Landstar System (LSTR) vs Saia (SAIA)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Landstar System (LSTR) has outperformed Saia (SAIA) over the past year, gaining 34.7% versus a gain of 9.5%. Over five years, SAIA leads with a +28.0% price change compared with +2.8% for LSTR. Saia is the larger company by market cap ($8.97 billion vs $5.72 billion), about 1.6 times the size.
On valuation, Landstar System trades at a lower forward P/E (22.0x vs 23.7x for Saia). Landstar System pays a dividend yielding 0.95%, while Saia does not currently pay one. Saia converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 7.9% versus 2.4%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | LSTR | SAIA |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $168.44 | $337.23 |
| Market cap | $5.72B | $8.97B |
| 1-day change | +0.87% | +0.75% |
| YTD return | +16.20% | +2.51% |
| 1-year return | +34.72% | +9.54% |
| 5-year return | +2.83% | +27.97% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 43.64 | 32.55 |
| Forward P/E | 21.97 | 23.68 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.86 | $10.36 |
| Dividend yield | 0.95% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $1.60 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $4.74B | $3.23B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -1.57% | +0.79% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $115.01M | $255.04M |
| Operating margin | 3.20% | 10.89% |
| Net margin | 2.42% | 7.89% |
| 52-week high | $228.46 | $494.71 |
| 52-week low | $121.12 | $249.32 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -26.27% | -31.83% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +12.95% | +26.78% |
| Average volume | 425.76K | 426.50K |
| Shares outstanding | 33.94M | 26.61M |
| Employees | 1,300 | 13,734 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Trucking Freight/Courier Services | Trucking Freight/Courier Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- LSTR has outperformed SAIA by 25.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Landstar System trades at a higher earnings multiple (43.6x vs 32.6x trailing P/E).
- Saia is more profitable, keeping 7.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 2.4 cents for Landstar System.
About Landstar System
LSTR stock →Landstar System, Inc. provides transportation management solutions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and internationally.
Industrials · Trucking Freight/Courier Services · 1,300 employees
About Saia
SAIA stock →Saia, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a transportation company in North America. The company provides less-than-truckload services for shipments between 100 and 10,000 pounds.
Industrials · Trucking Freight/Courier Services · 13,734 employees
LSTR vs SAIA FAQ
Which is bigger, Landstar System or Saia?
Saia (SAIA) is larger, with a market capitalization of $8.97B compared with $5.72B for Landstar System (LSTR).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, LSTR or SAIA?
LSTR returned +34.72% over the past 12 months, compared with +9.54% for SAIA (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, LSTR or SAIA?
SAIA has the lower trailing P/E at 32.6, versus 43.6 for LSTR. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Landstar System or Saia?
Landstar System pays a dividend yielding 0.95%, while Saia does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Landstar System and Saia in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Trucking Freight/Courier Services industry within the Industrials sector.