Exploring J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Have you ever wondered who the major players are behind J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT)? As of December 31, 2024, institutional investors hold a significant 75.88% ownership stake in the company, with a total value of holdings reaching $9.806 billion. But who are these key institutional shareholders, and what moves have they been making?

The largest individual shareholder is Johnnie B. Hunt, owning 33.79% of the company, which translates to approximately 33.80 million shares valued at $4.57 billion. Among the major institutional holders, Vanguard Group Inc. holds approximately 9,852,589 shares, representing about 9.85% of the company. Other significant institutional shareholders include BlackRock, Inc. with 6,458,053 shares and JPMorgan Chase & Co. with 4,236,106 shares. What implications do these ownership stakes have on the company's strategic decisions and overall performance? Let's delve deeper into the investor profile of JBHT and uncover the motivations behind their investments.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) Who Invests in J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) and Why?

Understanding the investor profile of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) involves examining the diverse range of entities and individuals who hold the company's stock and their motivations for doing so. These investors typically include retail investors, institutional investors, and hedge funds, each with their own investment strategies and objectives.

Key Investor Types:

• Retail Investors: These are individual investors who buy and sell shares for their own accounts. Retail investors may be attracted to J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) due to its brand recognition, dividend payouts, and perceived stability in the transportation sector.
• Institutional Investors: This category includes mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies, and other large financial entities that invest on behalf of their clients. Institutional investors often hold a significant portion of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT)'s shares and can influence the company's stock price.
• Hedge Funds: These are investment partnerships that use various strategies, including leveraging, short-selling, and derivatives, to generate returns. Hedge funds may invest in J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) based on specific market opportunities or perceived mispricing of the stock.

Investment Motivations:

Investors are drawn to J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) for several key reasons:

• Growth Prospects: The transportation and logistics industry is closely tied to economic growth. Investors may view J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) as a beneficiary of increasing freight volumes and e-commerce activity.
• Dividends: J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) has a history of paying dividends to shareholders, which can be attractive to income-seeking investors.
• Market Position: As one of the largest transportation companies in North America, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) holds a strong competitive position in the industry.

Investment Strategies:

Different investors adopt various strategies when investing in J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT):

• Long-Term Holding: Some investors view J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) as a stable, long-term investment and hold the stock for extended periods, aiming to benefit from its growth and dividend income.
• Short-Term Trading: Other investors engage in short-term trading, seeking to profit from fluctuations in the stock price.
• Value Investing: Value investors may be attracted to J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) if they believe the stock is undervalued by the market, based on metrics such as price-to-earnings ratio or price-to-book ratio.

Examining J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT)'s shareholder composition can provide insights into market sentiment and potential future stock performance. For instance, a high percentage of institutional ownership may indicate confidence in the company's long-term prospects.

For additional insights into the financial aspects of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT), you might find this resource helpful: Breaking Down J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) Institutional Ownership and Major Shareholders of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT)

Institutional ownership in J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) reflects the extent to which large financial institutions, such as mutual funds, hedge funds, and insurance companies, own the company's shares. These major shareholders can significantly influence the company’s stock price and strategic direction.

As of Q4 2024, 76.0% of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) is owned by funds/institutions.

Here's an overview of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT)'s institutional ownership profile:

• J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT): History, Ownership, Mission, How It Works & Makes Money

Top Institutional Investors

The largest institutional investors in J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) as of December 31, 2024, include:

• Vanguard Group Inc: Holds 9.85 million shares, representing 9.85% of the company, valued at $1,451,286,389.
• BlackRock Inc.: Holds 6.46 million shares, representing 6.46% of the company, valued at $951,271,226.
• JPMorgan Chase & Co.: Holds 4.24 million shares, representing 4.24% of the company, valued at $623,978,426.
• T. Rowe Price Investment Management, Inc.: Holds 3.49 million shares, representing 3.49% of the company, valued at $514,621,284.
• Janus Henderson Group Plc: Holds 3.39 million shares.
• State Street Corp: Holds 3.30 million shares.
• Morgan Stanley: Holds 2.61 million shares.

These major holders can include individual investors, mutual funds, hedge funds, or institutions.

Changes in Ownership

Recent changes in institutional ownership reflect the dynamic investment landscape surrounding J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT). Here's a summary of notable changes:

• BlackRock, Inc. increased its ownership by 4.96%, holding 6,597,065 shares as of January 29, 2024.
• JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings significantly by 91.165%, holding 4,236,106 shares as of December 31, 2024.
• Vanguard Group Inc. decreased its shares by -1.145%.
• Blackrock, Inc. decreased its shares by -0.457%.

Overall, institutional investors hold 99,270,523 shares. There are 1305 institutional owners and shareholders.

In Q1 2025, institutional activity saw increased selling, reaching a multi-year high, though the overall balance of activity leans towards buying, accounting for roughly 75% of the stock.

Here is a summary of institutional activity based on 13F filings as of Q4 2024:

Impact of Institutional Investors

Institutional investors play a crucial role in J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT)’s stock price and overall strategy:

• Stock Price: Institutional buying can provide a solid support base for the market, while increased selling, such as that observed in Q1 2025, can pressure the stock price.
• Company Strategy: Major shareholders can influence the company's strategic decisions through their voting rights and engagement with management.
• Market Sentiment: Changes in institutional ownership can reflect broader market sentiment towards J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT), impacting investor confidence and trading activity.

Recent market analysis indicates that analysts are impacting the price action in Q2 2025. Despite a mixed performance in Q1 2025, where earnings per share (EPS) matched forecasts at $1.17 and revenue slightly exceeded expectations at $2.92 billion, the stock experienced a decline. This decline was attributed to factors such as tepid guidance and concerns over tariffs.

Despite recent challenges, some analysts maintain a positive outlook, with consensus estimates forecasting a potential upside of around 25%. However, the lowest analyst price target suggests that the stock may be trading below its intrinsic value, presenting a deep-value opportunity for investors.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) Key Investors and Their Impact on [Company Name]

Understanding the investor profile of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) provides valuable insights into the company's stability, strategic direction, and potential stock performance. Here’s a breakdown of key investors and their influence on JBHT.

Major Shareholders:

• Insiders: A significant portion of JBHT is owned by insiders. Johnnie B. Hunt is the largest individual shareholder, holding 33,797,640 shares, representing 33.79% of the company, valued at approximately $4.66 billion. Johnelle D. Hunt owns 17,719,152 shares (17.72%), worth around $2.44 billion. J B Hunt LLC holds 17,477,085 shares (17.48%), valued at $2.41 billion.
• Institutional Investors: A substantial percentage of JBHT's stock is held by institutional investors. As of December 31, 2024, the largest institutional shareholders include:
• Vanguard Group Inc.: 9,852,589 shares.
• BlackRock, Inc.: 6,458,053 shares.
• JPMorgan Chase & Co.: 4,236,106 shares.
• T. Rowe Price Investment Management, Inc.: 3,493,695 shares.
• Janus Henderson Group PLC: 3,390,200 shares.
• State Street Corp: 3,305,075 shares.
• Morgan Stanley: 2,617,176 shares.

Ownership Breakdown:

• Institutional shareholders own approximately 46.93% of the company.
• Insiders hold about 1.06%.
• Public companies and individual investors own roughly 22.20%.

Investor Influence:

• Strategic Decisions: Major institutional investors and board members can significantly influence company decisions through their voting power and engagement with management.
• Stock Movements: Large stakes held by institutional investors can lead to significant stock movements when these investors buy or sell shares.

Recent Moves:

• Insider Buying: Recently, director James L. Robo purchased $9.99 million worth of J.B. Hunt stock, increasing his ownership to 88,763 shares. This insider buying is often seen as a positive signal, indicating confidence in the company's future prospects.
• Share Repurchases and Dividends: J.B. Hunt has been actively involved in shareholder-friendly initiatives, such as dividend payments and share repurchases. In the third quarter of 2024, the company repurchased almost 1,200,000 shares for $200 million. As of September 30, 2024, it had approximately $967 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization. The company's quarterly dividend was $0.43 per share (annualized $1.72 per share), with a dividend yield of approximately 0.95%.

Institutional Ownership Trends:

• The number of institutional owners has seen a slight decrease, with 1305 total institutional owners and shareholders.
• Institutional shares (long positions) amount to 99,262,845 shares, representing 99.25% (excluding 13D/G filings).

Recent Insider Trading Activity:

Over the last three months, insiders have bought more shares than they have sold. The number of shares bought by insiders totaled 102,790 over the last 12 months, while the number of shares sold was 74,408.

Additional Factors:

• Analyst Ratings: Analysts' opinions on J.B. Hunt's stock are mixed, with price targets ranging from $125.00 to $175.00.
• Company Initiatives: J.B. Hunt's focus on cost control, investments in technology, and strategic acquisitions, such as Walmart's intermodal assets, also play a role in investor confidence.

Here is a summary of the key shareholders of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) as of December 31, 2024:

For insights into J.B. Hunt's core values, see Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT).

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) Market Impact and Investor Sentiment

Understanding investor sentiment and market reactions is crucial for evaluating the potential of any publicly traded company. For J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT), several factors influence how investors perceive the company, including its financial performance, broader market trends, and analyst ratings. Recent market behavior and shifts in institutional ownership provide valuable insights into the stock's current standing and future prospects. You might also be interested in Breaking Down J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Here’s a breakdown of the key elements shaping J.B. Hunt's market impact and investor sentiment:

Investor Sentiment:

Currently, the sentiment of major shareholders towards J.B. Hunt appears mixed, influenced by recent financial results and market conditions.

• Following the Q1 2025 earnings announcement, the stock traded lower, reflecting negative investor reaction to management's commentary on tariff impacts and increasing costs.
• However, institutional activity, including selling, ramped up in Q1 2025 but is generally bullish, with buying activity increasing ownership to approximately 75% of the stock.
• Despite challenges, analysts maintain an optimistic outlook, with 16 buy ratings and an average target price suggesting a notable upside from current trading levels.

Recent Market Reactions:

The stock market's response to J.B. Hunt's recent performance has been closely watched, especially after the Q1 2025 earnings release.

• After the Q1 2025 earnings report, the stock experienced a decline of 1.97% during regular trading hours and an additional 5.91% in aftermarket trading, closing at $127.13.
• This drop occurred despite the company meeting EPS forecasts ($1.17) and slightly exceeding revenue projections ($2.92 billion).
• The stock is currently trading near its 52-week low, reflecting investor concerns over operational challenges and broader market conditions.

Analyst Perspectives:

Analysts' insights provide a balanced view of J.B. Hunt's future, considering both its challenges and opportunities.

• Analysts' consensus shows mixed sentiment, with price targets ranging between $161 and $202.
• MarketBeat tracked five analyst revisions within the first day of J.B. Hunt’s Q1 release, four of which included lowered price targets. However, the consensus of the five consists of a solid Buy rating and a forecast for 25% upside.
• The consensus price target for JBHT has decreased from $180 to $165, indicating analysts' conservative expectations.
• Despite these challenges, some analysts, like Deutsche Bank's Amit Mehrotra, see potential for recovery with a price target of $230.
• InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is currently undervalued, with a beta of 1.27 showing higher market sensitivity, and maintains strong fundamentals with an Altman Z-Score of 5.01, indicating solid financial health.

Key Financial Metrics and Performance:

A review of J.B. Hunt's financial metrics helps to understand its current valuation and performance trends.

• J.B. Hunt's revenues have seen a decline in recent years, with a 5.8% decrease from $13 billion to $12 billion in the last 12 months.
• The company's Q4 2024 revenue dropped year-over-year, but improved operating margin and stable operating leverage highlight its resilience and strategic pricing.
• Despite recent challenges, J.B. Hunt's operational efficiency remains robust, demonstrated by a return on equity of 14.06% and a free cash flow of approximately $592.7 million.
• The company has maintained dividend payments for 21 consecutive years, with 11 straight years of dividend increases, demonstrating financial resilience.

Institutional Ownership:

Changes in institutional ownership can significantly impact a stock's stability and price movement.

• Institutional investors hold a substantial portion of J.B. Hunt's shares. As of April 15, 2025, institutional owners and shareholders have filed 13D/G or 13F forms with the SEC, holding a total of 99,270,523 shares.
• Major shareholders include Vanguard Group Inc, BlackRock, Inc., and Jpmorgan Chase & Co.
• Jpmorgan Chase increased its holdings by 47.69% in the last quarter, while T. Rowe Price Investment Management decreased its holdings by 51.58%.

Market Outlook and Challenges:

The transportation industry is currently experiencing a period of transition, presenting both challenges and opportunities for J.B. Hunt.

• J.B. Hunt is navigating a challenging market environment characterized by cost pressures, competitive intensity, and segment-specific hurdles.
• Analysts suggest that the consensus outlook may have been overly aggressive, necessitating a reset of expectations due to lagged pricing outcomes expected through the second quarter of 2025.
• However, the Intermodal segment presents significant growth opportunities, particularly as rail companies increase their emphasis on service and volume growth.

Stock Valuation and Potential:

Various analysts offer differing views on the stock's potential for appreciation.

• The stock's average target price of $184.42 suggests a promising 21.31% upside from current levels.
• Trading at around $125, JBHT stock is more than 10% below the low target, trading at a critical support level that limits the downside risk.
• J.B. Hunt's forward P/E ratio stands at 18.96, a valuation that suggests the market sees growth potential despite current market pressures.

Summary Table: Key Data Points for J.B. Hunt (JBHT)