EX-99.1 2 ex_801137.htm EXHIBIT 99.1

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

jbhuntlogo.jpg

 

 

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.

615 J.B. Hunt Corporate Drive

Lowell, Arkansas 72745

(NASDAQ: JBHT)

Contact:

Brad Delco

Senior Vice President – Finance

(479) 820-0000

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC. REPORTS U.S. GAAP REVENUES, NET EARNINGS AND EARNINGS PER SHARE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER 2025

 

 

First Quarter 2025 Revenue: $2.92 billion; down 1%
First Quarter 2025 Operating Income: $178.7 million; down 8%
First Quarter 2025 EPS: $1.17 vs. $1.22; down 4%

 

LOWELL, Ark., April 15, 2025 - J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: JBHT) announced first quarter 2025 U.S. GAAP (United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) net earnings of $117.7 million, or diluted earnings per share of $1.17 versus first quarter 2024 net earnings of $127.5 million, or $1.22 per diluted share.

 

Total operating revenue for the current quarter was $2.92 billion compared with $2.94 billion for the first quarter 2024, a decrease of 1%. The decline in revenue was primarily driven by a 5% decrease in average truck count in Dedicated Contract Services® (DCS®), 15% fewer stops in Final Mile Services®, 13% fewer loads in Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS), and an 8% decrease in Truckload (JBT) gross revenue per load compared to the prior year period. These declines were partially offset by Intermodal (JBI) revenue growth of 5%, driven primarily by an 8% increase in load volume. Current quarter total operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharge revenue, increased modestly versus the first quarter 2024.

 

Operating income for the current quarter decreased 8% to $178.7 million versus $194.4 million for the first quarter 2024. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to the decline in DCS revenue, lower yields in JBI, higher insurance claim and premium expense, increased group medical cost, and higher equipment and maintenance expense. These items were partially offset by lower driver and non-driver personnel counts and corresponding personnel-related expenses, lower bad debt expense and less cargo claims costs compared to the prior-year period.

 

Net interest expense for the current quarter increased approximately 19% from first quarter 2024 due to higher average consolidated debt balance and lower interest income.

 

The effective income tax rate decreased to 26.5% in the current quarter compared to 28.7% in the first quarter 2024, due to discrete tax items. We continue to expect our 2025 annual tax rate to be between 24.0% and 25.0%.

 

 

 

 

Segment Information:

 

Intermodal (JBI)

First Quarter 2025 Segment Revenue: $1.47 billion; up 5%
First Quarter 2025 Operating Income: $94.4 million; down 7%

 

Intermodal volume increased 8% over the same period in 2024. Transcontinental network loads increased 4%, while eastern network loads increased 13% compared to the first quarter 2024. Overall demand for our domestic intermodal service offering in the quarter remained strong, delivering the highest first quarter volume in our company’s history. We saw notable strength in our eastern network as service execution and our value proposition continues to drive growth. Segment gross revenue increased 5% for the quarter versus the prior-year period primarily driven by the 8% increase in loads, offset by a 2% decrease in segment gross revenue per load, resulting from changes in the mix of freight, customer rates, and fuel surcharge revenue. Revenue per load excluding fuel surcharge revenue was down 1% year-over-year.

 

Operating income decreased 7% from the prior-year period primarily from lower yields combined with increases in professional driver and non-driver wages, higher insurance claim and premium expense, increased group medical costs, and higher equipment storage costs as compared to the prior-year period. These items were partially offset by higher volumes equating to improved utilization of our assets.

 

 

Dedicated Contract Services (DCS)                           

First Quarter 2025 Segment Revenue: $822 million; down 4%
First Quarter 2025 Operating Income: $80.3 million; down 14%

 

DCS revenue decreased 4% during the current quarter over the same period 2024, driven by a 5% decline in average trucks partially offset by a 2% increase in productivity (gross revenue per truck per week). Productivity excluding fuel surcharge revenue increased 4% driven by contracted indexed-based price escalators and less idled equipment compared to the prior-year period. On a net basis, there were 630 fewer revenue producing trucks in the fleet by the end of the quarter compared to the prior-year period, and 23 fewer versus the end of the fourth quarter 2024. Customer retention rates are approximately 91%.

 

Operating income decreased 14% from the prior-year period. The decrease was primarily driven by the lower revenue and higher insurance claim and premium expense, increased group medical costs, and higher equipment and maintenance costs. These items were partially offset by lower bad debt expense, the maturing of new business onboarded over the trailing twelve months, and greater productivity and utilization of equipment.

 

 

Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS)

First Quarter 2025 Segment Revenue: $268 million; down 6%
First Quarter 2025 Operating Loss: $(2.7) million; vs. $(17.5) million in Q124

 

ICS revenue declined 6% during the current quarter versus the first quarter 2024. Overall segment volume decreased 13% versus the prior year period. Revenue per load increased 8% compared to the first quarter 2024 due to higher contractual and transactional rates as well as changes in customer freight mix. Contractual volume represented approximately 65% of the total load volume and 63% of the total revenue in the current quarter compared to 57% and 59%, respectively, in first quarter 2024.

 

 

 

Operating loss was $2.7 million compared to an operating loss of $17.5 million for the first quarter 2024. Operating performance improved from the prior-year period largely due to lower personnel-related and cargo claims expenses, reduced technology costs and a reduction in acquisition-related integration and transition costs compared to the prior-year period. Gross profit increased 1% versus the prior year period due to higher revenue per load and higher gross profit margins. Gross profit margins increased to 15.3% compared to 14.3% in the prior year period. ICS carrier base decreased 3% year over year, largely driven by changes to carrier qualification requirements to mitigate cargo theft.

 

 

Final Mile Services (FMS)

First Quarter 2025 Segment Revenue: $201 million; down 12%
First Quarter 2025 Operating Income: $4.7 million; down 69%

 

FMS revenue decreased 12% compared to the same period 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by general weakness in demand across many of the end markets served. The decline in revenue was modestly offset by improved revenue quality at underperforming accounts and multiple new customer contracts implemented over the past year.

 

Operating income decreased 69% to $4.7 million compared to the prior-year period. The prior year period included a $3.1 million benefit from a prior period claim settlement. After consideration of this impact, operating income decreased primarily from lower revenue and higher insurance claim and premium expense and increased group medical costs. These items were partially offset by lower personnel-related costs and facility rental expense.

 

 

Truckload (JBT)

First Quarter 2025 Segment Revenue: $167 million; down 7%
First Quarter 2025 Operating Income: $2.0 million; up 66%

 

JBT revenue decreased 7% compared to the same period in the previous year. Revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue decreased 4% due to a 6% decline in revenue per load excluding fuel surcharge revenue partially offset by a 2% increase in load volume. Total average effective trailer count decreased by approximately 800 units, or 6% versus the prior-year period. Trailer turns in the quarter improved 9% from the prior-year period as a result of the continued focus on improving asset utilization with better network balance and velocity.

 

JBT operating income increased 66% to $2.0 million compared to the first quarter 2024. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by better safety results, a more balanced network, and an overall continued focus on cost management and productivity. JBT segment operating income as a percentage of segment gross revenue improved versus the prior-year period as a result of lower casualty and cargo claims and personnel-related costs as a percentage of gross revenue.

 

 

Cash Flow and Capitalization:

 

At March 31, 2025, we had a total of $1.58 billion outstanding on various debt instruments compared to $1.48 billion at December 31, 2024.

 

Our net capital expenditures for the first quarter 2025 approximated $225 million compared to $166 million for the first quarter 2024. At March 31, 2025, we had cash and cash equivalents of $43 million.

 

In the first quarter 2025, we purchased approximately 1,400,000 shares of our common stock for approximately $234 million. At March 31, 2025, we had approximately $650 million remaining under our share repurchase authorization. Actual shares outstanding at March 31, 2025, approximated 99.2 million.

 

 

 

Conference Call Information:

 

The company will hold a conference call today from 4:00–5:00 p.m. CDT to discuss the quarterly earnings. Investors will have the opportunity to listen to the conference call live over the internet by going to investor.jbhunt.com. Please log on 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, an online replay of the earnings call webcast will be available a few hours after the completion of the call.

 

Forward-Looking Statements:

 

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which are based on information currently available. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in Item 1A of our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to the extent we become aware that it will not be achieved for any reason. This press release and additional information will be available to interested parties on our website, www.jbhunt.com.

 

About J.B. Hunt

 

J.B. Hunt’s vision is to create the most efficient transportation network in North America. The company’s industry-leading solutions and mode-neutral approach generate value for customers by eliminating waste, reducing costs and enhancing supply chain visibility. Powered by one of the largest company-owned fleets in the country and third-party capacity through its J.B. Hunt 360°® digital freight marketplace, J.B. Hunt can meet the unique shipping needs of any business, from first mile to final delivery, and every shipment in-between. Through disciplined investments in its people, technology and capacity, J.B. Hunt is delivering exceptional value and service that enable long-term growth for the company and its stakeholders.

 

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. is a Fortune 500 company, an S&P 500 company and a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average. Its stock trades on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol JBHT. J.B. Hunt Transport Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of JBHT. The company’s services include intermodal, dedicated, refrigerated, truckload, less-than-truckload, flatbed, single source, last mile, transload and more. For more information, visit www.jbhunt.com.

 

 

 

jbhuntlogo.jpg

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31

 
   

2025

   

2024

 
           

% Of

           

% Of

 
   

Amount

   

Revenue

   

Amount

   

Revenue

 
                                 

Operating revenues, excluding fuel surcharge revenues

  $ 2,559,729             $ 2,552,486          

Fuel surcharge revenues

    361,663               391,515          

Total operating revenues

    2,921,392       100.0 %     2,944,001       100.0 %
                                 

Operating expenses

                               

Rents and purchased transportation

    1,293,328       44.3 %     1,280,987       43.5 %

Salaries, wages and employee benefits

    799,648       27.4 %     807,884       27.4 %

Depreciation and amortization

    179,476       6.1 %     182,996       6.2 %

Fuel and fuel taxes

    159,933       5.5 %     173,527       5.9 %

Operating supplies and expenses

    123,452       4.2 %     122,991       4.2 %

Insurance and claims

    85,017       2.9 %     75,686       2.6 %

General and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions

    72,971       2.5 %     76,784       2.6 %

Operating taxes and licenses

    17,480       0.6 %     17,535       0.6 %

Communication and utilities

    11,407       0.4 %     11,242       0.4 %

Total operating expenses

    2,742,712       93.9 %     2,749,632       93.4 %

Operating income

    178,680       6.1 %     194,369       6.6 %

Net interest expense

    18,597       0.6 %     15,649       0.5 %

Earnings before income taxes

    160,083       5.5 %     178,720       6.1 %

Income taxes

    42,343       1.5 %     51,227       1.8 %

Net earnings

  $ 117,740       4.0 %   $ 127,493       4.3 %

Average diluted shares outstanding

    100,489               104,107          

Diluted earnings per share

  $ 1.17             $ 1.22          

 

Financial Information By Segment 

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31

 
   

2025

   

2024

 
           

% Of

           

% Of

 
   

Amount

   

Total

   

Amount

   

Total

 
                                 

Revenue

                               
                                 

Intermodal

  $ 1,469,253       50 %   $ 1,395,351       47 %

Dedicated

    822,292       28 %     860,016       29 %

Integrated Capacity Solutions

    268,043       9 %     285,287       10 %

Final Mile Services

    200,703       7 %     229,280       8 %

Truckload

    166,629       6 %     178,312       6 %

Subtotal

    2,926,920       100 %     2,948,246       100 %

Intersegment eliminations

    (5,528 )     (0 %)     (4,245 )     (0 %)

Consolidated revenue

  $ 2,921,392       100 %   $ 2,944,001       100 %
                                 
                                 

Operating income

                               
                                 

Intermodal

  $ 94,387       53 %   $ 101,889       52 %

Dedicated

    80,273       45 %     93,649       48 %

Integrated Capacity Solutions

    (2,666 )     (2 %)     (17,541 )     (9 %)

Final Mile Services

    4,676       3 %     15,086       8 %

Truckload

    2,040       1 %     1,229       1 %

Other (1)

    (30 )     (0 %)     57       0 %

Operating income

  $ 178,680       100 %   $ 194,369       100 %

 

 (1) Includes corporate support activity

 

 

 

Operating Statistics by Segment

(unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31

 
   

2025

   

2024

 
                 

Intermodal

               
                 

Loads

    521,821       485,166  

Average length of haul

    1,658       1,689  

Revenue per load

  $ 2,816     $ 2,876  

Average tractors during the period *

    6,430       6,345  

Tractors (end of period) *

    6,417       6,312  

Trailing equipment (end of period)

    124,971       119,307  

Average effective trailing equipment usage

    107,725       96,112  
                 
                 

Dedicated

               
                 

Loads

    942,894       1,004,337  

Average length of haul

    180       180  

Revenue per truck per week**

  $ 5,127     $ 5,021  

Average trucks during the period***

    12,624       13,298  

Trucks (end of period) ***

    12,624       13,254  

Trailing equipment (end of period)

    32,363       32,054  

Average effective trailing equipment usage

    32,918       32,996  
                 
                 

Integrated Capacity Solutions

               
                 

Loads

    137,744       158,247  

Revenue per load

  $ 1,946     $ 1,803  

Gross profit margin

    15.3 %     14.3 %

Employee count (end of period)

    553       748  

Approximate number of third-party carriers (end of period)

    113,300       116,300  

Marketplace for J.B. Hunt 360 revenue (millions)

  $ 91.9     $ 105.5  
                 
                 

Final Mile Services

               
                 

Stops

    920,344       1,076,689  

Average trucks during the period***

    1,353       1,408  
                 
                 

Truckload

               
                 

Loads

    95,143       93,685  

Revenue per load

  $ 1,751     $ 1,903  

Average length of haul

    621       677  
                 

Tractors (end of period)

               

Company-owned

    -       25  

Independent contractor

    1,852       1,908  

Total tractors

    1,852       1,933  
                 

Trailers (end of period)

    12,675       13,306  

Average effective trailing equipment usage

    12,096       12,891  

 

 

* Includes company-owned and independent contractor tractors

               

** Using weighted workdays

               

*** Includes company-owned, independent contractor, and customer-owned trucks

         

 

 

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   

March 31, 2025

   

December 31, 2024

 

ASSETS

               

Current assets:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 43,407     $ 46,983  

Accounts Receivable, net

    1,202,829       1,224,166  

Prepaid expenses and other

    424,323       499,834  

Total current assets

    1,670,559       1,770,983  

Property and equipment

    9,266,020       9,148,928  

Less accumulated depreciation

    3,506,216       3,419,129  

Net property and equipment

    5,759,804       5,729,799  

Other assets, net

    825,310       811,488  
    $ 8,255,673     $ 8,312,270  
                 
                 

LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

               

Current liabilities:

               

Current debt

  $ 699,223     $ 500,000  

Trade accounts payable

    640,728       645,925  

Claims accruals

    273,470       257,121  

Accrued payroll

    114,934       122,477  

Other accrued expenses

    146,020       152,517  

Total current liabilities

    1,874,375       1,678,040  
                 

Long-term debt

    880,243       977,702  

Long-term claims accruals

    412,631       368,704  

Other long-term liabilities

    361,561       377,070  

Deferred income taxes

    860,190       896,249  

Stockholders' equity

    3,866,673       4,014,505  
    $ 8,255,673     $ 8,312,270  

 

Supplemental Data

(unaudited)

 

   

March 31, 2025

   

December 31, 2024

 
                 

Actual shares outstanding at end of period (000)

    99,195       100,555  
                 

Book value per actual share outstanding at end of period

  $ 38.98     $ 39.92  

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31

 
   

2025

   

2024

 
                 

Net cash provided by operating activities (000)

  $ 404,192     $ 466,467  
                 

Net capital expenditures (000)

  $ 225,050     $ 166,182