What is Zacks Research's Forecast for JBHT FY2026 Earnings?

Key Points

• Zacks Research forecasts FY2026 EPS of $7.27 for J.B. Hunt, slightly above the $7.25 consensus estimate, while maintaining a “Hold” rating.
• J.B. Hunt’s latest quarterly results modestly exceeded expectations, with EPS of $1.82 versus $1.81 consensus and revenue of $3.68 billion, up 20.4% year over year.
• Analyst sentiment remains generally positive, with a MarketBeat average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a $273.76 average price target, although margin pressure and elevated valuation remain concerns.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:JBHT - Free Report) - Analysts at Zacks Research issued their FY2026 EPS estimates for J.B. Hunt Transport Services in a research note issued on Thursday, October 29th. Zacks Research analyst Team expects that the transportation company will post earnings of $7.27 per share for the year. Zacks Research has a "Hold" rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for J.B. Hunt Transport Services' current full-year earnings is $7.25 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for J.B. Hunt Transport Services' Q3 2027 earnings at $2.75 EPS.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services (NASDAQ:JBHT - Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 15th. The transportation company reported $1.82 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.81 by $0.01. J.B. Hunt Transport Services had a return on equity of 18.72% and a net margin of 5.07%. The company had revenue of $3.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.59 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.76 earnings per share. The business's revenue was up 20.4% compared to the same quarter last year.

Several other equities analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of J.B. Hunt Transport Services from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Monday, September 21st. Truist Financial cut their price objective on J.B. Hunt Transport Services from $295.00 to $235.00 and set a "hold" rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, October 7th. Stephens lowered their price objective on J.B. Hunt Transport Services from $330.00 to $325.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 16th. BMO Capital Markets set a $315.00 price objective on shares of J.B. Hunt Transport Services in a research note on Wednesday, October 7th. Finally, Citizens Jmp restated a "market outperform" rating and issued a $300.00 price objective on shares of J.B. Hunt Transport Services in a report on Friday, October 16th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average target price of $273.76.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Stock Performance

Shares of JBHT stock opened at $221.08 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.23, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The company has a market capitalization of $20.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.05, a P/E/G ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 1.26. The business's 50 day moving average is $241.91 and its two-hundred day moving average is $245.76. J.B. Hunt Transport Services has a 12-month low of $157.82 and a 12-month high of $299.76.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On J.B. Hunt Transport Services

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Reyes Financial Architecture Inc. bought a new position in J.B. Hunt Transport Services in the 3rd quarter valued at about $26,000. Elevation Wealth Partners LLC grew its stake in shares of J.B. Hunt Transport Services by 500.0% in the 2nd quarter. Elevation Wealth Partners LLC now owns 150 shares of the transportation company's stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Basecamp Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in J.B. Hunt Transport Services by 250.0% in the 1st quarter. Basecamp Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 217 shares of the transportation company's stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 155 shares during the last quarter. Sawyer & Company Inc acquired a new stake in J.B. Hunt Transport Services during the 3rd quarter valued at $67,000. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its position in J.B. Hunt Transport Services by 17.9% during the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 250 shares of the transportation company's stock worth $72,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.95% of the company's stock.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 6th will be given a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 6th. J.B. Hunt Transport Services's dividend payout ratio is 25.28%.

Trending Headlines about J.B. Hunt Transport Services

Here are the key news stories impacting J.B. Hunt Transport Services this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Analysts expect freight demand and pricing to improve, with 2027 earnings still projected to rise significantly. However, margin pressure remains a key concern. Is JBHT a Buy Now as Growth Improves but Valuation Stays Elevated?
• Positive Sentiment: Zacks Research raised its Q1 2027 EPS forecast to $1.70 from $1.63 and its Q2 2027 forecast to $2.13 from $2.05, indicating some confidence in near-term operating improvement.
• Neutral Sentiment: J.B. Hunt previously reported quarterly revenue of $3.68 billion, ahead of estimates, with year-over-year revenue growth of 20.4% and EPS of $1.82 versus a $1.81 consensus. Those results provide a favorable operating backdrop, although the stock’s premium valuation limits the benefit of the growth. JBHT Falls 17.8% in 3 Months, Is the Pullback a Buying Opportunity?
• Negative Sentiment: Zacks Research maintained a “Hold” rating while cutting several estimates: Q4 2026 EPS to $2.05 from $2.19, FY2027 EPS to $9.34 from $9.68, and FY2028 EPS to $9.78 from $10.40. It also reduced forecasts for Q1 and Q2 2028 and Q4 2027, signaling weaker longer-term earnings expectations.
• Negative Sentiment: Rosen Law Firm said it is investigating potential securities claims involving J.B. Hunt shareholders. The announcement does not establish wrongdoing, but legal-investigation headlines can add uncertainty and weigh on investor sentiment. Rosen Law Firm Securities Class Action Investigation

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Company Profile

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc is a transportation and logistics company headquartered in Lowell, Arkansas. Founded in 1961 by Johnnie Bryan Hunt and his wife, Nellie, the company has grown into a major provider of freight transportation services across North America.

The company's principal operations include intermodal transportation, which combines rail and truck services; dedicated contract services, which provide customized transportation capacity and fleet management for individual customers; and integrated logistics solutions, including freight brokerage and third-party logistics.

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