J.B. Hunt Q4 Earnings Surpass Estimates, Improve Year Over Year

Core Insights - J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) reported fourth-quarter 2025 earnings of $1.90 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.81 and reflecting a 24.2% year-over-year increase [2] Financial Performance - Total operating revenues for the quarter were $3.09 billion, slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.12 billion, and down 1.6% year over year [3] - Operating income increased by 19% year over year to $246.5 million, attributed to cost-cutting initiatives and improved productivity [4] Segmental Highlights - Intermodal Division: Generated revenues of $1.55 billion, down 3% year over year, with a 2% decrease in load volume and a 1% decrease in revenue per load [5] - Dedicated Contract Services: Revenues grew 1% year over year to $843 million, driven by improved productivity despite a decline in average trucks [7] - Integrated Capacity Solutions: Revenues decreased 1% year over year to $305 million, with a 7% decline in segment volume but a 6% increase in revenue per load [9] - Truckload Segment: Revenues grew 10% year over year to $200 million, supported by a 15% increase in load volume [11] - Final Mile Services: Revenues fell 10% year over year to $206 million due to decreased demand across various end markets [13] Liquidity and Share Buyback - At the end of the fourth quarter, JBHT had cash and cash equivalents of $17.28 million, down from $52.3 million in the previous quarter, while long-term debt decreased to $766.93 million [15] - The company repurchased nearly 843,000 shares for $140 million during the quarter, with approximately $968 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization [15]