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KNX vs MRTN
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. (KNX) vs. Marten Transport, Ltd. (MRTN) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both KNX and MRTN are truckload carriers in the Industrials sector's trucking industry, but KNX boasts a much larger market capitalization of $10.6 billion compared to MRTN's $1.2 billion.
- KNX has delivered superior one-year returns of around 69%, outpacing MRTN's 14%, reflecting stronger long-term momentum.
- In recent market activity, KNX shares rose about 19% over the past month, slightly ahead of MRTN's 16% gain, amid recovering freight demand.
- Year-to-date (YTD), MRTN edges out with 31% returns versus KNX's 26%, supported by steady operational results.
- MRTN exhibits lower volatility with a beta of 0.84 (a measure of stock price sensitivity to market movements) compared to KNX's 1.12.
- Upcoming Q1 earnings for KNX on April 22 could serve as a key catalyst, following recent guidance adjustments.
Introduction
This stock comparison pits KNX, a leading diversified truckload carrier, against MRTN, a specialized refrigerated transport provider. Both companies navigate the cyclical trucking industry, influenced by freight volumes, fuel costs, and capacity dynamics. Investors and traders tracking Industrials sector relative performance will find value here, especially amid recent freight market stabilization and capacity tightening. This analysis highlights key metrics, recent behaviors, and contrasts to inform decisions on market positioning in a recovering transportation landscape.
KNX Overview and Recent Performance
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. (KNX) is one of the largest full-truckload carriers in North America, offering truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), intermodal, and logistics services. With approximately 37,100 employees, it operates across diverse freight segments. In recent weeks, KNX shares have climbed nearly 19%, rebounding from an initial dip after a Q1 earnings guidance cut attributed to elevated fuel costs and winter weather disruptions. Sentiment has shifted positively with analyst price target increases to $70 and optimism for Q2 amid improving freight demand and ISM readings above 50. The stock trades near its 52-week high of $66, with a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 160 reflecting high growth expectations, supported by YTD gains of 26%.
MRTN Overview and Recent Performance
Marten Transport, Ltd. (MRTN) focuses on temperature-controlled and dry van truckload services, emphasizing refrigerated freight for food and consumer goods. Employing about 3,500 people, it maintains a niche in specialized logistics. Over recent market activity, MRTN shares advanced around 16% in the past month, driven by solid Q4 results that beat earnings per share (EPS) estimates and steady demand in its core segments. Trading below its 52-week high of $15.42 with a P/E ratio of 71, the stock benefits from lower volatility and a 1.62% dividend yield. YTD performance stands at 31%, bolstered by institutional interest and analyst buy ratings with $18 targets, amid a stable freight recession backdrop.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
KNX and MRTN share trucking sector exposure but differ in scale and focus: KNX's diversified model (truckload, LTL, logistics) offers broader growth drivers versus MRTN's specialized refrigerated niche, which provides stability in food logistics but limits expansion. Recent momentum favors KNX with superior one-year gains, though MRTN shows YTD edge and lower risk via reduced beta. KNX faces higher fuel and weather sensitivities, while MRTN contends with freight recession pressures. Market sentiment leans positive for both amid capacity constraints, but KNX's size enables better M&A (mergers and acquisitions) opportunities and resilience.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Tickeron's AI currently leans toward KNX with higher probability for near-term outperformance, based on consistent upward trend, scale-driven stability, analyst upgrades, and Q2 catalysts outweighing Q1 headwinds. MRTN offers appeal for risk-averse positions via lower volatility, but lags in momentum and breadth.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is KNX is a StrongBuy and MRTN is a Buy.
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is undervalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
KNX’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green whileMRTN’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- KNX’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- MRTN’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
KNX’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while MRTN’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- KNX’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- MRTN’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
KNX (@Trucking) experienced а +5.21% price change this week, while MRTN (@Trucking) price change was +2.93% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Trucking industry was +3.95%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +33.25%, and the average quarterly price growth was +55.56%.
Reported Earning Dates
KNX is expected to report earnings on Jul 22, 2026.
MRTN is expected to report earnings on Jul 22, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Trucking (+3.95% weekly)The trucking industry provides road transportation delivery and logistical services, including moving large quantities of raw materials, works in process, and finished goods —often from manufacturing plants to retail distribution centers. Trucks are also used in the construction industry, as they transport large amounts of rocks, concrete, and other building materials used in construction. Trucks in the U.S. are responsible for the majority of freight movement over land, and therefore play an important role in the manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing industries. The business could be affected by economic cycles, since it is closely linked with manufacturing, retail and construction. Some of the major trucking companies in the U.S. are Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., and XPO Logistics, Inc.
| KNX | MRTN | KNX / MRTN | |
| Capitalization | 13.4B | 1.49B | 899% |
| EBITDA | 993M | 110M | 903% |
| Gain YTD | 58.631 | 61.456 | 95% |
| P/E Ratio | 392.62 | 101.56 | 387% |
| Revenue | 7.5B | 864M | 868% |
| Total Cash | N/A | 69.8M | - |
| Total Debt | 2.66B | 157K | 1,696,178% |
KNX | MRTN | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 38 | 34 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 91 Overvalued | 61 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 33 | 87 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 91 | 91 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 37 | 37 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 2 | 11 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | n/a | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
MRTN's Valuation (61) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as KNX (91). This means that MRTN’s stock grew similarly to KNX’s over the last 12 months.
KNX's Profit vs Risk Rating (33) in the Trucking industry is somewhat better than the same rating for MRTN (87). This means that KNX’s stock grew somewhat faster than MRTN’s over the last 12 months.
KNX's SMR Rating (91) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as MRTN (91). This means that KNX’s stock grew similarly to MRTN’s over the last 12 months.
KNX's Price Growth Rating (37) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as MRTN (37). This means that KNX’s stock grew similarly to MRTN’s over the last 12 months.
KNX's P/E Growth Rating (2) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as MRTN (11). This means that KNX’s stock grew similarly to MRTN’s over the last 12 months.
| KNX | MRTN | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 81% | 2 days ago 55% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 63% | 2 days ago 64% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 73% | 2 days ago 62% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 69% | 2 days ago 50% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 66% | 2 days ago 61% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 64% | 2 days ago 62% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 8 days ago 65% | 8 days ago 57% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 58% | 2 days ago 63% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 62% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 70% | 2 days ago 57% |
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KNX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, KNX has been closely correlated with SNDR. These tickers have moved in lockstep 81% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if KNX jumps, then SNDR could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To KNX | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KNX | 100% | +4.04% | ||
| SNDR - KNX | 81% Closely correlated | +2.83% | ||
| WERN - KNX | 78% Closely correlated | +2.53% | ||
| CVLG - KNX | 74% Closely correlated | +5.80% | ||
| SAIA - KNX | 74% Closely correlated | +5.05% | ||
| ODFL - KNX | 74% Closely correlated | +5.01% | ||
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MRTN and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, MRTN has been closely correlated with HTLD. These tickers have moved in lockstep 77% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if MRTN jumps, then HTLD could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To MRTN | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRTN | 100% | +3.34% | ||
| HTLD - MRTN | 77% Closely correlated | +2.79% | ||
| CVLG - MRTN | 76% Closely correlated | +5.80% | ||
| WERN - MRTN | 74% Closely correlated | +2.53% | ||
| SNDR - MRTN | 73% Closely correlated | +2.83% | ||
| KNX - MRTN | 72% Closely correlated | +4.04% | ||
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