Why J.B. Hunt Stock Is Sinking After Earnings
J.B. Hunt stock is notably lower Friday after the logistics company fell short of fourth-quarter earnings expectations. Here's what you need to know.


J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) stock slumped out of the gate Friday after the transportation and logistics provider reported lackluster results for its fourth quarter.
In the three months ending December 31, J.B. Hunt's revenue decreased 4.8% year over year to $3.15 billion. Its earnings per share (EPS) were up 4.1% from the year-ago period to $1.53.
"While 2024 was a continuation of the challenging freight environment, I am proud of the work of our team and how we position the company for our future," said J.B. Hunt CEO Shelley Simpson on the company's conference call. "We have been in a period of heavy investment to better prepare ourselves to expand all aspects of our business in the future."

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The results were mixed compared with analysts' expectations. Wall Street was anticipating revenue of $3.15 billion and earnings of $1.61 per share, according to CNBC.
"While market dynamics remain uncertain around the timing and magnitude of a potential inflection, our focus in 2025 is to grow and begin to repair our margins," Simpson said. "We will be coming out of the freight recession from a position of strength."
Is J.B. Hunt stock a buy, sell or hold?
J.B. Hunt Transport Services has lagged the broader market over the past year, down nearly 2% on a total return basis (price change plus dividends) vs the S&P 500's 26% gain. But Wall Street thinks there's plenty to like in the industrial stock.
According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, the average analyst target price for JBHT stock is $189.09, representing implied upside of more than 8% to current levels. Additionally, the consensus recommendation is a Buy.
Not everyone is bullish toward the large-cap stock, though. Financial services firm Bernstein, has a Market-Perform rating (equivalent to a Hold) on JBHT and lowered its price target to $180 from $190 following the earnings release.
"We think it makes sense to tread carefully here and remain on the sidelines. We were expecting and got a beat ... and then got beaten down as we were expecting a better start to the year,” says Bernstein analyst David Vernon. "The high rate of earnings compounding in consensus forecasts (and our less aggressive but still high prior forecast), combined with a high valuation, has kept us from recommending the name the last two years."
Related Content
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Joey Solitro is a freelance financial journalist at Kiplinger with more than a decade of experience. A longtime equity analyst, Joey has covered a range of industries for media outlets including The Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Market Realist, and TipRanks. Joey holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.
-
Is It Worth Getting a Free iPhone Through T-Mobile?
T-Mobile offers a free iPhone 16 Pro with select plans, including a 55+ option. Is the incentive worth the switch over?
-
What About Those ‘Guaranteed’ Life Insurance Ads?
Guaranteed life insurance policies can sound tempting if you've been declined for insurance elsewhere. Here are four downsides and one alternative.
-
Keep Tax Collectors at Bay with Muni Bond Funds
Municipal bonds can be good insurance against inflation — and interest is tax-free. But as with all investments, understanding risk is key.
-
Eight Tips From a Financial Caddie: How to Keep Your Retirement on the Fairway
Think of your financial adviser as a golf caddie — giving you the advice you need to nail the retirement course, avoiding financial bunkers and bogeys.
-
Just Sold Your Business? Avoid These Five Hasty Moves
If you've exited your business, financial advice is likely to be flooding in from all quarters. But wait until the dust settles before making any big moves.
-
Cord Cutting Could Help You Save Over $10,000 in 10 Years
How cutting the cord can save you money and how those savings can grow over time.
-
Should I Buy Stocks or Bonds Right Now?
Generally speaking, stocks provide reasonable growth while bonds provide stable income. Each play important roles in diversified portfolios.
-
You Were Planning to Retire This Year: Should You Go Ahead?
If the economic climate is making you doubt whether you should retire this year, these three questions will help you make up your mind.
-
Are You Owed Money Thanks to the SSFA? You Might Need to Do Something to Get It
The Social Security Fairness Act removed restrictions on benefits for people with government pensions. If you're one of them, don't leave money on the table. Here's how you can be proactive in claiming what you're due.
-
From Wills to Wishes: An Expert Guide to Your Estate Planning Playbook
Consider supplementing your traditional legal documents with this essential road map to guide your loved ones through the emotional and logistical details that will follow your loss.