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8-K

Hunt J B Transport Services Inc (JBHT)

8-K 2020-01-17 For: 2020-01-17
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Added on April 07, 2026

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549




FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT


Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 17, 2020



J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.

(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)



Arkansas 0-11757 71-0335111
(State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization Commission File Number (IRS Employer Identification No.)
615 J.B. Hunt Corporate Drive ****<br><br> <br>Lowell , Arkansas 72745 (479) 820-0000
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) (Registrant’s telephone number)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:


Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d- 2(b))
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e- 4(c))
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value JBHT NASDAQ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐


The information in this Current Report is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section. The information in this Current Report shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

ITEM 2.02. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.


On January 17, 2020 we issued a news release announcing our revenues and earnings for the fourth quarter ended December 31,2019. A copy of the news release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS


(d) Exhibits.
99.1 News release dated January 17, 2020, issued by J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.
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104 Cover Page Interactive Data File(embedded within the Inline XBRL Document)
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on the 17th day of January, 2020.

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.
BY: /s/ John N. Roberts, III
John N. Roberts, III
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
BY: /s/ David G. Mee
David G. Mee
Executive Vice President, Finance and
Administration and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

ex_169766.htm

Exhibit 99.1

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. Contact: David G. Mee
615 J.B. Hunt Corporate Drive Executive Vice President,
Lowell, Arkansas 72745 Finance/Administration
(NASDAQ: JBHT) and Chief Financial Officer
(479) 820-8363

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC. REPORTS REVENUES, NET EARNINGS AND EARNINGS<br><br> <br>PER SHARE FOR BOTH THE FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019


Fourth quarter 2019 Revenue: $2.45 billion; up **** 6%
Fourth quarter 2019 Operating Income: $205.1 million; up **** 67%
Fourth quarter 2019 EPS: $1.35 vs. $0.81; up **** 67%
Full Year 2019 Revenue: $9.17 billion; up **** 6%
Full Year 2019 Operating Income: $733.8 million; up **** 8%
Full Year 2019 EPS: $4.75 vs. $4.43; up **** 7%

LOWELL, Ark., January 17, 2020 - J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: JBHT) announced fourth quarter 2019 net earnings of $144.7 million, or diluted earnings per share of $1.35 vs. fourth quarter 2018 net earnings of $88.7 million, or $0.81 per diluted share. Fourth quarter 2018 net earnings included pretax charges of $134.0 million for contingent liabilities related to the arbitration with BNSF Railway Company.

Total operating revenue for the current quarter was $2.45 billion, compared with $2.32 billion for the fourth quarter 2018. A 2% increase in load volume in Intermodal (JBI), partially offset with a lower revenue per load, contributed to a less than 1% increase in segment revenue. Dedicated Contract Services (DCS) segment revenue increased by 20%, primarily from the February 2019 acquisition and the addition of new customer accounts. Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS) segment revenue increased by 9% primarily from a 3% increase in load growth and a favorable change in customer freight mix. Truck (JBT) segment revenue decreased 20% primarily from lower loaded miles and lower rates per loaded mile. Current quarter total operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharges, increased approximately 7% vs. the comparable quarter 2018.

Total freight transactions in the Marketplace for J.B. Hunt 360° increased to $289 million compared to $174 million in the prior year quarter. ICS revenue on the platform increased to $225 million with an approximate 60% increase in average monthly active carrier users vs. the year ago period. JBI and JBT executed approximately $47 million and $17 million, respectively, of their third-party dray and independent contractor costs through the platform during the quarter.

Operating income for the current quarter totaled $205.1 million vs. $122.7 million for the fourth quarter 2018. Operating income in fourth quarter 2018 included $134.0 million in charges for contingent liabilities related to the arbitration with BNSF Railway Company. Excluding these charges, operating income decreased 20% from fourth quarter 2018. The benefit from increased revenues was offset with cost increases in rail purchase transportation rates; higher building rental expense in the Final Mile Services network; lower gross margins in ICS; increased technology spend on new applications, primarily in ICS, and legacy system upgrades affecting all segments; increased driver wages; increased driver and independent contractor recruiting costs and higher salary and wage expenses for non-driving personnel.


Interest expense increased from fourth quarter 2018 primarily from increased debt levels at higher interest rates. The fourth quarter effective tax rates for 2019 and 2018 were 24.8% and 20.5%, respectively. The annual effective tax rates for 2019 and 2018 were 24.2% and 23.6%, respectively.

Segment Information:

Intermodal (JBI)

Fourth quarter 2019 Segment Revenue: $1.27 billion; **** flat
Fourth quarter 2019 Operating Income: $131.1 million; up **** 304%

JBI total volumes increased 2% over the same period in 2018. Eastern network loads decreased by 8% and transcontinental loads grew by 8% compared to the fourth quarter 2018. Revenue increased less than one percent, reflecting the 2% increase in volume offset by a 1% decrease in revenue per load, the combination of freight mix, customer rate increases, and fuel surcharges. Revenue per load excluding fuel surcharges was flat compared to a year ago.

Operating income increased 304% from the prior year. In fourth quarter 2018, JBI recorded $134.0 million in charges for contingent liabilities related to the arbitration. Excluding these charges, operating income decreased by $35.3 million or approximately 21% from the comparable quarter 2018. Benefits from increased volumes were offset by higher rail purchase transportation rates, increased box repositioning costs due to a lack of balance in the intermodal network, increased costs to recover from rail service interruptions including a derailment in Southern California and increased costs to attract and retain drivers. The current period ended with approximately 96,700 units of trailing capacity and approximately 5,560 power units in the dray fleet.

Dedicated Contract Services (DCS)

Fourth quarter 2019 Segment Revenue: $717 million; up **** 20%
Fourth quarter 2019 Operating Income: $79.6 million; up **** 34%

DCS revenue increased 20% during the current quarter over the same period 2018. Productivity (revenue per truck per week) increased approximately 9% vs. 2018. Productivity excluding fuel surcharge revenue increased approximately 11% from a year ago primarily from the February 2019 acquisition, customer rate increases, improved integration of assets between customer accounts, and increased customer supply chain fluidity. Included in the DCS revenue growth, Final Mile Services (FMS) recorded an increase in revenue of $59 million (primarily from the February 2019 acquisition) compared to fourth quarter 2018. A net additional 972 revenue producing trucks, 153 net additions sequentially from third quarter 2019, were in the fleet by the end of the quarter. Approximately 58% of these additions represent private fleet conversions and 15% represent FMS versus traditional dedicated capacity fleets. Customer retention rates remain above 98%.

Operating income increased by 34% from a year ago. The benefits from additional trucks under contract, higher productivity and more predictable and consistent start-up costs were partially offset by increased costs expanding the FMS network, increased driver wages and increased driver recruiting costs and an incremental $1.0 million in noncash amortization expense attributable to the February 2019 acquisition compared to the same period a year ago.


Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS)

Fourth Quarter 2019 Segment Revenue: $377 million; up 9%
Fourth Quarter 2019 **** Operating **** Loss: $(11.8 million); compared to $16.1 **** million **** Operating **** Income in **** 2018

ICS revenue increased 9% in the current quarter vs. the fourth quarter 2018. Volume increased 3% and revenue per load increased 5.5%, mostly due to customer mix changes, compared to the prior year. Contractual volumes represent approximately 73% of the total load volume and 65% of the total revenue in the current quarter compared to 71% and 53%, respectively, in fourth quarter 2018. Of the total reported ICS revenue, approximately $225 million was executed through the Marketplace for J.B. Hunt 360 compared to $174 million in fourth quarter 2018.

Operating income decreased $28.0 million compared to the same period in 2018 primarily from a lower gross profit margin, a 150% increase in expenditures to expand capacity and functionality of the Marketplace for J.B. Hunt 360, higher personnel costs, and increased digital marketing and advertising costs. Gross profit margin decreased to 10.6% in the current period from 16.9% last year primarily from a competitive pricing environment in the contractual business and a softer overall spot market. ICS carrier base increased 15% and the employee count increased 6% from a year ago.

Truck (JBT)

Fourth quarter 2019 Segment Revenue: $94 million; down **** 20%
Fourth quarter 2019 Operating Income: $6.3 million; down **** 57%

JBT revenue decreased 20% from the same period in 2018. Revenue excluding fuel surcharges also decreased approximately 21% primarily from an 11% decrease in rates per loaded mile and a 9% decrease in load count compared to a year ago. Comparable contractual customer rates were flat compared to the same period 2018. At the end of the period, JBT operated 1,831 tractors compared to 2,112 a year ago.

Operating income decreased 57% from fourth quarter 2018. A decrease in spot market loads moved, an increase in empty miles and an overall lower load count compared to fourth quarter 2018 all contributed to lower operating income.

Cash Flow and Capitalization:


At December 31, 2019, we had total debt outstanding of $1.30 billion on various debt instruments compared to $1.15 billion at December 31, 2018, and $1.29 billion at September 30, 2019.

Our net capital expenditures for 2019 approximated $688 million vs. $885 million in 2018. At December 31, 2019, we had cash and cash equivalents of $35 million.

In the fourth quarter 2019, we purchased approximately 441,000 shares of our common stock for approximately $50 million. At December 31, 2019, we had approximately $95 million remaining under our share repurchase authorization. Actual shares outstanding at December 31, 2019, approximated 106.2 million.

Conference Call Information:

The company will hold a conference call today at 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. CST to discuss the quarterly earnings. To receive a dial-in number and personal access code, participants must register here. A replay of the call will be posted on its website later today.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which are based on information currently available. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in Item 1A of our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to the extent we become aware that it will not be achieved for any reason. This press release and additional information will be available to interested parties on our web site, www.jbhunt.com.


J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.<br><br> <br>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings<br><br> <br>(in thousands, except per share data)<br><br> <br>(unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
2019 2018
**** **** % Of **** **** % Of
Amount Revenue Amount Revenue
Operating revenues, excluding fuel surcharge revenues $ 2,168,497 $ 2,033,674
Fuel surcharge revenues 281,826 284,168
Total operating revenues 2,450,323 100.0% 2,317,842 100.0%
Operating expenses
Rents and purchased transportation 1,246,130 50.9% 1,271,097 54.8%
Salaries, wages and employee benefits 561,507 22.9% 515,271 22.2%
Depreciation and amortization 128,418 5.2% 114,086 4.9%
Fuel and fuel taxes 118,269 4.8% 117,613 5.1%
Operating supplies and expenses 83,633 3.4% 77,178 3.3%
General and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions 51,277 2.1% 51,191 2.3%
Insurance and claims 32,289 1.3% 26,941 1.2%
Operating taxes and licenses 14,345 0.6% 14,055 0.6%
Communication and utilities 9,381 0.4% 7,670 0.3%
Total operating expenses 2,245,249 91.6% 2,195,102 94.7%
Operating income 205,074 8.4% 122,740 5.3%
Net interest expense 12,776 0.6% 11,235 0.5%
Earnings before income taxes 192,298 7.8% 111,505 4.8%
Income taxes 47,622 1.9% 22,824 1.0%
Net earnings $ 144,676 5.9% $ 88,681 3.8%
Average diluted shares outstanding 107,529 109,940
Diluted earnings per share $ 1.35 $ 0.81
J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.
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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited)
Twelve Months Ended December 31
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
2019 2018
**** **** % Of **** **** % Of
Amount Revenue Amount Revenue
Operating revenues, excluding fuel surcharge revenues $ 8,122,600 $ 7,557,648
Fuel surcharge revenues 1,042,658 1,057,226
Total operating revenues 9,165,258 100.0% 8,614,874 100.0%
Operating expenses
Rents and purchased transportation 4,528,812 49.4% 4,434,540 51.5%
Salaries, wages and employee benefits 2,167,851 23.7% 1,926,213 22.4%
Depreciation and amortization 499,145 5.4% 435,893 5.1%
Fuel and fuel taxes 463,195 5.1% 459,011 5.3%
Operating supplies and expenses 333,113 3.6% 303,529 3.5%
General and administrative expenses, net of asset dispositions 191,933 2.1% 163,270 1.8%
Insurance and claims 157,251 1.7% 129,406 1.5%
Operating taxes and licenses 55,336 0.6% 51,080 0.6%
Communication and utilities 34,797 0.4% 30,911 0.4%
Total operating expenses 8,431,433 92.0% 7,933,853 92.1%
Operating income 733,825 8.0% 681,021 7.9%
Net interest expense 52,930 0.6% 40,203 0.5%
Earnings before income taxes 680,895 7.4% 640,818 7.4%
Income taxes 164,575 1.8% 151,233 1.7%
Net earnings $ 516,320 5.6% $ 489,585 5.7%
Average diluted shares outstanding 108,599 110,428
Diluted earnings per share $ 4.75 $ 4.43

Financial Information By Segment
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
2019 2018
**** **** **** % Of **** **** **** % Of
Amount Total Amount Total
Revenue
Intermodal $ 1,267,142 52% $ 1,263,469 54%
Dedicated 716,940 29% 595,809 26%
Integrated Capacity Solutions 376,537 15% 345,400 15%
Truck 93,640 4% 117,707 5%
Subtotal 2,454,259 100% 2,322,385 100%
Intersegment eliminations (3,936 ) (0%) (4,543 ) (0%)
Consolidated revenue $ 2,450,323 100% $ 2,317,842 100%
Operating income
Intermodal $ 131,097 64% $ 32,445 27%
Dedicated 79,565 39% 59,416 48%
Integrated Capacity Solutions (11,843 ) (6%) 16,142 13%
Truck 6,321 3% 14,737 12%
Other (1) (66 ) 0% - 0%
Operating income $ 205,074 100% $ 122,740 100%
Twelve Months Ended December 31
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
2019 2018
**** **** **** % Of **** **** **** % Of
Amount **** Total Amount Total
Revenue
Intermodal $ 4,744,636 52% $ 4,716,649 55%
Dedicated 2,694,811 29% 2,163,155 25%
Integrated Capacity Solutions 1,348,336 15% 1,334,629 15%
Truck 389,301 4% 417,351 5%
Subtotal 9,177,084 100% 8,631,784 100%
Intersegment eliminations (11,826 ) (0%) (16,910 ) (0%)
Consolidated revenue $ 9,165,258 100% $ 8,614,874 100%
Operating income
Intermodal $ 447,479 61% $ 400,999 59%
Dedicated 268,579 37% 193,419 29%
Integrated Capacity Solutions (11,088 ) (2%) 50,167 7%
Truck 29,046 40% 36,568 5%
Other (1) (191 ) (0%) (132 ) (0%)
Operating income $ 733,825 100% $ 681,021 100%
(1) Includes corporate support activity
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Operating Statistics by Segment
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
2019 2018
Intermodal **** **** **** **** **** ****
Loads 520,898 512,935
Average length of haul 1,707 1,660
Revenue per load $ 2,433 $ 2,463
Average tractors during the period * 5,587 5,632
Tractors (end of period)
Company-owned 4,989 5,017
Independent contractor 570 633
Total tractors 5,559 5,650
Net change in trailing equipment during the period 54 1,750
Trailing equipment (end of period) 96,743 94,902
Average effective trailing equipment usage 92,571 91,785
Dedicated **** **** **** **** **** ****
Loads 945,907 808,043
Average length of haul 166 173
Revenue per truck per week** $ 5,128 $ 4,715
Average trucks during the period*** 11,019 9,914
Trucks (end of period)
Company-owned 10,542 9,652
Independent contractor 40 51
Customer-owned (Dedicated operated) 505 412
Total trucks 11,087 10,115
Trailing equipment (end of period) 28,118 26,710
Average effective trailing equipment usage 28,300 27,014
Integrated Capacity Solutions **** **** **** **** **** ****
Loads 328,060 317,512
Revenue per load $ 1,148 $ 1,088
Gross profit margin 10.6 % 16.9 %
Employee count (end of period) 1,213 1,142
Approximate number of third-party carriers (end of period) 84,400 73,100
Marketplace for J.B. Hunt 360°:
Approximate carrier tractor count (end of period) 682,000 529,000
Revenue (millions) 225.5 174.4
Truck **** **** **** **** **** ****
Loads 86,891 95,747
Average length of haul 396 405
Loaded miles (000) 34,388 38,828
Total miles (000) 42,544 47,555
Average nonpaid empty miles per load 94.1 91.3
Revenue per tractor per week** $ 4,017 $ 4,513
Average tractors during the period * 1,875 2,108
Tractors (end of period)
Company-owned 845 1,139
Independent contractor 986 973
Total tractors 1,831 2,112
Trailers (end of period) 6,975 6,800
Average effective trailing equipment usage 6,444 6,532
* Includes company-owned and independent contractor tractors
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** Using weighted workdays
*** Includes company-owned, independent contractor, and customer-owned trucks

Operating Statistics by Segment
(unaudited)
Twelve Months Ended December 31
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
2019 2018
Intermodal **** **** **** **** **** ****
Loads 1,979,169 2,049,014
Average length of haul 1,679 1,648
Revenue per load $ 2,397 $ 2,302
Average tractors during the period * 5,635 5,551
Tractors (end of period)
Company-owned 4,989 5,017
Independent contractor 570 633
Total tractors 5,559 5,650
Net change in trailing equipment during the period 1,841 6,262
Trailing equipment (end of period) 96,743 94,902
Average effective trailing equipment usage 86,836 88,739
Dedicated **** **** **** **** **** ****
Loads 3,615,580 2,981,344
Average length of haul 169 177
Revenue per truck per week** $ 4,895 $ 4,534
Average trucks during the period*** 10,725 9,264
Trucks (end of period)
Company-owned 10,542 9,652
Independent contractor 40 51
Customer-owned (Dedicated operated) 505 412
Total trucks 11,087 10,115
Trailing equipment (end of period) 28,118 26,710
Average effective trailing equipment usage 28,147 26,806
Integrated Capacity Solutions **** **** **** **** **** ****
Loads 1,243,992 1,234,632
Revenue per load $ 1,084 $ 1,081
Gross profit margin 13.1 % 15.4 %
Employee count (end of period) 1,213 1,142
Approximate number of third-party carriers (end of period) 84,400 73,100
Marketplace for J.B. Hunt 360°:
Approximate carrier tractor count (end of period) 682,000 529,000
Revenue (millions) 839.8 557.8
Truck **** **** **** **** **** ****
Loads 346,459 355,038
Average length of haul 415 427
Loaded miles (000) 143,511 151,322
Total miles (000) 177,035 181,718
Average nonpaid empty miles per load 96.9 85.5
Revenue per tractor per week** $ 3,917 $ 4,148
Average tractors during the period* 1,958 1,990
Tractors (end of period)
Company-owned 845 1,139
Independent contractor 986 973
Total tractors 1,831 2,112
Trailers (end of period) 6,975 6,800
Average effective trailing equipment usage 6,497 6,513
* Includes company-owned and independent contractor tractors
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** Using weighted workdays
*** Includes company-owned, independent contractor, and customer-owned trucks

J.B. HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
--- --- --- --- ---
ASSETS **** **** **** ****
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 35,000 $ 7,600
Accounts Receivable 1,011,829 1,051,698
Prepaid expenses and other 434,470 443,683
Total current assets 1,481,299 1,502,981
Property and equipment 5,640,806 5,329,243
Less accumulated depreciation 2,019,940 1,884,132
Net property and equipment 3,620,866 3,445,111
Other assets, net 368,689 143,555
$ 5,470,854 $ 5,091,647
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY **** **** **** ****
Current liabilities:
Current debt $ - $ 250,706
Trade accounts payable 602,601 709,736
Claims accruals 279,590 275,139
Accrued payroll 68,220 80,922
Other accrued expenses 85,355 35,845
Total current liabilities 1,035,766 1,352,348
Long-term debt 1,295,740 898,398
Other long-term liabilities 173,241 96,056
Deferred income taxes 699,078 643,461
Stockholders' equity 2,267,029 2,101,384
$ 5,470,854 $ 5,091,647
Supplemental Data
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(unaudited)
December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
--- --- --- --- ---
Actual shares outstanding at end of period (000) 106,213 108,711
Book value per actual share outstanding at end of period $ 21.34 $ 19.33
Twelve Months Ended December 31
--- --- --- --- ---
2019 2018
Net cash provided by operating activities (000) $ 1,098,347 $ 1,087,841
Net capital expenditures (000) $ 688,197 $ 885,485