📊 ARCB Key Takeaways
Is Arcbest Corp. /DE/ (ARCB) a Good Investment?
ArcBest demonstrates solid operational efficiency with strong free cash flow generation ($114.2M) and excellent interest coverage (21.6x), but faces headwinds from declining revenue (-4.0% YoY) and compressed profitability with thin net margins of 1.5%. The company's financial position is stable with manageable leverage, though weak near-term growth and declining EPS (-64.1% YoY) require monitoring.
ArcBest shows solid balance sheet discipline and cash generation, with low leverage, strong interest coverage, and positive free cash flow. However, fundamentals are constrained by weak profitability, a revenue decline, and a sharp EPS drop, which suggest margin pressure and limited earnings quality momentum. The company appears financially stable, but not fundamentally strong enough to warrant a more aggressive rating until profitability improves.
Why Buy Arcbest Corp. /DE/ Stock? ARCB Key Strengths
- Strong free cash flow generation at $114.2M with 2.8% FCF margin indicates efficient capital conversion
- Excellent interest coverage ratio of 21.6x provides substantial debt servicing capacity
- Conservative leverage with 0.10x Debt/Equity ratio and $102M cash balance provides financial flexibility
- Operating cash flow of $229M demonstrates underlying business cash generation capability
- Low leverage with debt-to-equity of 0.10x supports financial flexibility
- Strong interest coverage and positive operating/free cash flow indicate healthy debt service capacity
- Large equity base and modest long-term debt provide balance sheet resilience through cyclical freight conditions
ARCB Stock Risks: Arcbest Corp. /DE/ Investment Risks
- Revenue declined 4.0% YoY in cyclical trucking industry indicating demand softness or competitive pressure
- Thin net margin of 1.5% and operating margin of 2.3% provide minimal earnings buffer in downturn
- Diluted EPS declined 64.1% YoY despite flat net income, suggesting significant share dilution or restructuring
- Current ratio of 0.95x below 1.0x threshold indicates potential near-term liquidity constraints
- Low ROE of 4.6% and ROA of 2.5% suggest inefficient capital deployment relative to asset base
- Operating margin of 2.3% and net margin of 1.5% leave limited cushion if freight demand weakens further
- Revenue declined 4.0% year over year, pointing to soft top-line momentum
- Current and quick ratios of 0.95x indicate tight near-term liquidity relative to current obligations
Key Metrics to Watch
- Revenue growth trajectory - monitor for stabilization or further contraction in trucking demand
- Operating margin expansion - critical to improve profitability given thin current margins
- Free cash flow sustainability - ensure capital expenditure levels remain adequate for fleet maintenance
- Current ratio improvement - watch for working capital management improvements above 1.0x threshold
- Return on equity trend - need to see improvement from 4.6% to justify equity capital deployed
- Operating margin and free cash flow conversion
- Revenue growth trend and diluted EPS trajectory
Arcbest Corp. /DE/ (ARCB) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The relatively thin 2.8% FCF margin may limit capital allocation flexibility. The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
ARCB Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
ARCB vs Automotive Sector: How Arcbest Corp. /DE/ Compares
How Arcbest Corp. /DE/ compares to Automotive sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Arcbest Corp. /DE/ Stock Overvalued? ARCB Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Arcbest Corp. /DE/ has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Automotive sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Arcbest Corp. /DE/ Balance Sheet: ARCB Debt, Cash & Liquidity
ARCB Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Arcbest Corp. /DE/'s revenue has grown significantly by 11% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $7.93 reflects profitable operations.
ARCB Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
ARCB Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $1.0B | $39.3M | $1.72 |
| Q2 2025 | $1.0B | $25.8M | $1.12 |
| Q1 2025 | $967.1M | -$2.3M | $-0.10 |
| Q3 2024 | $1.1B | $34.9M | $1.42 |
| Q2 2024 | $1.1B | $40.4M | $1.64 |
| Q1 2024 | $1.0B | -$2.3M | $-0.10 |
| Q3 2023 | $1.1B | $34.9M | $1.42 |
| Q2 2023 | $1.1B | $40.4M | $1.64 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Arcbest Corp. /DE/ Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
ARCB SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Arcbest Corp. /DE/ (CIK: 0000894405)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about ARCB
What is the AI rating for ARCB?
Arcbest Corp. /DE/ (ARCB) has a Combined AI Rating of HOLD from Claude (HOLD) and ChatGPT (HOLD) with 70% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are ARCB's key strengths?
Claude: Strong free cash flow generation at $114.2M with 2.8% FCF margin indicates efficient capital conversion. Excellent interest coverage ratio of 21.6x provides substantial debt servicing capacity. ChatGPT: Low leverage with debt-to-equity of 0.10x supports financial flexibility. Strong interest coverage and positive operating/free cash flow indicate healthy debt service capacity.
What are the risks of investing in ARCB?
Claude: Revenue declined 4.0% YoY in cyclical trucking industry indicating demand softness or competitive pressure. Thin net margin of 1.5% and operating margin of 2.3% provide minimal earnings buffer in downturn. ChatGPT: Operating margin of 2.3% and net margin of 1.5% leave limited cushion if freight demand weakens further. Revenue declined 4.0% year over year, pointing to soft top-line momentum.
What is ARCB's revenue and growth?
Arcbest Corp. /DE/ reported revenue of $4.0B.
Does ARCB pay dividends?
Arcbest Corp. /DE/ pays dividends, with $11.0M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find ARCB SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Arcbest Corp. /DE/ (CIK: 0000894405) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is ARCB's EPS?
Arcbest Corp. /DE/ has a diluted EPS of $2.62.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is ARCB a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Arcbest Corp. /DE/ has a HOLD rating with 70% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is ARCB stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for ARCB: ROE of 4.6% (sector avg: 12%), net margin of 1.5% (sector avg: 6%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy ARCB stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Arcbest Corp. /DE/ a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is ARCB's free cash flow?
Arcbest Corp. /DE/'s operating cash flow is $229.0M, with capital expenditures of $114.8M. FCF margin is 2.8%.
How does ARCB compare to other Automotive stocks?
Vs Automotive sector averages: Net margin 1.5% (avg: 6%), ROE 4.6% (avg: 12%), current ratio 0.95 (avg: 1.2).