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 August 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnJBHT vs LUV

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
JBHT +256.9% (+13.6%/yr)LUV +43.9% (+3.7%/yr)JBHT compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$357$144
JBHT LUV

JBHT vs LUV: by the numbers

  • JBHT is the larger company ($25.22B vs $23.02B market cap).
  • LUV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (28.87 vs 38.03 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 (1.53% vs 0.67%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricJBHTLUV
P/E ratio38.0328.87
Forward P/E34.2713.75
P/S ratio2.010.78
P/B ratio6.973.31
EV / EBITDA15.9110.18
FCF yield4.31%N/A

Profitability

MetricJBHTLUV
Gross margin16.26%17.44%
Operating margin7.52%3.46%
Net margin5.31%2.78%
ROE18.44%11.82%
ROIC9.32%1.79%

Dividends

MetricJBHTLUV
Dividend yield0.67%1.53%
Payout ratio29.25%87.80%

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)10.97%0.11%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, JBHT or LUV?
LUV has the lower trailing P/E: JBHT trades at 38.03 and LUV at 28.87. 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 0.67% and LUV yields 1.53% 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 13.62% and LUV delivered 3.46% 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 August 10, 2026.