Arcutis Biotherapeutics' Capital Efficiency Challenges

Font: Financial Modeling Prep  • Oct 30, 2025

• Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARQT) has a ROIC of -14.38% and a WACC of 13.83%, resulting in a negative ROIC to WACC ratio of -1.04.
• Comparatively, Black Diamond Therapeutics, Inc. (BDTX) showcases the most efficient capital use among peers with a ROIC of 2.99% and a WACC of 16.85%, leading to a ROIC to WACC ratio of 0.18.
• Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (PHAT) exhibits the most severe inefficiency in capital use with a ROIC of -149.31% against a WACC of 8.60%, resulting in a ROIC to WACC ratio of -17.37.

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARQT) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for dermatological diseases. The company is currently facing challenges in capital efficiency, as indicated by its financial metrics. A key measure of this efficiency is the comparison between its Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) and its Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC).

Arcutis Biotherapeutics has a ROIC of -14.38% and a WACC of 13.83%, resulting in a ROIC to WACC ratio of -1.04. This negative ratio suggests that the company is not generating enough returns to cover its cost of capital. This is a critical issue as it indicates that the company is not using its capital effectively to generate profits.

In comparison, Keros Therapeutics, Inc. (KROS) has a ROIC of 0.03% and a WACC of 8.14%, leading to a ROIC to WACC ratio of 0.0037. Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CRNX) and Revolution Medicines, Inc. (RVMD) both have negative ROICs of -34.46% and -39.71%, respectively, with WACCs of 5.23% and 9.58%. Their ROIC to WACC ratios of -6.59 and -4.14 indicate even less efficient capital use compared to Arcutis.

Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (PHAT) has a significantly negative ROIC of -149.31% against a WACC of 8.60%, resulting in a ROIC to WACC ratio of -17.37. This highlights a severe inefficiency in capital use. In contrast, Black Diamond Therapeutics, Inc. (BDTX) stands out with a positive ROIC of 2.99% and a WACC of 16.85%, achieving a ROIC to WACC ratio of 0.18, indicating the most efficient capital use among the peers.