FORM 10-Q

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington,WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


(Mark One)

   /X/(MARK ONE)
   [X]         QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF 
                        THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 1996FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1997
                                       OR

   / /[ ]         TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
                        THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file numberCOMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-11757

                           J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

              (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

              ARKANSAS                                    71-0335111
     (State or other jurisdiction(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION                      (I.R.S. Employer
  of incorporation or organization)                   Identification No.EMPLOYER 
         OF INCORPORATION OR                          IDENTIFICATION NO.)
           ORGANIZATION)

              615 J.B. HUNT CORPORATE DRIVE, LOWELL, ARKANSAS  72745
              (Address of principal executive offices, and Zip Code)(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES, AND ZIP CODE)

                                  (501) 820-0000
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)


INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by SectionHAS FILED ALL REPORTS 
REQUIRED TO BE FILED BY SECTION 13 orOR 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act ofOF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT 
OF 1934 during the precedingDURING THE PRECEDING 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports)MONTHS (OR FOR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD THAT THE 
REGISTRANT WAS REQUIRED TO FILE SUCH REPORTS), andAND (2) has been subject to 
the filing requirements for at least the pastHAS BEEN SUBJECT TO
THE FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR AT LEAST THE PAST 90 days.

                             YesDAYS. 

                             YES  X         No
                                 ---         ---


The number of shares of the Company'sNO 
                                -----          -----


THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF THE COMPANY'S $.01 par value common stock outstanding 
on September 30, 1996 was 37,996,906PAR VALUE COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING
ON MARCH 31, 1997 WAS 36,456,276



                                    PART I
                             FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    The interim consolidated financial statements contained herein reflect all
adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair
statement of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the
periods presented.  They have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of
Regulation S-X and do not include all the information and footnotes required by
generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. 
Operating results for the three and nine month periodsperiod ended September 30, 1996March 31, 1997 are not
necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year
ending December 31, 1996.1997.

    The interim consolidated financial statements have been reviewed by KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP, independent public accountants.

    These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the Company's latest annual report and Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1995.1996.

                                        INDEX
                                        -----

Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Three  
  and Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996March 31, 1997 and 1995....................................1996............................ Page 3

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
  September 30, 1996March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1995.............................31,1996............................. Page 4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
  NineThree Months Ended September 30, 1996March 31, 1997 and 1995........................1996...................... Page 5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  as of September 30, 1996.............................................March 31, 1997............................................ Page 6

Review Report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.................................LLP............................ Page 8

ITEM 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations
  and Financial Condition..............................................Condition......................................... Page 9



                                       2



                        J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                      (in thousands, except per share data)
                                    (unaudited)


- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Three Months Ended        Nine Months Ended
                                                September 30             September 30
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              1996        1995         1996         1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operating revenues                          $378,739    $355,114    $1,105,326    $993,757

Operating expenses
 Salaries, wages and employee benefits       124,914     119,082       363,536     339,686
 Purchased transportation                    115,258     101,451       312,086     262,265
 Fuel and fuel taxes                          38,043      35,818       120,292     105,956
 Depreciation                                 28,147      30,974        92,158      96,751
 Operating supplies and expenses              22,957      24,875        69,460      72,192
 Insurance and claims                         14,021      14,074        45,191      36,589
 General and administrative expenses           6,645       7,893        22,459      19,390
 Operating taxes and licenses                  6,738       6,535        21,020      23,794
 Communication and utilities                   4,583       4,696        13,823      10,466
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total operating expenses                   361,306     345,398     1,060,025     967,089
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Operating income                            17,433       9,716        45,301      26,668
Interest expense                               6,010       6,135        18,283      18,720
Other non-operating expense                       --         660            --         660
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Earnings before income taxes                11,423       2,921        27,018       7,288
Income taxes                                   4,341       1,081        10,267       2,697
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net earnings                              $  7,082    $  1,840    $   16,751    $  4,591
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common shares outstanding                     38,095      38,669        38,077      38,598
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share                          $   0.19    $   0.05    $     0.44    $   0.12
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating revenues $ 365,401 $ 354,014 Operating expenses Salaries, wages and employee benefits 121,444 116,436 Purchased transportation 116,780 97,971 Fuel and fuel taxes 38,057 40,134 Depreciation 33,250 34,144 Operating supplies and expenses 22,146 22,598 Insurance and claims 10,113 13,165 General and administrative expenses 6,042 7,463 Operating taxes and licenses 6,078 7,162 Communication and utilities 4,171 4,509 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total operating expenses 358,081 343,582 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating income 7,320 10,432 Interest expense 6,404 5,911 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes 916 4,521 Income taxes 348 1,718 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings $ 568 $ 2,803 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common shares outstanding 36,750 38,074 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share $ 0.02 $ 0.07 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 3 J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) (unaudited) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- September 30,------------------------------------------------------------------------------ MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31, 1997 1996 December 31, 1995 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,93812,114 $ 4,2603,786 Accounts receivable 171,007 143,002162,288 151,357 Prepaid expenses 14,884 29,64524,327 35,964 Deferred income taxes 10,171 10,17111,000 11,000 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current assets 199,000 187,078209,729 202,107 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Property and equipment 1,223,443 1,184,8081,201,622 1,218,245 Less accumulated depreciation 400,346 375,798415,322 404,992 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net property and equipment 823,097 809,010786,300 813,253 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other assets 26,851 20,69422,490 25,565 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 1,048,948 $ 1,016,782------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $1,018,519 $1,040,925 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 64,55067,950 $ 30,31049,750 Trade accounts payable 79,442 86,46672,447 83,846 Claims accruals 32,931 38,01431,101 33,693 Accrued payroll 15,797 12,852 Other accrued expenses 30,184 25,986 Other current liabilities 4,254 3,8237,374 15,999 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current liabilities 211,361 184,599194,669 196,140 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term debt 332,510 339,015322,467 332,571 Claims accruals 13,500 13,50012,800 12,800 Deferred income taxes 125,466 122,729142,358 142,159 Stockholders' equity 366,111 356,939346,225 357,255 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 1,048,948 $ 1,016,782------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $1,018,519 $1,040,925 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 4 J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) (unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nine Months Ended September 30 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 16,751 $ 4,591 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, net of gain on disposition of equipment 92,158 96,751 Deferred income taxes 2,737 (3,477) Tax benefit of stock options exercised 381 316 Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (28,005) (18,306) Prepaid expenses 14,761 8,631 Trade accounts payable (7,024) 27,865 Claims accruals (5,083) 6,113 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 4,629 (3,042) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 91,305 119,442 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to property and equipment (146,927) (145,400) Proceeds from sale of equipment 40,682 38,612 Increase in other assets (4,759) (8,464) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash used in investing activities (111,004) (115,252) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from financing activities: Net borrowings of long-term obligations 27,735 1,562 Proceeds from sale of treasury stock 2,137 2,263 Repurchase of treasury stock (5,806) -- Dividends paid (5,689) (5,789) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 18,377 (1,964) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (1,322) 2,226 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 4,260 2,142 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 2,938 $ 4,368 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 18,364 $ 19,056 Income Taxes 974 3,050 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 568 $ 2,803 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 33,250 34,144 Deferred income taxes 199 (3,148) Tax benefit (expense) of stock options exercised (27) 162 Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (10,931) (19,999) Prepaid expenses 11,637 7,452 Trade accounts payable (11,399) 1,535 Claims accruals (2,592) (4,360) Accrued payroll and other accrued expenses (5,680) 3,032 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash provided by operating activities 15,025 21,621 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to property and equipment (32,687) (50,601) Proceeds from sale of equipment 26,390 15,177 Decrease in other assets 3,809 555 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash used in investing activities (2,488) (34,869) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from financing activities: Repayment of long-term debt (5,000) -- Net borrowings under commercial paper program 13,096 13,317 Proceeds from sale of treasury stock 34 550 Repurchase of treasury stock (10,479) (2,998) Dividends paid (1,860) (1,881) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (4,209) 8,988 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 8,328 (4,260) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,786 4,260 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 12,114 $ 0 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid (refunded) during the period for: Interest $ 6,551 $ 5,255 Income Taxes 196 (1,114) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 5 J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (1) LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consists of (in thousands): 9/30/963/31/97 12/31/9596 -------- -------- Commercial paper $179,550 $145,310$182,950 $169,750 Senior notes payable, interest at 6.25% payable semiannually, due 9/1/03 98,260 100,000 Senior notes payable, interest at 7.75% payable semiannually 5,000 5,00098,260 Senior notes payable, interest at 7.84% payable semiannually 10,000 15,000 20,000 Senior subordinated notes, interest at 7.80% payable semiannually 50,000 50,000 Senior notes payable, interest at 6.25% payable semiannually, due 11/17/00 25,000 25,000 Senior notes payable, interest at 6.00% payable semiannually 25,000 25,000 -------- -------- 397,810 370,310391,210 383,010 Less current maturities (64,550) (30,310)(67,950) (49,750) Unamortized discount (750) (985)(793) (689) -------- -------- $332,510 $339,015$322,467 $332,571 -------- -------- -------- -------- The Company is authorized to issue up to $250$240 million in notes under its commercial paper note program. These notes are supported by two credit agreements with a group of banks. One agreement for $125$120 million expires March 27, 199719, 1998 and $125$120 million expires March 31, 1999.20, 2002. The 6.25% senior notes were issued on September 1, 1993 and are due on September 1, 2003. The 7.75% senior notes were issued on October 1, 1991 and are payable in five equal annual installments beginning October 31, 1992. The 7.84% senior notes were issued on March 31, 1992 and are payable in five equal annual installments beginningon March 31, 1995.31. The 7.80% senior subordinated notes were issued on October 30, 1992 and are payable in five equal annual installments beginning October 30, 2000. 6 The 6.25% senior notes were issued on November 17, 1995 and are payable at maturity on November 17, 2000. The 6.00% senior notes were issued on December 12, 1995 and are payable at maturity on December 12, 2000. 2)6 (2) CAPITAL STOCK The Company maintains a Management Incentive Plan that provides various vehicles to compensate key employees with Company common stock. A summary of the restricted and non-statutory options to purchase Company common stock follows: Number of Number of Option price shares shares per share exercisable ------ --------- ------------ ----------- Outstanding at December 31, 1995 2,725,731 $ 9.33 - 24.63 415,606 -------1996 2,740,925 $11.58-24.63 294,950 ------- Granted 2,792,500 17.63 - 21.255,000 14.25 Exercised (191,456) 9.67 - 18.75(3,000) 11.58 Terminated (270,350) 11.58 - 23.00(32,750) 12.83-23.00 --------- -------------------------- ------- Outstanding at September 30, 1996 5,056,425 $ 9.33 - 24.63 322,850March 31, 1997 2,710,175 $11.58-24.63 313,150 --------- -------------------------- ------- --------- -------------------------- ------- On OctoberApril 17, 1996,1997, the Company's Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $.05 per share payable on November 22, 1996May 19, 1997 to stockholders of record on May 2, 1997. (3) NEW ACCOUNTING STATEMENT The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 128, Earnings per Share, in February of 1997, which the Company is required to adopt as of November 4, 1996.December 31, 1997. At that time the method of computing earnings per share will change and all prior periods which are presented will be restated to conform with Statement 128. Under the new requirements "basic earnings per share" will replace the current term of "primary earnings per share" and "diluted earnings per share" will replace the current term of "fully diluted earnings per share". The Company expects basic earnings per share for the quarters ended March 31, 1997 and March 31, 1996 to be unchanged when compared to primary earnings per share for those same periods. 7 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT The Board of Directors J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.: We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance sheet of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1996,March 31, 1997, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30,March 31, 1997 and 1996, and 1995, in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of obtaining an understanding of the system for the preparation of interim financial information, applying analytical review procedures to financial data, and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. We have previously audited, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the consolidated balance sheet of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995,1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 9, 1996,7, 1997, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1995,1996, is fairly presented, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived. /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP -------------------------------------- Little Rock, Arkansas OctoberApril 11, 19961997 8 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the attached interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, and with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the calendar year ended December 31, 1995.1996. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth the change in amounts and percentage change between the third quarter of 1996 and the comparable period in 1995relationship of certain revenue, expense anditems to operating items.revenues for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended September 30,March 31 --------------------- 1997 1996 vs. 1995 (In thousands except tractor data) Increase (decrease) % in amounts change ---------------- ------ Operating revenues $23,625 7% - --------------------------------------------------------------- Average number of tractors in the fleet (50) (1%) - ---------------------------------------------------------------100.0% 100.0% Operating expenses:expenses Salaries, wages and employee benefits $ 5,832 5%33.2 32.9 Purchased transportation 13,807 14% - ---------------------------------------------------------------32.0 27.7 Fuel and fuel taxes 2,225 6%10.4 11.3 Depreciation (2,827) (9%) - ---------------------------------------------------------------9.1 9.7 Operating supplies and expenses (1,918) (8%)6.1 6.4 Insurance and claims (53) 0% - ---------------------------------------------------------------2.8 3.7 General and administrative expenses (1,248) (16%)1.6 2.1 Operating taxes and licenses 203 31.7 2.0 Communication and utilities (113) (2%) - ---------------------------------------------------------------1.1 1.3 ----- ----- Total operating expenses 15,908 5% - ---------------------------------------------------------------98.0 97.1 ----- ----- Operating income $ 7,717 79% - --------------------------------------------------------------- - ---------------------------------------------------------------2.0 2.9 Interest expense 1.7 1.6 ----- ----- Earnings before income taxes 0.3 1.3 Income taxes 0.1 0.5 ----- ----- Net earnings 0.2% 0.8% ----- ----- ----- ----- The following discussion relates to the table set forth above and the attached interim consolidated financial statements for the quarterquarters ended September 30, 1996March 31, 1997 and 1995.1996. OPERATING REVENUES Operating revenues for the thirdfirst quarter of 1997 increased approximately $11 million, or 3 percent, to $365 million, from $354 million in the first quarter of 1996. This comparison of revenue was negatively affected by approximately $17.8 million of revenue generated during the first quarter of 1996 increasedby the special commodities and parcel management businesses which were disposed of later in 1996. This comparison was also negatively impacted by approximately $24$8.8 million or 7 percent,due to $378.7 million from $355.1 million infewer workdays during the thirdfirst quarter of 1997. 9 1995. The average number of total tractors in the fleet decreased during the current quarter by 1 percent from 1996. In addition, approximately 150 tractors were without drivers during the same period.first quarter of 1997. Failing to fill those tractors negatively impacted revenue, utilization and operating income during the first quarter. Load volume in the van division increased 8 percent, but was partly offset by a decrease in length of haul. Truck only freight rates increased .2 percent from 1996, while intermodal rates were down .8 percent. The change in revenue between quarters includes the following by type of freight: Change in Revenue ThirdFirst Quarter 19961997 vs. ThirdFirst Quarter 19951996 (millions of dollars) Intermodal $ 16 Logistics management 27$ 26 Van/intermodal 7 Dedicated contract 2 Other, net (21)5 Businesses disposed of and fewer workdays (27) ---- $ 2411 ---- ---- Intermodal loads increased 13 percent during the third quarter of 1996. Operating revenues increased 5 percent in the van division, approximately 100 percent91% in logistics management, and 53 percent in Van/intermodal and 16% in dedicated contract. The decrease in other above reflects the sale of the special commodities and parcel management businesses. Van division truck only rates were approximately 1.4 percent lower during the third quarter of 1996, while intermodal rates were unchanged. OPERATING EXPENSES Total operating expenses forexpressed as a percentage of operating revenues increased from 97.1% in the thirdfirst quarter of 1996 increased approximately $16to 98.0% in the first quarter of 1997. Operating income declined to $7.3 million, or 52.0 percent over the comparable period of revenue in 1997 from $10.4 million, or 2.9 percent of revenue in 1996. Operating income increased by $7.7 million to $17.4 million from $9.7 million. The significant increase in 1996operating expenses and decline in operating income from an unusually low third quarter of 1995, was due primarily to higher tractor utilization and reduced operating expenses. In addition, a pretax gainnumber of approximately $3 million was recognized during the current quarter, from the sale of the special commodities business. Gains on the disposition of revenue equipment, which had been significant in some prior reporting periods, were approximately $1.2 million in the third quarter of 1996 (excluding the special commodities gain), compared with $3.6 million in 1995. Gains are classified as a reduction of depreciation expense in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.factors. Salaries, wages and employee benefits increased 5 percentas a percentage of revenue from 32.9% in 1996 to 33.2%. This percentage had declined in recent periods, primarily due to the growth of intermodal and logistics business wherein third parties may transport freight rather than Company tractors and drivers. A new compensation package for van over-the-road drivers, announced in September of 1996, was effective February 25, 1997. This new package increased salaries, wages and employee benefits by approximately $4.5 million during the thirdfirst quarter of 1996, due, in part,1997. This compensation change is expected to $1.7increase salaries, wages and employee benefits by $45 million paid to drivers in connection with a new safe driving bonus program.$50 million annually. Funding of this increased cost is planned to come from the reduction of driver turnover and lower associated costs of advertising, recruiting, driver training schools, and accidents. Increased tractor utilization is also expected to help offset the higher wage and benefit costs. Purchased transportation expense increased 14 percent, reflectingas a percentage of revenue from 27.7% in 1996 to 32.0% in 1997. This increase is consistent with trends in recent periods and reflects the increase in payments to railroads and third-party companies that furnishedthird-parties for intermodal and truck transportation services provided to the Company. Fuel and fuel taxtaxes reflects an increase of approximately 7 cents per gallon, offset by significantly higher fuel miles per gallon and 10 the impact of additional freight moved by railroads and third-party transportation companies. The decline of insurance and claims expense increased 6from 3.7 percent during the third quarter of 1996. This increasein 1996 to 2.8 percent in 1997 was primarily due to an 11 percent increasea substantial reduction in accident frequency. The total cost per gallon partially offsetof insurance and claims in the first quarter of 1997 decreased approximately $3 million from 1996. This decrease relates to a higher number of experienced drivers in the fleet attracted by a nearly 5 percent increase in miles per gallon. The higher fuel cost was also partially recovered through additional fuel surcharge revenue billed to customers. Rapid changes in fuel costs can significantly impact earnings. 10 The 9 percent decline in depreciation expense was primarily due to the gain on sale of the special commodities business described above. The 8 percent decline in operating suppliesnew compensation package. General and administrative expenses wasdecreased approximately $1.4 million due, in part, to lower tractordecreased driver school and trailing equipment maintenanceadvertising costs. InsuranceInterest expense increased due to slightly higher debt levels and claims costs were flat when comparing the third quarter of 1996 to the same period in 1995. However, 1996 insurance and claims expense was down nearly $4 million from the second quarter of 1996 to the third quarter of 1996. The Company announced a decision in June, 1996 to limit the speed of its tractors to 59 miles per hour in order to improve safety. General and administrative expenses declined 16 percent, due, in part, to lower driver advertising and recruiting cost.higher interest rates on commercial paper. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES This discussion of corporate liquidity and capital resources should be read in conjunction with information presented in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $91$15 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996first quarter of 1997 compared with $119$21.6 million in 1995.1996. This decrease in net cash provided was primarily due to an increase inlower earnings, a reduced rate of accounts receivable growth and certaina reduction of accounts payable and accrued expenses related to timing of vendor and other cash payments madedisbursements. Net cash used in investing activities was $2.5 million in 1997 compared to $34.9 million in 1996. With the van trailing equipment fleet substantially converted to containers and chassis, the level of net additions to property and equipment was down by nearly $30 million. Net cash used in financing activities was $4.2 million in 1997 compared with net cash provided of $9.0 million in 1996. This change was primarily due to the purchase of treasury stock during the first quarter of 1996 for claims settlements and payables for revenue equipment purchases.1997. SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA As of ----------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 1996--------------------------------------------------- March 31, 1997 December 31, 1995 September 30, 1995 ------------------1996 March 31, 1996 -------------- ----------------- -------------------------------- Working capital ratio .941.08 1.03 1.01 .91 Current maturities of long- term debt (millions) $ 65 $ 30 $ 75$68 $50 $43 Total debt (millions) $ 397 $ 369 $369$390 $382 $383 Total debt to equity 1.13 1.07 1.08 1.03 .99 Total debt as a percentage of total capital .53 .52 .51 .50.52
Net additionsDuring the first quarter of 1997, the Company renewed its commercial paper note program and reduced the total amount of authorized borrowing from $250 million to property$240 million. The notes are supported by two credit agreements with a group of banks. One agreement for $120 million expires March 19, 1998 and equipment during the nine months ended September 30, 1996 totaled $106$120 million compared with $107 million in 1995.expires March 20, 2002. 11 While total debt levels have increased slightly during the past year, the Company's liquidity has not changed significantly. The Company generates significant cash from operating activities and has borrowing capacity to meet its committed and contemplated cash expenditures. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This report contains statements that may be considered as forward-looking or predictions concerning future operations. Such statements are based on management's belief or interpretation of information currently available. These statements and assumptions involve certain risks and uncertainties and management can give no assurance that such expectations will be realized. Among all the factors and events that are not within the Company's control and could have a material impact on future operating results are general economic conditions, cost and availability of diesel fuel, adverse weather conditions and competitive rate fluctuations. In October, 1996 Standard and Poor's lowered its ratingsaddition, the ultimate net cost of the new driver compensation package will be dependent on the mix of experienced drivers attracted to the Company and on future accident, cargo and worker's compensation claims, as follows: * corporate credit to BBB+ from A- * senior unsecured to BBB+ from A- * subordinated debt to BBB from BBB+ 11well as other factors. 12 PART II OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS None applicable. ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES None applicable. ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES None applicable. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS None applicable.The annual meeting of stockholders of J. B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. was held on April 17, 1997. Proxies for the meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. At the meeting, stockholders voted on the following resolutions with the vote tabulations so indicated: VOTES ------------------------------------ FOR AGAINST ABSTAINED ------------------------------------ 1. To elect nine (9) directors and to fix the number of directors for the ensuing year at nine (9). 33,855,423 0 323,799 2. To ratify the appointment of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as the Company's independent public accountants for the next fiscal year. 34,157,116 12,452 9,654 3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof. 30,560,028 2,683,497 935,697
There was no solicitation in opposition to management's nominees for Directors as listed in the proxy statement and each nominee was elected by greater than ninety-nine percent of the shares entitled to vote. No additional business or other matters came before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION On August 8, 1996 the Company announced an agreement to combine J.B. Hunt's special commodities business into Trism Secured. Trism acquired the business and certain other assets in exchange for cash and stock options. On October 17, 1996 the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to 2.0 million shares of outstanding common stock. This action was in addition to previous authorizations in 1994 and 1995.None applicable. ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibits 27 Financial Data Schedule 1213 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC. DATE: November 11, 1996MAY 9, 1997 BY: /s/ Kirk Thompson ------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------ Kirk Thompson President and Chief Executive Officer DATE: November 11, 1996May 9, 1997 BY: /s/ Jerry W. Walton ------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------ Jerry W. Walton Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer 1314