Diesel at $6 Just Ate J.B. Hunt’s Quarter. Truckers Can’t Raise Prices Fast Enough

Analysts at Wells Fargo and Citizens JMP maintained Buy ratings on JB Hunt (JBHT) with price targets of $305.00 and $300.00, respectively. JBHT's consensus target is $297.79, suggesting 26.5% upside. Jefferies analyst Adela Dashian kept a Buy rating on Munters Group AB (MMNNF) with a SEK190.00 target; consensus target is $22.52.

U.S. diesel prices hit $6.51/gallon, up 40 cents in a week, impacting transport stocks and inflation. J.B. Hunt $JBHT warned of 5-10% earnings drop due to fuel costs, with Dow Jones Transport Average falling 2%. Supply disruptions from U.S.-Iran tensions and Ukraine-Russia conflict drove prices up. Higher diesel costs may increase consumer prices and home heating bills.

U.S. stocks had a mixed week, with crypto-linked equities rallying despite legislative setbacks, while Bank of America warned of weaker investment banking outlook. Generac surged on a $2.4B Amazon deal, Tempus AI rose post-conference, and J.B. Hunt fell after an earnings warning. Bitcoin gained 5.5%.

J.B. Hunt (JBHT) shares fell 20% from their year-to-date high after management warned of a potential 10% sequential decline in Q3 earnings due to cost pressures and market volatility. The company cited diesel price fluctuations and increased driver recruitment costs as key factors. Despite near-term challenges, management highlighted long-term opportunities in intermodal freight and upcoming contract repricing.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) stock fell over 12% after CFO Brad Delco forecasted a 5-10% sequential decline in Q3 net earnings due to rising diesel costs and driver expenses. Several analysts, including those at Wells Fargo and Bank of America, cut price targets but maintained buy ratings. Jeff Kauffman of Citizens upgraded the stock to a buy with a $300 target, citing temporary cost pressures.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services reported strong intermodal demand in Q2 2026, with a 30% rise in spot trucking rates. The company faces challenges in hiring drayage drivers and expects a 5-10% drop in Q3 earnings to $163-165 million due to increased driver and fuel costs. Executives discussed the potential of autonomous trucks but noted uncertainties. Intermodal accounts for half of revenue and nearly 60% of operating income.