Why Horsehead Holding (ZINC) Could Be Positioned for a Slump

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 Horsehead Holding Corp. ZINC, 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 ZINC.

A key reason for this move has been the negative trend in earnings estimate revisions. For the full year, we have seen 2 estimates moving down in the past 30 days, compared with no upward revisions. This trend has caused the consensus estimate to widen from a loss of 19 cents a share a month ago to a current loss of 74 cents.

Also, for the current quarter, Horsehead Holding has seen 2 downward estimate revisions versus no in the opposite direction, dragging the consensus estimate down to a loss of 27 cents a share from a loss of 14 cents over the past 30 days.

The stock also has seen some pretty dismal trading lately, as the share price has dropped 28.1% 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 metal fabrication space, you may instead consider a better-ranked stock - Global Brass and Copper Holdings, Inc. BRSS. The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and may be better selection at this time.

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