Heartland Express, Inc. (HTLD) vs Kforce Inc. (KFRC)

A side-by-side comparison of Heartland Express, Inc. and Kforce Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — HTLD vs KFRC

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
HTLD -33.9% (-4.1%/yr)KFRC +225.1% (+12.5%/yr)KFRC compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$66$325
HTLD KFRC

HTLD vs KFRC: by the numbers

  • •KFRC is the larger company ($922M vs $881M market cap).
  • •KFRC is profitable (2.71% net margin) while HTLD runs a net loss (-2.98%).
  • •HTLD grew revenue faster over the past five years (3.35% vs -1.99% CAGR).
  • •KFRC pays the higher dividend yield (3.07% vs 0.51%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricHTLDKFRC
P/E ratioN/A24.29
Forward P/E69.6120.29
P/S ratio1.200.69
P/B ratio1.177.46
EV / EBITDA10.2217.52
FCF yieldN/A2.45%

Profitability

MetricHTLDKFRC
Gross margin7.49%27.48%
Operating margin-6.67%4.04%
Net margin-2.98%2.71%
ROE-2.90%29.51%
ROIC-4.63%13.34%

Dividends

MetricHTLDKFRC
Dividend yield0.51%3.07%
Payout ratioN/A75.00%

Growth (annualized)

MetricHTLDKFRC
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.35%-1.99%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A-6.00%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A-25.93%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-5.79%-1.32%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, HTLD or KFRC?
Over the past five years, HTLD grew revenue faster — HTLD at a 3.35% CAGR versus KFRC at -1.99%.
Does HTLD or KFRC pay a bigger dividend?
HTLD yields 0.51% and KFRC yields 3.07% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is HTLD or KFRC more profitable?
KFRC runs the higher net margin — HTLD at -2.98% versus KFRC at 2.71%.
How have HTLD and KFRC total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, HTLD delivered -4.11% and KFRC delivered 12.49% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.