MRTN
Marten Transport, Ltd.
Trucking
Market Cap$1.24B
5Y Perf.-11.3%
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Stock Comparison
MRTN vs JBHT
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
JBHT
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
Integrated Freight & Logistics
Market Cap$22.91B
5Y Perf.+102.4%
MRTN vs JBHT — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | MRTN | JBHT |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Trucking | Integrated Freight & Logistics |
| Market Cap | $1.24B | $22.91B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $884M | $12.00B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $17M | $598M |
| Gross Margin | 5.7% | 14.0% |
| Operating Margin | 1.2% | 7.2% |
| Forward P/E | 54.4x | 33.0x |
| Total Debt | $388K | $1.47B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $43M | $17M |
MRTN vs JBHT — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
MRTN
JBHT
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marten Transport, L… (MRTN) | 100 | 88.7 | -11.3% |
| J.B. Hunt Transport… (JBHT) | 100 | 202.4 | +102.4% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: MRTN vs JBHT
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: JBHT leads in 6 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. Marten Transport, Ltd. is the stronger pick specifically for dividend income and shareholder returns. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
MRTN
Marten Transport, Ltd.
The Defensive Pick
MRTN is the clearest fit if your priority is sleep-well-at-night and defensive.
- Lower volatility, beta 1.16, Low D/E 0.1%, current ratio 1.86x
- Beta 1.16, yield 1.2%, current ratio 1.86x
- 1.2% yield, vs JBHT's 0.7%
Best for: sleep-well-at-night and defensive
JBHT
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
The Income Pick
JBHT carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 12 yrs, beta 1.07, yield 0.7%
- Rev growth -0.7%, EPS growth 10.1%, 3Y rev CAGR -6.8%
- 203.9% 10Y total return vs MRTN's 144.8%
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | JBHT | -0.7% revenue growth vs MRTN's -8.3% |
| Value | JBHT | Lower P/E (33.0x vs 54.4x) |
| Quality / Margins | JBHT | 5.0% margin vs MRTN's 2.0% |
| Stability / Safety | JBHT | Beta 1.07 vs MRTN's 1.16 |
| Dividends | MRTN | 1.2% yield, vs JBHT's 0.7% |
| Momentum (1Y) | JBHT | +83.5% vs MRTN's +21.2% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | JBHT | 7.5% ROA vs MRTN's 1.8%, ROIC 12.0% vs 1.1% |
MRTN vs JBHT — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
MRTN vs JBHT — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLJBHTLAGGINGMRTN
MRTNMarten Transport, Ltd.
1leads
JBHTJ.B. Hunt Transport S…
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs MRTNMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
JBHT6/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
MRTN3/5
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
JBHT5/8
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
JBHT5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
JBHT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
JBHT is the larger business by revenue, generating $12.0B annually — 13.6x MRTN's $884M. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 5.0% (JBHT) to 2.0% (MRTN). On growth, JBHT holds the edge at -1.6% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | MRTNMarten Transport,… | JBHTJ.B. Hunt Transpo… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $884M | $12.0B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $116M | $1.6B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $17M | $598M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$51M | $948M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +5.7% | +14.0% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +1.2% | +7.2% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +2.0% | +5.0% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -5.8% | +7.9% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -8.8% | -1.6% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -34.4% | +24.2% |
JBHT leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
MRTN leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 39.6x trailing earnings, JBHT trades at a 45% valuation discount to MRTN's 72.1x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, MRTN's 10.3x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than JBHT's 15.4x.
| Metric | MRTNMarten Transport,… | JBHTJ.B. Hunt Transpo… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $1.2B | $22.9B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $1.2B | $24.4B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 72.10x | 39.57x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 54.36x | 33.04x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 7.55x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 10.26x | 15.42x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 1.40x | 1.91x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.61x | 6.64x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | 24.18x |
MRTN leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
JBHT leads this category, winning 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
JBHT delivers a 16.8% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $17 in annual profit, vs $2 for MRTN. MRTN carries lower financial leverage with a 0.00x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to JBHT's 0.41x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), JBHT scores 7/9 vs MRTN's 4/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | MRTNMarten Transport,… | JBHTJ.B. Hunt Transpo… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +2.3% | +16.8% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +1.8% | +7.5% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +1.1% | +12.0% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +1.3% | +13.5% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 4 | 7 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.00x | 0.41x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$43M | $1.4B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $43M | $17M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $388,000 | $1.5B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | — | 12.19x |
JBHT leads this category, winning 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
JBHT leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in JBHT five years ago would be worth $14,024 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $9,475 for MRTN. Over the past 12 months, JBHT leads with a +83.5% total return vs MRTN's +21.2%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors JBHT at 11.5% vs MRTN's -8.3% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | MRTNMarten Transport,… | JBHTJ.B. Hunt Transpo… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +32.8% | +23.3% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +21.2% | +83.5% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -22.9% | +38.8% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -5.3% | +40.2% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +144.8% | +203.9% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -8.3% | +11.5% |
JBHT leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — MRTN and JBHT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
JBHT is the less volatile stock with a 1.07 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than MRTN's 1.16 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. MRTN currently trades 98.2% from its 52-week high vs JBHT's 94.5% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | MRTNMarten Transport,… | JBHTJ.B. Hunt Transpo… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.16x | 1.07x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $15.42 | $256.18 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $9.35 | $130.12 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +98.2% | +94.5% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 63.1 | 58.0 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 750K | 902K |
Evenly matched — MRTN and JBHT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — MRTN and JBHT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates MRTN as "Hold" and JBHT as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 48.6% upside for MRTN (target: $23) vs -7.1% for JBHT (target: $225). For income investors, MRTN offers the higher dividend yield at 1.19% vs JBHT's 0.72%.
| Metric | MRTNMarten Transport,… | JBHTJ.B. Hunt Transpo… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $22.50 | $224.88 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 13 | 45 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.2% | +0.7% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 12 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.18 | $1.75 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Evenly matched — MRTN and JBHT each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
JBHT leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). MRTN leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics). 2 tied.
Best OverallJ.B. Hunt Transport Service… (JBHT)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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MRTN vs JBHT: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is MRTN or JBHT a better buy right now?
For growth investors, J.
B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) is the stronger pick with -0. 7% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -8. 3% for Marten Transport, Ltd. (MRTN). J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) offers the better valuation at 39. 6x trailing P/E (33. 0x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) a "Buy" — based on 45 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — MRTN or JBHT?
On trailing P/E, J.
B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) is the cheapest at 39. 6x versus Marten Transport, Ltd. at 72. 1x. On forward P/E, J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. is actually cheaper at 33. 0x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — MRTN or JBHT?
Over the past 5 years, J.
B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) delivered a total return of +40. 2%, compared to -5. 3% for Marten Transport, Ltd. (MRTN). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: JBHT returned +203. 9% versus MRTN's +144. 8%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — MRTN or JBHT?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), J.
B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 07β versus Marten Transport, Ltd. 's 1. 16β — meaning MRTN is approximately 9% more volatile than JBHT relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Marten Transport, Ltd. (MRTN) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 0% versus 41% for J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — MRTN or JBHT?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), J.
B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) is pulling ahead at -0. 7% versus -8. 3% for Marten Transport, Ltd. (MRTN). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. grew EPS 10. 1% year-over-year, compared to -36. 4% for Marten Transport, Ltd.. Over a 3-year CAGR, JBHT leads at -6. 8% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — MRTN or JBHT?
J.
B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) is the more profitable company, earning 5. 0% net margin versus 2. 0% for Marten Transport, Ltd. — meaning it keeps 5. 0% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: JBHT leads at 7. 2% versus 1. 2% for MRTN. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — JBHT leads at 10. 5%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is MRTN or JBHT more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, J.
B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) trades at 33. 0x forward P/E versus 54. 4x for Marten Transport, Ltd. — 21. 3x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for MRTN: 48. 6% to $22. 50.
08Which pays a better dividend — MRTN or JBHT?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Marten Transport, Ltd. (MRTN) offers the highest yield at 1. 2%, versus 0. 7% for J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT).
09Is MRTN or JBHT better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, J.
B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 1. 07), 0. 7% yield, +203. 9% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (JBHT: +203. 9%, MRTN: +144. 8%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between MRTN and JBHT?
Both stocks operate in the Industrials sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(MRTN: -8.8% · JBHT: -1.6%)P/E Ratio<
x
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