J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) DIvidends Date & History

Key Takeaways

• JBHT offers a modest dividend yield of approximately 0.80%, with an annual payout of $1.80 per share paid quarterly.
• The company has raised its dividend for 22 consecutive years, averaging 10.26% annual growth over the past five years.
• A low payout ratio of 29% ensures strong sustainability, backed by earnings per share (EPS) of $6.11 (trailing twelve months).
• Free cash flow (FCF) of $948 million covers dividends amply, supporting ongoing growth and share repurchases.
• Debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41 reflects solid financial stability in the cyclical trucking sector.
• Attractive for long-term dividend growth investors seeking consistency over high yield.

Dividend Overview

J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT), a leading provider of transportation and logistics solutions, maintains a disciplined quarterly dividend policy. The current annual dividend stands at $1.80 per share, delivering a yield of about 0.80% at recent prices around $224. The most recent quarterly payout of $0.45 per share was declared in January 2026, with an ex-dividend date of February 6, 2026, and payment on February 20, 2026. This reflects a 2.3% increase from the prior quarter. JBHT is classified as a dividend growth stock rather than a high-yield play, prioritizing reinvestment in its intermodal, dedicated, and truckload operations while rewarding shareholders with steady increases. This approach aligns with its focus on operational efficiency and long-term value creation in a competitive industry.

Dividend History and Growth

JBHT has a robust history of dividend payments dating back to 1990, with no recorded cuts. The company has increased its dividend for 22 consecutive years, demonstrating commitment amid trucking sector volatility. Over the past five years, dividends per share have grown at a compounded annual rate of 10.26%, outpacing many peers. Recent progression includes quarterly payments rising from $0.44 in late 2025 to $0.45 in early 2026, annualizing to $1.76 in 2025 from $1.72 in 2024—a 2.3% year-over-year gain. This consistent upward trend supports JBHT's strategy of balancing shareholder returns with capital investments in technology and capacity expansion.

Dividend Sustainability and Payout Ratio

JBHT's dividend is highly sustainable, with a payout ratio of approximately 29% based on trailing EPS of $6.11, leaving ample room for growth and reinvestment. Free cash flow of $948 million (trailing twelve months) covers annual dividends (around $75 million, based on shares outstanding) more than 12 times, even after significant capital expenditures of $731 million. Operating cash flow of $1.68 billion further bolsters coverage. Financial health is strong, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41 (down from 0.50 five years ago) and interest coverage of 12.2x, indicating low leverage risk. Total debt stands at $1.47 billion against equity of $3.6 billion, positioning JBHT well for economic cycles.

Dividend Compared to Industry Peers

In the trucking and transportation sector, JBHT's 0.80% yield is competitive but modest compared to the industry average around 1.0-1.5%. Peers like Knight-Swift Transportation (KNX) offer 1.2-1.3%, Landstar System (LSTR) around 0.9-1.0%, and Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) at 0.6%. SAIA (SAIA) pays no dividend, focusing on growth. JBHT's edge lies in its superior 22-year growth streak versus shorter records for KNX (6 years) and ODFL (5 years), paired with a healthier payout ratio than KNX's elevated levels. This profile suits investors valuing reliability over top yields in a low-yield sector.

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Is This Stock Attractive for Dividend Investors?

J.B. Hunt Transport Services appeals to dividend growth investors who prioritize consistency and compounding over immediate high income. Its 22-year streak of increases, low 29% payout ratio, and robust FCF coverage make it suitable for long-term holders seeking reliable appreciation in a cyclical industry. Conservative investors may appreciate the modest yield paired with strong balance sheet metrics, including declining debt levels and high interest coverage, which buffer against freight demand fluctuations. However, those chasing yields above 2-3% might look elsewhere, as JBHT reinvests heavily in operations amid trucking's capital-intensive nature. Growth-oriented dividend enthusiasts could value its historical 10%+ annual dividend CAGR, though sector headwinds like softening volumes warrant monitoring earnings coverage. Overall, JBHT fits portfolios emphasizing quality compounders rather than yield chasers, balancing income with capital return potential through buybacks.

Disclaimer

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