +54.4% vs MRTN's +21.2% | |
| Efficiency (ROA) | 2.0% ROA vs WERN's -0.5%, ROIC 3.7% vs 2.5% |
SNDR vs MRTN vs KNX vs WERN — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
SNDR vs MRTN vs KNX vs WERN — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 4 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
Who Leads Where
KNX leads in 2 of 6 categories
SNDR leads 1 • MRTN leads 1 • WERN leads 0 • 2 tied
Explore the data ↓Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
KNX leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
KNX is the larger business by revenue, generating $7.5B annually — 8.5x MRTN's $884M. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 2.0% (MRTN) to -0.5% (WERN). On growth, KNX holds the edge at +1.4% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $5.7B | $884M | $7.5B | $3.0B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $608M | $116M | $1.0B | $343M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $98M | $17M | $34M | -$14M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $493M | -$51M | $1.3B | -$69M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +22.8% | +5.7% | +30.6% | +8.3% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +2.8% | +1.2% | +2.9% | +1.9% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +1.7% | +2.0% | +0.5% | -0.5% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +8.7% | -5.8% | +17.8% | -2.3% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -0.2% | -8.8% | +1.4% | -2.3% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -20.0% | -34.4% | -104.3% | -3.4% |
Valuation Metrics
Evenly matched — KNX and WERN each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 51.9x trailing earnings, SNDR trades at a 66% valuation discount to KNX's 154.7x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, WERN's 8.1x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than KNX's 12.4x.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $5.4B | $1.2B | $10.3B | $2.2B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $5.7B | $1.2B | $12.9B | $2.9B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 51.95x | 72.10x | 154.71x | -151.58x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 35.49x | 54.36x | 34.28x | 39.79x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 9.26x | 10.26x | 12.41x | 8.07x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.95x | 1.40x | 1.38x | 0.73x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.78x | 1.61x | 1.46x | 1.59x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 15.43x | — | 13.50x | — |
Profitability & Efficiency
SNDR leads this category, winning 6 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
SNDR delivers a 3.2% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $3 in annual profit, vs $-1 for WERN. MRTN carries lower financial leverage with a 0.00x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to WERN's 0.54x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), SNDR scores 7/9 vs MRTN's 4/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +3.2% | +2.3% | +0.5% | -1.0% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +2.0% | +1.8% | +0.3% | -0.5% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +3.7% | +1.1% | +2.0% | +2.5% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +3.9% | +1.3% | +2.3% | +2.6% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.19x | 0.00x | 0.41x | 0.54x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $359M | -$43M | $2.6B | $692M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $202M | $43M | $303M | $60M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $560M | $388,000 | $2.9B | $752M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 3.92x | — | 1.36x | 0.47x |
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
KNX leads this category, winning 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in KNX five years ago would be worth $13,435 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $8,100 for WERN. Over the past 12 months, KNX leads with a +54.4% total return vs MRTN's +21.2%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors SNDR at 6.2% vs MRTN's -8.3% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +14.0% | +32.8% | +21.8% | +19.8% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +38.5% | +21.2% | +54.4% | +45.8% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +19.9% | -22.9% | +14.1% | -16.5% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +23.2% | -5.3% | +34.4% | -19.0% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +86.1% | +144.8% | +156.2% | +78.1% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +6.2% | -8.3% | +4.5% | -5.8% |
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 KNX's 1.40 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 SNDR's 91.9% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.27x | 1.16x | 1.40x | 1.24x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $33.34 | $15.42 | $67.75 | $38.46 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $20.11 | $9.35 | $38.63 | $23.06 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +91.9% | +98.2% | +93.6% | +94.6% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 62.5 | 63.1 | 56.4 | 65.9 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 963K | 750K | 3.0M | 1.0M |
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — KNX and WERN each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Analyst consensus: SNDR as "Hold", MRTN as "Hold", KNX as "Buy", WERN as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 48.6% upside for MRTN (target: $23) vs -3.2% for SNDR (target: $30). For income investors, WERN offers the higher dividend yield at 1.55% vs KNX's 1.14%.
| Metric | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Hold | Buy | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $29.67 | $22.50 | $65.10 | $36.10 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 25 | 13 | 36 | 36 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.2% | +1.2% | +1.1% | +1.5% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 4 | 0 | 8 | 5 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.38 | $0.18 | $0.72 | $0.56 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +0.3% | 0.0% | 0.0% | +2.5% |
KNX leads in 2 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Total Returns). SNDR leads in 1 (Profitability & Efficiency). 2 tied.
SNDR vs MRTN vs KNX vs WERN: Key Questions Answered
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is SNDR or MRTN or KNX or WERN a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Schneider National, Inc.
(SNDR) is the stronger pick with 7. 3% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -8. 3% for Marten Transport, Ltd. (MRTN). Schneider National, Inc. (SNDR) offers the better valuation at 51. 9x trailing P/E (35. 5x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. (KNX) a "Buy" — based on 36 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 — SNDR or MRTN or KNX or WERN?
On trailing P/E, Schneider National, Inc.
(SNDR) is the cheapest at 51. 9x versus Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. at 154. 7x. On forward P/E, Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. is actually cheaper at 34. 3x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — SNDR or MRTN or KNX or WERN?
Over the past 5 years, Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.
(KNX) delivered a total return of +34. 4%, compared to -19. 0% for Werner Enterprises, Inc. (WERN). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: KNX returned +156. 2% versus WERN's +78. 1%. 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 — SNDR or MRTN or KNX or WERN?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Marten Transport, Ltd.
(MRTN) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 16β versus Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. 's 1. 40β — meaning KNX is approximately 21% 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 54% for Werner Enterprises, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — SNDR or MRTN or KNX or WERN?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Schneider National, Inc.
(SNDR) is pulling ahead at 7. 3% versus -8. 3% for Marten Transport, Ltd. (MRTN). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Schneider National, Inc. grew EPS -10. 6% year-over-year, compared to -143. 6% for Werner Enterprises, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, KNX leads at 0. 2% 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 — SNDR or MRTN or KNX or WERN?
Marten Transport, Ltd.
(MRTN) is the more profitable company, earning 2. 0% net margin versus -0. 5% for Werner Enterprises, Inc. — meaning it keeps 2. 0% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: KNX leads at 3. 4% versus 1. 2% for MRTN. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — KNX leads at 28. 3%, 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 SNDR or MRTN or KNX or WERN more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.
(KNX) trades at 34. 3x forward P/E versus 54. 4x for Marten Transport, Ltd. — 20. 1x 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 — SNDR or MRTN or KNX or WERN?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Werner Enterprises, Inc. (WERN) offers the highest yield at 1. 5%, versus 1. 1% for Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. (KNX).
09Is SNDR or MRTN or KNX or WERN 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%, KNX: +156. 2%), 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 SNDR and MRTN and KNX and WERN?
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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