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JBHT vs XPO
Which Stock Would AI Choose? J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) vs. XPO, Inc. (XPO) Stock Comparison
1) Key Takeaways
- JBHT delivered strong second-quarter 2026 growth but warned of a near-term earnings decline on rising driver, fuel, and insurance costs, triggering a sharp pullback.
- XPO is a focused, asset-based less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier posting steady margin expansion and AI-driven productivity gains, with more consistent recent momentum.
- The two companies occupy different parts of the freight market: JBHT is a diversified intermodal, dedicated, and brokerage leader, while XPO concentrates on North American LTL plus European transportation.
- JBHT's relative performance has been more volatile recently, whereas XPO's stock has trended more steadily higher on improving operating ratios.
- Both stocks benefit from tightening trucking capacity and firming freight pricing, but each faces distinct cost and execution risks.
2) Introduction
J.B. Hunt Transport Services and XPO, Inc. are two prominent names in North American freight and logistics, yet they compete on different parts of the supply chain. A stock comparison between JBHT and XPO is useful for investors tracking the freight cycle, transportation capacity, and margin trends across the sector. JBHT operates a diversified platform spanning intermodal (moving containers by rail and truck), dedicated contract services, and freight brokerage. XPO has transformed itself into a pure-play, asset-based less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier, which consolidates smaller freight shipments onto shared trailers. This contrast in business models, market positioning, and recent relative performance makes the pair a natural focal point for transportation-focused traders and longer-horizon investors.
3) JBHT Overview and Recent Performance
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. is a leading U.S. transportation and logistics provider best known for its intermodal business, which pairs truck drayage with rail linehaul, alongside dedicated contract trucking, brokerage (Integrated Capacity Solutions), and final-mile delivery. In its second-quarter 2026 report, JBHT posted revenue up roughly 19% year over year to about $3.5 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.91, a 45% increase, driven by record intermodal volumes and double-digit growth in truckload and brokerage activity.
Despite that strength, sentiment shifted in recent weeks. At a Morgan Stanley conference, management warned that third-quarter earnings could decline 5% to 10% sequentially, citing roughly $25 million in incremental driver-related costs (recruiting, training, and sign-on bonuses), about $10 million in fuel headwinds amid surging diesel prices, and higher insurance and medical claims. The shares sold off sharply and now trade well below their recent highs. Analysts have generally framed the pressure as a timing mismatch—costs rising before intermodal pricing catches up—while noting JBHT has nearly doubled over the trailing twelve months and remains a beneficiary of tightening trucking capacity.
4) XPO Overview and Recent Performance
XPO, Inc. is an asset-based freight transportation company that has narrowed its focus following the spinoffs of GXO Logistics in 2021 and RXO in 2022. Its core is North American less-than-truckload (LTL), which consolidates multiple shippers' freight onto single trailers, complemented by a European transportation segment. In its first-quarter 2026 results, XPO reported revenue up 7.3% year over year to about $2.10 billion and adjusted EPS of $1.01, exceeding consensus. The North American LTL segment improved its adjusted operating ratio by 200 basis points to 83.9%, a meaningful efficiency gain for an asset-heavy carrier.
Momentum continued in the second quarter, with revenue rising to roughly $2.36 billion and net income climbing to about $162 million. Management has emphasized AI-powered trailer loading and route optimization, a record-low damage claims ratio below 0.2%, and a shift toward higher-margin local and premium freight. The company has targeted an LTL operating ratio in the 70s and maintained more than 30% excess terminal door capacity. XPO's stock has climbed steadily over the past year, though it has also seen some pullback within recent trading, reflecting broader transportation-sector swings.
5) Trending AI Robots
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6) Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between the two companies is business model diversification versus focus. JBHT spans intermodal, dedicated, brokerage, and final-mile services, giving it broad exposure to freight demand but also to multiple cost inputs, including drivers, fuel, and insurance. XPO is more concentrated in asset-based LTL, where network density and operating leverage tend to support margin expansion as volumes and pricing firm.
On growth drivers, JBHT leans on road-to-rail intermodal conversion—accelerated by high trucking costs and fuel prices—and a record pipeline in its dedicated business. XPO's growth leans on pricing gains, premium-service penetration, and AI-driven productivity across its LTL network. Recent momentum has diverged: JBHT's strong quarterly results were followed by a cost-driven earnings warning and a sharp share decline, while XPO has posted a steadier sequence of margin improvements with fewer headline shocks.
Risk profiles also differ. JBHT's near-term earnings are more exposed to driver availability and fuel-surcharge timing lags, while XPO carries asset-heavy fixed costs, wage inflation, and a European segment that has weighed on results. On sector exposure, both benefit from tightening trucking capacity, but JBHT captures more of the intermodal and brokerage cycle, whereas XPO is more sensitive to LTL pricing and industrial freight trends. Market sentiment currently reflects these distinctions, with analysts broadly constructive on both but flagging JBHT's cost headwinds and XPO's execution and valuation as key watchpoints.
7) Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely express a relative preference for XPO over JBHT in the current environment. XPO's trend has been more consistent, supported by sequential operating-ratio improvement, record-low damage claims, and AI-enabled productivity gains, without the kind of abrupt earnings warning that recently disrupted JBHT's momentum. JBHT still offers compelling cyclical leverage to the intermodal recovery and trades at a valuation many analysts consider attractive, but its near-term earnings trajectory is clouded by timing mismatches between rising costs and lagging pricing. The verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive: XPO currently presents a more stable trend and clearer catalysts, while JBHT represents a higher-conviction cyclical bet contingent on pricing catching up to costs in the coming quarters.
8) 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 StrongBuy and XPO is a Buy.
JBHT in +1.85% Uptrend, growing for three consecutive days on October 22, 2026
Moving higher for three straight days is viewed as a bullish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future growth. Considering data from situations where JBHT advanced for three days, in 189 of 292 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where JBHT's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 14 of 22 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
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 20 of 41 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 49%.
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 JBHT as a result. In 62 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 68%.
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.
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.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 35 (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 57 (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 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 89, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 78 (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 (5.677) is normal, around the industry mean (2.574). JBHT has a moderately high P/E Ratio (31.226) as compared to the industry average of (7.420). 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).
XPO in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026
XPO moved above its 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 33 of 40 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 82%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 30, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on XPO as a result. In 68 of 85 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 80%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for XPO just turned positive on October 30, 2026. Looking at past instances where XPO's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 39 of 51 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
The 10-day moving average for XPO crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 14 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 78%.
Following a +4.34% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where XPO advanced for three days, in 218 of 291 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 75%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 178 of 218 cases where XPO Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 82%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 44 of 67 cases where XPO's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 66%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where XPO 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 66%.
XPO broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 15, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 17 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 82, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 27 (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 45 (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 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. XPO’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 90 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly 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: XPO's P/B Ratio (11.313) is very high in comparison to the industry average of (2.880). P/E Ratio (55.108) is within average values for comparable stocks, (44.080). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.707) is also within normal values, averaging (12.936). XPO has a moderately low Dividend Yield (0.000) as compared to the industry average of (0.010). P/S Ratio (2.421) is also within normal values, averaging (2.068).
JBHT | XPO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 78 Overvalued | 90 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 58 | 17 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 49 | 45 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 57 | 47 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 35 | 27 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
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 (78) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as XPO (90). This means that JBHT’s stock grew similarly to XPO’s over the last 12 months.
XPO's Profit vs Risk Rating (17) in the Trucking industry is somewhat better than the same rating for JBHT (58). This means that XPO’s stock grew somewhat faster than JBHT’s over the last 12 months.
XPO's SMR Rating (45) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as JBHT (49). This means that XPO’s stock grew similarly to JBHT’s over the last 12 months.
XPO's Price Growth Rating (47) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as JBHT (57). This means that XPO’s stock grew similarly to JBHT’s over the last 12 months.
XPO's P/E Growth Rating (27) in the Trucking industry is in the same range as JBHT (35). This means that XPO’s stock grew similarly to JBHT’s over the last 12 months.
| JBHT | XPO | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 64% | N/A |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 64% | 4 days ago 66% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 68% | 4 days ago 80% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 49% | 4 days ago 76% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 61% | 4 days ago 77% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 56% | 4 days ago 79% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 12 days ago 65% | 4 days ago 75% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 59% | 8 days ago 66% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | N/A | 4 days ago 67% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 61% | 4 days ago 82% |
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 XPO’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- JBHT’s FA Score: 0 green, 5 red.
- XPO’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 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 XPO’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- JBHT’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
- XPO’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
JBHT (@Other Transportation) experienced а -2.19% price change this week, while XPO (@Trucking) price change was +3.47% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Other Transportation industry was -1.20%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -7.34%, and the average quarterly price growth was -33.49%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Trucking industry was -0.68%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -1.00%, and the average quarterly price growth was +0.39%.
Reported Earning Dates
JBHT is expected to report earnings on Jan 21, 2027.
XPO is expected to report earnings on Feb 10, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Other Transportation (-1.20% 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.
@Trucking (-0.68% weekly)The trucking industry provides road transportation delivery and logistical services, including moving large quantities of raw materials, works in process, and finished goods —often from manufacturing plants to retail distribution centers. Trucks are also used in the construction industry, as they transport large amounts of rocks, concrete, and other building materials used in construction. Trucks in the U.S. are responsible for the majority of freight movement over land, and therefore play an important role in the manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing industries. The business could be affected by economic cycles, since it is closely linked with manufacturing, retail and construction. Some of the major trucking companies in the U.S. are Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc., J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., and XPO Logistics, Inc.
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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% | -0.44% | ||
| XPO - JBHT | 68% Closely correlated | +3.58% | ||
| LSTR - JBHT | 59% Loosely correlated | +0.94% | ||
| HUBG - JBHT | 46% Loosely correlated | +0.11% | ||
| UPS - JBHT | 45% Loosely correlated | +0.86% | ||
| RLGT - JBHT | 44% Loosely correlated | N/A | ||
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XPO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, XPO has been closely correlated with FWRD. These tickers have moved in lockstep 75% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if XPO jumps, then FWRD could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To XPO | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XPO | 100% | +3.58% | ||
| FWRD - XPO | 75% Closely correlated | -1.40% | ||
| GXO - XPO | 71% Closely correlated | +0.68% | ||
| HUBG - XPO | 70% Closely correlated | +0.11% | ||
| JBHT - XPO | 68% Closely correlated | -0.44% | ||
| KNX - XPO | 67% Closely correlated | -0.62% | ||
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