MetaCap

Landstar System (LSTR) vs ZTO Express (Cayman) (ZTO)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.

Summary

Landstar System (LSTR) has outperformed ZTO Express (Cayman) (ZTO) over the past year, gaining 29.4% versus a gain of 4.2%. Over five years, LSTR leads with a +4.4% price change compared with -36.3% for ZTO. ZTO Express (Cayman) is the larger company by market cap ($14.89 billion vs $5.75 billion), about 2.6 times the size.

On valuation, ZTO Express (Cayman) trades at a lower forward P/E (8.9x vs 22.1x for Landstar System). ZTO Express (Cayman) offers the higher dividend yield (13.45% vs 0.94%). ZTO Express (Cayman) converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 18.5% versus 2.4%.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

LSTR+29.42%ZTO+4.19%
+76%+32%-11%
Oct 8, 20251 yearOct 8, 2026
LSTR+9.19%ZTO-37.24%
+49%-2%-54%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

LSTR versus ZTO key metrics
MetricLSTRZTO
Share price$169.47$19.90
Market cap$5.75B$14.89B
1-day change+1.49%+0.51%
YTD return+17.93%-4.74%
1-year return+29.42%+4.19%
5-year return+4.36%-36.32%
P/E ratio (TTM)43.9010.87
Forward P/E22.108.89
EPS (TTM)$3.86$1.83
Dividend yield0.94%13.45%
Annual dividend$1.60$2.68
Revenue (latest FY)$4.74B$7.02B
Revenue growth (YoY)-1.57%+15.74%
Net income (latest FY)$115.01M$1.30B
Gross margin—24.99%
Operating margin3.20%21.33%
Net margin2.42%18.49%
52-week high$228.46$26.20
52-week low$121.12$18.11
Distance from 52-week high-25.82%-24.05%
Analyst consensusholdbuy
Avg. price target upside+12.26%+39.70%
Average volume425.76K2.25M
Shares outstanding33.94M542.17M
Employees1,30023,888
SectorIndustrialsIndustrials
IndustryTrucking Freight/Courier ServicesTrucking 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

  • ZTO Express (Cayman) is about 2.6 times larger than Landstar System by market value ($14.89B vs $5.75B).
  • LSTR has outperformed ZTO by 25.2 percentage points over the past year.
  • Landstar System trades at a higher earnings multiple (43.9x vs 10.9x trailing P/E).
  • ZTO Express (Cayman) offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (13.45% vs 0.94%).
  • ZTO Express (Cayman) is more profitable, keeping 18.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 2.4 cents for Landstar System.
  • ZTO Express (Cayman) grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+15.74% vs -1.57%).

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 ZTO Express (Cayman)

ZTO stock →

ZTO Express (Cayman) Inc. provides express delivery and other value-added logistics services in the People's Republic of China.

Industrials · Trucking Freight/Courier Services · 23,888 employees

LSTR vs ZTO FAQ

Which is bigger, Landstar System or ZTO Express (Cayman)?

ZTO Express (Cayman) (ZTO) is larger, with a market capitalization of $14.89B compared with $5.75B for Landstar System (LSTR).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, LSTR or ZTO?

LSTR returned +29.42% over the past 12 months, compared with +4.19% for ZTO (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, LSTR or ZTO?

ZTO has the lower trailing P/E at 10.9, versus 43.9 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 ZTO Express (Cayman)?

ZTO Express (Cayman) has the higher yield at 13.45%, compared with 0.94% for Landstar System.

Are Landstar System and ZTO Express (Cayman) in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Trucking Freight/Courier Services industry within the Industrials sector.

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