J.B. Hunt surpasses analyst expectations

The trucking and intermodal company’s strong earnings were fueled by higher freight rates and strong demand.    J.B. Hunt’s net earnings jumped 55 percent year-over-year during the second quarter of 2018 to $151.7 million amid higher freight rates and strong demand.
   The Lowell, Ark.-based trucking and intermodal company’s diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.37 for the quarter surpassed the Thompson Reuters estimate of $1.28 per share and were higher than the $0.88 per share a year prior.
   Operating revenues for the quarter surged 24 percent year-over-year to $2.14 billion.
   J.B. Hunt’s four segments — intermodal, dedicated contract services, integrated capacity solutions and truckload — all had improved revenues and operating incomes during the quarter compared to the second quarter of 2017.