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Why LB Foster (FSTR) Could Be Positioned for a Slump

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Similar to wise buying decisions, exiting certain underperformers at the right time helps maximize portfolio returns. Selling off losers can be difficult, but if both the share price and estimates are falling, it could be time to get rid of the security before more losses hit your portfolio.

One such stock that you may want to consider dropping is LB Foster Co. (FSTR - Free Report) , which has witnessed a significant price decline in the past four weeks, and it has seen negative earnings estimate revisions for the current quarter and the current year. A Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) further confirms weakness in FSTR.

A key reason for this move has been the negative trend in earnings estimate revisions. For the full year, we have seen 1 estimate moving down in the past 30 days, compared with no upward revisions. This trend has caused the consensus estimate to trend lower, going from 60 cents a share a month ago to its current level of 43 cents.

Also, for the current quarter, LB Foster has seen 1 downward estimate revisions versus zero revisions in the opposite direction, dragging the consensus estimate down to 19 cents a share from 27 cents over the past 30 days.  

 

FOSTER LB CO Price and Consensus

FOSTER LB CO Price and Consensus | FOSTER LB CO Quote

The stock also has seen some pretty dismal trading lately, as the share price has dropped 19.8% in the past month.

So it may not be a good decision to keep this stock in your portfolio anymore, at least if you don’t have a long time horizon to wait.

If you are still interested in the Steel Producers industry, you may instead consider a better-ranked stock - Ryerson Holding Corporation (RYI - Free Report) . The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and may be a better selection at this time.

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