Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Should You Get Rid of Acacia Research (ACTG) Now?

Read MoreHide Full Article

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 Acacia Research Corporation (ACTG - 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 #5 (Strong Sell) further confirms weakness in ACTG.

A key reason for this move has been the negative trend in earnings estimate revisions. For the full year, we have seen one 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 earnings of 15 cents a share a month ago to its current level of a loss of five cents.

Also, for the current quarter, Acacia Research has seen one downward estimate revision versus no revisions in the opposite direction, dragging the consensus estimate down to a loss of seven cents a share from earnings of six cents over the past 30 days.  

The stock also has seen some pretty dismal trading lately, as the share price has dropped 26.3% 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 Business - Services industry, you may instead consider a better-ranked stock - Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (HCSG - Free Report) . The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and may be a better selection at this time. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

One Simple Trading Idea

Since 1988, the Zacks system has more than doubled the S&P 500 with an average gain of +25% per year. With compounding, rebalancing, and exclusive of fees, it can turn thousands into millions of dollars.

This proven stock-picking system is grounded on a single big idea that can be fortune shaping and life changing. You can apply it to your portfolio starting today.

Learn more >>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Acacia Research Corporation (ACTG) - free report >>

Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (HCSG) - free report >>

Published in