J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) vs Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV)

A side-by-side comparison of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. and Southwest Airlines Co. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnJBHT vs LUV

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
JBHT +264.2% (+13.8%/yr)LUV +21.4% (+2.0%/yr)JBHT compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$364$121
JBHT LUV

JBHT vs LUV: by the numbers

  • JBHT is the larger company ($22.04B vs $20.08B market cap).
  • LUV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.18 vs 33.23 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • JBHT converts more revenue to profit (5.31% vs 2.78% net margin).
  • LUV grew revenue faster over the past five years (24.97% vs 3.42% CAGR).
  • LUV pays the higher dividend yield (1.83% vs 0.66%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricJBHTLUV
P/E ratio33.2325.18
Forward P/E29.9412.58
P/S ratio1.730.67
P/B ratio6.032.83
EV / EBITDA13.859.05
FCF yield4.99%N/A

Profitability

MetricJBHTLUV
Gross margin16.26%17.44%
Operating margin7.52%3.46%
Net margin5.31%2.78%
ROE18.44%11.82%
ROIC11.14%4.30%

Dividends

MetricJBHTLUV
Dividend yield0.66%1.83%
Payout ratio25.35%44.17%

Growth (annualized)

MetricJBHTLUV
Revenue CAGR (5Y)3.42%24.97%
EPS CAGR (5Y)5.02%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)19.64%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.25%-2.25%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, JBHT or LUV?
LUV has the lower trailing P/E: JBHT trades at 33.23 and LUV at 25.18. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, JBHT or LUV?
Over the past five years, LUV grew revenue faster — JBHT at a 3.42% CAGR versus LUV at 24.97%.
Does JBHT or LUV pay a bigger dividend?
JBHT yields 0.66% and LUV yields 1.83% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is JBHT or LUV more profitable?
JBHT runs the higher net margin — JBHT at 5.31% versus LUV at 2.78%.
How have JBHT and LUV total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, JBHT delivered 14.29% and LUV delivered 1.75% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 13, 2026.