J.B. Hunt analysts predict strong 2Q

Analysts are predicting solid profits and revenue gains when J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. releases its second-quarter results Monday.

A consensus of 22 analysts indicates that the Lowell-based trucking company will post earnings per share of $1.28 for the quarter ending June 30, compared with 88 cents for the year-ago period, a 45 percent increase. A group of 16 analysts expects revenue of $2.6 billion for the period, up from $1.73 billion, an increase of 19 percent.

In April, J.B. Hunt reported net income of $118.1 million, or $1.07 a share in the first quarter of 2018 and revenue of $1.95 billion. The company said at the time it benefited from a growth in volume, higher customer rates and new customer contracts.

J.B. Hunt shares rose 98 cents, or nearly 1 percent to close Friday at $121.83, in trading on the Nasdaq. Shares have traded as low as $88.33 and as high as $131.74 over the past year.