Still a Buy For Long-term Gains

Article Excerpt

ARKANSAS BEST CORP. $23 (Nasdaq symbol ABFS; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 25.2 million; Market cap: $579.6 million; WSSF Rating: Average) has dropped nearly 50% in the past six months, as the slowing economy has cut demand for its trucking services. Higher fuel costs and workers compensation claims have also hurt its earnings growth. However, Arkansas Best is still among the most efficient trucking companies in the United States. The stock now trades at 9.7 times its forecast 2007 earnings of $2.36 a share. Earnings in 2008 should grow to $2.56 a share as it begins to realize the benefits from the expansion of its short-haul operations. The stock trades at just 9.0 times that estimate. The $0.60 dividend yields 2.6%. Arkansas Best is a buy. buy…