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HUNT J B TRANSPORT SERVICES INC - Quarter Report: 2023 June (Form 10-Q)

jbht20230630_10q.htm
 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒         QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2023

 

OR

 

☐         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 0-11757

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Arkansas

71-0335111

(State or other jurisdiction

(I.R.S. Employer

of incorporation or

Identification No.)

organization)

 

 

615 J.B. Hunt Corporate Drive, Lowell, Arkansas 72745

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

479-820-0000

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

www.jbhunt.com

(Registrant's web site)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value

JBHT

NASDAQ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to the filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes           No 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes           No 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting companyand emerging growth companyin Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐

Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes ☐          No 

 

The number of shares of the registrants $0.01 par value common stock outstanding on June 30, 2023 was 103,344,606.

 

 

 

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

 

Form 10-Q

For The Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2023

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

Page

Part I.    Financial Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022

4

     
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 5
 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

6

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of June 30, 2023

7

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

12

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

20

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part II.    Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

21

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

21

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

21

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

22

     

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

22

     

Item 5.

Other Information

22

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

22

 

 

 

Exhibits

23

 

 

 

Signatures

24

 

 

 

Part I.    Financial Information

 

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended

   

Six Months Ended

 
   

June 30,

   

June 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

2023

   

2022

 
                                 

Operating revenues, excluding fuel surcharge revenues

  $ 2,707,560     $ 3,159,759     $ 5,450,070     $ 6,201,976  

Fuel surcharge revenues

    425,063       677,773       912,142       1,124,144  

Total operating revenues

    3,132,623       3,837,532       6,362,212       7,326,120  
                                 
Operating expenses:                                

Rents and purchased transportation

    1,404,586       1,920,823       2,872,384       3,758,163  

Salaries, wages and employee benefits

    821,876       841,825       1,646,875       1,605,416  

Fuel and fuel taxes

    171,846       265,636       367,680       455,102  

Depreciation and amortization

    179,972       157,571       355,784       306,334  

Operating supplies and expenses

    128,949       126,383       257,308       233,322  

Insurance and claims

    63,893       87,258       134,221       133,389  

General and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions

    61,472       59,764       121,879       97,209  

Operating taxes and licenses

    18,951       16,323       37,058       32,073  

Communication and utilities

    10,366       8,866       20,822       17,735  

Total operating expenses

    2,861,911       3,484,449       5,814,011       6,638,743  

Operating income

    270,712       353,083       548,201       687,377  

Net interest expense

    14,604       12,842       29,393       25,429  

Earnings before income taxes

    256,108       340,241       518,808       661,948  

Income taxes

    66,556       84,899       131,488       163,282  

Net earnings

  $ 189,552     $ 255,342     $ 387,320     $ 498,666  
                                 

Weighted average basic shares outstanding

    103,562       104,252       103,643       104,572  
                                 

Basic earnings per share

  $ 1.83     $ 2.45     $ 3.74     $ 4.77  
                                 

Weighted average diluted shares outstanding

    104,566       105,387       104,647       105,729  
                                 

Diluted earnings per share

  $ 1.81     $ 2.42     $ 3.70     $ 4.72  

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

3

 

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   

June 30, 2023

   

December 31, 2022

 
                 
ASSETS                
Current assets:                

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 295,929     $ 51,927  

Trade accounts receivable, net

    1,286,244       1,528,075  

Prepaid expenses and other

    555,407       631,776  

Total current assets

    2,137,580       2,211,778  

Property and equipment, at cost

    8,424,327       7,999,480  

Less accumulated depreciation

    2,940,246       3,019,663  

Net property and equipment

    5,484,081       4,979,817  

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

    226,646       236,390  

Other assets

    399,425       358,597  

Total assets

  $ 8,247,732     $ 7,786,582  
                 
                 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

               
Current liabilities:                

Current portion of long-term debt

  $ 249,844     $ -  

Trade accounts payable

    767,428       798,776  

Claims accruals

    492,222       452,149  

Accrued payroll

    119,898       188,252  

Other accrued expenses

    139,132       129,054  

Total current liabilities

    1,768,524       1,568,231  
                 

Long-term debt

    1,195,309       1,261,738  

Other long-term liabilities

    393,181       369,314  

Deferred income taxes

    978,795       920,531  

Stockholders' equity

    3,911,923       3,666,768  

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 8,247,732     $ 7,786,582  

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4

 

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended June 30, 2022 and 2023

 
           

Additional

                         
   

Common

   

Paid-in

   

Retained

   

Treasury

   

Stockholders

 
   

Stock

   

Capital

   

Earnings

   

Stock

   

Equity

 
                                         

Balances at March 31, 2022

  $ 1,671     $ 461,516     $ 5,822,488     $ (3,032,133 )   $ 3,253,542  
Comprehensive income:                                        

Net earnings

    -       -       255,342       -       255,342  

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.40 per share)

    -       -       (41,735 )     -       (41,735 )

Purchase of treasury shares

    -       -       -       (164,322 )     (164,322 )

Share-based compensation

    -       20,443       -       -       20,443  

Restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

    -       1,150       -       444       1,594  

Balances at June 30, 2022

  $ 1,671     $ 483,109     $ 6,036,095     $ (3,196,011 )   $ 3,324,864  
                                         

Balances at March 31, 2023

  $ 1,671     $ 511,319     $ 6,577,914     $ (3,293,533 )   $ 3,797,371  
Comprehensive income:                                        

Net earnings

    -       -       189,552       -       189,552  

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.42 per share)

    -       -       (43,528 )     -       (43,528 )

Purchase of treasury shares

    -       -       -       (53,086 )     (53,086 )

Share-based compensation

    -       20,597       -       -       20,597  

Restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

    -       587       -       430       1,017  

Balances at June 30, 2023

  $ 1,671     $ 532,503     $ 6,723,938     $ (3,346,189 )   $ 3,911,923  

 

   

Six Months Ended June 30, 2022 and 2023

 
           

Additional

                         
   

Common

   

Paid-in

   

Retained

   

Treasury

   

Stockholders

 
   

Stock

   

Capital

   

Earnings

   

Stock

   

Equity

 
                                         

Balances at December 31, 2021

  $ 1,671     $ 448,217     $ 5,621,103     $ (2,953,175 )   $ 3,117,816  

Comprehensive income:

                                       

Net earnings

    -       -       498,666       -       498,666  

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.80 per share)

    -       -       (83,674 )     -       (83,674 )

Purchase of treasury shares

    -       -       -       (239,340 )     (239,340 )

Share-based compensation

    -       39,584       -       -       39,584  

Restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

    -       (4,692 )     -       (3,496 )     (8,188 )

Balances at June 30, 2022

  $ 1,671     $ 483,109     $ 6,036,095     $ (3,196,011 )   $ 3,324,864  
                                         

Balances at December 31, 2022

  $ 1,671     $ 499,897     $ 6,423,730     $ (3,258,530 )   $ 3,666,768  

Comprehensive income:

                                       

Net earnings

    -       -       387,320       -       387,320  

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.84 per share)

    -       -       (87,112 )     -       (87,112 )

Purchase of treasury shares

    -       -       -       (83,935 )     (83,935 )

Share-based compensation

    -       39,845       -       -       39,845  

Restricted share issuances, net of stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

    -       (7,239 )     -       (3,724 )     (10,963 )

Balances at June 30, 2023

  $ 1,671     $ 532,503     $ 6,723,938     $ (3,346,189 )   $ 3,911,923  

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5

 

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

   

Six Months Ended June 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

 
                 
Cash flows from operating activities:                

Net earnings

  $ 387,320     $ 498,666  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:                

Depreciation and amortization

    355,784       306,334  

Noncash lease expense

    46,844       39,066  

Share-based compensation

    39,845       39,584  

(Gain)/loss on sale of revenue equipment and other

    9,558       (20,667 )

Deferred income taxes

    58,264       65,189  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                

Trade accounts receivable

    241,832       (262,943 )

Other assets

    99,983       61,653  

Trade accounts payable

    (54,492 )     83,856  

Income taxes payable or receivable

    11,217       (13,915 )

Claims accruals

    12,365       24,905  

Accrued payroll and other accrued expenses

    (111,230 )     (37,201 )

Net cash provided by operating activities

    1,097,290       784,527  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:                

Additions to property and equipment

    (1,058,970 )     (667,742 )

Net proceeds from sale of equipment

    205,192       69,648  

Business acquisition

    -       (86,939 )

Net cash used in investing activities

    (853,778 )     (685,033 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:                

Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and other

    2,093,600       -  

Payments on revolving lines of credit and other

    (1,911,100 )     -  

Purchase of treasury stock

    (83,935 )     (239,340 )

Stock repurchased for payroll taxes and other

    (10,963 )     (8,188 )

Dividends paid

    (87,112 )     (83,674 )

Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities

    490       (331,202 )

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

    244,002       (231,708 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    51,927       355,549  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 295,929     $ 123,841  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:                
Cash paid during the period for:                

Interest

  $ 29,935     $ 21,335  

Income taxes

  $ 56,313     $ 111,641  
                 
Noncash investing activities                

Accruals for equipment received

  $ 130,618     $ 90,490  

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

6

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

1.

General

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information. We believe such statements include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair statement of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods indicated. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) applicable to quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, the accompanying financial statements do not include all disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements. While we believe the disclosures presented are adequate to make the information not misleading, these unaudited interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Operating results for the periods presented in this report are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the calendar year ending December 31, 2023, or any other interim period. Our business is somewhat seasonal with slightly higher freight volumes typically experienced during August through early November in our full-load freight transportation business.

 

 

2.

Earnings Per Share

 

We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the actual weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if holders of unvested restricted and performance share units converted their holdings into common stock. The dilutive effect of restricted and performance share units was 1.0 million shares during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to 1.1 million and 1.2 million shares during the three and six months ended June 30, 2022.

 

 

3.

Share-based Compensation

 

The following table summarizes the components of our share-based compensation program expense (in thousands):

 

   

Three Months Ended

June 30,

   

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

2023

   

2022

 
Restricted share units:  

Pretax compensation expense

  $ 14,731     $ 14,920     $ 27,454     $ 27,895  

Tax benefit

    3,799       3,730       7,080       6,974  

Restricted share unit expense, net of tax

  $ 10,932     $ 11,190     $ 20,374     $ 20,921  
Performance share units:  

Pretax compensation expense

  $ 5,866     $ 5,523     $ 12,391     $ 11,689  

Tax benefit

    1,513       1,381       3,196       2,922  

Performance share unit expense, net of tax

  $ 4,353     $ 4,142     $ 9,195     $ 8,767  

 

As of June 30, 2023, we had $84.3 million and $39.1 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted share units and performance share units, respectively, that is to be recognized over the remaining weighted average period of approximately 2.6 years for restricted share units and 2.4 years for performance share units. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, we issued 18,657 shares for vested restricted share units and 138,881 shares for vested performance share units. Of this total, 5,498 shares for vested restricted share units and zero shares for vested performance share units were issued during the second quarter 2023.

 

7

 

 

 

4.

Financing Arrangements

 

Outstanding borrowings, net of unamortized discount and unamortized debt issuance cost, under our current financing arrangements consist of the following (in millions):

 

   

June 30, 2023

   

December 31, 2022

 

Senior credit facility

  $ 497.5     $ 314.7  

Senior notes

    947.6       947.0  

Less current portion of long-term debt

    (249.8 )     -  

Total long-term debt

  $ 1,195.3     $ 1,261.7  

 

Senior Credit Facility

 

At June 30, 2023, we were authorized to borrow up to $1.5 billion through a revolving line of credit and committed term loans, which is supported by a credit agreement with a group of banks. The revolving line of credit authorizes us to borrow up to $1.0 billion under a five-year term expiring September 2027, and allows us to request an increase in the revolving line of credit total commitment by up to $300 million and to request two one-year extensions of the maturity date. The committed term loans authorized us to borrow up to an additional $500 million during the nine-month period beginning September 27, 2022, due September 2025, which we exercised in June 2023. The applicable interest rates under this agreement are based on either the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), or a Base Rate, depending upon the specific type of borrowing, plus an applicable margin and other fees. At June 30, 2023, we had no outstanding balance on the revolving line of credit and a $500.0 million outstanding balance of term loans, at an average interest rate of 6.20%, under this agreement.

 

Senior Notes

 

Our senior notes consist of two separate issuances. The first is $250 million of 3.85% senior notes due March 2024, issued in March 2014. Interest payments under these notes are due semiannually in March and September of each year, beginning September 2014. The second is $700 million of 3.875% senior notes due March 2026, issued in March 2019. Interest payments under these notes are due semiannually in March and September of each year beginning September 2019. Both senior notes were issued by J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., a parent-level holding company with no significant tangible assets or operations. The notes are guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by our wholly-owned operating subsidiary. All other subsidiaries of the parent are minor. We registered these offerings and the sale of the notes under the Securities Act of 1933, pursuant to shelf registration statements filed in February 2014 and January 2019. Both notes are unsecured obligations and rank equally with our existing and future senior unsecured debt. We may redeem for cash some or all of the notes based on a redemption price set forth in the note indenture.

 

Our financing arrangements require us to maintain certain covenants and financial ratios. We were in compliance with all covenants and financial ratios at June 30, 2023.

 

 

5.

Capital Stock

 

On January 22, 2020, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $500 million of our common stock. On July 20, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized an additional purchase of up to $500 million of our common stock. At June 30, 2023, $467 million of these authorizations were remaining. We purchased approximately 498,000 shares, or $83.9 million, of our common stock under our repurchase authorization during the six months ended June 30, 2023, of which 315,000 shares, or $53.1 million, were purchased in second quarter 2023. On January 19, 2023, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.42, which was paid February 24, 2023, to stockholders of record on February 10, 2023. On April 27, 2023, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.42 per common share, which was paid on May 26, 2023, to stockholders of record on May 12, 2023. On July 19, 2023, our Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.42 per common share, which will be paid on August 18, 2023, to stockholders of record on August 4, 2023.

 

8

 

 

 

6.

Fair Value Measurements

 

Our assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on valuation techniques which consider prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. These valuation methods are based on either quoted market prices (Level 1) or inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2).

 

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

The following assets are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions):

 

   

Asset

Balance

         
   

June 30, 2023

   

December 31, 2022

   

Input Level

 

Trading investments

  $ 30.0     $ 25.1       1  

 

The fair value of trading investments has been measured using the market approach (Level 1) and reflects quoted market prices. Trading investments are classified in other assets in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

Financial Instruments

 

The carrying amount of our senior credit facility and senior notes was $1.45 billion and $1.26 billion at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The estimated fair value of these liabilities using the income approach (Level 2), based on their net present value, discounted at our current borrowing rate, was $1.42 billion and $1.24 billion at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

 

The carrying amounts of all other instruments at June 30, 2023, approximate their fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

 

 

7.

Income Taxes

 

Our effective income tax rate was 26.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2023, compared to 25.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2022. Our effective income tax rate was 25.3% for the first six months of 2023, compared to 24.7% in 2022. In determining our quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items. This rate is based on our expected annual income, statutory tax rates, best estimate of nontaxable and nondeductible items of income and expense, and the ultimate outcome of tax audits.

 

At June 30, 2023, we had a total of $94.5 million in gross unrecognized tax benefits, which are a component of other long-term liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Of this amount, $79.1 million represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact our effective tax rate. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties for such unrecognized tax benefits was $10.0 million at June 30, 2023.

 

 

8.

Commitments and Contingencies

 

As the result of state use tax audits, we have been assessed amounts owed from which we are vigorously appealing. We have recorded a liability for the estimated probable exposure under these audits and await resolution of the matter.

 

We purchase insurance coverage for a portion of expenses related to vehicular collisions and accidents. These policies include a level of self-insurance (deductible) coverage applicable to each claim as well as certain coverage-layer-specific, aggregated reimbursement limits of covered excess claims. Our claims from time to time exceed some of these existing coverage layer aggregate reimbursement limits, and accordingly, we have recorded a liability for the estimated probable exposure for these occurrences.

 

We are involved in certain other claims and pending litigation arising from the normal conduct of business. Based on present knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, we believe the resolution of these claims and pending litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

9

 

 

9.

Business Segments

 

We reported five distinct business segments during the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. These segments included Intermodal (JBI), Dedicated Contract Services® (DCS®), Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS), Final Mile Services® (FMS), and Truckload (JBT). The operation of each of these businesses is described in Note 13, Segment Information, of our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

On January 1, 2023, we transferred the majority of the company owned trucking operations in our JBT business segment to our DCS business segment and transferred our less-than-truckload brokerage operations from our ICS business segment to our FMS business segment. Accordingly, the prior period segment information reported below has been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications have no impact on our historical consolidated balance sheets, statements of earnings or cash flows.

 

A summary of certain segment information is presented below (in millions):

 

   

Assets

(Excludes intercompany accounts)

As of

 
   

June 30, 2023

   

December 31, 2022

 

JBI

  $ 3,481     $ 3,270  

DCS

    2,355       1,952  

ICS

    244       311  

FMS

    642       620  

JBT

    463       474  

Other (includes corporate)

    1,063       1,160  

Total

  $ 8,248     $ 7,787  

 

 

   

Operating Revenues

 
   

Three Months Ended

June 30,

   

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

2023

   

2022

 

JBI

  $ 1,489     $ 1,833     $ 3,029     $ 3,436  

DCS

    888       904       1,767       1,680  

ICS

    344       605       728       1,265  

FMS

    224       275       449       510  

JBT

    192       228       398       457  

Subtotal

    3,137       3,845       6,371       7,348  

Inter-segment eliminations

    (4 )     (7 )     (9 )     (22 )

Total

  $ 3,133     $ 3,838     $ 6,362     $ 7,326  

 

10

 

 

   

Operating Income/(Loss)

 
   

Three Months Ended

June 30,

   

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

2023

   

2022

 

JBI

  $ 142.9     $ 202.5     $ 311.5     $ 403.5  

DCS

    113.6       94.1       216.2       173.9  

ICS

    (4.4 )     23.3       (9.8 )     47.4  

FMS

    14.8       13.3       21.4       13.9  
JBT     3.8       20.0       8.8       48.9  

Other (includes corporate)

    -       (0.1 )     0.1       (0.2 )

Total

  $ 270.7     $ 353.1     $ 548.2     $ 687.4  

 

 

   

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

 
   

Three Months Ended

June 30,

   

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
   

2023

   

2022

   

2023

   

2022

 

JBI

  $ 62.4     $ 55.3     $ 124.1     $ 108.0  

DCS

    79.5       68.7       155.7       134.1  

FMS

    11.9       11.3       23.9       20.7  

JBT

    11.1       8.1       21.9       15.6  

Other (includes corporate)

    15.1       14.2       30.2       27.9  

Total

  $ 180.0     $ 157.6     $ 355.8     $ 306.3  

 

11

 

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

You should refer to the attached interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes and also to our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2022, as you read the following discussion. We may make statements in this report that reflect our current expectation regarding future results of operations, performance, and achievements. These are “forward-looking” statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on our belief or interpretation of information currently available. When we use words like “may,” “plan,” “contemplate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “continue,” “expect,” “project,” “goals,” “strategy,” “future,” “predict,” “seek,” “estimate,” “likely,” “could,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions, you should consider them as identifying forward-looking statements, although we may use other phrasing. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, subject to risks, and should be viewed with caution. These statements are based on our belief or interpretation of information currently available. Stockholders and prospective investors are cautioned that actual results and future events may differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors. Some of the factors and events that are not within our control and that could have a material impact on future operating results include the following: general economic and business conditions; potential business or operational disruptions resulting from the effects of a national or international health pandemic; competition and competitive rate fluctuations; excess capacity in the intermodal or trucking industries; a loss of one or more major customers; cost and availability of diesel fuel; interference with or termination of our relationships with certain railroads; rail service delays; disruptions to U.S. port-of-call activity; ability to attract and retain qualified drivers, delivery personnel, independent contractors, and third-party carriers; retention of key employees; insurance costs and availability; litigation and claims expense; determination that independent contractors are employees; new or different environmental or other laws and regulations; volatile financial credit markets or interest rates; terrorist attacks or actions; acts of war; adverse weather conditions; disruption or failure of information systems; inability to keep pace with technological advances affecting our information technology platforms; operational disruption or adverse effects of business acquisitions; increased costs for and availability of new revenue equipment; increased tariffs assessed on or disruptions in the procurement of imported revenue equipment; decreases in the value of used equipment; and the ability of revenue equipment manufacturers to perform in accordance with agreements for guaranteed equipment trade-in values. Additionally, our business is somewhat seasonal with slightly higher freight volumes typically experienced during August through early November in our full-load transportation business. You should also refer to Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2022, for additional information on risk factors and other events that are not within our control. Our future financial and operating results may fluctuate as a result of these and other risk factors as described from time to time in our filings with the SEC. 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.

 

GENERAL

 

We are one of the largest surface transportation, delivery, and logistics companies in North America. We operate five distinct, but complementary, business segments and provide a wide range of reliable transportation, brokerage, and delivery services to a diverse group of customers and consumers throughout the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico. Our service offerings include transportation of full-truckload containerized freight, which we directly transport utilizing our company-controlled revenue equipment and company drivers, independent contractors, or third-party carriers. We have arrangements with most of the major North American rail carriers to transport freight in containers or trailers, while we perform the majority of the pickup and delivery services. We also provide customized freight movement, revenue equipment, labor, systems, and delivery services that are tailored to meet individual customers’ requirements and typically involve long-term contracts. These arrangements are generally referred to as dedicated services and may include multiple pickups and drops, freight handling, specialized equipment, and freight network design. In addition, we provide or arrange for local and home delivery services, generally referred to as last-mile delivery services, to customers through a network of cross-dock and other delivery system locations throughout the continental United States. Utilizing thousands of reliable third-party carriers, we also provide comprehensive freight transportation brokerage and logistics services. In addition to dry-van, full-load operations, we also arrange for these unrelated outside carriers to provide flatbed, refrigerated, less-than-truckload (LTL), and other specialized equipment, drivers, and services. Also, we utilize a combination of company-owned and contracted power units to provide traditional over-the-road full truckload delivery services. Our customers, who include many Fortune 500 companies, have extremely diverse businesses. Many of them are served by J.B. Hunt 360°®, an online platform that offers shippers and carriers greater access, visibility and transparency of the supply chain. We account for our business on a calendar year basis, with our full year ending on December 31 and our quarterly reporting periods ending on March 31, June 30, and September 30. The operation of each of our five business segments is described in Note 9, Business Segments, in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in Note 13, Segment Information, of our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

12

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that impact the amounts reported in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Therefore, the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and associated disclosures of contingent liabilities are affected by these estimates. We evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis, utilizing historical experience, consultation with experts, and other methods considered reasonable in the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from our estimates. Any effects on our business, financial position, or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recognized in the accounting period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.

 

Information regarding our Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates can be found in our Annual Report (Form 10-K). The critical accounting policies that we believe require us to make more significant judgments and estimates when we prepare our financial statements include those relating to self-insurance accruals, revenue equipment, revenue recognition and income taxes. We have discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. In addition, Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the financial statements in our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2022, contains a summary of our critical accounting policies. There have been no material changes to the methodology we apply for critical accounting estimates as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 2023 to Three Months Ended June 30, 2022

 

   

Summary of Operating Segment Results

For the Three Months Ended June 30,

(in millions)

 
    Operating Revenues     Operating Income/(Loss)  
   

2023

   

2022

   

2023

   

2022

 

JBI

  $ 1,489     $ 1,833     $ 142.9     $ 202.5  

DCS

    888       904       113.6       94.1  

ICS

    344       605       (4.4 )     23.3  

FMS

    224       275       14.8       13.3  

JBT

    192       228       3.8       20.0  

Other (includes corporate)

    -       -       -       (0.1 )

Subtotal

    3,137       3,845       270.7       353.1  

Inter-Segment eliminations

    (4 )     (7 )     -       -  

Total

  $ 3,133     $ 3,838     $ 270.7     $ 353.1  

 

Total consolidated operating revenues decreased to $3.13 billion for the second quarter 2023, an 18% decrease from $3.84 billion in the second quarter 2022. This decrease was primarily the result of decreased revenue per load in ICS, JBI, and JBT, lower fleet productivity in DCS, lower volumes in JBI, ICS and DCS, and a decline in stop count in FMS, when compared to the second quarter 2022. Total consolidated operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharge revenue, decreased 14%.

 

13

 

JBI segment revenue decreased 19% to $1.49 billion during the second quarter 2023, compared with $1.83 billion in 2022. Load volumes during the second quarter 2023 decreased 7% over the same period 2022, primarily due to weaker overall freight activity, principally import-related freight during the current period. Transcontinental loads decreased 8% during the second quarter 2023, and eastern network load volume was down 6% compared to the second quarter 2022. Revenue per load, which is determined by the combination of customer rates, fuel surcharges and freight mix, decreased 13% during the second quarter 2023. Revenue per load, excluding fuel surcharge revenue, decreased 7% compared to the second quarter 2022. JBI segment operating income decreased 29%, to $142.9 million in the second quarter 2023, from $202.5 million in 2022. The decrease is primarily due to the decrease in revenue and higher driver and non-driver wages and increased network and equipment-related costs as a percentage of gross revenue, partially offset by lower insurance and claims expenses. The second quarter 2022 included a net expense of $7.7 million consisting of the segment’s portion of an increase in casualty claim expenses, partially offset by a workers’ compensation insurance benefit (collectively referred to in this report as the Insurance-Related Charge). The current quarter ended with approximately 116,500 units of trailing capacity and 6,500 power units assigned to the dray fleet.

 

DCS segment revenue decreased 2% to $888 million in the second quarter 2023 from $904 million in 2022.  Productivity, defined as revenue per truck per week, decreased 4% when compared to the second quarter 2022. Productivity excluding fuel surcharge revenue increased 3%, primarily due to contractual index-based rate increases. On a net basis, revenue-producing trucks in the fleet at the end of the second quarter 2023 remained flat compared to the prior year period. DCS segment operating income increased 21% to $113.6 million in the second quarter 2023, from $94.1 million in 2022. The increase is primarily due to the maturing of new long-term customer contracts, partially offset by higher driver and non-driver wages and benefits and increased equipment-related and maintenance costs when compared to the second quarter 2022. The second quarter 2022 included a net expense of $1.6 million for the segment’s portion of the Insurance-Related Charge.

 

ICS segment revenue decreased 43% to $344 million in the second quarter 2023, from $605 million in 2022. Overall volumes decreased 26% compared to the second quarter 2022, while revenue per load decreased 24%, primarily due to lower contractual and spot rates as well as changes in customer freight mix. Contractual business represented approximately 66% of total load volume and 64% of total revenue in the second quarter 2023, compared to 44% and 47%, respectively, in 2022. Approximately $225 million of second quarter 2023 ICS revenue was executed through the Marketplace for J.B. Hunt 360 compared to $392 million in the second quarter 2022. ICS segment had an operating loss of $4.4 million in the second quarter 2023, compared to operating income of $23.2 million in 2022. The decrease is primarily due to lower revenue and a 54% decrease in gross profit, partially offset by lower personnel salary and wages expense, lower insurance and claims expenses, and decreased technology cost. Gross profit margin decreased to 13.0% in the second quarter 2023, compared to 16.1% in 2022. The second quarter 2022, included a net expense of $6.7 million for the segment’s portion of the Insurance-Related Charge. ICS’s carrier base decreased 7% compared to second quarter 2022, primarily due to changes in carrier requirements.

 

FMS segment revenue decreased 19% to $224 million in the second quarter 2023 from $275 million in 2022, primarily due to decreased customer demand and the effects of internal efforts to improve revenue quality across certain accounts, partially offset by the addition of multiple new customer contracts implemented over the past year and improved revenue quality at underperforming accounts. FMS segment operating income increased to $14.8 million in the second quarter of 2023 compared to $13.3 million in 2022. This increase was primarily due to improvements in revenue quality and overall cost management, partially offset by higher equipment-related and maintenance expenses, increased technology costs, and inflationary increases in facility rental expenses compared to the second quarter 2022. The second quarter 2022 also included a net expense of $0.4 million for the segment’s portion of the Insurance-Related Charge.

 

JBT segment revenue totaled $192 million for the second quarter 2023, a decrease of 16% from $228 million in second quarter 2022. Revenue excluding fuel surcharge decreased 15% primarily due to a 20% decrease in revenue per load excluding fuel surcharge revenue, partially offset by a 6% increase in load volume compared to second quarter 2022. Load volume growth was primarily related to the expansion of J.B. Hunt 360box®, which leverages the J.B. Hunt 360 platform to provide customers access to drop-trailer capacity across our transportation network. JBT average effective trailer count increased to 13,108 in the second quarter 2023, compared to 9,928 in 2022.  At the end of the second quarter 2023, the JBT power fleet consisted of 2,068 tractors, compared to 2,015 tractors at June 30, 2022. Trailer turns in the second quarter of 2023 decreased 20% compared to second quarter 2022 due to freight mix and the increase in trailer count. JBT segment operating income decreased to $3.8 million in 2023, compared with $20.0 million during second quarter 2022. The decrease is primarily due to the decrease in revenue and higher network, technology, and equipment-related costs as a percentage of gross revenue, partially offset by lower insurance and claims expenses. The second quarter 2022 included a net expense of $2.0 million for the segment’s portion of the Insurance-Related Charge.

 

14

 

Consolidated Operating Expenses

 

The following table sets forth items in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a percentage of operating revenues and the percentage increase or decrease of those items as compared with the prior period.

 

    Three Months Ended June 30,  
   

Dollar Amounts as a

Percentage of Total

Operating Revenues

   

Percentage Change

of Dollar Amounts Between Quarters

 
    2023     2022     2023 vs. 2022  

Total operating revenues

    100.0

%

    100.0

%

    (18.4 )%

Operating expenses:

                       

Rents and purchased transportation

    44.8       50.1       (26.9 )

Salaries, wages and employee benefits

    26.2       21.9       (2.4 )

Fuel and fuel taxes

    5.5       6.9       (35.3 )

Depreciation and amortization

    5.7       4.1       14.2  

Operating supplies and expenses

    4.1       3.3       2.0  

Insurance and claims

    2.1       2.3       (26.8 )

General and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions

    2.1       1.6       2.9  

Operating taxes and licenses

    0.6       0.4       16.1  

Communication and utilities

    0.3       0.2       16.9  

Total operating expenses

    91.4       90.8       (17.9 )

Operating income

    8.6       9.2       (23.3 )

Net interest expense

    0.4       0.3       13.7  

Earnings before income taxes

    8.2       8.9       (24.7 )

Income taxes

    2.1       2.2       (21.6 )

Net earnings

    6.1

%

    6.7

%

    (25.8 )%

 

Total operating expenses decreased 17.9%, while operating revenues decreased 18.4% during the second quarter 2023, from the comparable period 2022. Operating income decreased to $270.7 million during the second quarter 2023 from $353.1 million in 2022.

 

Rents and purchased transportation costs decreased 26.9% in second quarter 2023. This decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in rail and truck carrier purchased transportation rates within JBI, ICS and JBT segments and decreased JBI and ICS load volume, which decreased services provided by third-party rail and truck carriers during the second quarter 2023 compared to 2022.

 

Salaries, wages and employee benefits costs decreased 2.4% during the second quarter 2023, compared with 2022. This decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in incentive compensation, partially offset by a $11.6 million workers’ compensation insurance return of premium benefit present in second quarter 2022.

 

Fuel costs decreased 35.3% in the second quarter 2023, compared with 2022, due primarily to a decrease in the price of fuel. Depreciation and amortization expense increased 14.2% in second quarter 2023, primarily due to equipment purchases related to new DCS long-term customer contracts, the addition of trailing equipment within our JBI and JBT segments, and increased truck and tractor trades.

 

Operating supplies and expenses increased 2.0%, driven primarily by higher equipment maintenance costs and increased towing expenses, partially offset by lower travel and entertainment expenses. Insurance and claims expenses decreased 26.8% in 2023 compared with 2022, primarily due to the inclusion of the $30 million Insurance-Related Charge in second quarter 2022 and lower claim volume in the current period, partially offset by increased cost per claim and higher insurance policy premium expense. General and administrative expenses increased 2.9% for the current quarter from the comparable period in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in net gains from sale or disposal of assets and an increase in building and yard rentals, partially offset by lower advertising costs, professional service expenses, and bad debt expense. Net loss from sale or disposal of assets was $3.5 million in 2023, compared to a net gain from sale or disposal of assets of $3.4 million in 2022.

 

15

 

Net interest expense increased 13.7% in 2023 due to an increase in effective interest rates on our debt compared to second quarter 2022. Income tax expense decreased 21.6% in 2023, compared with 2022, primarily due to lower taxable earnings. Our effective income tax rate was 26.0% for the second quarter of 2023, compared to 25.0% in 2022. Our annual tax rate for 2023 is expected to be between 24.0% and 25.0%. In determining our quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items. This rate is based on our expected annual income, statutory tax rates, best estimate of nontaxable and nondeductible items of income and expense, and the ultimate outcome of tax audits.

 

Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 to Six Months Ended June 30, 2022

 

   

Summary of Operating Segment Results

For the Six Months Ended June 30,

(in millions)

 
    Operating Revenues     Operating Income/(loss)  
   

2023

   

2022

   

2023

   

2022

 

JBI

  $ 3,029     $ 3,436     $ 311.5     $ 403.5  

DCS

    1,767       1,680       216.2       173.9  

ICS

    728       1,265       (9.8 )     47.4  

FMS

    449       510       21.4       13.9  

JBT

    398       457       8.8       48.9  

Other (includes corporate)

    -       -       0.1       (0.2 )

Subtotal

    6,371       7,348       548.2       687.4  

Inter-segment eliminations

    (9 )     (22 )     -       -  

Total

  $ 6,362     $ 7,326     $ 548.2     $ 687.4  

 

Total consolidated operating revenues decreased to $6.36 billion for the first six months of 2023, a 13% decrease from $7.33 billion for the comparable period 2022. Fuel surcharge revenue decreased to $912.1 million during the first six months of 2023, compared with $1.12 billion in 2022. Total consolidated operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharge revenue, decreased 12% for the first six months of 2023 compared to the prior year period.

 

JBI segment revenue decreased 12% to $3.03 billion during the first six months of 2023, compared with $3.44 billion in 2022. Load volume during the first six months of 2023 decreased 6% and revenue per load decreased 6%, which is determined by the combination of changes in freight mix, customer rate changes, and fuel surcharge revenue, compared to a year ago. Revenue per load, excluding fuel surcharge revenue, decreased 4% compared to the first six months of 2022. JBI segment operating income decreased 23% to $311.5 million in the first six months of 2023, from $403.5 million in 2022. The decrease is primarily due to decreased revenue and lower net gains from the sale of equipment, together with higher network and equipment-related costs and higher driver and non-driver wages as a percentage of gross revenue during the first six months of 2023, partially offset by lower rail and third-party dray purchased transportation expense.

 

DCS segment revenue increased 5%, to $1.77 billion during the first six months of 2023, from $1.68 billion in 2022. Productivity, defined as revenue per truck per week remained virtually flat from a year ago. Productivity excluding fuel surcharge revenue for the first six months of 2023 increased 4% from a year ago. The increase in productivity was primarily due to contractual index-based rate increases and improved utilization of equipment during the current period. Operating income of our DCS segment increased to $216.2 million in the first six months of 2023, from $173.9 million in 2022. The increase is primarily due to increased revenue and the maturing of new long-term customer contracts, partially offset by higher driver and non-driver wages and benefits and higher equipment-related and maintenance costs, when compared to the first six months of 2022.

 

ICS revenue decreased 42% to $728.5 million during the first six months of 2023, from $1.26 billion in 2022. Overall volumes decreased 26%, while revenue per load decreased 23% primarily due to lower contractual and spot rates as well as changes in customer freight mix compared to 2022. Approximately $476 million of ICS revenue for the first six months of 2023 was executed through the Marketplace for J.B. Hunt 360 compared to $822 million in 2022. Gross profit margin decreased to 13.3% in the current period compared to 14.4% in 2022. The ICS segment had an operating loss of $9.8 million in the first six months of 2023 compared to operating income of $47.4 million in 2022, primarily due to decreased revenue and lower gross profit margins, partially offset by lower personnel costs, decreased technology cost, and lower insurance and claims expenses during the first six months of 2023.

 

16

 

FMS revenue decreased 12% to $449 million during the first six months of 2023, from $510 million in 2022, primarily due to decreased customer demand and the effects of internal efforts to improve revenue quality across certain accounts, partially offset by the full period operations of Zenith Freight Lines, LLC acquired in 2022 and the addition of multiple new customer contracts implemented over the past year. FMS segment had operating income of $21.4 million in the first six months of 2023 compared to $13.9 million in 2022. This increase was primarily due to improvements in revenue quality and overall cost management, partially offset by higher equipment-related and maintenance expenses and inflationary increases in facility rental expenses compared to the first six months of 2022.

 

JBT segment revenue decreased 13% to $398 million for the first six months of 2023, from $457 million in 2022. Revenue excluding fuel surcharge revenue decreased 15%, primarily due to a 21% decrease in revenue per load excluding fuel surcharge revenue, partially offset by a 7% increase in load volume compared to the first six months of 2022. Operating income of our JBT segment decreased to $8.8 million in the first six months of 2023, from $48.9 million in 2022. The decrease in operating income was driven primarily by the decrease in revenue and higher network, technology, and equipment-related costs as a percentage of gross revenue.

 

Consolidated Operating Expenses

 

The following table sets forth items in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a percentage of operating revenues and the percentage increase or decrease of those items as compared with the prior period.

 

    Six Months Ended June 30,  
   

Dollar Amounts as a

Percentage of Total

Operating Revenues

   

Percentage Change

of Dollar Amounts

Between Periods

 
    2023     2022     2023 vs. 2022  

Total operating revenues

    100.0

%

    100.0

%

    (13.2

)%

Operating expenses:

                       

Rents and purchased transportation

    45.1       51.3       (23.6 )

Salaries, wages and employee benefits

    25.9       21.9       2.6  

Fuel and fuel taxes

    5.8       6.2       (19.2 )

Depreciation and amortization

    5.6       4.2       16.1  

Operating supplies and expenses

    4.0       3.2       10.3  

Insurance and claims

    2.1       1.8       0.6  

General and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions

    2.0       1.4       25.4  

Operating taxes and licenses

    0.6       0.4       15.5  

Communication and utilities

    0.3       0.2       17.4  

Total operating expenses

    91.4       90.6       (12.4 )

Operating income

    8.6       9.4       (20.3 )

Net interest expense

    0.4       0.4       15.6  

Earnings before income taxes

    8.2       9.0       (21.6 )

Income taxes

    2.1       2.2       (19.5 )

Net earnings

    6.1

%

    6.8

%

    (22.3

)%

 

Total operating expenses decreased 12.4%, while operating revenues decreased 13.2%, during the first six months of 2023, from the comparable period of 2022. Operating income decreased to $548.2 million during the first six months of 2023, from $687.4 million in 2022.

 

Rents and purchased transportation costs decreased 23.6% in 2023. This decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in rail and truck carrier purchased transportation rates within JBI, ICS and JBT segments and decreased JBI and ICS load volume, which decreased services provided by third-party rail and truck carriers during the current period.

 

17

 

Salaries, wages and employee benefits costs increased 2.6% in 2023 from 2022.  This increase was primarily related to increased base driver pay and office personnel compensation, partially offset by lower incentive compensation in 2023. In addition, an $11.6 million workers’ compensation insurance return of premium benefit was present in the prior year period.

 

Fuel costs decreased 19.2% in 2023, compared with 2022, due primarily to a decrease in the price of fuel. Depreciation and amortization expense increased 16.1% in 2023 primarily due to equipment purchases related to new DCS long-term customer contracts, the addition of trailing equipment within our JBI and JBT segments, and increased truck and tractor trades.

 

Operating supplies and expenses increased 10.3% primarily due to higher equipment maintenance costs, increased tire expense, higher travel and entertainment expenses, increased towing costs, and higher tolls expense. Insurance and claims expense increased 0.6% in 2023 compared with 2022, primarily due to increased cost per claim and higher insurance policy premium expense, partially offset by lower claim volume in the current period and the inclusion of a $30 million expense in 2022 for additional reserves of claims subject to insurance coverage layer specific aggregated limits. General and administrative expenses increased 25.4% from the comparable period in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in net gains from sale or disposal of assets and an increase in building and yard rentals, partially offset by lower advertising costs, professional service expenses, and bad debt expense. Net loss from sale or disposal of assets was $9.6 million in 2023, compared to a net gain from sale or disposal of assets of $20.7 million in 2022.

 

Net interest expense increased 15.6% in 2023, due primarily to higher effective interest rates on our debt. Income tax expense decreased 19.5% during the first six months of 2023, compared with 2022, primarily due to decreased taxable earnings in the first six months of 2023. Our effective income tax rate was 25.3% for the first six months of 2023, compared to 24.7% in 2022. Our annual tax rate for 2023 is expected to be between 24.0% and 25.0%. In determining our quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items. This rate is based on our expected annual income, statutory tax rates, best estimate of nontaxable and nondeductible items of income and expense, and the ultimate outcome of tax audits.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash Flow

 

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $1.1 billion during the first six months of 2023, compared with $784.5 million for the same period 2022. Operating cash flows increased primarily due to the timing of general working capital activities, partially offset by decreased earnings. Net cash used in investing activities totaled $853.8 million in 2023, compared with $685.0 million in 2022. The increase resulted from an increase in equipment purchases, net of proceeds from the sale of equipment, partially offset by the inclusion of a business acquisition in 2022. Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.5 million in 2023, compared with $331.2 million used in 2022. This decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in treasury stock purchased, partially offset by the net proceeds from our senior credit facility in 2023, which was the result of electing to draw funds available to us under the term portion of our credit facility.

 

Liquidity

 

Our need for capital has typically resulted from the acquisition of containers and chassis, trucks, tractors, and trailers required to support our growth and the replacement of older equipment as well as periodic business acquisitions and real estate transactions. We are frequently able to accelerate or postpone a portion of equipment replacements or other capital expenditures depending on market and overall economic conditions. In recent years, we have obtained capital through cash generated from operations, revolving lines of credit and long-term debt issuances. We have also periodically utilized operating leases to acquire revenue equipment. For our senior notes maturing in 2024, it is our intent to pay the entire outstanding balances in full, on or before the maturity dates, using our existing cash balance, revolving line of credit or other sources of long-term financing.

 

18

 

We believe our liquid assets, cash generated from operations, and revolving line of credit will provide sufficient funds for our operating and capital requirements for the foreseeable future. At June 30, 2023, we were authorized to borrow up to $1.5 billion through a revolving line of credit and committed term loans, which is supported by a credit agreement with a group of banks. The revolving line of credit authorizes us to borrow up to $1.0 billion under a five-year term expiring September 2027, and allows us to request an increase in the revolving line of credit total commitment by up to $300 million and to request two one-year extensions of the maturity date. The committed term loans authorized us to borrow up to an additional $500 million during the nine-month period beginning September 27, 2022, due September 2025, which we exercised in June 2023. The applicable interest rates under this agreement are based on either the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), or a Base Rate, depending upon the specific type of borrowing, plus an applicable margin and other fees. At June 30, 2023, we had a cash balance of $295.9 million. Under our senior credit facility, we had no outstanding balance on our revolving line of credit and a $500.0 million outstanding balance of term loans at an average interest rate of 6.20%.

 

We continue to evaluate the possible effects of current economic conditions and reasonable and supportable economic forecasts on operational cash flows, including the risks of declines in the overall freight market and our customers' liquidity and ability to pay. We regularly monitor working capital and maintain frequent communication with our customers, suppliers and service providers. A large portion of our cost structure is variable. Purchased transportation expense represents more than half of our total costs but is heavily tied to load volumes. Our second largest cost item is salaries and wages, the largest portion of which is driver pay, which includes a large variable component.

 

Our financing arrangements require us to maintain certain covenants and financial ratios. At June 30, 2023, we were compliant with all covenants and financial ratios.

 

Our net capital expenditures were approximately $853.8 million during the first six months of 2023, compared with $598.1 million for the same period 2022. Our net capital expenditures include net additions to revenue equipment and non-revenue producing assets that are necessary to contribute to and support the future growth of our various business segments. Capital expenditures in second quarter 2023 were primarily for tractors, intermodal containers and chassis, and other trailing equipment. We are currently committed to spend approximately $1.6 billion during the years 2023 and 2024. We expect to spend in the range of $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion for net capital expenditures during calendar year 2023. These expenditures will relate primarily to the acquisition of tractors, containers, chassis, and other trailing equipment. At June 30, 2023, our aggregate future minimum lease payments under operating lease obligations related primarily to the rental of maintenance and support facilities, cross-dock and delivery system facilities, office space, parking yards, and equipment was $360.2 million.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We had no off-balance sheet arrangements, other than our net purchase commitments of $1.5 billion, as of June 30, 2023.

 

Risk Factors

 

You should refer to Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2022, under the caption “Risk Factors” for specific details on the following factors and events that are not within our control and could affect our financial results.

 

Risks Related to Our Industry

 

 

Our business is significantly impacted by economic conditions, customer business cycles, and seasonal factors.

   

 

 

Our business is significantly impacted by the effects of national or international health pandemics on general economic conditions and the operations of our customers and third-party suppliers and service providers.

   

 

 

Extreme or unusual weather conditions can disrupt our operations, impact freight volumes, and increase our costs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business results.

   

 

 

Our operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations, including legislative and regulatory responses to climate change. Compliance with environmental requirements could result in significant expenditures and the violation of these regulations could result in substantial fines or penalties.

 

19

 

 

We depend on third parties in the operation of our business.

   

 

 

Rapid changes in fuel costs could impact our periodic financial results.

   

 

 

Insurance and claims expenses could significantly reduce our earnings.

   

 

 

We operate in a regulated industry, and increased direct and indirect costs of compliance with, or liability for violation of, existing or future regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.

   

 

 

Difficulty in attracting and retaining drivers, delivery personnel and third-party carriers could affect our profitability and ability to grow.

   

 

 

We operate in a competitive and highly fragmented industry. Numerous factors could impair our ability to maintain our current profitability and to compete with other carriers and private fleets.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

 

We derive a significant portion of our revenue from a few major customers, the loss of one or more of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

   

 

 

A determination that independent contractors are employees could expose us to various liabilities and additional costs.

   

 

 

We may be subject to litigation claims that could result in significant expenditures.

   

 

 

We rely significantly on our information technology systems, a disruption, failure, or security breach of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

   

 

 

Acquisitions or business combinations may disrupt or have a material adverse effect on our operations or earnings.

 

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Our outstanding debt at June 30, 2023 consists of both fixed and variable interest rate facilities. Our senior notes have fixed interest rates ranging from 3.85% to 3.875%. These fixed rate facilities reduce the impact of changes to market interest rates on future interest expense. Our senior credit facility has variable interest rates, which are based on either SOFR or a Base Rate, depending upon the specific type of borrowing, plus an applicable margin and other fees. At June 30, 2023, the average interest rate under our senior credit facility was 6.20%. Risk can be quantified by measuring the financial impact of a near-term adverse increase in short-term interest rates. Our earnings would be affected by changes in these short-term variable interest rates on variable-rate debt outstanding. At our current level of borrowing, a one percentage point increase in our applicable rate would reduce annual pretax earnings by $5.0 million.

 

Although we conduct business in foreign countries, international operations are not material to our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Additionally, foreign currency transaction gains and losses were not material to our results of operations for the three or six months ended June 30, 2023. Accordingly, we are not currently subject to material foreign currency exchange rate risks from the effects that exchange rate movements of foreign currencies would have on our future costs or on future cash flows we would receive from our foreign investment. As of June 30, 2023, we had no foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative financial instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.

 

The price and availability of diesel fuel are subject to fluctuations due to changes in the level of global oil production, seasonality, weather, and other market factors. Historically, we have been able to recover a majority of fuel price increases from our customers in the form of fuel surcharges. We cannot predict the extent to which high fuel price levels may occur in the future or the extent to which fuel surcharges could be collected to offset such increases. As of June 30, 2023, we had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations.

 

20

 

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

We maintain controls and procedures designed to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC rules, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2023.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the second quarter of 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Part II. Other Information

 

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are involved in certain claims and pending litigation arising from the normal conduct of business. Based on present knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, we believe the resolution of these claims and pending litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

Information regarding risk factors appears in Part I, Item 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this report on Form 10-Q and in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

 

On April 27, 2023, we issued an aggregate of 7,389 shares of our common stock to nonemployee members of our Board of Directors who elected to receive all or a portion of their annual director retainer in Company stock. These shares were valued based on the closing market price per share of our common stock of $170.07 on April 27, 2023, for an aggregate value of $1,256,647. The shares were issued to our nonemployee directors in private transactions exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

21

 

Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The following table summarizes purchases of our common stock during the three months ended June 30, 2023:

 

 

 

Period

 

Number of

Common

Shares

Purchased

   

Average Price

Paid Per

Common Share

Purchased

   

Total Number of

Shares

Purchased as

Part of a

Publicly

Announced Plan

(1)

   

Maximum

Dollar

Amount

of Shares That

May Yet Be

Purchased

Under the Plan

(in millions) (1)

 

April 1 through April 30, 2023

    16,477     $ 165.03       16,477     $ 518  

May 1 through May 31, 2023

    73,262       166.88       73,262       505  

June 1 through June 30, 2023

    224,868       169.61       224,868       467  

Total

    314,607     $ 168.74       314,607     $ 467  

 

(1)         On January 22, 2020, our Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $500 million of our common stock. On July 20, 2022, our Board of Directors authorized an additional purchase of up to $500 million of our common stock. These stock repurchase programs have no expiration date.

 

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2023, none of our directors or officers adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

 

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

 

Index to Exhibits

 

22

 

 

Exhibit

Number

  Exhibits
     

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. dated May 19, 1988 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2005, filed April 29, 2005)

     

3.2

 

Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. dated October 21, 2021 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed October 27, 2021)

     

3.3

 

Amendment No. 1 to the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. dated July 20, 2022 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed July 26, 2022)

     

3.4

 

Amendment No. 2 to the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., dated January 19, 2023 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed January 24, 2023)

     

10.1

 

Summary of Compensation Arrangements with Named Executive Officers for 2023 (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K, filed January 24, 2023)

     

22.1

 

List of Guarantor Subsidiaries of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 22.1 of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed February 25, 2022)

     

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification

     

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification

     

32.1

 

Section 1350 Certification

     

32.2

 

Section 1350 Certification

     

101.INS

 

Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document

     

101.SCH

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

     

101.CAL

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

     

101.DEF

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

     

101.LAB

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

     

101.PRE

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

     

104

 

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL Document and include in Exhibit 101)

 

23

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Lowell, Arkansas, on the 27th day of July 2023.

 

 

 

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

                             (Registrant)

 
     
     
       
 

BY:

/s/ John N. Roberts, III

 
   

John N. Roberts, III

 
   

Chief Executive Officer

 
   

(Principal Executive Officer)

 
       
 

BY:

/s/ John Kuhlow

 
   

John Kuhlow

 
   

Chief Financial Officer,

 
   

Executive Vice President

 
   

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

24