Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Should You Get Rid of Autobytel (ABTL) 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 Autobytel 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 #4 (Sell) further confirms weakness in ABTL.

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 $1.27 a share a month ago to its current level of $1.04.

Also, for the current quarter, Autobytel has seen one downward estimate revisions versus no revisions in the opposite direction, dragging the consensus estimate down to 19 cents a share from 32 cents over the past 30 days.  

The stock also has seen some pretty dismal trading lately, as the share price has dropped 31.3% in the past month.

Autobytel Inc. Price and Consensus

 

Autobytel Inc. Price and Consensus | Autobytel Inc. Quote

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 Retail-Wholesale sector, you may instead consider a better-ranked stock - Aaron's, Inc. (AAN - 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.

More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone!

It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market.

Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020.

Click here for the 6 trades >>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


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


The Aaron's Company, Inc. (AAN) - free report >>