J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc (JBHT). Announced Q1 2026 Earnings on April 15, 2026, Reporting "total revenue was up 5%".

On a GAAP basis for the first quarter, total revenue was up 5%, operating income improved 16%, and diluted earnings per share improved 27% versus the prior year period.

Management reported that the company was able to expand margins 70 basis points year-over-year in the quarter.

During the quarter, the company repurchased 383,000 shares of stock for approximately $80 million and retired $700 million of notes.

The company also eliminated over $30 million during the quarter as part of an initiative to remove structural costs from the business.

The company experienced strong demand across service offerings as a predominantly supply-driven freight recovery continued to gain steam. In the Intermodal segment, volumes were up 3% year-over-year for the quarter, and the company set a weekly volume record in March with over 46,000 loads delivered. In the Highway businesses, JBT reported a fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit volume growth, with revenue increasing 23% on 19% load growth, while gross profit declined 5% due to higher purchase transportation rates.

Final Mile end market demand showed stabilization across furniture and exercise equipment.

Regarding forward guidance, the company reiterated its guidance of a $600 million to $800 million net CapEx plan for the year.

The Dedicated Contract Services segment maintained its full year target for net truck sales of 800 to 1,000 new trucks this year, and management expects only modest operating income growth in the dedicated business in 2026.

The company noted increased challenges in driver hiring, stating that current driver need is the highest it has been since June of 2022.