Arkansas

Four of 11 Arkansas-based publicly-held companies post share gains through June – Talk Business & Politics

Published

2 years ago

July 8, 2024

Four of 11 Arkansas-based publicly-held companies post share gains through June – Talk Business & Politics

Among the 11 largest Arkansas-based publicly traded companies, only four reported gains in their stock prices over the first two quarters ending June 28. Most of the decliners were among banks and shipping companies based in the state.

The largest Arkansas stock by market cap is Bentonville-based Walmart which closed out the first half of 2024 with stock gains of 28.92%, the highest growth among its Arkansas cohorts. Walmart shares (NYSE: WMT) closed on June 28 at $67.71 compared to $52.52 where the stock opened trading on Jan. 2. Walmart also grew its market capitalization by $122.7 billion since Jan. 2, the first trading day of the year. The market capitalization of Walmart shares closed out the first half of 2024 at $544.63 billion.

Close behind Walmart is El Dorado-based Murphy USA. The gasoline and convenience retailer operates more than 1,700 U.S. stores. Shares of Murphy USA (NYSE: MUSA) increased in value by 28.48% in the first six months of 2024. The stock opened the year at $365.39 and closed at $469.46 on June 28. The share price has retreated from weaker-than-expected earnings reported in May. However, the company has grown its market capitalization to $9.6 billion, up from $7.58 billion at the start of 2024.

Little Rock-based Dillard’s is also among the small group of winners through the first half of the year. Shares of Dillard’s (NYSE: DDS) opened the year at $401.02 and closed June 28 at $440.39, up 9.71% for the period. The market capitalization of Dillard’s stock totals $6.94 billion, up from $6.54 billion at the start of the year.

Springdale-based Tyson Foods is the other gainer in terms of stock price. Shares of Tyson Foods (NYSE: TSN) opened the year at $52.61 and closed June 28 at $57.14, up 8.61% for the period. The company’s market capitalization totals about $20.42 billion, up 6.5% during the period.

BANK LOSSES
The seven remaining companies have seen their stock prices stall or decline this year amid ongoing pressures in their sectors. The banking sector continues to see caution among investors primarily because of exposure to commercial real estate.

Home BancShares (NYSE: HOMB) opened the year at $25.07 per share and closed at $23.86 on June 28, down 5%. Market capitalization totals $4.75 billion, down from $5.11 billion at the start of the year.

Pine Bluff-based Simmons First National Bank stock (NASDAQ: SNFC) closed at $17.58 on June 28, down 10.8% from the $19.71 opening price to start the year. Most of the loss came after the bank missed earnings expectations for its first quarter. Revenue dropped 7.3% and net income fell 15% from the year-ago period. The market capitalization for the bank totals $2.92 billion, down 15.% from $2.48 billion to start the year.

Little Rock-based Bank OZK has seen its share price drop 16.88% in the past six months. Bank OZK shares (NASDAQ: OZK) opened the year at $48.33 and closed June 28 at $41. Most of that loss came in late May when Citigroup downgraded the stock from a buy to a sell because of the bank’s exposure to commercial real estate and fewer rate cuts expected this year. The bank’s market capitalization is $4.62 billion, down from $5.63 billion for a loss of 17.9% over the six months.

Bentonville-based America’s Car-Mart operates like a bank since it finances the vehicles it sells. The buy-here pay-here dealer generates the bulk of its revenue from the loans it carries on its books. Car-Mart shares (NASDAQ: CRMT) opened the year at $70.90 and closed on June 28 at $60.21, down 14.07% over the six months. The company’s market capitalization totals $380.29 billion, down 20% from $480 billion where it started the year.

TRUCKING RECESSION
Fort Smith-based ArcBest and most of its freight competitors remain in a recession with excess capacity keeping shipping rates low. Shares of ArcBest (NASDAQ: ARCB) closed out the second quarter at $107.08, falling 10.73% from the start of the year. About half of the loss came after the company missed its first-quarter earnings expectations reporting revenue down 6.3% and a $2.92 million net loss.

Tontitown-based P.A.M. Transportation Services is a thinly traded, small-cap freight company. Shares of P.A.M. Transport (NASDAQ: PTSI) opened the year at $20.47, but ended the mid-year mark at $17.37, down 15.14%. The company missed its first quarter earnings with an operating loss of $677,000 on the heels of a $811,000 loss in the prior quarter because of low shipping rates from excess capacity relative to demand.

Lowell-based J.B. Hunt Transport Services is also struggling this year amid the ongoing freight recession. Company shares (NASDAQ: JBHT) opened the year at $199.82 and closed at $160 on June 28, down 19.9%.

SHARE PERFORMANCE – January-June 2024
Walmart (NYSE: WMT)
Jan. 2: $52.52
June 28: $67.71
up 28.92%

Murphy USA (NYSE: MUSA)
Jan. 2: $365.39
June 28: $469.46
up 28.48%

Dillard’s (NYSE: DDS)
Jan. 2: $401.02
June 28: $440.39
up 9.71%

Tyson Food (NYSE: TSN)
Jan. 2: $52.61
June 28: $57.14
up 8.61%

Home Bank (NYSE: HOMB)
Jan. 2 $25.07
June 28: $23.86
down 4.94%

ArcBest (NASDAQ: ARCB)
Jan. 2: $119.62
June 28: $107.08
down 10.73%

Simmons Bank (NASDAQ: SFNC)
Jan. 2: $19.71
June 28: $17.58
down 10.8%

America’s Car-Mart (NASDAQ: CRMT)
Jan. 2: $70.90
June 28: $60.21
down 14.07%

P.A.M. Transportation Services (NASDAQ: PTSI)
Jan. 2: $20.47
June 28: $17.37
down 15.14%

Bank of OZK (NASDAQ: OZK)
Jan. 2: $49.33
June 28: $41
down 16.88%

J.B. Hunt Transport (NASDAQ: JBHT)
Jan. 2: $199.82
June 28: $160
down 19.92%

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Arkansas

Arkansas adds transfer DB, signs Texas lineman for 2026 class

Published

10 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Arkansas adds transfer DB, signs Texas lineman for 2026 class

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas continued its offseason roster work by adding a transfer defensive back and securing a future offensive line piece from Texas, addressing both immediate depth and long-term development.

The Razorbacks announced the signing of Georgia State defensive back Tyler Scott, a transfer with multiple years of eligibility remaining, while also landing Carey Clayton, an offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll High School, as part of the 2026 recruiting class.

Scott joins the Hogs after spending the 2025 season at Georgia State, where he appeared in two games and recorded four tackles. He arrives in Fayetteville with three years of eligibility remaining, giving Arkansas flexibility in how he’s developed and used in the secondary.

Before his time at Georgia State, Scott spent two seasons at Auburn. One of those seasons was cut short due to an ACL injury, limiting his opportunity to contribute on the field.

The Razorbacks now provide him with a chance to reset and compete in a defensive back room that continues to evolve.

At 6 feet tall, Scott adds experience to a secondary that has seen significant turnover through the transfer portal. His addition gives the Hogs another option at defensive back as the staff works through spring and fall evaluations.

Clayton strengthens 2026 offensive line class

Arkansas also added a future piece up front with the commitment of Carey Clayton, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll, one of Texas’ most consistent high school programs.

Clayton helped Southlake Carroll complete an undefeated regular season last fall and reach the state semifinals. He enters college football as a consensus three-star prospect, ranked among the top offensive line recruits in Texas.

In addition to Arkansas, Clayton held offers from Air Force, Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, UAB and UTEP. He ultimately chose the Razorbacks, becoming the 16th commitment in the Hogs’ 2026 recruiting class.

Clayton is ranked around No. 251 nationally and No. 141 in Texas. While not among the highest-rated prospects in the class, his high school experience and physical development make him a long-term project for Arkansas’ offensive line.

Hogs continue roster building

The additions of Scott and Clayton reflect the Hogs’ continued focus on roster balance. Scott becomes the 23rd transfer portal addition this offseason, reinforcing a secondary that has emphasized competition and depth.

Clayton’s commitment adds to a growing 2026 class that prioritizes size and developmental upside, particularly along the offensive line.

Arkansas has steadily worked to build future depth in the trenches while supplementing current needs through the portal.

While neither move is designed to generate immediate headlines, both fit into a broader plan aimed at improving roster stability.

Scott offers experience and flexibility in the defensive backfield, while Clayton provides a long-term option at a position that often requires patience.

As the Razorbacks move through the offseason, these additions help establish depth at key positions and give the coaching staff more options heading into the coming seasons.

Key takeaways

Arkansas added Georgia State transfer defensive back Tyler Scott, who brings experience and remaining eligibility to the secondary.
The Razorbacks signed 2026 Texas offensive lineman Carey Clayton, adding size and long-term depth up front.
The Hogs continue balancing immediate roster needs with long-term development through recruiting and the portal.

Hogs Feed

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Arkansas

Questions for Hester on prison, kowtowing to Sarah | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Published

22 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Questions for Hester on prison, kowtowing to Sarah | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

John Brummett

jbrummett@arkansasonline.com

John Brummett’s career in news began when he was in high school, as a part-time reporter for the Arkansas Democrat. He moved to the Arkansas Gazette in 1977.

He wrote a political column for the Gazette from 1986 to 1990. He was an editor for the Arkansas Times from 1990 to 1992.

In 1994, his book, “High Wire: From the Back Roads to the Beltway, the Education of Bill Clinton,” was published by Hyperion of New York City. He became a columnist with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 1994. In 2000, he signed a deal with Donrey Media Group, now known as Stephens Media, and wrote for them for 11 years.

He rejoined Democrat-Gazette as a columnist on Oct. 24, 2011.

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Arkansas

Ole Miss basketball vs Arkansas live updates, score, start time, TV channel

Published

1 day ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

Ole Miss basketball vs Arkansas live updates, score, start time, TV channel

Ole Miss basketball continues conference play with its SEC home-opener against No. 15 Arkansas and coach John Calipari.

The Rebels (8-6, 0-1 SEC) will host the Razorbacks (11-3, 1-0) at Sandy and John Black Pavilion on Jan. 7 (8 p.m. CT, SEC Network). This will be the second time this season Ole Miss faces a ranked team.

Ole Miss coach Chris Beard’s squad will be challenged with shutting down the Razorbacks, who have the best 3-point percentage in the SEC at 39.1%.

Ole Miss basketball vs. Arkansas live score updates

When does Ole Miss basketball vs. Arkansas start?

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 7
Time: 8 p.m. CT
Where: Sandy and John Black Pavilion, Oxford

What TV channel is Ole Miss vs. Arkansas on today?

TV: SEC Network
Streaming: SEC Network
How to watch online: FUBO (Free trial)

Ole Miss vs. Arkansas prediction

Arkansas 88, Ole Miss 71: Arkansas is a talented team with a balanced offense that should have few problems overcoming Ole Miss, despite the Rebels being second in the SEC in scoring defense.