J B Hunt Transport Services Beats Q4 EPS Estimates

J B Hunt Transport Services Inc JBHT announced fourth quarter financial results Thursday and reported revenue at $1.61 billion, below estimates of $1.63 billion but above the $1.47 billion reported in the prior year period.

Net earnings were $110 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.93 which was above estimates of $0.89 and the $0.77 reported in the prior year period.

Total operating revenue for the current quarter was $1.61 billion, compared with $1.47 billion for the fourth quarter 2013.

Load growth of 6 percent in Intermodal (JBI) was the primary reason for a 5 percent increase in segment revenue.

Dedicated Contract Services (DCS) segment revenue increased by 10 percent, primarily from the addition of new customer accounts and rate increases implemented in the current and earlier periods.

Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS) segment revenue increased by 36 percent, mostly from a higher load count and an increase in revenue per load.

Truck (JBT) segment revenue increased 6 percent primarily from customer rate increases and a 2 percent increase in fleet size compared to a year ago.

Current quarter total operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharges, increased 12 percent vs. the comparable quarter 2013.

J B Hunt Transport Services Inc closed at $82.04 Wednesday, up 0.69 percent.