** BofA Global Research raises J B Hunt Transport JBHT.O price target to $171 from $166, a premium of 12% to the stock's last close

** Rating unchanged at "buy"

** BofA says co continues to benefit from strong rail service and intermodal growth in the eastern U.S.

** Notes co plans to grow its dedicated fleet in the second half of 2025, aiming for modest revenue and income gains

** Adds that co's near-term profitability may be pressured by start-up costs tied to new contracts, which typically take several months to normalize

** Average of 27 brokerages rate the stock equivalent to "hold", median PT at $155- data compiled by LSEG

** As of last close, stock had fallen 10.5% YTD

(Reporting by Apratim Sarkar)

((Apratim.Sarkar@thomsonreuters.com))