📊 MRTN Key Takeaways
Is Marten Transport Ltd. (MRTN) a Good Investment?
Marten Transport is experiencing severe operational deterioration with revenue declining 8.3% YoY and net income collapsing 35.2% YoY, resulting in razor-thin operating (0.8%) and net margins (0.7%). While the balance sheet remains fortress-like with minimal debt and strong liquidity, the fundamental business performance suggests significant competitive or cyclical headwinds that require immediate operational restructuring.
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
- Conservative balance sheet with 0.01x debt-to-equity ratio and only $7.9M long-term debt
- Strong liquidity position with 2.08x current ratio and $69.8M cash provides financial flexibility
- Positive free cash flow of $33.0M with 16.2% FCF margin despite collapsing net profitability
- 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
- Revenue declining 8.3% YoY indicates loss of market share or significant reduction in freight demand
- Net income down 35.2% YoY with operating margin compressed to 0.8% signals severe operational stress
- Profitability collapse to near break-even (0.7% net margin, 0.2% ROE) suggests structural business challenges in competitive trucking sector
- 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 stabilization - critical to confirm whether decline has bottomed
- Operating margin trajectory - must improve above 2% to demonstrate sustainable operations
- Free cash flow conversion quality - monitor if FCF generation is from operations or asset liquidation
- Operating margin (operating ratio)
- Free cash flow after maintenance CapEx (CapEx/OCF)
Marten Transport Ltd. (MRTN) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
Strong liquidity with a 2.08x current ratio provides a solid financial cushion.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $203.5M | $1.4M | $0.02 |
| 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 |
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 SELL from Claude (SELL) and ChatGPT (HOLD) with 72% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are MRTN's key strengths?
Claude: Conservative balance sheet with 0.01x debt-to-equity ratio and only $7.9M long-term debt. Strong liquidity position with 2.08x current ratio and $69.8M cash provides financial flexibility. 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: Revenue declining 8.3% YoY indicates loss of market share or significant reduction in freight demand. Net income down 35.2% YoY with operating margin compressed to 0.8% signals severe operational stress. 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 $203.5M.
Does MRTN pay dividends?
Marten Transport Ltd. pays dividends, with $4.9M 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 $0.02.
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 May 2026, Marten Transport Ltd. has a SELL rating with 72% 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 0.2% (sector avg: 12%), net margin of 0.7% (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 SELL 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 $33.0M, with capital expenditures of N/A. FCF margin is 16.2%.
How does MRTN compare to other Automotive stocks?
Vs Automotive sector averages: Net margin 0.7% (avg: 6%), ROE 0.2% (avg: 12%), current ratio 2.08 (avg: 1.2).