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J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. Reports Revenues, Net Earnings and Earnings Per Share for Both the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2018

Business Wire 17-Jan-2019 4:02 PM

  • Fourth quarter 2018 Revenue: $2.32 billion; up 16%
  • Fourth quarter 2018 Operating Income: $123 million; down 16%
  • Fourth quarter 2018 EPS: $0.81 vs. $3.48; down 77%
  • Full Year 2018 Revenue: $8.61 billion; up 20%
  • Full Year 2018 Operating Income: $681 million; up 9%
  • Full Year 2018 EPS: $4.43 vs. $6.18; down 28%

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., (NASDAQ:JBHT) announced fourth quarter 2018 net earnings of $88.7 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.81 vs. fourth quarter 2017 net earnings of $385.3 million, or $3.48 per diluted share. Fourth quarter 2018 net earnings included pre-announced pretax charges of $134.0 million for contingent liabilities related to the ongoing arbitration with BNSF Railway Company. Fourth quarter 2017 net earnings included $38.9 million pre-tax charges for reserve increases on certain outstanding receivables and insurance claims as well as a $309.2 million decrease in income taxes as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted during that quarter.

Total operating revenue for the current quarter was $2.32 billion, compared with $1.99 billion for the fourth quarter 2017. A 16% increase in revenue per load in Intermodal (JBI) contributed to a 15% increase in segment revenue. Dedicated Contract Services (DCS) segment revenue increased by 25%, primarily from the addition of new customer accounts and improved asset utilization. Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS) segment revenue increased by 7% primarily from a 14% increase in load growth. Truck (JBT) segment revenue increased 21% primarily from customer rate per mile increases. Current quarter total operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharges, increased 15% vs. the comparable quarter 2017.

Operating income for the current quarter decreased to $122.7 million vs. $145.8 million for the fourth quarter 2017. The benefit from increased revenues was partly offset with cost increases in rail purchase transportation, inclusive of the $134.0 million contingent liability charge, increased driver wages, increased independent contractor rates per mile including outsourced intermodal dray, increased driver and independent contractor recruiting costs, and higher salary and wage expenses for non-driving personnel. Fourth quarter 2017 operating income included $38.9 million in charges for reserve increases on certain outstanding receivables and insurance claims.

Net earnings decreased to $88.7 million in the current quarter from $385.3 million in 2017, primarily due to the $309.2 million benefit from estimating the effect of the change in future tax rates on deferred tax balances at December 31, 2017. The fourth quarter effective tax rates for 2018 and 2017 were 20.47% and (175.65)%, respectively. The annual effective tax rates for 2018 and 2017 were 23.6% and (15.29)%, respectively.

Segment Information:

Intermodal (JBI)

  • Fourth quarter 2018 Segment Revenue: $1.26 billion; up 15%
  • Fourth quarter 2018 Operating Income: $32.4 million; down 65%

JBI total volumes declined 1% over the same period in 2017. Eastern network loads grew at 5% and transcontinental loads decreased 4% compared to the fourth quarter 2017. Revenue increased 15%, reflecting a 16% increase in revenue per load, the combination of freight mix, customer rate increases, and fuel surcharges, offset by the 1% decline in volume. Revenue per load excluding fuel surcharges increased approximately 15% compared to a year ago.

Operating income decreased 65% from the prior year. Benefits from customer rate increases were offset by the $134 million pre-announced charges for contingent liabilities related to the ongoing arbitration, increased costs to attract and retain drivers, higher third-party dray costs, and increased costs due to inefficiencies in the rail networks due to congestion and service delays. In fourth quarter 2017, JBI recorded $28.7 million in charges from reserve increases on certain receivables and insurance claims. The current period ended with approximately 94,900 units of trailing capacity and approximately 5,650 power units in the dray fleet.

Dedicated Contract Services (DCS)

  • Fourth quarter 2018 Segment Revenue: $596 million; up 25%
  • Fourth quarter 2018 Operating Income: $59.4 million; up 70%

DCS revenue increased 25% during the current quarter over the same period 2017. Productivity (revenue per truck per week) increased approximately 7% vs. 2017. Productivity excluding fuel surcharge revenue increased approximately 5% from a year ago primarily from customer rate increases, improved integration of assets between customer accounts, and increased customer supply chain fluidity. Included in the DCS revenue growth, Final Mile Services (FMS) recorded an increase in revenue of $17 million compared to fourth quarter 2017. A net additional 1,388 revenue producing trucks, 458 net additions sequentially from third quarter 2018, were in the fleet by the end of the quarter. Approximately 32% of these additions represent private fleet conversions and 5% represent FMS versus traditional dedicated capacity fleets. Customer retention rates remain above 98%.

Operating income increased by 70% from a year ago. The increase in productivity and additional trucks under contract was partially offset by increased costs expanding the FMS network, increased driver wages and increased driver recruiting costs including the length of time to fill open positions compared to the same period a year ago. Fourth quarter 2017 operating income included $7.6 million of charges for certain insurance and claims reserve increases.

Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS)

  • Fourth Quarter 2018 Segment Revenue: $345 million; up 7%
  • Fourth Quarter 2018 Operating Income: $16.1 million; up 43%

ICS revenue increased 7% in the current quarter vs. the fourth quarter 2017. Volume increased 14% but revenue per load decreased 6.4%, mostly due to customer mix changes and decreased spot market activity, compared to the prior year. Contractual volumes represent approximately 71% of the total load volume and 53% of the total revenue in the current quarter compared to 66% and 46%, respectively, in fourth quarter 2017. Of the total reported ICS revenue, approximately $174 million was executed through the Marketplace for J.B. Hunt 360 compared to $151 million in third quarter 2018.

Operating income increased 43% over the same period in 2017. Gross profit margin increased to 16.9% in the current period from 14.1% last year primarily from customer rate increases on contractual volumes. The increase in gross profit margin was partially offset by higher personnel costs, increased insurance and claims costs, and higher technology spending as the Marketplace for J.B. Hunt 360 expands capacity and adds functionality. ICS recorded a $1.8 million charge for increased reserves on certain insurance claims in the fourth quarter 2017. ICS's carrier base increased 29% and the employee count increased 20% from a year ago.

Truck (JBT)

  • Fourth quarter 2018 Segment Revenue: $118 million; up 21%
  • Fourth quarter 2018 Operating Income: $14.7 million; up 131%

JBT revenue increased 21% from the same period in 2017. Revenue excluding fuel surcharges increased approximately 21% compared to a year ago. Revenue per load increased 10% primarily from an 18% increase in rates per loaded mile offset by a 6% decrease in length of haul compared to fourth quarter 2017. Comparable contractual customer rates increased approximately 15% compared to the same period a year ago. At the end of the period, JBT operated 2,112 tractors compared to 2,032 a year ago.

Operating income increased 131% from fourth quarter 2017. Favorable changes from higher rates per loaded mile and lower equipment ownership costs were partially offset by higher driver wages and independent contractor costs per mile and higher driver and independent contractor recruiting costs compared to fourth quarter 2017. JBT recorded approximately $0.7 million of the charges for increased reserves on certain insurance claims in the fourth quarter 2017.

Cash Flow and Capitalization:

At December 31, 2018, we had total debt outstanding of $1.15 billion on various debt instruments compared to $1.09 billion at December 31, 2017 and $1.07 billion at September 30, 2018.

Our net capital expenditures for 2018 approximated $885 million vs. $511 million in 2017. At December 31, 2018, we had cash and cash equivalents of $7.6 million.

In the fourth quarter 2018, we purchased approximately 494,000 shares of our common stock for approximately $50 million. At December 31, 2018, we had approximately $371 million remaining under our share repurchase authorization. Actual shares outstanding at December 31, 2018 approximated 108.7 million.

Conference Call Information:

The company will hold a conference call today at 4:00-5:00 p.m. CST to discuss the quarterly earnings. The call-in number for participants is (866) 439-5964 and a replay of the call will be posted on its website here later this evening.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which are based on information currently available. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in Item 1A of our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to the extent we become aware that it will not be achieved for any reason. This press release and additional information will be available to interested parties on our web site, www.jbhunt.com.

 
J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
       
Three Months Ended December 31
2018 2017
% Of % Of
Amount   Revenue Amount   Revenue
 
Operating revenues, excluding fuel surcharge revenues $ 2,033,674 $ 1,765,658
Fuel surcharge revenues 284,168 224,502  
Total operating revenues 2,317,842 100.0 % 1,990,160 100.0 %
 
Operating expenses
Rents and purchased transportation 1,271,097 54.8 % 1,026,100 51.6 %
Salaries, wages and employee benefits 515,271 22.2 % 429,853 21.6 %
Depreciation and amortization 114,086 4.9 % 102,320 5.1 %
Fuel and fuel taxes 117,613 5.1 % 100,848 5.1 %
Operating supplies and expenses 77,178 3.3 % 67,154 3.4 %
General and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions 51,191 2.3 % 51,279 2.6 %
Insurance and claims 26,941 1.2 % 46,649 2.3 %
Operating taxes and licenses 14,055 0.6 % 12,496 0.6 %
Communication and utilities 7,670 0.3 % 7,647   0.4 %
Total operating expenses 2,195,102 94.7 % 1,844,346   92.7 %
Operating income 122,740 5.3 % 145,814 7.3 %
Net interest expense 11,235 0.5 % 6,030   0.3 %
Earnings before income taxes 111,505 4.8 % 139,784 7.0 %
Income taxes 22,824 1.0 % (245,524 ) (12.4 %)
Net earnings $ 88,681 3.8 % $ 385,308   19.4 %
Average diluted shares outstanding 109,940 110,737  
Diluted earnings per share $ 0.81 $ 3.48  
 
 
J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31
2018 2017
% Of % Of
Amount   Revenue Amount   Revenue
 
Operating revenues, excluding fuel surcharge revenues $ 7,557,648 $ 6,435,858
Fuel surcharge revenues 1,057,226 753,710  
Total operating revenues 8,614,874 100.0 % 7,189,568 100.0 %
 
Operating expenses
Rents and purchased transportation 4,434,540 51.5 % 3,650,806 50.8 %
Salaries, wages and employee benefits 1,926,213 22.4 % 1,608,378 22.4 %
Depreciation and amortization 435,893 5.1 % 383,518 5.3 %
Fuel and fuel taxes 459,011 5.3 % 347,573 4.8 %
Operating supplies and expenses 303,529 3.5 % 257,239 3.6 %
General and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions 163,270 1.8 % 125,878 1.8 %
Insurance and claims 129,406 1.5 % 123,579 1.7 %
Operating taxes and licenses 51,080 0.6 % 44,825 0.6 %
Communication and utilities 30,911 0.4 % 23,983   0.3 %
Total operating expenses 7,933,853 92.1 % 6,565,779   91.3 %
Operating income 681,021 7.9 % 623,789 8.7 %
Net interest expense 40,203 0.5 % 28,550   0.4 %
Earnings before income taxes 640,818 7.4 % 595,239 8.3 %
Income taxes 151,233 1.7 % (91,024 ) (1.2 %)
Net earnings $ 489,585 5.7 % $ 686,263   9.5 %
Average diluted shares outstanding 110,428 111,049  
Diluted earnings per share $ 4.43 $ 6.18  
                     
 
Financial Information By Segment
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
       
 
Three Months Ended December 31
2018 2017
% Of % Of
Amount   Total Amount   Total
 

Revenue

 
Intermodal $ 1,263,469 54 % $ 1,097,671 55 %
Dedicated 595,809 26 % 476,660 24 %
Integrated Capacity Solutions 345,400 15 % 323,241 16 %
Truck 117,707   5 % 97,466   5 %
Subtotal 2,322,385 100 % 1,995,038 100 %
Intersegment eliminations (4,543 ) (0 %) (4,878 ) (0 %)
Consolidated revenue $ 2,317,842   100 % $ 1,990,160   100 %
 
 

Operating income

 
Intermodal $ 32,445 27 % $ 93,271 64 %
Dedicated 59,416 48 % 34,918 24 %
Integrated Capacity Solutions 16,142 13 % 11,277 8 %
Truck 14,737 12 % 6,380 4 %
Other (1) -   0 % (32 ) (0 %)
Operating income $ 122,740   100 % $ 145,814   100 %
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31
2018 2017
% Of % Of
Amount   Total Amount   Total

Revenue

 
Intermodal $ 4,716,649 55 % $ 4,084,418 57 %
Dedicated 2,163,155 25 % 1,718,559 24 %
Integrated Capacity Solutions 1,334,629 15 % 1,024,576 14 %
Truck 417,351   5 % 378,361   5 %
Subtotal 8,631,784 100 % 7,205,914 100 %
Intersegment eliminations (16,910 ) (0 %) (16,346 ) (0 %)
Consolidated revenue $ 8,614,874   100 % $ 7,189,568   100 %
 
 

Operating income

 
Intermodal $ 400,999 59 % $ 407,376 65 %
Dedicated 193,419 29 % 171,113 27 %
Integrated Capacity Solutions 50,167 7 % 22,797 4 %
Truck 36,568 5 % 22,597 4 %
Other (1) (132 ) (0 %) (94 ) (0 %)
Operating income $ 681,021   100 % $ 623,789   100 %
 

(1) Includes corporate support activity

 
 
Operating Statistics by Segment
(unaudited)
     
Three Months Ended December 31
2018 2017
 

Intermodal

 
Loads 512,935 515,669
Average length of haul 1,660 1,684
Revenue per load $ 2,463 $ 2,129
Average tractors during the period * 5,632 5,547
 
Tractors (end of period)
Company-owned 5,017 4,776
Independent contractor 633 764
Total tractors 5,650 5,540
 
Net change in trailing equipment during the period 1,750 1,305
Trailing equipment (end of period) 94,902 88,610
Average effective trailing equipment usage 91,785 87,522
 
 

Dedicated

 
Loads 808,043 686,475
Average length of haul 173 178
Revenue per truck per week** $ 4,715 $ 4,426
Average trucks during the period*** 9,914 8,571
 
Trucks (end of period)
Company-owned 9,652 8,124
Independent contractor 51 59
Customer-owned (Dedicated operated) 412 544
Total trucks 10,115 8,727
 
Trailing equipment (end of period) 26,710 25,811
Average effective trailing equipment usage 27,014 25,823
 
 

Integrated Capacity Solutions

 
Loads 317,512 277,911
Revenue per load $ 1,088 $ 1,163
Gross profit margin 16.9% 14.1%
Employee count (end of period) 1,142 954
Approximate number of third-party carriers (end of period) 73,100 56,700
 
 

Truck

 
Loads 95,747 87,538
Average length of haul 405 432
Loaded miles (000) 38,828 37,852
Total miles (000) 47,555 45,206
Average nonpaid empty miles per load 91.3 84.0
Revenue per tractor per week** $ 4,513 $ 3,782
Average tractors during the period * 2,108 2,085
 
Tractors (end of period)
Company-owned 1,139 1,291
Independent contractor 973 741
Total tractors 2,112 2,032
 
Trailers (end of period) 6,800 7,120
Average effective trailing equipment usage 6,532 6,771
 
 
* Includes company-owned and independent contractor tractors
** Using weighted workdays
*** Includes company-owned, independent contractor, and customer-owned trucks
 
 
Operating Statistics by Segment
(unaudited)
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31
2018 2017
 

Intermodal

 
Loads 2,049,014 1,999,807
Average length of haul 1,648 1,681
Revenue per load $ 2,302 $ 2,042
Average tractors during the period * 5,551 5,362
 
Tractors (end of period)
Company-owned 5,017 4,776
Independent contractor 633 764
Total tractors 5,650 5,540
 
Net change in trailing equipment during the period 6,262 4,016
Trailing equipment (end of period) 94,902 88,610
Average effective trailing equipment usage 88,739 82,969
 
 

Dedicated

 
Loads 2,981,344 2,575,245
Average length of haul 177 178
Revenue per truck per week** $ 4,534 $ 4,226
Average trucks during the period*** 9,264 7,946
 
Trucks (end of period)
Company-owned 9,652 8,124
Independent contractor 51 59
Customer-owned (Dedicated operated) 412 544
Total trucks 10,115 8,727
 
Trailing equipment (end of period) 26,710 25,811
Average effective trailing equipment usage 26,806 24,550
 
 

Integrated Capacity Solutions

 
Loads 1,234,632 992,834
Revenue per load $ 1,081 $ 1,032
Gross profit margin 15.4% 13.3%
Employee count (end of period) 1,142 954
Approximate number of third-party carriers (end of period) 73,100 56,700
 
 

Truck

 
Loads 355,038 370,591
Average length of haul 427 435
Loaded miles (000) 151,322 160,932
Total miles (000) 181,718 192,433
Average nonpaid empty miles per load 85.5 85.1
Revenue per tractor per week** $ 4,148 $ 3,556
Average tractors during the period* 1,990 2,098
 
Tractors (end of period)
Company-owned 1,139 1,291
Independent contractor 973 741
Total tractors 2,112 2,032
 
Trailers (end of period) 6,800 7,120
Average effective trailing equipment usage 6,513 7,066
 
 
* Includes company-owned and independent contractor tractors
** Using weighted workdays
*** Includes company-owned, independent contractor, and customer-owned trucks
 
     
J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
      December 31, 2018       December 31, 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,600 $ 14,612
Accounts Receivable 1,051,698 920,767
Prepaid expenses and other     443,683       403,349
Total current assets     1,502,981       1,338,728
Property and equipment 5,329,243 4,670,464
Less accumulated depreciation     1,884,132       1,687,133
Net property and equipment     3,445,111       2,983,331
Other assets, net     143,555       143,290
    $ 5,091,647     $ 4,465,349
 
 
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current debt $ 250,706 $ -
Trade accounts payable 709,736 598,594
Claims accruals 275,139 251,980
Accrued payroll 80,922 42,382
Other accrued expenses     35,845       28,888
Total current liabilities     1,352,348       921,844
 
Long-term debt 898,398 1,085,649
Other long-term liabilities 96,056 76,661
Deferred income taxes 643,461 541,870
Stockholders' equity     2,101,384       1,839,325
    $ 5,091,647     $ 4,465,349
 
Supplemental Data
(unaudited)
               
      December 31, 2018       December 31, 2017
 
Actual shares outstanding at end of period (000)     108,711       109,753
 
Book value per actual share outstanding at end of period   $ 19.33     $ 16.76
 
 
               
Twelve Months Ended December 31
2018 2017
 
Net cash provided by operating activities (000)   $ 1,087,841     $ 855,153
 
Net capital expenditures (000)   $ 885,485     $ 510,515

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