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Sep 30, 2023

Marten Transport Q3 2023 Earnings Report

Reported a decrease in net income and operating revenue due to weak demand, reduced freight rates, and inflationary operating costs.

Key Takeaways

Marten Transport reported a decrease in net income to $13.6 million, or 17 cents per diluted share, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2023, compared to $25.6 million, or 32 cents per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2022. Operating revenue also decreased to $279.5 million from $324.4 million in the same quarter last year. The company faced pressure from industry-wide weak demand, reduced freight rates, and inflationary operating costs.

Net income decreased to $13.6 million, or 17 cents per diluted share, compared to $25.6 million, or 32 cents per diluted share in Q3 2022.

Operating revenue decreased to $279.5 million compared to $324.4 million in Q3 2022.

Excluding fuel surcharges, operating revenue was $239.1 million compared to $269.3 million in Q3 2022.

The company is focused on minimizing the impact of the current freight market and positioning its premium service solutions for profitable organic growth.

Total Revenue
$280M
Previous year: $324M
-13.8%
EPS
$0.17
Previous year: $0.32
-46.9%
Gross Profit
$41.6M
Previous year: $59.7M
-30.3%
Cash and Equivalents
$68.1M
Previous year: $71.5M
-4.8%
Total Assets
$997M
Previous year: $939M
+6.2%

Marten Transport

Marten Transport

Forward Guidance

Marten Transport is focused on minimizing the current freight market’s impact on operations, and investing in and positioning their premium service solutions to capitalize on profitable organic growth opportunities as the market recovers.

Positive Outlook

  • Positioning for profitable organic growth
  • Investing in premium service solutions
  • Focus on fair compensation for services
  • Minimizing freight market impact
  • No rate reductions since early August

Challenges Ahead

  • Weak demand
  • Reduced freight rates
  • Inflationary operating costs
  • Freight market recession
  • Increased mile-adjusted net fuel expense