BofA lifts J B Hunt PT on expected fleet growth

BofA Global Research raises J B Hunt Transport JBHT.O price target to $171 from $166, a premium of 12% to the stock's last close

Rating unchanged at "buy"

BofA says co continues to benefit from strong rail service and intermodal growth in the eastern U.S.

Notes co plans to grow its dedicated fleet in the second half of 2025, aiming for modest revenue and income gains

Adds that co's near-term profitability may be pressured by start-up costs tied to new contracts, which typically take several months to normalize

Average of 27 brokerages rate the stock equivalent to "hold", median PT at $155- data compiled by LSEG

As of last close, stock had fallen 10.5% YTD