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J.B. Hunt Transport Services Reports Decline in Revenue and Earnings

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. The company's fourth quarter 2024 revenue was $3.15 billion, down 5% compared to the same period in 2023. However, its operating income for the same quarter saw a 2% increase to $207.0 million, and diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 4% to $1.53 compared to $1.47 in the fourth quarter of 2023.

For the full year 2024, J.B. Hunt reported a total revenue of $12.09 billion, down 6% from the previous year. The operating income for the full year was $831 million, reflecting a 16% decrease from the prior year. Additionally, the diluted EPS for the full year 2024 was $5.56 compared to $6.97 in 2023, marking a decline of 20%.

The company's segment information revealed that in the fourth quarter of 2024, the Intermodal (JBI) segment experienced a 2% decrease in revenue, while the operating income decreased by 10%. Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS) segment revenue decreased by 15%, with an operating loss of $21.8 million, an improvement from the operating loss of $24.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The Dedicated Contract Services (DCS) segment's revenue declined by 5%, but its operating income increased by 5%. Final Mile Services (FMS) segment reported a 6% decrease in revenue, with an operating income increase of 7%. The Truckload (JBT) segment revenue declined by 7%, but the operating income increased to $8.6 million from a modest operating loss in the fourth quarter of 2023.

In terms of capitalization, the company had total debt outstanding of $1.48 billion at the end of December 31, 2024, compared to $1.58 billion at the end of 2023. J.B. Hunt had net capital expenditures of approximately $674 million in 2024, a significant decrease from $1.60 billion in 2023. Additionally, the company purchased approximately 489,000 shares of its common stock for around $86 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, with approximately $882 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization.

The reported financial results reflect the company's performance in the specified periods, indicating both areas of growth and decline across its various segments and financial metrics. Today the company's shares have moved -6.3% to a price of $174.55. For more information, read the company's full 8-K submission here.

The above analysis is intended for educational purposes only and was performed on the basis of publicly available data. It is not to be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Any buy, sell, or other recommendations mentioned in the article are direct quotations of consensus recommendations from the analysts covering the stock, and do not represent the opinions of Market Inference or its writers. Past performance, accounting data, and inferences about market position and corporate valuation are not reliable indicators of future price movements. Market Inference does not provide financial advice. Investors should conduct their own review and analysis of any company of interest before making an investment decision.

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