J.B. Hunt

J.B. Hunt is one of the largest transportation and logistics companies in North America, a pioneer of intermodal freight that moves goods by combining rail and trucking. Its network, scale and long partnership with the major railroads give it a strong position in a competitive, capital-heavy industry that is closely tied to overall economic activity. J.B. Hunt has paid and raised its dividend for over a decade, but the yield is very low, reflecting a company that channels most of its cash into fleet, terminals and buybacks. The dividend is well covered and steadily growing, making this more a modest complement to the investment case than its centerpiece. Earnings and the payout both fluctuate with freight demand and shipping rates.