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Arq, Inc. (ARQ)
NASDAQ:ARQ

Arq Inc (ARQ) AI Stock Analysis

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ARQ

Arq Inc

(NASDAQ:ARQ)

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Neutral 44 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:44Neutral
Price Target:
$2.00
▲(5.26% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/13/26
The score is held down mainly by weak profitability and negative cash flow, reinforced by a bearish technical trend. Offsetting factors include a low-debt balance sheet, improving EBITDA and PAC execution from the earnings call, and a modest near-term liquidity relief from the credit agreement amendment.
Positive Factors
Conservative leverage / balance-sheet flexibility
Low debt relative to equity gives Arq durable financial flexibility to fund GAC ramp and capex without immediate insolvency risk. This conservative capital structure reduces refinancing pressure, supports covenant negotiation, and preserves capacity to absorb operational hiccups over the next 2–6 months.
Improving adjusted EBITDA and PAC strength
Material improvement in trailing adjusted EBITDA and strong PAC margins reflect operational progress and cost discipline that can drive sustainable profitability. Higher PAC selling prices and sharp SG&A cuts create a steadier cash-earnings base that can offset GAC startup volatility over multiple quarters.
Feedstock diversification / alternative revenue optionality
Active exploration of alternative feedstock end markets provides structural optionality to diversify revenue and margin sources beyond GAC/PAC. Successful commercialization could reduce concentration risk, monetize byproducts, and improve long-term resilience to single-market or feedstock variability.
Negative Factors
Negative operating and free cash flow
Persistent negative operating and free cash flow undermines the company's ability to self-fund growth and absorb GAC ramp costs. Over a multi-quarter horizon this increases reliance on credit or equity, elevates dilution or covenant risk, and constrains discretionary investment in capacity or diversification.
GAC ramp delays, design issues and inefficiency costs
Prolonged GAC startup issues create sustained under-utilization and high fixed-cost absorption, directly pressuring margins and cash generation. Delays to mid-2026 push out revenue recognition from expected capacity, increasing the risk that expected returns and payback timelines will lengthen materially.
Weak profitability / net losses despite revenue gains
Although revenue has accelerated and gross margin sits in the mid-30s, operating losses and negative net income indicate earnings are not yet sustainable. Continued operating deficits limit reinvestment, can erode equity returns, and may necessitate external funding or cost restructuring to reach consistent profitability.

Arq Inc (ARQ) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Arq Inc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionArq, Inc. produces activated carbon products in North America. The company's products include granular activated carbon, powdered activated carbon, and colloidal carbon products; Arq Powder Wetcake, a fine and low-ash coal waste-derived particle; and additives for air emissions control. Its products are used in various applications, including; water treatment, ground water remediation, soil sediments, air emissions, and asphalt additives. The company was formerly known as Advanced Emissions Solutions, Inc. and changed its name to Arq, Inc. in February 2024. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado.
How the Company Makes MoneyArq makes money primarily by manufacturing and selling activated carbon products to industrial and environmental customers. Revenue is generated through product sales (typically priced per unit/ton and fulfilled via customer purchase orders or supply arrangements) where Arq supplies activated carbon for applications such as emissions control and purification/filtration. The company’s earnings are therefore driven by sales volumes, realized pricing, customer demand across its served end markets, and its ability to produce and deliver product efficiently. Significant partnerships or specific customer concentration details: null.

Arq Inc Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 05, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 11, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects a mixed sentiment. While the PAC business shows strong performance and there are promising alternative revenue streams, significant challenges with GAC production delays and associated costs present notable setbacks. The overall sentiment is balanced due to both positive and negative aspects highlighted.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong PAC Business Performance
The PAC business delivered strong financial results, with a 7% increase in average selling prices over the prior year and a 43% reduction in SG&A expenses. The company generated $16.7 million of adjusted EBITDA on a trailing 12-month basis, marking a $25 million improvement from a negative $8.7 million two years ago.
First Commercial Production and Sales of GAC
Achieved first commercial production and sales of granular activated carbon (GAC), although at well below capacity. There is strong market demand with numerous spot purchase requests at prices above existing contracts.
Potential Alternative Revenue Streams
Exploring alternative uses for Corbin feedstock, such as asphalt, purified coal, rare earth materials, and synthetic graphite, which could provide diversification and additional revenue opportunities.
Negative Updates
GAC Production Delays and Challenges
The ramp-up of GAC production has been slower than expected due to design issues and feedstock variability, leading to delays in reaching full capacity until mid-2026. The company incurred several million dollars in inefficiencies and costs related to these challenges.
Lower Overall Gross Margins
Gross margin in the quarter was 28.8%, significantly impacted by high fixed production costs and low early ramp volumes of GAC, compared to steadier margins in prior quarters.
Net Loss for the Quarter
The company reported a net loss of approximately $700,000 for the quarter, primarily due to the high fixed production cost on initial GAC volumes.
Company Guidance
During the Arq Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the company provided guidance on several key metrics. Arq reported a third quarter adjusted EBITDA of $5.2 million, despite facing challenges in its granular activated carbon (GAC) operations due to inefficiencies and post-commissioning costs. The PAC business showed strong performance with a 7% increase in average selling prices year-over-year and a 43% reduction in SG&A expenses. The company generated $16.7 million of adjusted EBITDA on a trailing 12-month basis, a $25 million improvement from the end of September 2023. Arq anticipates reaching full GAC capacity by mid-2026, with strategic investments in a new thermal oxidizer to support a production capacity of 25 million pounds per year. The company ended the quarter with $15.5 million in total cash and reiterated its full-year 2025 CapEx forecast of $8 million to $12 million.

Arq Inc Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Revenue growth has accelerated and leverage is low, but the latest period shows a large net loss, deeply negative operating profit, and negative operating/free cash flow. The balance sheet provides flexibility, yet weak profitability and cash conversion are the primary financial risks.
Income Statement
34
Negative
Revenue growth has improved, with TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) revenue up sharply versus the prior year, following modest growth in 2024 after a decline in 2023. Gross margin is solid in TTM (mid-30% range), but profitability is weak: TTM shows a large net loss and deeply negative operating profit, indicating a meaningful deterioration versus 2024 (which was closer to break-even at the operating line). Overall, top-line momentum is a strength, but the swing to heavier losses is a key concern.
Balance Sheet
68
Positive
Leverage appears conservative: debt is low relative to equity (debt-to-equity ~0.16 in both TTM and 2024), giving the company balance-sheet flexibility. Equity remains sizable versus assets, supporting solvency. The main weakness is returns: return on equity is negative across recent periods (including TTM), reflecting ongoing losses despite the relatively strong capital base.
Cash Flow
29
Negative
Cash generation is pressured. TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) operating cash flow is negative and free cash flow is also negative, with a steep decline in free cash flow versus the prior period. While 2024 produced positive operating cash flow, free cash flow was still heavily negative, suggesting significant cash outflows beyond core operations. Overall, cash flow volatility and persistent negative free cash flow weigh on financial quality.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue120.34M108.96M99.18M102.99M100.29M
Gross Profit21.79M39.44M31.86M22.52M34.72M
EBITDA3.64M6.58M1.46M-1.96M85.50M
Net Income-52.61M-5.11M-12.25M-8.92M60.40M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets230.58M284.37M235.50M181.16M185.44M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments6.57M13.52M45.36M66.43M78.75M
Total Debt37.39M34.36M31.74M12.44M10.50M
Total Liabilities62.62M67.09M57.10M41.19M38.13M
Stockholders Equity167.96M217.28M178.40M139.98M147.30M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-11.05M-74.69M-44.17M-14.97M19.80M
Operating Cash Flow-2.48M10.48M-16.65M-6.06M26.00M
Investing Cash Flow-8.41M-85.07M-28.54M-4.61M44.38M
Financing Cash Flow3.70M42.68M22.91M-1.68M-17.53M

Arq Inc Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price1.90
Price Trends
50DMA
3.35
Negative
100DMA
3.75
Negative
200DMA
5.06
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.46
Positive
RSI
26.11
Positive
STOCH
18.04
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ARQ, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 1.9 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 2.89, below the 50-day MA of 3.35, and below the 200-day MA of 5.06, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.46 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 26.11 is Positive, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 18.04 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for ARQ.

Arq Inc Risk Analysis

Arq Inc disclosed 42 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Arq Inc reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Arq Inc Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
67
Neutral
$1.85B42.2516.53%29.86%331.33%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
56
Neutral
$38.39M-20.77-5.70%-5.66%-397.46%
53
Neutral
$15.42M-1.35-73.79%10.97%44.99%
48
Neutral
$20.18M-7.52-56.07%-49.70%-2.72%
48
Neutral
$46.20M-2.39-160.16%
44
Neutral
$81.41M-25.66%7.20%-2951.61%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ARQ
Arq Inc
1.90
-2.93
-60.66%
CECO
Ceco Environmental
56.28
32.38
135.48%
FTEK
Fuel Tech
1.25
0.27
28.07%
CLIR
ClearSign Combustion
3.73
-4.17
-52.78%
LIQT
LiqTech International
1.55
0.07
4.73%
SCWO
374Water
2.73
-0.67
-19.71%

Arq Inc Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and FinancingRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Arq amends revolving credit agreement, easing liquidity requirements
Positive
Mar 4, 2026

On February 27, 2026, Arq Inc. and certain subsidiaries executed a fourth amendment to their Revolving Credit Agreement with MidCap Funding IV Trust and participating lenders, modifying key terms governing borrowing availability and liquidity thresholds. The amendment extends prior changes to the borrowing base calculation and lowers the company’s minimum liquidity requirement to $2 million from December 10, 2025, through March 31, 2026, before it steps up to $5 million from April 1, 2026, which temporarily eases near‑term liquidity pressure and may provide added flexibility in managing cash and credit utilization.

The most recent analyst rating on (ARQ) stock is a Buy with a $7.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Arq Inc stock, see the ARQ Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and FinancingRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Arq Inc amends revolving credit agreement, easing liquidity covenants
Neutral
Jan 29, 2026

On January 28, 2026, Arq, Inc. and certain subsidiaries entered into a third amendment to their existing revolving credit agreement with MidCap Funding IV Trust and participating lenders. The amendment extends prior changes to the calculation of borrowing availability and prolongs a temporary reduction in the company’s minimum liquidity covenant, requiring at least $2.0 million in liquidity from December 10, 2025 through February 27, 2026, rising to $5.0 million from February 28, 2026 onward, which affects the company’s short-term financial flexibility and covenant compliance obligations.

The most recent analyst rating on (ARQ) stock is a Buy with a $7.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Arq Inc stock, see the ARQ Stock Forecast page.

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: Mar 13, 2026