ArcBest Corp (ARCB) vs First Advantage Corporation (FA)

A side-by-side comparison of ArcBest Corp and First Advantage Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — ARCB vs FA

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 5y
ARCB +148.6% (+20.0%/yr)FA +3.6% (+0.7%/yr)ARCB compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $10020222023202420252026$249$104
ARCB FA

ARCB vs FA: by the numbers

  • •FA is the larger company ($3.18B vs $2.87B market cap).
  • •FA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (125.94 vs 185.86 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •FA converts more revenue to profit (1.51% vs 0.39% net margin).
  • •FA grew revenue faster over the past five years (22.61% vs 4.40% CAGR).
  • •ARCB pays a dividend (0.37% yield), while FA is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricARCBFA
P/E ratio185.86125.94
P/S ratio0.681.91
P/B ratio2.262.45
EV / EBITDA15.3211.63
FCF yield6.71%7.55%

Profitability

MetricARCBFA
Gross margin2.25%36.27%
Operating margin0.69%10.76%
Net margin0.39%1.51%
ROE1.29%1.94%
ROIC1.27%3.42%

Dividends

MetricARCBFA
Dividend yield0.37%N/A
Payout ratio69.57%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricARCBFA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)4.40%22.61%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-1.25%N/A
FCF CAGR (5Y)-0.79%21.23%
Total return CAGR (5Y)8.96%-0.53%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ARCB or FA?
FA has the lower trailing P/E: ARCB trades at 185.86 and FA at 125.94. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ARCB or FA?
Over the past five years, FA grew revenue faster — ARCB at a 4.40% CAGR versus FA at 22.61%.
Does ARCB or FA pay a bigger dividend?
ARCB pays a dividend (0.37% yield), while FA is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is ARCB or FA more profitable?
FA runs the higher net margin — ARCB at 0.39% versus FA at 1.51%.
How have ARCB and FA total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, ARCB delivered 8.96% and FA delivered -0.53% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.