Astec Industries, Inc. (ASTE) vs Marten Transport, Ltd. (MRTN)

A side-by-side comparison of Astec Industries, Inc. and Marten Transport, Ltd. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — ASTE vs MRTN

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ASTE -21.2% (-2.4%/yr)MRTN +88.3% (+6.5%/yr)MRTN compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$79$188
ASTE MRTN

ASTE vs MRTN: by the numbers

  • •MRTN is the larger company ($1.06B vs $956M market cap).
  • •ASTE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (48.94 vs 83.80 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •MRTN converts more revenue to profit (1.47% vs 1.26% net margin).
  • •ASTE grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.54% vs 0.21% CAGR).
  • •MRTN pays the higher dividend yield (1.84% vs 1.25%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricASTEMRTN
P/E ratio48.9483.80
Forward P/E12.6747.58
P/S ratio0.621.24
P/B ratio1.391.39
EV / EBITDA12.039.47
FCF yield3.32%0.12%

Profitability

MetricASTEMRTN
Gross margin25.96%1.21%
Operating margin3.43%0.08%
Net margin1.26%1.47%
ROE2.84%1.65%
ROIC3.25%0.06%

Dividends

MetricASTEMRTN
Dividend yield1.25%1.84%
Payout ratio61.18%154.64%

Growth (annualized)

MetricASTEMRTN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.54%0.21%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.96%-24.22%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-14.78%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)-4.13%-1.88%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ASTE or MRTN?
ASTE has the lower trailing P/E: ASTE trades at 48.94 and MRTN at 83.80. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ASTE or MRTN?
Over the past five years, ASTE grew revenue faster — ASTE at a 8.54% CAGR versus MRTN at 0.21%.
Does ASTE or MRTN pay a bigger dividend?
ASTE yields 1.25% and MRTN yields 1.84% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ASTE or MRTN more profitable?
MRTN runs the higher net margin — ASTE at 1.26% versus MRTN at 1.47%.
How have ASTE and MRTN total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ASTE delivered -2.33% and MRTN delivered 5.85% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.