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 Oxford Immunotec Global PLC (OXFD), 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 OXFD.

A key reason for this move has been the negative trend in earnings estimate revisions. For the full year, we have seen 3 estimates moving down in the past 30 days, compared with no upward revision. This trend has caused the consensus estimate to trend lower, going from a loss of 81 cents a share a month ago to its current level of a loss of $1.29.

Also, for the current quarter, Oxford Immunotec Global has seen 2 downward estimate revisions versus no revision in the opposite direction, dragging the consensus estimate down to a loss of 36 cents a share from a loss of 17 cents over the past 30 days.

The stock also has seen some pretty dismal trading lately, as the share price has dropped 19.1% over 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 Medical Instruments sector, you may instead consider some better-ranked stocks including Alphatec Holdings, Inc. (ATEC), RTI Surgical Inc. (RTIX) and Accuray Incorporated (ARAY). While Alphatec Holdings and RTI Surgical
hold a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Accuray Incorporated holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and may be better selections at this time.

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OXFORD IMMUNOTEC GLOBAL PLC ORD (OXFD): Free Stock Analysis Report

ALPHATEC HOLDINGS INC (ATEC): Free Stock Analysis Report

RTI SURGICAL INC (RTIX): Free Stock Analysis Report

ACCURAY (ARAY): Free Stock Analysis Report


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