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ArcBest Corporation (ARCB)
NASDAQ:ARCB
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ArcBest (ARCB) AI Stock Analysis

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ARCB

ArcBest

(NASDAQ:ARCB)

Rating:69Neutral
Price Target:
$82.00
▲(10.17% Upside)
ArcBest's overall stock score of 69 reflects a stable financial position with operational efficiency and a balanced capital structure. However, challenges such as declining revenue growth and fluctuating cash flow metrics weigh on the score. The stock's valuation is reasonable, and recent corporate events are positive, but mixed technical indicators and earnings call sentiment suggest caution. Investors should monitor the company's efforts to reverse revenue declines and stabilize cash flow.
Positive Factors
Earnings Outlook
The price objective for ARCB has been increased to $86, reflecting a positive outlook on future earnings.
Leadership
Seth Runser, with 18 years of experience at ARCB, takes over as CEO after successfully guiding the company through pandemic-related challenges and overseeing strategic initiatives.
Operational Efficiency
The company remains focused on optimizing its cost structure with labor planning tools, linehaul insourcing, and continued facility investments.
Negative Factors
Demand Environment
The underlying demand environment remains hobbled by uncertainty and we see expectations remaining subdued.
Financial Performance
2Q came in below our forecast and consensus expectations.
Market Conditions
Evidence of softening pricing across the LTL space puts a lid on operating leverage in our view and is negative for shares.

ArcBest (ARCB) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

ArcBest Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionArcBest Corporation provides freight transportation and integrated logistics services. It operates through three segments: Asset-Based, ArcBest, and FleetNet. The Asset-Based segment transports general commodities, such as food, textiles, apparel, furniture, appliances, chemicals, nonbulk petroleum products, rubber, plastics, metal and metal products, wood, glass, automotive parts, machinery, and miscellaneous manufactured products through less-than-truckload services. It also offers motor carrier freight transportation services to customers in Mexico through arrangements with trucking companies. The ArcBest segment provides expedite freight transportation services to commercial and government customers; premium logistics services, such as deployment of specialized equipment to meet linehaul requirements; and international freight transportation with air, ocean, and ground services. It also offers third-party transportation brokerage services by sourcing various capacity solutions, including dry van over the road and intermodal, temperature-controlled and refrigerated, flatbed, intermodal or container shipping, and specialized equipment; full-container and less-than-container load ocean transportation services; warehousing and distribution services; managed transportation services; and moving services to 'do-it-yourself' consumer, as well as provides final mile, time critical, product launch, warehousing, retail logistics, supply chain optimization, and trade show shipping services. The FleetNet segment provides roadside repair solutions and vehicle maintenance management services for commercial and private fleets through a network of third-party service providers. The company was formerly known as Arkansas Best Corporation and changed its name to ArcBest Corporation in May 2014. ArcBest Corporation was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
How the Company Makes MoneyArcBest generates revenue primarily through its diverse service offerings in logistics and transportation. The Asset-Based segment earns money from providing less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping services, where freight is consolidated from multiple customers to optimize transportation costs. The Asset-Light segment, which focuses on third-party logistics, generates revenue by offering brokerage and freight management services, connecting shippers with carriers. Additionally, the Logistics segment contributes to revenue through customized supply chain solutions and value-added services, such as warehousing and inventory management. Strategic partnerships with carriers and technology providers enhance ArcBest's operational efficiency and service capabilities, further driving its earnings.

ArcBest Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 30, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Nov 04, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflected a mixed sentiment with notable achievements in shipment growth and technology investments. However, these were tempered by declines in revenue and operating income, along with ongoing challenges in the freight environment.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Growth in Key Segments
ArcBest reported a 6% year-over-year increase in daily shipments in the Asset-Based segment and added over 100 new core LTL accounts. The Managed business saw double-digit growth in both shipments and revenue, reaching an all-time high.
Investment in Technology and Efficiency
ArcBest's city route optimization platform and dock management system have led to significant improvements in operational efficiency, contributing to $14 million in cost savings.
Strategic Board Changes
Thom Albrecht, with over 35 years of industry experience, joins the Board, bringing expertise in finance and strategy. Steve Spinner will retire after 14 years of service.
CEO Transition
Judy McReynolds will retire as CEO at the end of the year, with Seth Runser succeeding her. Seth's leadership is expected to continue driving ArcBest's strategic initiatives.
Negative Updates
Decrease in Revenue and Operating Income
Consolidated revenue for the second quarter was $1 billion, down 5% year-over-year. Non-GAAP operating income from continuing operations was $45 million compared to $64 million in the prior year.
Challenges in Freight Environment
The freight environment remained challenging with softness in manufacturing, a sluggish housing market, and uncertainty around interest rates and tariffs.
Reduced Profitability in Asset-Based Segment
The Asset-Based segment saw a $22 million decrease in operating income, with an operating ratio of 92.8%, an increase of 300 basis points over the second quarter of 2024.
Company Guidance
During ArcBest's Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, several key metrics and strategic initiatives were highlighted. The company reported consolidated revenue of $1 billion, a 5% decrease year-over-year, and a non-GAAP operating income of $45 million, down from $64 million in the previous year. The Asset-Based segment saw a $22 million decrease in operating income, while the Asset-Light segment achieved a non-GAAP operating income improvement of nearly $4 million. ArcBest's strategic focus on profitable growth, optimization, and efficiency contributed to shipment growth, with daily ABF shipments increasing by 6% to 21,000 shipments per day. Furthermore, ArcBest announced a general rate increase of 5.9%, effective August 4, 2025, and highlighted ongoing investments in technology, such as AI and predictive analytics, to optimize operations. The company also emphasized its commitment to long-term shareholder value through strategic board changes and leadership transitions. Looking forward, ArcBest anticipates continued growth in Asset-Based shipments and aims to maintain its disciplined pricing strategy amidst market headwinds.

ArcBest Financial Statement Overview

Summary
ArcBest demonstrates a stable financial foundation with strengths in operational efficiency and a balanced capital structure. However, the declining revenue growth and fluctuating cash flow metrics present challenges that need addressing to ensure sustained financial health. The company should focus on reversing the revenue decline and stabilizing cash flow generation to enhance its overall financial performance.
Income Statement
65
Positive
ArcBest's income statement shows a mixed performance. The company has experienced a decline in revenue growth, with a negative growth rate in recent periods, indicating potential challenges in maintaining sales momentum. However, the EBIT and EBITDA margins have remained relatively stable, suggesting operational efficiency. The gross profit margin has decreased over time, which could impact profitability if not addressed. Overall, while profitability metrics are stable, the declining revenue trend is a concern.
Balance Sheet
72
Positive
ArcBest's balance sheet reflects a solid financial position with a manageable debt-to-equity ratio, indicating prudent leverage. The return on equity has decreased from previous highs but remains healthy, showcasing the company's ability to generate returns for shareholders. The equity ratio is stable, suggesting a balanced capital structure. While the financial stability is commendable, the slight decline in ROE warrants attention.
Cash Flow
68
Positive
The cash flow statement reveals a positive trajectory in free cash flow growth, indicating improved cash generation capabilities. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is moderate, suggesting efficient cash conversion from earnings. However, the free cash flow to net income ratio has fluctuated, highlighting potential volatility in cash flow management. Overall, the cash flow position is strong, but consistency in free cash flow generation could be improved.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue4.05B4.18B4.43B5.32B3.98B2.94B
Gross Profit314.40M350.00M378.43M573.52M410.56M228.13M
EBITDA381.56M376.78M341.36M534.19M410.28M222.58M
Net Income158.29M173.96M142.16M298.21M213.52M71.10M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.47B2.43B2.49B2.49B2.11B1.78B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments139.68M157.20M330.07M326.03M124.96M369.36M
Total Debt327.62M413.48M437.73M438.68M337.11M403.55M
Total Liabilities1.17B1.12B1.24B1.34B1.18B950.41M
Stockholders Equity1.30B1.31B1.24B1.15B929.07M828.59M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow65.56M45.85M90.17M305.31M245.04M148.50M
Operating Cash Flow231.75M285.85M322.17M470.82M323.51M205.99M
Investing Cash Flow-137.10M-187.28M-21.70M-261.08M-303.20M7.46M
Financing Cash Flow-195.37M-233.35M-196.61M-127.98M-247.65M-111.41M

ArcBest Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price74.43
Price Trends
50DMA
76.65
Negative
100DMA
70.24
Positive
200DMA
80.70
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.61
Negative
RSI
46.50
Neutral
STOCH
43.19
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ARCB, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 74.43 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 72.90, below the 50-day MA of 76.65, and below the 200-day MA of 80.70, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.61 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 46.50 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 43.19 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for ARCB.

ArcBest Risk Analysis

ArcBest disclosed 30 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. ArcBest reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

ArcBest Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
71
Outperform
$4.28B34.304.20%1.56%2.20%7.86%
69
Neutral
$1.66B10.8312.50%0.66%-6.42%25.72%
66
Neutral
$661.93M10.659.67%1.67%-5.55%-52.21%
64
Neutral
$1.71B33.283.65%1.97%-6.43%-13.76%
64
Neutral
$10.73B15.657.61%2.01%2.80%-14.92%
56
Neutral
$945.64M45.212.72%2.07%-11.77%-52.06%
49
Neutral
$647.91M-4.42%0.95%-16.42%-49.44%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ARCB
ArcBest
74.43
-24.09
-24.45%
HTLD
Heartland Express
8.58
-3.10
-26.54%
MRTN
Marten Transport
11.76
-5.09
-30.21%
WERN
Werner Enterprises
28.82
-6.56
-18.54%
ULH
Universal Logistics
25.14
-14.36
-36.35%
SNDR
Schneider National
24.78
-1.50
-5.71%

ArcBest Corporate Events

Dividends
ArcBest Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend Announcement
Positive
Jul 25, 2025

On July 25, 2025, ArcBest announced that its Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share, payable to shareholders of record on August 8, 2025, with payment scheduled for August 22, 2025. This decision reflects ArcBest’s ongoing commitment to returning value to its shareholders and may positively influence investor confidence in the company’s financial health.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
ArcBest Announces Board Member Retirement and New Appointment
Neutral
Jul 24, 2025

On July 24, 2025, ArcBest announced the retirement of long-serving board member Steven L. Spinner, effective October 31, 2025, after 14 years of service. Concurrently, the board appointed Thom Albrecht, a seasoned expert in transportation and logistics, as a new independent director. Albrecht’s extensive experience in finance and business strategy is expected to enhance ArcBest’s board as the company continues to execute its long-term strategy. These changes are part of ArcBest’s regular assessment of board composition and are aimed at enhancing long-term sustainable value for shareholders.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
ArcBest Announces CEO Transition Effective January 2026
Positive
Jul 17, 2025

On July 17, 2025, ArcBest announced that CEO Judy R. McReynolds will retire on December 31, 2025, with President Seth Runser set to succeed her as CEO on January 1, 2026. McReynolds, who has led the company since 2010, will continue as chairman of the board. Runser, with 18 years at ArcBest, is expected to build on the company’s legacy of innovation and customer service. This transition is seen as a strategic move to ensure continued growth and value creation for stakeholders, with Runser’s leadership anticipated to drive future success.

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
ArcBest Amends Receivables Loan Agreement for 2025
Neutral
Jun 17, 2025

On June 12, 2025, ArcBest Funding LLC, a subsidiary of ArcBest Corporation, amended its Receivables Loan Agreement to extend the facility termination date to July 1, 2026. This amendment, effective July 1, 2025, impacts the company’s financial operations by securing loans with accounts receivable, and it includes provisions for standby letters of credit to support self-insured liabilities, reflecting ArcBest’s strategic financial management.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
ArcBest Reports Q2 2025 Shipment Growth Amid Challenges
Neutral
Jun 6, 2025

In its latest update for the second quarter of 2025, ArcBest reported a 6% year-over-year increase in daily shipments within its Asset-Based segment, despite a 1% decline in weight per shipment. This growth was driven by capturing new core business, although revenue per hundredweight declined by 4% due to a shift towards easier-to-handle freight and a reduction in manufacturing shipments. The Asset-Light segment experienced an 11% year-over-year decrease in daily revenue, attributed to a strategic reduction in less profitable truckload volumes, partially offset by strength in Managed business. ArcBest anticipates its second quarter non-GAAP operating income to range from breakeven to $1 million.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Sep 05, 2025