Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Why ServiceMaster (SERV) Could Be Positioned for a Slump

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 ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. , 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 SERV.

A key reason for this move has been the negative trend in earnings estimate revisions. For the full year, we have seen seven estimates moving down in the past 30 days, compared with no upward revisions. This trend has caused the consensus estimate to trend lower, going from $2.36 per share a month ago to its current level of $1.39 per share.

Also, for the current quarter, ServiceMaster has seen two downward estimate revisions versus one revision in the opposite direction, dragging the consensus estimate down to 32 cents a share from 73 cents over the past 30 days.   

The stock also has seen some pretty dismal trading lately, as the share price has dropped 24.3% in the past month.

ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. Price and Consensus

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 sector, you may instead consider a better-ranked stock - Steelcase Inc. (SCS - 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.

Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?

Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.

Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look.

See the pot trades we're targeting>>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


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


Steelcase Inc. (SCS) - free report >>

Published in