JB Hunt Transport Q4 Profit Beats View, Revenues Match Estimates

(RTTNews) - Transportation services provider JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) reported a 6 percent increase in profit for the fourth quarter from last year, reflecting higher revenue at three of its segments, improved fuel economy and lower maintenance costs.

Earnings per share beat analysts' expectations, while revenues matched their estimates.

The company's net earnings for the fourth quarter were $116.7 million or $1.01 per share, up from $110.3 million or $0.93 per share in the prior-year quarter.

On average, 28 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of $0.99 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Total operating revenues for the quarter edged up to $1.62 billion from $1.61 billion in the same quarter last year, and matched analysts' consensus estimate of $1.62 billion.

Load growth of 6 percent in Intermodal was the primary reason for a 1 percent increase in segment revenue.

Operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharges, increased 10 percent from last year. Fuel expenses declined 31 percent from last year.