J.B. Hunt stock rises as Benchmark reiterates Buy rating after earnings beat

Published 16/10/2025, 14:26
J.B. Hunt stock rises as Benchmark reiterates Buy rating after earnings beat

Investing.com - J.B. Hunt Transport Services (NASDAQ:JBHT) reported third-quarter earnings that significantly exceeded analyst expectations, while Benchmark maintained its Buy rating and $165.00 price target on the stock. The transportation company, currently valued at $13.4 billion, has demonstrated strong financial health with an overall "Fair" rating according to InvestingPro analysis.

The transportation company posted earnings per share of $1.76 for the quarter, substantially outperforming the FactSet consensus estimate of $1.46 and Benchmark’s projection of $1.45.

J.B. Hunt reported total revenue of $3.05 billion, which was flat year-over-year but 2% above Benchmark’s estimate of $2.99 billion, with all segments slightly exceeding expectations.

Operating income reached $242.7 million, representing an 8% increase year-over-year and considerably higher than Benchmark’s estimate of $208.7 million, resulting in an operating margin of 7.9% compared to Benchmark’s projected 7.0%.

The strongest performance came from the company’s Intermodal and Dedicated segments, which exceeded Benchmark’s segment operating income estimates by 17% and 15% respectively, with management’s cost reduction initiatives delivering tangible benefits during the quarter.

In other recent news, J.B. Hunt Transport Services reported strong third-quarter earnings, with earnings per share reaching $1.76. This figure significantly exceeded both Evercore ISI’s forecast of $1.41 and the average estimate of $1.46, mainly due to improved margins across most segments. Despite flat revenue, the company achieved $20 million in quarterly cost savings, contributing to this earnings outperformance. Following these results, several analyst firms adjusted their price targets for J.B. Hunt. Evercore ISI raised its target to $168, maintaining an Outperform rating, while Truist Securities increased its target to $155, keeping a Hold rating. BMO Capital also lifted its price target to $180, citing the company’s progress toward a $100 million cost savings goal. Stifel adjusted its target to $147, acknowledging the faster-than-expected cost savings. Meanwhile, TD Cowen maintained its Hold rating with a price target of $152 after a comprehensive investor day.

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