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JBHT vs LSTR
Which Stock Would AI Choose? J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) vs. Landstar System (LSTR) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- JBHT delivered sharp revenue and earnings growth in 2026 but recently warned of a near-term earnings decline tied to driver, fuel, and insurance costs.
- LSTR is riding a strong freight-pricing recovery, yet faces margin pressure from higher insurance and claims costs and brokerage margin compression.
- JBHT is an asset-heavy, intermodal-led operator, while LSTR is an asset-light brokerage model — a core structural contrast in this stock comparison.
- Relative performance diverged recently: JBHT pulled back sharply from record highs, while LSTR has trended higher but with a more cautious analyst consensus.
- JBHT carries a "Buy" consensus versus a "Hold" consensus for LSTR, reflecting differing views on growth visibility and market positioning.
Introduction
Both JBHT and LSTR sit at the center of a rapidly shifting North American freight market, making this stock comparison especially timely. J.B. Hunt Transport Services and Landstar System are among the most closely watched names in transportation, yet they represent fundamentally different business models — one asset-heavy and intermodal-focused, the other asset-light and brokerage-driven. For traders and investors tracking the freight cycle, comparing these two companies offers a useful lens on how pricing power, cost structure, and capacity dynamics translate into relative performance. This analysis reviews recent market activity, key developments, and AI-driven sentiment to help readers assess each stock's current market positioning.
JBHT Overview and Recent Performance
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) is one of North America's largest transportation and logistics providers, with a business anchored by its Intermodal (JBI) segment alongside Dedicated Contract Services (DCS), Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS) brokerage, Final Mile Services, and Truckload operations. Its intermodal franchise — moving freight by rail with truck pickup and delivery — has been a central growth driver.
Recent quarters have been strong operationally. Second-quarter 2026 revenue rose roughly 19% year over year to about $3.5 billion, while earnings per share (EPS) climbed to $1.91 from $1.31 a year earlier, with intermodal loads up about 10%. Shares advanced sharply through much of the year before a pronounced pullback in recent weeks. The reversal followed management commentary indicating second- to third-quarter earnings could decline 5% to 10% sequentially, driven by higher driver recruiting, onboarding, and sign-on costs, elevated diesel prices, and rising insurance and medical claims expense. Analysts responded by trimming price targets, though the broader consensus remains "Buy" with an average target above current levels. The pullback has left the stock well below its all-time high, as investors weigh near-term cost pressure against a management-described freight upcycle.
LSTR Overview and Recent Performance
Landstar System, Inc. (LSTR) is a technology-enabled, asset-light provider of freight transportation and logistics services, operating through a network of independent agents and third-party capacity, including its business capacity owners (BCOs) — independent truck owners who haul freight under Landstar's authority. This capital-light structure limits fixed costs but also means Landstar relies on securing capacity in an increasingly tight market.
Landstar has also benefited from the improving freight backdrop. Second-quarter 2026 revenue increased about 18% year over year to roughly $1.43 billion, with truck revenue per load up 17% and heavy-haul revenue up 18% on demand tied to data centers, energy, aerospace, and machinery. EPS reached $1.44, up 20% year over year. However, insurance and claims costs climbed to $39.4 million from $30.4 million, including unfavorable development on prior-year claims, and brokerage margins compressed as carrier rates rose. The stock has trended higher over the trailing year, but the analyst consensus is more guarded — a "Hold" — with several firms trimming targets recently. Landstar's relative performance reflects both pricing tailwinds and ongoing execution and liability risks.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most fundamental contrast between JBHT and LSTR is structural. JBHT owns one of the nation's largest company fleets and substantial intermodal equipment, giving it direct control over capacity and a differentiated rail-based cost advantage. LSTR, by contrast, is asset-light, scaling capacity through independent agents and BCOs, which reduces capital intensity but exposes it to higher purchased-transportation costs when capacity tightens.
Growth drivers also differ. JBHT's momentum hinges on highway-to-rail conversion, intermodal pricing catch-up, and dedicated-fleet expansion. LSTR leans on heavy-haul and specialized freight demand, particularly from data-center and industrial construction. On risk, JBHT's recent earnings warning centered on recruiting and fuel costs; LSTR's challenges include insurance and claims volatility, brokerage margin compression, and legal-liability uncertainty in the broker sector. Sentiment diverges as well: JBHT retains a "Buy" consensus despite its pullback, while LSTR carries a "Hold" consensus, suggesting analysts see more relative upside potential in JBHT's earnings recovery.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor JBHT at this juncture. The company's trend consistency through 2026, its market-leading intermodal franchise, and the prospect of pricing gains catching up to costs point to a more durable earnings trajectory, even after its recent pullback. Its "Buy" consensus and larger addressable catalysts — including the 2027 bid season — support a moderately more constructive relative positioning. That said, LSTR's asset-light flexibility and heavy-haul exposure remain attractive in a tightening market, and its steadier recent price action carries less single-stock volatility risk. The assessment is probabilistic rather than definitive, reflecting the inherent uncertainty in the freight cycle.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is JBHT is a Hold and LSTR is a Buy.
JBHT sees its 50-day moving average cross bearishly below its 200-day moving average
The 50-day moving average for JBHT moved below the 200-day moving average on October 27, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on November 03, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on JBHT as a result. In 66 of 91 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 73%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where JBHT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 59%.
The Aroon Indicator for JBHT entered a downward trend on October 28, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where JBHT's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 16 of 22 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 36 of 55 cases where JBHT's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for JBHT just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where JBHT's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 24 of 41 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
Following a +1.61% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where JBHT advanced for three days, in 189 of 293 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 37 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 49 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. JBHT’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 88, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 79 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (5.769) is normal, around the industry mean (2.631). JBHT has a moderately high P/E Ratio (31.729) as compared to the industry average of (7.628). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.628) is also within normal values, averaging (5.110). Dividend Yield (0.008) settles around the average of (0.019) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.781) is also within normal values, averaging (2.034).
LSTR in upward trend: price expected to rise as it breaks its lower Bollinger Band on October 28, 2026
LSTR may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 28 of 37 cases where LSTR's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where LSTR's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 16 of 25 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 4 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +5.86% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LSTR advanced for three days, in 161 of 290 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 28, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on LSTR as a result. In 57 of 93 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for LSTR turned negative on October 28, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 51 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 39 of the 51 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 76%.
The 50-day moving average for LSTR moved below the 200-day moving average on October 14, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LSTR declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
The Aroon Indicator for LSTR entered a downward trend on November 03, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 22 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 56 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. LSTR’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 80 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (6.127) is normal, around the industry mean (2.631). LSTR has a moderately high P/E Ratio (39.135) as compared to the industry average of (7.628). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.894) is also within normal values, averaging (5.110). Dividend Yield (0.012) settles around the average of (0.019) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.160) is also within normal values, averaging (2.034).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 93 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. LSTR’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 88, placing this stock worse than average.
JBHT | LSTR | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 80 | 18 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 79 Overvalued | 80 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 59 | 93 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 49 | 56 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 58 | 62 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 37 | 22 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
JBHT's Valuation (79) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as LSTR (80). This means that JBHT’s stock grew similarly to LSTR’s over the last 12 months.
JBHT's Profit vs Risk Rating (59) in the Trucking industry is somewhat better than the same rating for LSTR (93). This means that JBHT’s stock grew somewhat faster than LSTR’s over the last 12 months.
JBHT's SMR Rating (49) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as LSTR (56). This means that JBHT’s stock grew similarly to LSTR’s over the last 12 months.
JBHT's Price Growth Rating (58) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as LSTR (62). This means that JBHT’s stock grew similarly to LSTR’s over the last 12 months.
LSTR's P/E Growth Rating (22) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as JBHT (37). This means that LSTR’s stock grew similarly to JBHT’s over the last 12 months.
| JBHT | LSTR | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 73% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 73% | 1 day ago 61% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 76% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 61% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 65% | 1 day ago 56% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 59% | 10 days ago 61% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | N/A | 1 day ago 76% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 66% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
JBHT’s FA Score shows that 0 FA rating(s) are green while LSTR’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- JBHT’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- LSTR’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
JBHT’s TA Score shows that 4 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LSTR’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- JBHT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- LSTR’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
JBHT (@Other Transportation) experienced а -3.15% price change this week, while LSTR (@Other Transportation) price change was -10.50% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Other Transportation industry was +1.70%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -8.39%, and the average quarterly price growth was -32.78%.
Reported Earning Dates
JBHT is expected to report earnings on Jan 21, 2027.
LSTR is expected to report earnings on Feb 03, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Other Transportation (+1.70% weekly)Other Transportation includes transportation services like providing airport ground transportation, airport management and equipment, shipping services, as well as businesses that operate bridges, expressways and other public services such as taxis and subways. Grupo Aero-pac, Corporacion America Airports S.A. and Matson, Inc. are some of the major companies operating in this space.
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JBHT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, JBHT has been closely correlated with XPO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 68% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if JBHT jumps, then XPO could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To JBHT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JBHT | 100% | +0.38% | ||
| XPO - JBHT | 68% Closely correlated | -0.30% | ||
| LSTR - JBHT | 60% Loosely correlated | +2.39% | ||
| HUBG - JBHT | 46% Loosely correlated | -1.94% | ||
| UPS - JBHT | 45% Loosely correlated | -0.49% | ||
| RLGT - JBHT | 44% Loosely correlated | +0.53% | ||
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LSTR and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LSTR has been loosely correlated with XPO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 65% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if LSTR jumps, then XPO could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To LSTR | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LSTR | 100% | +2.39% | ||
| XPO - LSTR | 65% Loosely correlated | -0.30% | ||
| JBHT - LSTR | 59% Loosely correlated | +0.38% | ||
| CHRW - LSTR | 56% Loosely correlated | +3.73% | ||
| HUBG - LSTR | 45% Loosely correlated | -1.94% | ||
| RLGT - LSTR | 42% Loosely correlated | +0.53% | ||
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| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| PHEQ | 35.30 | 0.15 | +0.41% |
| Parametric Hedged Equity ETF (PHEQ) | |||
| SDEM | 31.59 | 0.05 | +0.16% |
| Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) | |||
| PJUS | 52.68 | N/A | N/A |
| PGIM Jennison U.S. Core Equity ETF (PJUS) | |||
| TOTL | 37.97 | -0.03 | -0.08% |
| State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF (TOTL) | |||
| DDM | 62.92 | -0.62 | -0.98% |
| ProShares Ultra Dow30 (DDM) | |||