false 0000799167 0000799167 2024-01-25 2024-01-25
 
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):
January 25, 2024

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
0-15010
 
39-1140809
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)
 
(Commission File Number)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
129 Marten Street
Mondovi, Wisconsin
 
54755
(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)
 
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
 
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
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 MRTN THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET LLC
$.01 PER SHARE   (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 2 Financial Information
 
Item 2.02.  Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
 
On January 25, 2024, the company issued a press release announcing financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023. Attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 is a copy of the company’s press release dated January 25, 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 9 Financial Statements and Exhibits
 
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
  (a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired.
     
    Not Applicable.
     
  (b)  Pro Forma Financial Information.
     
    Not Applicable.
     
  (c) Shell Company Transactions.
     
    Not Applicable.
     
  (d) Exhibits.
 
 
Exhibit No.
Description
     
 
99.1
 
99.2
 
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: January 25, 2024
By
/s/ James J. Hinnendael
James J. Hinnendael
Its: Executive Vice President and
    Chief Financial Officer  
 
2

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 MARTEN TRANSPORT ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR END RESULTS

 

MONDOVI, Wis., January 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marten Transport, Ltd. (Nasdaq/GS:MRTN) today reported net income of $12.4 million, or 15 cents per diluted share, for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared with $25.5 million, or 31 cents per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, net income was $70.4 million, or 86 cents per diluted share, compared with $110.4 million, or $1.35 per diluted share, for 2022.

 

Operating revenue was $268.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared with $322.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Excluding fuel surcharges, operating revenue was $229.4 million for the 2023 quarter compared with $269.7 million for the 2022 quarter. Fuel surcharge revenue decreased to $38.8 million for the 2023 quarter from $52.9 million for the 2022 quarter.

 

Operating revenue was $1.131 billion for 2023 compared with $1.264 billion for 2022. Excluding fuel surcharges, operating revenue was $972.0 million for 2023 compared with $1.053 billion for 2022. Fuel surcharge revenue decreased to $159.4 million for 2023 from $210.4 million for 2022.

 

Operating income was $15.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2023 compared with $32.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. Operating income was $90.1 million for 2023 compared with $143.3 million for 2022.

 

Operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue were 94.2% for the 2023 quarter and 89.8% for the 2022 quarter. Operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, with both amounts net of fuel surcharges, were 93.2% for the 2023 quarter and 87.8% for the 2022 quarter.

 

Operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue were 92.0% for 2023 and 88.7% for 2022. Operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, with both amounts net of fuel surcharges, were 90.7% for 2023 and 86.4% for 2022.

 

Executive Chairman Randolph L. Marten stated, “This quarter’s earnings were heavily pressured by the freight market recession’s weak demand and oversupply, inflationary operating costs, and cumulative impact of decreased freight rates leading to freight network disruptions. Additionally, our higher insurance and claims and health insurance expense and less revenue equipment gains reduced our operating income by $4.8 million, or 4.4 cents per diluted share, from this year’s third quarter.”

 

“We remain focused on both minimizing the freight market’s impact on our operations, and investing in and positioning our operations to capitalize on profitable organic growth opportunities as the market moves toward equilibrium from its current recessionary late stages - with fair compensation for our premium services. Accordingly, we have not agreed to any 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, 2022. 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,

   

December 31,

 

(In thousands, except share information)

 

2023

   

2022

 
   

(Unaudited)

         

ASSETS

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 53,213     $ 80,600  

Receivables:

               

Trade, net

    105,501       120,702  

Other

    10,356       7,218  

Prepaid expenses and other

    27,512       27,320  

Total current assets

    196,582       235,840  
                 

Property and equipment:

               

Revenue equipment, buildings and land, office equipment and other

    1,162,336       1,074,832  

Accumulated depreciation

    (370,103

)

    (346,665

)

Net property and equipment

    792,233       728,167  

Other noncurrent assets

    1,524       1,672  

Total assets

  $ 990,339     $ 965,679  
                 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

               

Current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 36,516     $ 37,299  

Insurance and claims accruals

    47,017       45,747  

Accrued and other current liabilities

    26,709       41,264  

Total current liabilities

    110,242       124,310  

Deferred income taxes

    122,462       137,041  

Noncurrent operating lease liabilities

    249       409  

Total liabilities

    232,953       261,760  
                 

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; 81,312,168 shares at December 31, 2023, and 81,115,132 shares at December 31, 2022, issued and outstanding

    813       811  

Additional paid-in capital

    49,789       47,188  

Retained earnings

    706,784       655,920  

Total stockholders’ equity

    757,386       703,919  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  $ 990,339     $ 965,679  

 

 

 

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

   

Three Months

   

Year

 
   

Ended December 31,

   

Ended December 31,

 

(In thousands, except per share information)

 

2023

   

2022

   

2023

   

2022

 
                                 

Operating revenue

  $ 268,222     $ 322,584     $ 1,131,455     $ 1,263,878  
                                 

Operating expenses (income):

                               

Salaries, wages and benefits

    91,350       104,722       378,818       390,304  

Purchased transportation

    47,259       60,599       199,334       249,792  

Fuel and fuel taxes

    42,731       55,567       180,437       218,571  

Supplies and maintenance

    16,120       15,180       67,411       55,700  

Depreciation

    28,748       29,625       116,722       111,014  

Operating taxes and licenses

    2,708       2,712       11,053       10,763  

Insurance and claims

    15,209       12,417       56,014       50,513  

Communications and utilities

    2,524       2,538       10,149       9,177  

Gain on disposition of revenue equipment

    (1,802

)

    (2,957

)

    (13,612

)

    (13,379

)

Other

    7,718       9,398       35,019       38,079  
                                 

Total operating expenses

    252,565       289,801       1,041,345       1,120,534  
                                 

Operating income

    15,657       32,783       90,110       143,344  
                                 

Other

    (868

)

    (520

)

    (3,806

)

    (827

)

                                 

Income before income taxes

    16,525       33,303       93,916       144,171  
                                 

Income taxes expense

    4,126       7,789       23,543       33,817  
                                 

Net income

  $ 12,399     $ 25,514     $ 70,373     $ 110,354  
                                 

Basic earnings per common share

  $ 0.15     $ 0.31     $ 0.87     $ 1.35  
                                 

Diluted earnings per common share

  $ 0.15     $ 0.31     $ 0.86     $ 1.35  
                                 

Dividends declared per common share

  $ 0.06     $ 0.06     $ 0.24     $ 0.24  

 

 

 

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

 

                   

Dollar

   

Percentage

 
                   

Change

   

Change

 
   

Three Months

   

Three Months

   

Three Months

 
   

Ended

   

Ended

   

Ended

 
   

December 31,

   

December 31,

   

December 31,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2023

   

2022

   

2023 vs. 2022

   

2023 vs. 2022

 

Operating revenue:

                               

Truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue

  $ 95,461     $ 108,565     $ (13,104

)

    (12.1

)%

Truckload fuel surcharge revenue

    18,023       22,759       (4,736

)

    (20.8

)

Total Truckload revenue

    113,484       131,324       (17,840

)

    (13.6

)

                                 

Dedicated revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue

    77,731       87,985       (10,254

)

    (11.7

)

Dedicated fuel surcharge revenue

    17,310       23,775       (6,465

)

    (27.2

)

Total Dedicated revenue

    95,041       111,760       (16,719

)

    (15.0

)

                                 

Intermodal revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue

    15,610       22,863       (7,253

)

    (31.7

)

Intermodal fuel surcharge revenue

    3,467       6,390       (2,923

)

    (45.7

)

Total Intermodal revenue

    19,077       29,253       (10,176

)

    (34.8

)

                                 

Brokerage revenue

    40,620       50,247       (9,627

)

    (19.2

)

                                 

Total operating revenue

  $ 268,222     $ 322,584     $ (54,362

)

    (16.9

)%

                                 

Operating income:

                               

Truckload

  $ 2,487     $ 13,414     $ (10,927

)

    (81.5

)%

Dedicated

    9,234       12,877       (3,643

)

    (28.3

)

Intermodal

    296       728       (432

)

    (59.3

)

Brokerage

    3,640       5,764       (2,124

)

    (36.8

)

Total operating income

  $ 15,657     $ 32,783     $ (17,126

)

    (52.2

)%

                                 

Operating ratio:

                               

Truckload

    97.8

%

    89.8

%

               

Dedicated

    90.3       88.5                  

Intermodal

    98.4       97.5                  

Brokerage

    91.0       88.5                  

Consolidated operating ratio

    94.2

%

    89.8

%

               
                                 

Operating ratio, net of fuel surcharges:

                               

Truckload

    97.4

%

    87.6

%

               

Dedicated

    88.1       85.4                  

Intermodal

    98.1       96.8                  

Brokerage

    91.0       88.5                  

Consolidated operating ratio, net of fuel surcharges

    93.2

%

    87.8

%

               

 

 

 

 

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

(Unaudited)

 

                   

Dollar

   

Percentage

 
                   

Change

   

Change

 
   

Year

   

Year

   

Year

 
   

Ended

   

Ended

   

Ended

 
   

December 31,

   

December 31,

   

December 31,

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2023

   

2022

   

2023 vs. 2022

   

2023 vs. 2022

 

Operating revenue:

                               

Truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue

  $ 395,565     $ 411,448     $ (15,883

)

    (3.9

)%

Truckload fuel surcharge revenue

    69,910       89,014       (19,104

)

    (21.5

)

Total Truckload revenue

    465,475       500,462       (34,987

)

    (7.0

)

                                 

Dedicated revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue

    334,962       336,973       (2,011

)

    (0.6

)

Dedicated fuel surcharge revenue

    73,310       92,119       (18,809

)

    (20.4

)

Total Dedicated revenue

    408,272       429,092       (20,820

)

    (4.9

)

                                 

Intermodal revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue

    75,887       100,452       (24,565

)

    (24.5

)

Intermodal fuel surcharge revenue

    16,191       29,313       (13,122

)

    (44.8

)

Total Intermodal revenue

    92,078       129,765       (37,687

)

    (29.0

)

                                 

Brokerage revenue

    165,630       204,559       (38,929

)

    (19.0

)

                                 

Total operating revenue

  $ 1,131,455     $ 1,263,878     $ (132,423

)

    (10.5

)%

                                 

Operating income/(loss):

                               

Truckload

  $ 24,835     $ 59,392     $ (34,557

)

    (58.2

)%

Dedicated

    48,377       50,566       (2,189

)

    (4.3

)

Intermodal

    (156

)

    10,639       (10,795

)

    (101.5

)

Brokerage

    17,054       22,747       (5,693

)

    (25.0

)

Total operating income

  $ 90,110     $ 143,344     $ (53,234

)

    (37.1

)%

                                 

Operating ratio:

                               

Truckload

    94.7

%

    88.1

%

               

Dedicated

    88.2       88.2                  

Intermodal

    100.2       91.8                  

Brokerage

    89.7       88.9                  

Consolidated operating ratio

    92.0

%

    88.7

%

               
                                 

Operating ratio, net of fuel surcharges:

                               

Truckload

    93.7

%

    85.6

%

               

Dedicated

    85.6       85.0                  

Intermodal

    100.2       89.4                  

Brokerage

    89.7       88.9                  

Consolidated operating ratio, net of fuel surcharges

    90.7

%

    86.4

%

               

 

 

 

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

OPERATING STATISTICS

(Unaudited)

 

 

   

Three Months

   

Year

 
   

Ended December 31,

   

Ended December 31,

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

2023

   

2022

 

Truckload Segment:

                               

Revenue (in thousands)

  $ 113,484     $ 131,324     $ 465,475     $ 500,462  

Average revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per tractor per week(1)

  $ 4,183     $ 4,683     $ 4,377     $ 4,898  

Average tractors(1)

    1,737       1,763       1,733       1,611  

Average miles per trip

    533       504       519       510  

Non-revenue miles percentage(2)

    12.4

%

    11.9

%

    12.4

%

    11.1

%

Total miles (in thousands)

    39,278       39,303       155,929       149,868  
                                 

Dedicated Segment:

                               

Revenue (in thousands)

  $ 95,041     $ 111,760     $ 408,272     $ 429,092  

Average revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per tractor per week(1)

  $ 3,895     $ 3,925     $ 3,936     $ 3,963  

Average tractors(1)

    1,518       1,706       1,632       1,631  

Average miles per trip

    335       345       335       341  

Non-revenue miles percentage(2)

    1.2

%

    1.1

%

    1.2

%

    1.1

%

Total miles (in thousands)

    31,215       34,910       133,163       136,310  
                                 

Intermodal Segment:

                               

Revenue (in thousands)

  $ 19,077     $ 29,253     $ 92,078     $ 129,765  

Loads

    5,289       7,255       25,160       31,862  

Average tractors

    133       181       159       175  
                                 

Brokerage Segment:

                               

Revenue (in thousands)

  $ 40,620     $ 50,247     $ 165,630     $ 204,559  

Loads

    23,594       25,713       91,077       95,615  
                                 

At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

                               

Total tractors(1)

    3,349       3,660                  

Average age of company tractors (in years)

    1.9       1.7                  

Total trailers

    5,653       5,753                  

Average age of company trailers (in years)

    4.6       3.9                  

Ratio of trailers to tractors(1)

    1.7       1.6                  

Total refrigerated containers

    787       802                  

 

   

Three Months

   

Year

 
   

Ended December 31,

   

Ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2023

   

2022

   

2023

   

2022

 
                                 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 38,045     $ 56,268     $ 164,378     $ 219,489  

Net cash (used for) investing activities

    (48,070

)

    (42,542

)

    (172,540

)

    (134,958

)

Net cash (used for) financing activities

    (4,829

)

    (4,618

)

    (19,225

)

    (60,926

)

                                 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

                               

Basic

    81,309       81,105       81,272       81,692  

Diluted

    81,418       81,391       81,413       81,959  

 

(1) 

Includes tractors driven by both company-employed drivers and independent contractors. Independent contractors provided 94 and 96 tractors as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. 

 

 

(2)

Represents the percentage of miles for which the company is not compensated.

 

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

a01.jpg
 
 

 

a02.jpg
 
 

 

a03.jpg
 
 

 

a04.jpg
 
 

 

a05.jpg
 
 

 

a06.jpg
 
 

 

a07.jpg
 
 

 

a08.jpg
 
 

 

a09.jpg
 
 

 

a10.jpg
 
 

 

a11.jpg
 
 

 

a12.jpg
 
 

 

a13.jpg
 
 

 

a14.jpg
 
 

 

a15.jpg
 
 

 

a16.jpg
 
 
v3.23.4
Document And Entity Information
Jan. 25, 2024
Document Information [Line Items]  
Entity, Registrant Name MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.
Document, Type 8-K
Document, Period End Date Jan. 25, 2024
Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code DE
Entity, File Number 0-15010
Entity, Tax Identification Number 39-1140809
Entity, Address, Address Line One 129 Marten Street
Entity, Address, City or Town Mondovi
Entity, Address, State or Province WI
Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code 54755
City Area Code 715
Local Phone Number 926-4216
Written Communications false
Soliciting Material false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Title of 12(b) Security COMMON STOCK
Trading Symbol MRTN
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Entity, Emerging Growth Company false
Amendment Flag false
Entity, Central Index Key 0000799167

Marten Transport (NASDAQ:MRTN)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Marten Transport Charts.
Marten Transport (NASDAQ:MRTN)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024 Click Here for more Marten Transport Charts.