Why Basic Energy Services, Inc. (BAS) 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 Basic Energy Services, Inc. (NYSE:BAS) , 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 BAS.

A key reason for this move has been the negative trend in earnings estimate revisions. For the full year, we have seen two estimates moving down in the past 30 days, compared with just no upward revisions. This trend has caused the consensus estimate to trend lower, going from a loss of $1.80 a share a month ago to its current level of loss of $2.27.

Also, for the current quarter, Basic Energy Services has seen one downward estimate revision versus no revision in the opposite direction, dragging the consensus estimate down to a loss of 50 cents a share from a loss of 27 cents over the past 30 days.

The stock also has seen some pretty dismal trading lately, as the share price has dropped 47.2% in the past month.

Basic Energy Services, Inc. Price and Consensus

Basic Energy Services, Inc. Price and Consensus | Basic Energy Services, 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 Oil and Gas - Field Servicesindustry, you may instead consider a better-ranked stock - Eco-Stim Energy Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:ESES) . The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and may be a better selection at this time. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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