J.B. Hunt Transport Services (NASDAQ: JBHT) reported mixed fourth-quarter results, with earnings surpassing expectations even as revenue declined from the prior year.

The transportation provider posted fourth-quarter earnings of $1.90 per share, exceeding the analyst consensus of $1.80. Revenue declined 2% year over year to $3.10 billion, in line with Wall Street forecasts.

Investor concern centered on revenue weakness across several operating segments. The Intermodal division, J.B. Hunt's largest business, saw revenue fall 3% to $1.55 billion, while Final Mile Services revenue dropped 10% to $206 million.

Operating income increased 19% to $246.5 million, reflecting cost reduction efforts, productivity improvements, and lower personnel expenses. The company's effective tax rate rose to 22.4% from 19.0% in the same quarter last year.

Dedicated Contract Services delivered modest growth, with revenue increasing 1% to $843 million. Truckload revenue climbed 10% to $200 million, though operating income in that segment declined 2%.