8-K

MARTEN TRANSPORT LTD (MRTN)

8-K 2024-04-18 For: 2024-04-18
View Original
Added on April 04, 2026

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):

April 18, 2024

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 0-15010 39-1140809
(State or other jurisdiction of<br> incorporation) (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer<br> Identification Number)
129 Marten Street<br> Mondovi, Wisconsin 54755
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(715) 926-4216

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable.

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class: Trading symbol: Name of each exchange on which registered:
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE MRTN THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET LLC (NASDAQ GLOBAL SELECT MARKET)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐


Section 2Financial Information

Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On April 18, 2024, the company issued a press release announcing financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. Attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 is a copy of the company’s press release dated April 18, 2024 announcing the company’s financial results for this period.

The press release also includes a discussion of operating revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue; and operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, with both amounts net of fuel surcharge revenue. The company provided these additional disclosures because management believes removing these items provide a more consistent basis for comparing results of operations from period to period. These financial measures in the press release have not been determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Pursuant to Regulation G, the company has included a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. For the discussion of operating revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue; and operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, with both amounts net of fuel surcharge revenue, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are operating revenue, and operating expenses divided by operating revenue, which are reconciled in the attached Exhibit 99.1.

The information contained in this report and the exhibit hereto shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

Section 7 – Regulation FD

Item 7.01.     Regulation FD Disclosure.

Representatives of the company make presentations at investor conferences and in other forums, and these presentations may include the information contained in Exhibit 99.2 attached to this current report on Form 8-K. A copy of the presentation slides containing such information that may be disclosed by the company is attached as Exhibit 99.2 to this report and the information set forth therein is incorporated herein by reference and constitutes a part of this report. The company expects to disclose the information contained in Exhibit 99.2, in whole or in part, and possibly with modifications, in connection with presentations to investors, analysts and others during 2024.

The company is furnishing the information contained in Exhibit 99.2 pursuant to Regulation FD and Item 7.01 of Form 8-K. The information in Exhibit 99.2 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

The information contained in Exhibit 99.2 is summary information that is intended to be considered in the context of the company’s SEC filings and other public announcements that the company may make, by press release or otherwise, from time to time. The company undertakes no duty or obligation to publicly update or revise the information contained in Exhibit 99.2, although it may do so from time to time as its management believes is warranted. Any such updating may be made through the filing of other reports or documents with the SEC, through press releases or through other public disclosure. By filing this current report on Form 8-K and furnishing this information, the company makes no admission as to the materiality of any information contained in this report, including Exhibit 99.2.


Section 9Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired.
Not Applicable.
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(b) Pro Forma Financial Information.
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Not Applicable.
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(c) Shell Company Transactions.
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Not Applicable.
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(d) Exhibits.
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Exhibit No. Description
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99.1 Press Release dated April 18, 2024 (included herewith).
99.2 Investor presentation slides used by Marten Transport, Ltd. (included herewith).
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.
Dated: April 18, 2024 By: /s/ James J. Hinnendael
James J. Hinnendael
Its: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

ex_654518.htm

Exhibit 99.1

MARTEN TRANSPORT ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER RESULTS

MONDOVI, Wis., April 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marten Transport, Ltd. (Nasdaq/GS:MRTN) today reported net income of $9.6 million, or 12 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024, compared with $22.5 million, or 28 cents per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2023.

Operating revenue was $249.7 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared with $298.0 million for the first quarter of 2023. Excluding fuel surcharges, operating revenue was $215.7 million for the 2024 quarter compared with $254.9 million for the 2023 quarter. Fuel surcharge revenue decreased to $33.9 million for the 2024 quarter from $43.1 million for the 2023 quarter.

Operating income was $12.3 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared with $29.0 million for the first quarter of 2023.

Operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue were 95.1% for the 2024 quarter and 90.3% for the 2023 quarter. Operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, with both amounts net of fuel surcharges, were 94.3% for the 2024 quarter and 88.6% for the 2023 quarter.

Executive Chairman Randolph L. Marten stated, “The freight market recession’s oversupply and weak demand, inflationary operating costs and cumulative impact of freight rate reductions and related freight network disruptions continue to significantly pressure our earnings. The value of our unique multifaceted business model is highlighted by the operating results for our dedicated and brokerage operations in the first quarter. Our operating results improved throughout the quarter after earning 2 cents per share in January, which was also impacted by widespread harsh winter weather.”

“We remain focused on minimizing the freight market’s impact on our operations while investing in and positioning our operations to capitalize on profitable organic growth opportunities, with fair compensation for our premium services, across each of our business operations for what comes next in the freight cycle as the market necessarily recovers from its current recessionary late stages. To that end, we have not agreed to rate reductions since last August.”

Current Investor Presentation

Marten Transport, with headquarters in Mondovi, Wis., is a multifaceted business offering a network of refrigerated and dry truck-based transportation capabilities across Marten’s five distinct business platforms - Truckload, Dedicated, Intermodal, Brokerage and MRTN de Mexico. Marten is one of the leading temperature-sensitive truckload carriers in the United States, specializing in transporting and distributing food, beverages and other consumer packaged goods that require a temperature-controlled or insulated environment. The Company offers service in the United States, Mexico and Canada, concentrating on expedited movements for high-volume customers. Marten’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol MRTN.

This press release contains certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include a discussion of Marten’s prospects for future growth and by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Important factors known to the Company that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements are discussed in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACTS: Tim Kohl, Chief Executive Officer, Doug Petit, President, and Jim Hinnendael, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of Marten Transport, Ltd., 715-926-4216.


MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31,
(In thousands, except share information) 2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 73,730 $ 53,213
Receivables:
Trade, net 105,247 105,501
Other 10,380 10,356
Prepaid expenses and other 24,665 27,512
Total current assets 214,022 196,582
Property and equipment:
Revenue equipment, buildings and land, office equipment and other 1,155,649 1,162,336
Accumulated depreciation (378,151 ) (370,103 )
Net property and equipment 777,498 792,233
Other noncurrent assets 1,499 1,524
Total assets 993,019 $ 990,339
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable 37,728 $ 36,516
Insurance and claims accruals 44,297 47,017
Accrued and other current liabilities 29,417 26,709
Total current liabilities 111,442 110,242
Deferred income taxes 118,946 122,462
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 202 249
Total liabilities 230,590 232,953
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, .01 par value per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding - -
Common stock, .01 par value per share; 192,000,000 shares authorized; 81,362,709 shares at March 31, 2024, and 81,312,168 shares at December 31, 2023, issued and outstanding 814 813
Additional paid-in capital 50,066 49,789
Retained earnings 711,549 706,784
Total stockholders’ equity 762,429 757,386
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 993,019 $ 990,339

All values are in US Dollars.


MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

Three Months
Ended March 31,
(In thousands, except per share information) 2024 2023
Operating revenue $ 249,672 $ 298,023
Operating expenses (income):
Salaries, wages and benefits 88,762 98,516
Purchased transportation 41,814 54,103
Fuel and fuel taxes 39,561 46,796
Supplies and maintenance 16,070 15,987
Depreciation 28,527 29,530
Operating taxes and licenses 2,575 2,768
Insurance and claims 11,657 15,070
Communications and utilities 2,371 2,531
Gain on disposition of revenue equipment (1,171 ) (5,246 )
Other 7,256 8,958
Total operating expenses 237,422 269,013
Operating income 12,250 29,010
Other (796 ) (844 )
Income before income taxes 13,046 29,854
Income taxes expense 3,400 7,352
Net income $ 9,646 $ 22,502
Basic earnings per common share $ 0.12 $ 0.28
Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.12 $ 0.28
Dividends declared per common share $ 0.06 $ 0.06

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

Dollar Percentage
Change Change
Three Months Three Months Three Months
Ended Ended Ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
(Dollars in thousands) 2024 2023 2024 vs. 2023 2024 vs. 2023
Operating revenue:
Truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue $ 95,022 $ 102,320 $ (7,298 ) (7.1 )%
Truckload fuel surcharge revenue 16,529 18,306 (1,777 ) (9.7 )
Total Truckload revenue 111,551 120,626 (9,075 ) (7.5 )
Dedicated revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue 71,738 86,831 (15,093 ) (17.4 )
Dedicated fuel surcharge revenue 14,722 19,618 (4,896 ) (25.0 )
Total Dedicated revenue 86,460 106,449 (19,989 ) (18.8 )
Intermodal revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue 13,281 23,401 (10,120 ) (43.2 )
Intermodal fuel surcharge revenue 2,691 5,188 (2,497 ) (48.1 )
Total Intermodal revenue 15,972 28,589 (12,617 ) (44.1 )
Brokerage revenue 35,689 42,359 (6,670 ) (15.7 )
Total operating revenue $ 249,672 $ 298,023 $ (48,351 ) (16.2 )%
Operating income/(loss):
Truckload $ 489 $ 10,041 $ (9,552 ) (95.1 )%
Dedicated 9,258 13,684 (4,426 ) (32.3 )
Intermodal (194 ) 787 (981 ) (124.7 )
Brokerage 2,697 4,498 (1,801 ) (40.0 )
Total operating income $ 12,250 $ 29,010 $ (16,760 ) (57.8 )%
Operating ratio:
Truckload 99.6 % 91.7 %
Dedicated 89.3 87.1
Intermodal 101.2 97.2
Brokerage 92.4 89.4
Consolidated operating ratio 95.1 % 90.3 %
Operating ratio, net of fuel surcharges:
Truckload 99.5 % 90.2 %
Dedicated 87.1 84.2
Intermodal 101.5 96.6
Brokerage 92.4 89.4
Consolidated operating ratio, net of fuel surcharges 94.3 % 88.6 %

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

OPERATING STATISTICS

(Unaudited)

Three Months
Ended March 31,
2024 2023
Truckload Segment:
Revenue (in thousands) $ 111,551 $ 120,626
Average revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per tractor per week^(1)^ $ 3,996 $ 4,571
Average tractors^(1)^ 1,830 1,741
Average miles per trip 537 510
Non-revenue miles percentage^(2)^ 12.6 % 12.7 %
Total miles (in thousands) 39,703 38,237
Dedicated Segment:
Revenue (in thousands) $ 86,460 $ 106,449
Average revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per tractor per week^(1)^ $ 3,781 $ 3,960
Average tractors^(1)^ 1,459 1,705
Average miles per trip 329 333
Non-revenue miles percentage^(2)^ 1.1 % 1.1 %
Total miles (in thousands) 29,080 34,076
Intermodal Segment:
Revenue (in thousands) $ 15,972 $ 28,589
Loads 4,589 7,277
Average tractors 126 180
Brokerage Segment:
Revenue (in thousands) $ 35,689 $ 42,359
Loads 20,061 20,688
At March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023:
Total tractors^(1)^ 3,406 3,571
Average age of company tractors (in years) 1.9 1.7
Total trailers 5,619 5,741
Average age of company trailers (in years) 4.8 4.1
Ratio of trailers to tractors^(1)^ 1.6 1.6
Total refrigerated containers 787 802
Three Months
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Ended March 31,
(In thousands) 2024 2023
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 45,722 $ 49,232
Net cash (used for) investing activities (20,249 ) (28,280 )
Net cash (used for) financing activities (4,956 ) (5,264 )
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 81,350 81,210
Diluted 81,437 81,376
(1) Includes tractors driven by both company-employed drivers and independent contractors. Independent contractors provided 96 and 95 tractors as of March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
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(2) Represents the percentage of miles for which the company is not compensated.

Image Exhibit

Exhibit 99.2

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