FORM 10-Q    

                          SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                               Washington, D.C. 20549 



(MARK ONE)(Mark One)

    X    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
   ---             THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

    For the Quarter Ended JuneSeptember 30, 1997
                                          OR

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

    Commission file numberFile Number 0-11757


                          J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.
              (Exact nameName of registrantRegistrant as specifiedSpecified in its charter)Its Charter)

                ARKANSAS                                        71-0335111
    (State or other jurisdictionOther Jurisdiction                            (I.R.S. Employer
         of incorporationIncorporation or organization)                                 Identification No.)
           Organization)


                615 J.B. HUNT CORPORATE DRIVE, LOWELL, ARKANSAS  72745
                (Address of principal executive offices,Principal Executive Offices, and Zip Code)

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



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to 
the filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.

                              YesYES    X    No
                                    ---       ---

The number of shares of the Company's $.01 par value common stock outstanding on
JuneSeptember 30, 1997 was 36,456,278.36,385,196.



                                        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 sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 1997
are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the
entire year ending December 31, 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, 1996.

                                        INDEX

-----

Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Three and SixNine Months  
  Ended JuneSeptember 30, 1997 and 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page1996.....................................Page 3

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of JuneSeptember 30, 1997 and
  December 31,1996. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page31,1996......................................................Page 4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the SixNine Months
  Ended JuneSeptember 30, 1997 and 1996. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page1996.....................................Page 5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as of
  JuneSeptember 30, 1997 . . . . . Page1997....................................................Page 6

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

ITEM 2.
- -------

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


                                       2



                      J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

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


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                            THREE MONTHS ENDED         SIXNINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                JUNESEPTEMBER 30              JUNESEPTEMBER 30
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                              1997        1996         1997        1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                                                    
Operating revenues                        $  385,198388,460  $  372,573378,740  $  750,5991,139,059  $  726,5871,105,326

Operating expenses
  Salaries, wages and employee benefits      133,288        122,186        254,732        238,622135,394     124,914       390,126       363,536
  Purchased transportation                   124,182         98,857        240,962        196,828131,700     115,258       372,661       312,086
  Fuel and fuel taxes                         36,039         42,115         74,096         82,24932,968      38,043       107,064       120,292
  Depreciation                                33,228         29,867         66,478         64,01131,709      28,147        98,187        92,158
  Operating supplies and expenses             23,679         23,905         45,825         46,50323,237      22,956        69,063        69,458
  Insurance and claims                         9,842         18,005         19,955         31,1709,780      14,119        29,893        45,660
  General and administrative expenses          5,322          8,351         11,364         15,8144,447       6,549        15,653        21,992
  Operating taxes and licenses                 6,349          7,120         12,427         14,2826,137       6,738        18,564        21,020
  Communication and utilities                  4,015          4,731          8,186          9,2404,050       4,583        12,236        13,823
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      Total operating expenses               375,944        355,137        734,025        698,719379,422     361,307     1,113,447     1,060,025
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      Operating income                         9,254         17,436         16,574         27,8689,038      17,433        25,612        45,301
Interest expense                               6,246          6,362         12,650         12,2735,938       6,010        18,588        18,283
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      Earnings before income taxes             3,008         11,074          3,924         15,5953,100      11,423         7,024        27,018
Income taxes                                   1,143          4,208          1,491          5,9261,178       4,341         2,669        10,267
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      Net earnings                        $    1,8651,922  $    6,8667,082  $      2,4334,355  $     9,66916,751
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Common shares outstanding                     36,456         38,061         36,603         38,06836,387      38,095        36,530        38,077
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Earnings per share                        $     0.05  $     0.180.19  $       0.070.12  $       0.250.44
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 3 J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) (unaudited) JUNE- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 DECEMBER 31, 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,33513,002 $ 3,786 Accounts receivable 150,398 151,357154,295 153,871 Prepaid expenses 18,92919,264 35,964 Deferred income taxes 11,000 11,000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current assets 185,662 202,107197,561 204,621 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Property and equipment 1,213,2381,163,258 1,218,245 Less accumulated depreciation 423,667409,509 404,992 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net property and equipment 789,571753,749 813,253 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other assets 21,94826,997 25,565 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 997,181 $1,040,925978,307 $1,043,439 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 13,3005,000 $ 49,750 Trade accounts payable 96,483 83,846102,589 92,078 Claims accruals 30,817 33,69331,076 33,692 Accrued payroll 17,267 12,85218,176 13,988 Other accrued expenses 14,733 15,99911,140 9,146 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current liabilities 172,600 196,140167,981 198,654 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term debt 322,770309,585 332,571 Claims accruals 12,800 12,800 Deferred income taxes 142,740143,209 142,159 Stockholders' equity 346,271344,732 357,255 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 997,181 $1,040,925978,307 $1,043,439 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 4 J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) (unaudited) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 2,433 $ 9,669 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, net of gain on disposition of equipment 66,478 64,011 Deferred income taxes 581 (1,233) Tax benefit (expense) of stock options exercised (36) 386 Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 959 (24,741) Prepaid expenses 17,035 10,269 Trade accounts payable 12,637 520 Claims accruals (2,876) (3,139) Accrued payroll and other accrued expenses 3,149 1,361 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash provided by operating activities 100,360 57,103 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to property and equipment (79,113) (95,786) Proceeds from sale of equipment 36,317 21,807 Increase in other assets 4,364 (2,791) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash used in investing activities (38,432) (76,770) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash flows from financing activities: Repayment of long-term debt (5,000) -- Net borrowings under commercial paper program (41,251) 26,902 Proceeds from sale of treasury stock 34 2,066 Repurchase of treasury stock (10,479) (3,778) Dividends paid (3,683) (3,783) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (60,379) 21,407 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,549 1,740 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,786 4,260 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 5,335 $ 6,000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid (refunded) during the period for: Interest $ 12,755 $ 12,418 Income taxes (6,754) 789 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 4,355 $ 16,751 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation, net of gain on disposition of equipment 98,187 92,158 Deferred income taxes 1,050 2,737 Tax benefit (expense) of stock options exercised (33) 381 Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (424) (28,802) Prepaid expenses 16,700 14,761 Trade accounts payable 10,511 (8,892) Claims accruals (2,616) (5,083) Accrued payroll and other accrued expenses 4,606 7,295 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by operating activities 132,336 91,306 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to property and equipment (147,655) (146,927) Proceeds from sale of equipment 108,972 40,682 Increase in other assets (1,014) (4,759) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash used in investing activities (39,697) (111,004) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash flows from financing activities: Repayment of long-term debt (5,000) -- Net borrowings (repayments) under commercial paper program (62,736) 27,735 Proceeds from sale of treasury stock 296 2,137 Repurchase of treasury stock (10,481) (5,806) Dividends paid (5,502) (5,689) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (83,423) 18,377 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 9,216 (1,321) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,786 4,260 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 13,002 $ 2,939 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid (refunded) during the period for: Interest $ 18,421 $ 18,364 Income taxes (6,895) 974 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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): 6/9/30/97 12/31/96 -------- -------- Commercial paper $128,300$106,800 $169,750 Senior notes payable, interest at 6.25% payable semiannually, due 9/1/03 98,260 98,260 Senior notes payable, interest at 7.84% payable semiannually 10,000 15,000 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 -------- -------- 336,560315,060 383,010 Less current maturities (13,300)(5,000) (49,750) Unamortized discount (490)(475) (689) -------- -------- $322,770$309,585 $332,571 -------- -------- -------- -------- The Company is authorized to issue up to $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 $120 million expires March 19, 1998 and $120 million expires March 20, 2002. The 6.25% senior notes were issued on September 1, 1993 and are due on September 1, 2003. The 7.84% senior notes were issued on March 31, 1992 and are payable in five equal annual installments beginning March 31, 1995. The 7.80% senior subordinated notes were issued on October 30, 1992 and are payable in five equal annual installments beginning October 30, 2000. 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. 6 2)(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 sharesoptions per share exercisable ------ --------- ------------ ----------- Outstanding at December 31, 1996 2,740,925 $ 11.58-24.63$11.58-24.63 294,950 ------- ------- Granted 143,000 13.88-15.00466,000 13.88-17.38 Exercised (3,000) 11.58(18,400) 11.58-15.63 Terminated (32,750) 12.83-23.00(334,650) 12.83-23.50 --------- ------------------------- Outstanding at JuneSeptember 30, 1997 2,848,175 $ 11.58-24.63 443,9752,853,875 $11.58-24.63 388,975 --------- ------------------------- ------- --------- ------------------------- ------- On July 17,October 16, 1997, the Company's Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $.05 per share payable on August 19,November 21, 1997 to stockholders of record on August 1,November 3, 1997. 3)(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 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 three and sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 1997 and JuneSeptember 30, 1996 to be unchanged when compared to primary earnings per share for those same periods. (4) RECLASSIFICATIONS Certain amounts for 1996 have been reclassified to conform to the 1997 classifications. 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 JuneSeptember 30, 1997, and the related condensed consolidated statements of earnings and cash flows for the three-month and six-monthnine-month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 1997 and 1996, 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, 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 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, 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 July 15,October 14, 1997 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, 1996. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS COMPARISON OF SECONDTHIRD QUARTER 1997 TO SECONDTHIRD QUARTER 1996 The following table sets forth items in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a percentage of operating revenues and the percentage increase or decrease of those items as compared with the prior period. Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30 Percentage of Percentage Operating Revenues Change ------------------ ------------- 1997 1996 1997 vs. 1996 ------ ------ ------------- Operating revenues 100.0% 100.0% 3.4%2.6% Operating expenses Salaries, wages and employee benefits 34.6% 32.8% 9.1%34.9% 33.0% 8.4% Purchased transportation 32.2% 26.5% 25.6%33.9% 30.4% 14.3% Fuel and fuel taxes 9.4% 11.3% (14.4%8.5% 10.0% (13.3%) Depreciation 8.6% 8.0% 11.3%8.2% 7.4% 12.7% Operating supplies and expenses 6.0% 6.1% 6.4% (0.9%)1.2% Insurance and claims 2.6% 4.8% (45.3%2.5% 3.7% (30.7%) General and administrative expenses 1.4% 2.3% (36.3%1.1% 1.7% (32.1%) Operating taxes and licenses 1.7% 1.9% (10.8%1.6% 1.8% (8.9%) Communication and utilities 1.0% 1.3% (15.1%1.2% (11.6%) ------ ------------------------ Total operating expenses 97.6% 95.3% 5.9% ------ ------97.7% 95.4% 5.0% ------------------ Operating income 2.4% 4.7% (46.9%2.3% 4.6% (48.2%) Interest expense 1.5% 1.6% 1.7% (1.8%(1.2%) ------ ------------------------ Earnings before income taxes 0.8% 3.0% (72.8%(72.9%) Income taxes 0.3% 1.2% (72.8%1.1% (72.9%) ------ ------------------------ Net earnings 0.5% 1.8% (72.8%1.9% (72.9%) ------ ------ ------ ------------------------ ------------------ 9 Operating revenues for the secondthird quarter of 1997 increased $12.6$9.7 million, or 32.6 percent, to $385.2$388.5 million from $372.6$378.7 million in the secondthird quarter of 1996. TheThis revenue comparison was affected by the fact that $12.3$25.0 million of revenue was generated during the secondthird quarter of 1996 by the special commodities and parcel managementflatbed businesses which were sold later in 1996.1996 and 1997, respectively. Revenue increased 27 percent in dry van operations, which includes intermodal; 21intermodal, and 24 percent in logistics and dedicated and 79 percent in logistics. Dry van load count grew by 7 percentoperations during the current quarter.third quarter of 1997. Truck only dry van rates, excluding fuel surcharges, increased 1.22.3 percent, while intermodal rates declined .7 percent.2.2 percent during the third quarter of 1997. The continued growthincreased level of logistics and dedicated equipment and logistics operationsrevenue was primarily due to additional customer contracts which were signed during the periodcurrent quarter and increased levels of business under existing contracts. Significant numbers of shippers continue to request transportation services whereby equipment is assigned or dedicated to a particular operation or where all transportation needs are managed by one party (i.e. logistics). Typically these services are provided in accordance with longer term contracts or other written agreements. Total operating expenses for the secondthird quarter of 1997 increased to 97.65 percent over the comparable period of 1996. Total operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenue from 95.3revenues (operating ratio) were 97.7 percent for the third quarter of 1997 compared with 95.4 percent in 1996. The secondA number of significant changes in operating expenses during the current quarter of 1997 was the first full quarter of thewere related to an approximate thirty-three percent pay increase awarded tofor certain over-the-road van drivers which was effective on February 28, 1997. This pay increase announced in September of 1996, increased wages by approximately thirty percentwas the primary reason for certain over-the-road drivers and reduced net earnings in the current quarter by $8.1 million, or 22 cents per share. This increase in operating costs was partly offset by lower accident, cargo claims, driver trainingsalaries, wages and driver recruiting expenses. The new compensation package has been successful in attracting and retaining experienced, professional drivers. It has taken longer than anticipated to increase the driver work force to the levels desired. Therefore, tractor utilization declined 4 percent during the current quarter from a strong second quarter of 1996.employee benefits. The increase in purchased transportation expense was consistent with trends in recent periods and reflects payments to railroads and other third-parties for transportation services provided to the Company. Fuel and fuel taxes reflect approximately 6 centstax expense declined, primarily due to lower fuel cost per gallon and significantly higher fuel miles per gallon. The increase in depreciation expense was primarily due to a gain recognized on the disposition of the parcel managementspecial commodities business during the secondthird quarter of 1996. Gains on asset dispositiondispositions reduce depreciation expense and totaled $3.3 million in 1996 compared with a small net loss of less than $.1$.6 million during the current quarter.third quarter of 1997 compared with $4.3 million in 1996. The significant decrease in insurance and claims reflectsexpense was a result of fewer vehicle collisions during the declinethird quarter of 1997. The new driver compensation package has been successful in accidents associated with moreattracting and retaining experienced, drivers andprofessional drivers. In addition, the elimination ofCompany is no longer hiring newly trained student drivers. Accident costs were also unusually high during the second quarter of 1996. The Company announced a decisionA related reduction in June of 1996 to limit the speed of its tractors to 59 miles per hour. The lower level of general and administrative expenseexpenses was primarily due to reduced driver training and recruiting costs. Reduced insurance related costs and lower driver recruiting expenses were two of the primary sources for funding the new driver compensation package. Operating taxes and licenses decreased, partly due to a decreasethe sale of revenue equipment which had operated in the size of the tractor fleet.special commodities and flatbed businesses. Lower communication and utilities expense was due, in part, to lower communication rates in effect during the current quarter. 10 As a result of the above, net earnings declined to $1.9 million, or 5 cents per share, in the third quarter of 1997 compared with $6.9$7.1 million, or 1819 cents per share, in 1996. The average number of shares outstanding during the secondthird quarter of 1997 declined to 36.536.4 million from 38.1 million in 1996. The primary reason for this decrease was the Company's acquisition of treasury stock by the Company.shares. 10 COMPARISON OF SIXNINE MONTHS ENDED JUNESEPTEMBER 30, 1997 TO SIXNINE MONTHS ENDED JUNESEPTEMBER 30, 1996 The following table sets forth items in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a percentage of operating revenues and the percentage increase or decrease of those items as compared with the prior period. SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30 Percentage of Percentage Operating Revenues Change ------------------ ------------- 1997 1996 1997 vs. 1996 ------ ------ ------------- Operating revenues 100.0% 100.0% 3.3%3.1% Operating expenses Salaries, wages and employee benefits 33.9% 32.8% 6.8%34.3% 32.9% 7.3% Purchased transportation 32.1% 27.1% 22.4%32.7% 28.2% 19.4% Fuel and fuel taxes 9.9% 11.3% (9.9%9.4% 10.9% (11.0%) Depreciation 8.8% 8.8% 3.9%8.6% 8.3% 6.5% Operating supplies and expenses 6.1% 6.4% (1.5%6.3% (0.6%) Insurance and claims 2.7% 4.3% (36.0%2.6% 4.1% (34.5%) General and administrative expenses 1.5% 2.2% (28.1%1.4% 2.0% (28.8%) Operating taxes and licenses 1.7% 2.0% (13.0%1.6% 1.9% (11.7%) Communication and utilities 1.1% 1.3% (11.4%(11.5%) ------ ------------------------ Total operating expenses 97.8% 96.2% 5.1% ------ ------95.9% 5.0% ------------------ Operating income 2.2% 3.8% (40.5%4.1% (43.5%) Interest expense 1.6% 1.7% 1.7% 3.1% ------ ------------------------ Earnings before income taxes 0.5% 2.1% (74.8%0.6% 2.4% (74.0%) Income taxes 0.2% 0.8% (74.8%0.9% (74.0%) ------ ------------------------ Net earnings 0.3% 1.3% (74.8%0.4% 1.5% (74.0%) ------ ------ ------ ------ 11 ------------------ ------------------ Operating revenues for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1997 increased $24.0$33.7 million, or 33.1 percent, to $750.6$1,139 million from $726.6$1,105 million in 1996. TheThis revenue comparison was affected by the fact that $30.1$94.8 million of revenue was generated during the first sixnine months of 1996 by the special commodities and parcel management businesses which were sold later in 1996.1996 and the flatbed business which was sold in 1997. Revenue increased 24 percent in dry van operations, which includes intermodal; 19intermodal, and forty percent in logistics and dedicated and 85 percent in logistics. Dry van load count grew by 8 percent during the first six months of 1997.operations. Truck only dry van rates, excluding fuel surcharge, increased .71.2 percent, while intermodal rates declined by .7 percent.1.1 percent, during the nine month period ended September 30, 1997. The significant increase in logistics and dedicated revenue was a result of new customer contracts which were signed during the period and increased levels of business under existing contracts. 11 Total operating expenses for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1997 increased to5 percent from the comparable period of 1996. Total operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenues (operating ratio) were 97.8 percent of operating revenue from 96.2in 1997 and 95.9 percent in 1996. TheThis increase in operating expenses was due, in part, to the driver pay increase which was effective on February 28, 1997. This pay increase reduced net earnings by $11.1 million, or 30 cents per share, for the first six months of 1997. This increase in operating expenses was partly offset by lower accident, cargo claims, driver training and driver recruiting costs. Tractor utilization declined 3 percent during the first six months of 1997 from a relatively strong 1996. The significant increase in purchased transportation expense reflects payments to railroads and other third-party companies for transportation services. The decrease in fuel and fuel taxes reflects slightly higherwas due to lower fuel cost per gallon more than offset by significantlyand higher fuel miles per gallon. The increase in depreciation expense was primarily due to gaingains on the disposition of the special commodities and parcel management business in 1996. Gains on the disposition of assets which was $.1 million in 1997 and $3.4 million in 1996. Gain on disposition isare accounted for as a reduction of depreciation expense. Gains totaled $.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and $7.7 million for the comparable period of 1996. The significant decreasedecline in insurance and claims reflects lower accident ratesexpense was primarily due to fewer vehicle collisions during 1997. The Company has been successful in 1997 associated with a higher level ofattracting and retaining experienced drivers and has eliminated the use of newly trained student drivers. In addition, a decision was made in late 1996 to limit tractor speed to 59 miles per hour. In addition, the level of accidents and related costs was unusually high during the first six months of 1996. The decrease in general and administrative expensesexpense was primarily due to lower driver training and recruiting costs. Operating taxes and licenses expense reflected slightly lowera smaller total tractor fleet size.size, primarily due to sales of the special commodities and flatbed businesses. Communication and utilities declined, partly due to lower communication rates in 1997. As a result of the above, net earnings for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1997 were $2.4declined to $4.4 million, or 712 cents per share, compared with $9.7$16.8 million, or 2544 cents per share, in 1996. The average number of shares outstanding during the first sixnine months of 1997 declined to 36.636.5 million from 38.1 million in 1996. The primary reason for thisThis decrease was primarily due to the Company's acquisition of treasury stock by the Company. 12 shares. 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 $100$132 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 1997 compared with $57$91 million in 1996. This increase in net cash provided was primarily due to improved accounts receivable aging, a reduction of prepaid expenses and an increase in accounts payable related to timing of vendor and other cash disbursements. Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $38$40 million in 1997 compared with $77$111 million in 1996. This decrease was due primarily to fewer net additions to the trailing fleet during 1997.1997 and increased proceeds from the sale of equipment. The increase in cash provided by operating activities in 1997 and reduced level of cash invested allowed the Company to reduce debt by $46$68 million during the first sixnine months of 1997. In addition, approximately $10.5 million was invested in purchases of treasury stock during 1997 compared with $3.8$5.8 million in 1996. 12 SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA As of ----------------------------------------------- June 30, 1997 December 31, 1996 June 30, 1996 ------------- ----------------- ------------- Working capital ratio 1.08 1.03 .95 Current maturities of long- term debt (millions) $ 13 $ 50 $ 62 Total debt (millions) $336 $382 $396 Total debt to equity .97 1.07 1.10 Total debt as a percentage of total capital .49 As of --------------------------------------------------------- September 30, 1997 December 31, 1996 September 30, 1996 ------------------ ----------------- ------------------ Working capital ratio 1.18 1.03 .94 Current maturities of long- term debt (millions) $ 5 $ 50 $ 65 Total debt (millions) $ 315 $ 382 $ 397 Total debt to equity .91 1.07 1.08 Total debt as a percentage of total capital .48 .52 .52
During the first sixnine months of 1997 the Company renewed its commercial paper note program and reduced the total amount of authorized borrowing from $250 million to $240 million. The Company generates significant cash from operating activities and has borrowing capacity to meet its committed and contemplated cash requirements. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This report may contain 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 addition, 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 well as other factors. 13 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. ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION On July 30, 1997 the Company announced that it had completed the sale of its flatbed division to existing management personnel for $40 million in net cash proceeds. The cash was initially used to reduce debt. This sale was part of the Company's continuing intention to focus the majority of its resources on three types of operations; dry van truckload/intermodal, dedicated equipment and complete logistics services.None applicable. ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibits 27 Financial Data Schedule 14 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: August 8,November 5, 1997 BY: /s/ Kirk Thompson -------------------- ------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- Kirk Thompson President and Chief Executive Officer DATE: August 8,November 5, 1997 BY: /s/ Jerry W. Walton -------------------- ------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- Jerry W. Walton Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer 15