📊 MRTN Key Takeaways
Is Marten Transport Ltd. (MRTN) a Good Investment?
Marten Transport demonstrates solid financial health with strong liquidity, minimal leverage, and positive free cash flow generation, but is hampered by deteriorating operational performance with declining revenue and earnings. The 8.3% revenue contraction and 35.2% net income decline signal cyclical headwinds in the trucking sector that warrant caution despite fortress-like balance sheet fundamentals.
Marten’s fundamentals reflect a cyclical downturn with revenue down 8.3% and sharp margin compression driving a 35% decline in net income. Offsetting this, the balance sheet is near debt-free with strong liquidity and solid operating cash generation (reported 10.6% FCF margin), providing resilience. Given weaker profitability and uncertainty around true FCF after fleet capex, a neutral stance is prudent until operating metrics improve.
Why Buy Marten Transport Ltd. Stock? MRTN Key Strengths
- Exceptional balance sheet with debt/equity of 0.01x and minimal long-term debt of $7.9M
- Strong liquidity position with 1.86x current ratio and $43.3M in cash
- Robust free cash flow generation of $93.5M with 10.6% FCF margin demonstrating cash conversion ability
- Solid stockholders' equity of $767.6M providing substantial financial flexibility
- Near-zero leverage (0.01x D/E) and minimal interest burden
- Strong liquidity with 1.86x current/quick ratios
- Healthy operating cash flow; reported 10.6% FCF margin
MRTN Stock Risks: Marten Transport Ltd. Investment Risks
- Significant revenue decline of 8.3% YoY indicating sector weakness or competitive pressure
- Severe earnings deterioration with net income down 35.2% YoY and EPS declining 36.4% YoY
- Razor-thin net margin of 2.0% and operating margin of 2.0% leaving minimal room for operational disruptions
- Weak return metrics with ROE of 2.3% and ROA of 1.8% suggesting inefficient capital deployment
- Revenue contraction (-8.3% YoY) and net income down 35.2%
- Thin margins (2.6% operating, 2.0% net) vulnerable to fuel, labor, and pricing pressure
- Fleet capex needs could reduce FCF materially (CapEx data N/A)
Key Metrics to Watch
- Quarterly revenue trends to confirm if YoY decline is stabilizing or accelerating
- Operating margin progression to assess pricing power and cost control in competitive environment
- Free cash flow sustainability as earnings deteriorate to ensure dividend/investment capacity
- Fleet utilization and pricing rates as leading indicators of industry cycle direction
- Operating margin (operating ratio)
- Free cash flow after maintenance CapEx (CapEx/OCF)
Marten Transport Ltd. (MRTN) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
Marten Transport Ltd. presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.
MRTN Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
MRTN vs Automotive Sector: How Marten Transport Ltd. Compares
How Marten Transport Ltd. compares to Automotive sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Marten Transport Ltd. Stock Overvalued? MRTN Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Marten Transport Ltd. has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Automotive sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Marten Transport Ltd. Balance Sheet: MRTN Debt, Cash & Liquidity
MRTN Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Marten Transport Ltd.'s revenue has grown significantly by 16% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $0.86 reflects profitable operations.
MRTN Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
MRTN Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $220.5M | $2.2M | $0.03 |
| Q2 2025 | $229.9M | $4.3M | $0.09 |
| Q1 2025 | $223.2M | $4.3M | $0.05 |
| Q3 2024 | $237.4M | $3.8M | $0.05 |
| Q2 2024 | $246.2M | $7.9M | $0.10 |
| Q1 2024 | $249.7M | $9.6M | $0.12 |
| Q3 2023 | $279.5M | $13.6M | $0.17 |
| Q2 2023 | $285.7M | $21.9M | $0.27 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Marten Transport Ltd. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
MRTN SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Marten Transport Ltd. (CIK: 0000799167)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about MRTN
What is the AI rating for MRTN?
Marten Transport Ltd. (MRTN) has a Combined AI Rating of HOLD from Claude (HOLD) and ChatGPT (HOLD) with 64% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are MRTN's key strengths?
Claude: Exceptional balance sheet with debt/equity of 0.01x and minimal long-term debt of $7.9M. Strong liquidity position with 1.86x current ratio and $43.3M in cash. ChatGPT: Near-zero leverage (0.01x D/E) and minimal interest burden. Strong liquidity with 1.86x current/quick ratios.
What are the risks of investing in MRTN?
Claude: Significant revenue decline of 8.3% YoY indicating sector weakness or competitive pressure. Severe earnings deterioration with net income down 35.2% YoY and EPS declining 36.4% YoY. ChatGPT: Revenue contraction (-8.3% YoY) and net income down 35.2%. Thin margins (2.6% operating, 2.0% net) vulnerable to fuel, labor, and pricing pressure.
What is MRTN's revenue and growth?
Marten Transport Ltd. reported revenue of $883.7M.
Does MRTN pay dividends?
Marten Transport Ltd. pays dividends, with $19.6M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find MRTN SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Marten Transport Ltd. (CIK: 0000799167) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is MRTN's EPS?
Marten Transport Ltd. has a diluted EPS of $0.21.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is MRTN a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Marten Transport Ltd. has a HOLD rating with 64% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is MRTN stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for MRTN: ROE of 2.3% (sector avg: 12%), net margin of 2.0% (sector avg: 6%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy MRTN stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Marten Transport Ltd. a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is MRTN's free cash flow?
Marten Transport Ltd.'s operating cash flow is $93.5M, with capital expenditures of N/A. FCF margin is 10.6%.
How does MRTN compare to other Automotive stocks?
Vs Automotive sector averages: Net margin 2.0% (avg: 6%), ROE 2.3% (avg: 12%), current ratio 1.86 (avg: 1.2).