📊 MRTN Key Takeaways
Is MRTN a Good Investment? Thesis Analysis
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.
Why Buy 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
MRTN Investment Risks to Consider
- 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
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
MRTN Financial Metrics
💡 AI Analyst Insight
MARTEN TRANSPORT LTD presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.
MRTN Profitability Ratios
MRTN vs Default Sector
How MARTEN TRANSPORT LTD compares to Default sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is MRTN Overvalued or Undervalued?
Based on fundamental analysis, MARTEN TRANSPORT LTD has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Default 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.
MRTN Balance Sheet & Liquidity
MRTN 5-Year Financial Trend & Growth Analysis
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 Growth Metrics (YoY)
MRTN Quarterly 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.
MRTN Capital Allocation
MRTN SEC 10-K & 10-Q Filing 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 an AI rating of HOLD with 62% 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.
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.
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 62% 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: 15%), net margin of 2.0% (sector avg: 12%). 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 Default stocks?
Vs Default sector averages: Net margin 2.0% (avg: 12%), ROE 2.3% (avg: 15%), current ratio 1.86 (avg: 1.8).