ArcBest’s Q2 a step on path to recovery

ArcBest's second-quarter results showed operational improvements in both of its business segments.

The company reported a second-quarter headline net loss of $13.8 million, or 62 cents per share, on Wednesday before the market opened. However, adjusted earnings per share were $2.38, excluding restructuring, impairment, technology and other nonrecurring costs. The result was 12 cents ahead of consensus and $1.02 higher year over year.

ArcBest's (NASDAQ: ARCB) consolidated revenue was up 16% y/y to $1.18 billion, slightly outpacing the $1.17 billion consensus estimate.

The asset-based unit, which includes less-than-truckload subsidiary ABF Freight, reported a 10% y/y increase in revenue to $784 million. Tonnage per day was 5% higher as a 3% decline in shipments was more than offset by an 8% increase in weight per shipment.

Revenue per hundredweight, or yield, was 4% higher y/y. Gross yield growth was supported by higher fuel surcharge revenue (diesel prices were 50% higher y/y in the quarter). Excluding fuel, yield was flat y/y, but the higher shipment weights were a drag on the calculation. Yield (ex-fuel) was up by a low-single-digit percentage from the first to the second quarter.

Contractual rate increases averaged 5.8% in the period (up 9.8% on two-year-stacked comparison).

ArcBest implemented a 5.9% general rate increase for LTL services in both of its business units on June 22. This year's GRI was six weeks ahead of the 11-month cadence the company has followed over the past few years.

The asset-based unit booked a 90.8% adjusted operating ratio (inverse of operating margin), which was 200 basis points better y/y and 650 bps better than the first quarter. The result was in line with management's guidance for 600 to 700 bps of sequential improvement. The company is calling for no material sequential change to adjusted OR in the third quarter, which is in line with historical seasonal patterns. (The outlook implies 170 bps of y/y improvement.)

The asset-light segment, which includes truck brokerage, reported a 28% y/y increase in revenue to $439 million. Daily shipments were up 15% with revenue per shipment 12% higher.

The segment recorded adjusted operating income of $6.3 million, which exceeded recently raised guidance of $3 million to $5 million. Purchased transportation expense was up 210 bps y/y (to 86.5% of revenue) as capacity tightening pushed spot rates higher. The company is calling for $6 million to $8 million in adjusted operating income in the third quarter.