Landstar System (LSTR) vs Marten Transport (MRTN)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Landstar System (LSTR) has outperformed Marten Transport (MRTN) over the past year, gaining 34.7% versus a gain of 20.6%. Over five years, LSTR leads with a +2.8% price change compared with -18.7% for MRTN. Landstar System is the larger company by market cap ($5.67 billion vs $1.03 billion), about 5.5 times the size.
On valuation, Marten Transport trades at a lower forward P/E (19.5x vs 21.8x for Landstar System). Marten Transport offers the higher dividend yield (1.89% vs 0.96%).
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | LSTR | MRTN |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $166.98 | $12.67 |
| Market cap | $5.67B | $1.03B |
| 1-day change | -1.22% | -1.55% |
| YTD return | +16.20% | +11.34% |
| 1-year return | +34.72% | +20.55% |
| 5-year return | +2.83% | -18.73% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 43.26 | 84.47 |
| Forward P/E | 21.75 | 19.49 |
| EPS (TTM) | $3.86 | $0.15 |
| Dividend yield | 0.96% | 1.89% |
| Annual dividend | $1.60 | $0.24 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $4.74B | — |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -1.57% | — |
| Net income (latest FY) | $115.01M | — |
| Operating margin | 3.20% | — |
| Net margin | 2.42% | — |
| 52-week high | $228.46 | $18.48 |
| 52-week low | $121.12 | $9.35 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -26.91% | -31.44% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | — |
| Avg. price target upside | +13.94% | — |
| Average volume | 426.63K | 669.82K |
| Shares outstanding | 33.94M | 81.66M |
| Employees | 1,300 | — |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Trucking Freight/Courier Services | Trucking Freight/Courier Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Landstar System is about 5.5 times larger than Marten Transport by market value ($5.67B vs $1.03B).
- LSTR has outperformed MRTN by 14.2 percentage points over the past year.
- Marten Transport trades at a higher earnings multiple (84.5x vs 43.3x trailing P/E).
About Landstar System
LSTR stock →Landstar System, Inc. provides transportation management solutions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and internationally.
Industrials · Trucking Freight/Courier Services · 1,300 employees
LSTR vs MRTN FAQ
Which is bigger, Landstar System or Marten Transport?
Landstar System (LSTR) is larger, with a market capitalization of $5.67B compared with $1.03B for Marten Transport (MRTN).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, LSTR or MRTN?
LSTR returned +34.72% over the past 12 months, compared with +20.55% for MRTN (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, LSTR or MRTN?
LSTR has the lower trailing P/E at 43.3, versus 84.5 for MRTN. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Landstar System or Marten Transport?
Marten Transport has the higher yield at 1.89%, compared with 0.96% for Landstar System.
Are Landstar System and Marten Transport in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Trucking Freight/Courier Services industry within the Industrials sector.