L.B. Foster (FSTR)
Market Price (5/25/2026): $38.12 | Market Cap: $388.7 MilSector: Industrials | Industry: Rail Transportation
L.B. Foster (FSTR)
Market Price (5/25/2026): $38.12Market Cap: $388.7 MilSector: IndustrialsIndustry: Rail Transportation
Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.
Attractive yieldFCF Yield is 10% Low stock price volatilityVol 12M is 41% Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Infrastructure Development, Water Infrastructure, and Sustainable Resource Management. Themes include Rail Infrastructure Solutions, Show more. | Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -12% | Stock price has recently run up significantly12M Rtn12 month market price return is 110% Key risksFSTR key risks include [1] a heavy sales concentration (55%) in the declining domestic rail market, Show more. |
| Attractive yieldFCF Yield is 10% |
| Low stock price volatilityVol 12M is 41% |
| Megatrend and thematic driversMegatrends include Infrastructure Development, Water Infrastructure, and Sustainable Resource Management. Themes include Rail Infrastructure Solutions, Show more. |
| Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -12% |
| Stock price has recently run up significantly12M Rtn12 month market price return is 110% |
| Key risksFSTR key risks include [1] a heavy sales concentration (55%) in the declining domestic rail market, Show more. |
Qualitative Assessment
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L.B. Foster (FSTR) stock has gained about 25% since 1/31/2026 because of the following key factors:
1. L.B. Foster (FSTR) reported exceptional first-quarter 2026 financial results on May 4, 2026, significantly surpassing Wall Street expectations. The company announced net sales of $121.1 million, a 23.9% increase year-over-year, exceeding market expectations of $104.3 million. GAAP earnings per share (EPS) were $0.14, a substantial beat compared to the anticipated loss of $0.22 per share. Additionally, adjusted EBITDA surged by 183% to $5.2 million from the prior year, well above analyst estimates of $563,000. This strong earnings beat led to a significant positive market reaction, with the stock gaining 19.22% on the day the news was published.
2. The company experienced a robust recovery and strong growth in its core Rail Technologies and Services segment. This segment was the primary driver of the impressive Q1 2026 sales, with revenue reaching $74.8 million, marking a 38.4% increase year-over-year. This performance reflects a strong demand recovery in the rail industry, which management indicated is supported by active federal government funding programs. Sales volumes increased across all Rail business units, with Rail Products up 40.8% and Global Friction Management up 39.5%.
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1. L.B. Foster (FSTR) reported exceptional first-quarter 2026 financial results on May 4, 2026, significantly surpassing Wall Street expectations. The company announced net sales of $121.1 million, a 23.9% increase year-over-year, exceeding market expectations of $104.3 million. GAAP earnings per share (EPS) were $0.14, a substantial beat compared to the anticipated loss of $0.22 per share. Additionally, adjusted EBITDA surged by 183% to $5.2 million from the prior year, well above analyst estimates of $563,000. This strong earnings beat led to a significant positive market reaction, with the stock gaining 19.22% on the day the news was published.
2. The company experienced a robust recovery and strong growth in its core Rail Technologies and Services segment. This segment was the primary driver of the impressive Q1 2026 sales, with revenue reaching $74.8 million, marking a 38.4% increase year-over-year. This performance reflects a strong demand recovery in the rail industry, which management indicated is supported by active federal government funding programs. Sales volumes increased across all Rail business units, with Rail Products up 40.8% and Global Friction Management up 39.5%.
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Stock Movement Drivers
Fundamental Drivers
The 26.8% change in FSTR stock from 1/31/2026 to 5/24/2026 was primarily driven by a 105.8% change in the company's Net Income Margin (%).| (LTM values as of) | 1312026 | 5242026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Price ($) | 30.05 | 38.11 | 26.8% |
| Change Contribution By: | |||
| Total Revenues ($ Mil) | 508 | 563 | 10.9% |
| Net Income Margin (%) | 1.0% | 2.0% | 105.8% |
| P/E Multiple | 63.7 | 34.8 | -45.3% |
| Shares Outstanding (Mil) | 10 | 10 | 1.6% |
| Cumulative Contribution | 26.8% |
Market Drivers
1/31/2026 to 5/24/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| FSTR | 26.8% | |
| Market (SPY) | 8.1% | 21.8% |
| Sector (XLI) | 4.1% | 17.8% |
Fundamental Drivers
The 39.1% change in FSTR stock from 10/31/2025 to 5/24/2026 was primarily driven by a 343.8% change in the company's P/E Multiple.| (LTM values as of) | 10312025 | 5242026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Price ($) | 27.40 | 38.11 | 39.1% |
| Change Contribution By: | |||
| Total Revenues ($ Mil) | 507 | 563 | 11.1% |
| Net Income Margin (%) | 7.2% | 2.0% | -72.4% |
| P/E Multiple | 7.8 | 34.8 | 343.8% |
| Shares Outstanding (Mil) | 10 | 10 | 2.4% |
| Cumulative Contribution | 39.1% |
Market Drivers
10/31/2025 to 5/24/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| FSTR | 39.1% | |
| Market (SPY) | 9.9% | 27.0% |
| Sector (XLI) | 11.5% | 26.2% |
Fundamental Drivers
The 90.8% change in FSTR stock from 4/30/2025 to 5/24/2026 was primarily driven by a 605.9% change in the company's P/E Multiple.| (LTM values as of) | 4302025 | 5242026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Price ($) | 19.97 | 38.11 | 90.8% |
| Change Contribution By: | |||
| Total Revenues ($ Mil) | 531 | 563 | 6.1% |
| Net Income Margin (%) | 8.1% | 2.0% | -75.5% |
| P/E Multiple | 4.9 | 34.8 | 605.9% |
| Shares Outstanding (Mil) | 11 | 10 | 4.1% |
| Cumulative Contribution | 90.8% |
Market Drivers
4/30/2025 to 5/24/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| FSTR | 90.8% | |
| Market (SPY) | 36.0% | 37.4% |
| Sector (XLI) | 32.7% | 36.9% |
Fundamental Drivers
The 236.7% change in FSTR stock from 4/30/2023 to 5/24/2026 was primarily driven by a 182.0% change in the company's P/S Multiple.| (LTM values as of) | 4302023 | 5242026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Price ($) | 11.32 | 38.11 | 236.7% |
| Change Contribution By: | |||
| Total Revenues ($ Mil) | 497 | 563 | 13.2% |
| P/S Multiple | 0.2 | 0.7 | 182.0% |
| Shares Outstanding (Mil) | 11 | 10 | 5.4% |
| Cumulative Contribution | 236.7% |
Market Drivers
4/30/2023 to 5/24/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| FSTR | 236.7% | |
| Market (SPY) | 86.3% | 36.0% |
| Sector (XLI) | 79.6% | 38.0% |
Price Returns Compared
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||
| FSTR Return | -9% | -30% | 127% | 22% | 0% | 41% | 153% |
| Peers Return | 14% | -4% | 39% | 22% | -7% | 23% | 113% |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 9% | 98% |
Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||
| FSTR Win Rate | 50% | 42% | 75% | 58% | 58% | 80% | |
| Peers Win Rate | 57% | 40% | 57% | 55% | 52% | 60% | |
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 60% | |
Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||
| FSTR Max Drawdown | -34% | -44% | -19% | -46% | -37% | -15% | |
| Peers Max Drawdown | -22% | -35% | -24% | -23% | -33% | -16% | |
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -5% | -25% | -10% | -8% | -19% | -9% | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: KOP, ACA, TRN, GBX, WAB.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 5/22/2026 (YTD)
How Low Can It Go
| Event | FSTR | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 US Tariff Shock | ||
| % Loss | -36.5% | -18.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 57.4% | 23.1% |
| Time to Breakeven | 251 days | 79 days |
| 2024 Yen Carry Trade Unwind | ||
| % Loss | -22.8% | -7.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 29.5% | 8.5% |
| Time to Breakeven | 91 days | 18 days |
| 2023 SVB Regional Banking Crisis | ||
| % Loss | -14.5% | -6.7% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 17.0% | 7.1% |
| Time to Breakeven | 7 days | 31 days |
| 2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening | ||
| % Loss | -33.1% | -24.5% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 49.6% | 32.4% |
| Time to Breakeven | 255 days | 427 days |
| 2020 COVID-19 Crash | ||
| % Loss | -51.1% | -33.7% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 104.6% | 50.9% |
| Time to Breakeven | 355 days | 140 days |
| Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare | ||
| % Loss | -32.2% | -19.2% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 47.5% | 23.8% |
| Time to Breakeven | 108 days | 105 days |
In The Past
L.B. Foster's stock fell -36.5% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 57.4% gain to breakeven.
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| Event | FSTR | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 US Tariff Shock | ||
| % Loss | -36.5% | -18.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 57.4% | 23.1% |
| Time to Breakeven | 251 days | 79 days |
| 2024 Yen Carry Trade Unwind | ||
| % Loss | -22.8% | -7.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 29.5% | 8.5% |
| Time to Breakeven | 91 days | 18 days |
| 2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening | ||
| % Loss | -33.1% | -24.5% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 49.6% | 32.4% |
| Time to Breakeven | 255 days | 427 days |
| 2020 COVID-19 Crash | ||
| % Loss | -51.1% | -33.7% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 104.6% | 50.9% |
| Time to Breakeven | 355 days | 140 days |
| Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare | ||
| % Loss | -32.2% | -19.2% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 47.5% | 23.8% |
| Time to Breakeven | 108 days | 105 days |
| 2016-2017 Trump Reflation Bond Selloff | ||
| % Loss | -20.5% | -3.7% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 25.8% | 3.9% |
| Time to Breakeven | 8 days | 6 days |
| 2015-2016 China Devaluation / Global Growth Scare | ||
| % Loss | -50.8% | -12.2% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 103.3% | 13.9% |
| Time to Breakeven | 85 days | 62 days |
| 2011 US Debt Ceiling Crisis & European Contagion | ||
| % Loss | -55.6% | -17.9% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 125.3% | 21.8% |
| Time to Breakeven | 467 days | 123 days |
| 2008-2009 Global Financial Crisis | ||
| % Loss | -62.1% | -53.4% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 163.9% | 114.4% |
| Time to Breakeven | 2068 days | 1085 days |
In The Past
L.B. Foster's stock fell -36.5% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 57.4% gain to breakeven.
Preserve Wealth
Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.
Asset Allocation
Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.
About L.B. Foster (FSTR)
L.B. Foster Company provides engineered and manufactured products and services for the building and infrastructure projects worldwide. The company's Rail, Technologies, and Services segment offers new rail to passenger and short line freight railroads, industrial companies, and rail contractors; used rails; rail accessories, including track spikes and anchors, bolts, angle bars, tie plates, and other products; power rail, direct fixation fasteners, coverboards, and special accessories; and trackwork products, as well as engineers and manufactures insulated rail joints and related accessories. This segment also provides friction management products and application systems, railroad condition monitoring systems and equipment, wheel impact load detection systems, wayside data collection and management systems, track fasteners, and engineered concrete railroad ties; and aftermarket services. Its Precast Concrete Products segment offers a range of specialty precast concrete products, such as sound walls, burial vaults, bridge beams, box culverts, septic tanks, and other custom pre-stressed products for use in transportation and general infrastructure markets. This segment also manufactures precast concrete buildings for use as restrooms, concession stands, and protective storage buildings in national, state, and municipal parks. The company's Steel Products and Measurement segment provides bridge decking, bridge railing, structural steel fabrications, expansion joints, bridge forms, and other products for highway construction and repair. This segment also produces threaded pipe products for industrial water well, irrigation, and oil and gas markets, as well as offers pipe coatings for oil and gas pipelines and utilities, and precision measurement systems for the oil and gas market. The company markets its products directly, as well as through a network of agents. L.B. Foster Company was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Imagine a specialized "Grainger" or "Fastenal" for infrastructure, providing a wide range of engineered components and services for railroads, bridges, and other large public works.
Think of them as a "Home Depot Pro" for heavy infrastructure, supplying specialized track systems, structural steel, and precast concrete elements for major transportation projects.
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- Rail Products: Supplies new and used rail, accessories, and trackwork products for passenger, freight, and industrial rail applications.
- Railroad Technologies: Provides friction management, condition monitoring, wheel impact load detection, and wayside data collection systems for railroads.
- Engineered Concrete Products: Manufactures specialty precast concrete items like sound walls, bridge beams, box culverts, and precast concrete buildings.
- Bridge and Highway Products: Offers bridge decking, railing, structural steel fabrications, expansion joints, and bridge forms for infrastructure construction.
- Pipe Products: Produces threaded pipe for industrial water well, irrigation, and oil and gas markets, and provides pipe coatings.
- Precision Measurement Systems: Supplies precision measurement systems, primarily serving the oil and gas industry.
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L.B. Foster Company (FSTR) sells primarily to other companies and governmental entities. The provided background description does not list specific names of its major customer companies.
However, based on the description of its engineered and manufactured products and services, its major customer categories include:
- Railroad and Rail Infrastructure Companies: This category encompasses passenger and short line freight railroads, industrial companies requiring rail infrastructure, and rail contractors. They are customers for products such as new and used rail, rail accessories, power rail, trackwork products, friction management systems, railroad condition monitoring equipment, and engineered concrete railroad ties.
- General Infrastructure and Construction Market Participants: This broad group includes companies involved in highway construction and repair, general transportation and infrastructure projects, and governmental entities (such as national, state, and municipal parks). These customers utilize specialty precast concrete products like sound walls, bridge beams, box culverts, septic tanks, custom pre-stressed products, and precast buildings, as well as bridge decking, railing, structural steel fabrications, and expansion joints.
- Energy and Utility Sector Companies: This category primarily includes companies operating in the oil and gas markets (for threaded pipe products, pipe coatings, and precision measurement systems), industrial water well and irrigation companies, and other general utility providers (for pipe coatings).
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John F. Kasel
President and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Kasel joined L.B. Foster in 2003 as Vice President – Operations and Manufacturing. He has held various roles of increasing responsibility, including Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since December 2019, and Senior Vice President – Rail & Construction from 2017 to December 2019. He was appointed President and CEO in July 2021. Early in his tenure, from 2003 to 2005, he implemented LEAN manufacturing and other advancements to improve operating efficiency.
William M. Thalman
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Thalman joined L.B. Foster in 2021 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to L.B. Foster, he was employed by Kennametal, Inc., a publicly-traded corporation, since 2004, where he most recently served as Vice President – Advanced Material Solutions and Vice President – Transformation Office. His experience at Kennametal also included various roles in finance, such as Vice President – Finance Infrastructure, Director of Finance – M&A and Planning, Director of Finance – Kennametal Europe, and Assistant Corporate Controller. Before Kennametal, he held positions responsible for treasury, investor relations, and financial reporting. Mr. Thalman began his career in public accounting at Coopers & Lybrand (now PriceWaterhouseCoopers).
Patrick J. Guinee
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Mr. Guinee joined L.B. Foster in 2014 as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. In this role, he leads legal matters and public company governance requirements. He previously held corporate governance and assistant secretary positions at other publicly traded companies. He oversees compliance with SEC regulations and develops policies for governance, ethics, and risk management.
Brian H. Kelly
Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Administration
Mr. Kelly began his career with L.B. Foster in 2006 as Vice President, Human Resources. Before joining L.B. Foster, he held various HR leadership roles in both public and private companies. Mr. Kelly is scheduled to retire on December 31, 2025, and will transition to Senior Advisor to the CEO starting January 1, 2025.
Gregory W. Lippard
Senior Vice President, Rail
Mr. Lippard is responsible for L.B. Foster's Rail Business line and the sales operations for the Rail Business segment. He has more than 25 years of experience in the North American rail industry and has served on the boards of important industry associations.
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Key Risks to L.B. Foster (FSTR):
- Dependence on Infrastructure Spending and Project Volume: A substantial portion of L.B. Foster's business, including its Rail, Technologies, and Services, Precast Concrete Products, and aspects of its Steel Products and Measurement segments, relies heavily on large-scale infrastructure development and maintenance projects. These projects are often influenced by government funding, economic cycles, and public policy decisions. A decline in public or private infrastructure investment, project delays, or shifts in budgetary priorities could significantly reduce demand for the company's engineered products and services.
- Exposure to Volatility in the Oil and Gas Industry: The company's Steel Products and Measurement segment provides threaded pipe products, pipe coatings, and precision measurement systems specifically for the oil and gas markets. Fluctuations in global oil and gas prices, changes in regulatory environments, or a broader industry shift away from fossil fuels could lead to reduced capital expenditure and activity in the oil and gas sector, thereby negatively impacting demand for L.B. Foster's related products and services.
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The global energy transition and the accelerating shift away from fossil fuels represent a clear emerging threat to L.B. Foster's Steel Products and Measurement segment, specifically its involvement in the oil and gas markets. This segment produces threaded pipe products for industrial water well, irrigation, and oil and gas markets, offers pipe coatings for oil and gas pipelines and utilities, and provides precision measurement systems for the oil and gas market. As investment in new oil and gas infrastructure declines and the world transitions to renewable energy sources, demand for products and services tied to the extraction, transportation, and processing of oil and gas is likely to diminish over the long term, impacting this part of FSTR's business.
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Here are the addressable market sizes for L.B. Foster's main products and services:
Rail, Technologies, and Services
- The global rail infrastructure market was valued at USD 101.11 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 126.54 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.59%. Other estimates place the global rail infrastructure market at USD 50.25 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 72.08 billion by 2033. The market is also projected to reach USD 282.1 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.47% from 2024 to 2032.
- The North America rail infrastructure market was valued at USD 114.31 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow to USD 162.72 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 4.52%. The U.S. alone dominated the North American market in 2021, valued at USD 92.65 billion.
- The USA Railway Track Market is valued at USD 62 billion.
- The global rail fasteners market size is likely to be valued at US$1.5 billion in 2026 and is expected to reach US$2.2 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.6%. Another source estimates the global rail fastening system market at approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2023, projected to reach around USD 2.3 billion by 2032. The global rail fasteners market expanded from USD 1.43 billion in 2025 to USD 1.51 billion in 2026, and is projected to reach USD 2.07 billion by 2032.
- The global rail bolts and fasteners market was valued at USD 1,864.7 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 3,500 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 5.9%. North America represents a leading regional market, valued at USD 500 million in 2024 and projected to expand to USD 850 million by 2035.
- The global railway friction material market size was expected to be $2.10 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $2.67 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1%. It is also forecasted to reach a value of USD 3.94 billion by 2030, from USD 2.85 billion in 2024. Another estimate projects the global railway friction material market size to be worth USD 2.48 billion in 2026, reaching USD 3.56 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 4.1%.
Precast Concrete Products
- The U.S. precast concrete market size was estimated at USD 19.77 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 29.74 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 6.0%. Other data indicates the U.S. precast concrete market was valued at USD 20.85 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 36.45 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.40%. The market size in the U.S. was also reported as USD 21.3 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 34.5 billion by 2032.
- The North America precast concrete market was valued at US$ 36.26 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 60.31 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 6.5%. Another report projects the North America & Europe precast concrete market to reach a valuation of USD 135 billion in 2025, expanding to USD 235 billion by 2035.
- The global precast concrete market size was estimated at USD 114.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 121.6 billion in 2025 to USD 226.2 billion by 2035, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.4%.
Steel Products and Measurement
- The global bridge construction market size was valued at USD 1,238.3 Billion in 2025 and is estimated to reach USD 1,785.0 Billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.02%. Other estimates show the global bridge construction market was valued at USD 368.55 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 586.61 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 5.3%. It was also valued at USD 1129.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1674.8 billion by 2033.
- The U.S. bridge & elevated highway construction market size was USD 16.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 24.3 billion by 2032, growing by 5.4% during 2025–2032. The market size for Bridge & Elevated Highway Construction in the US was also reported as $16.2 billion in 2024.
- The global oil and gas pipes market size was valued at USD 8.95 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 12.95 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 4.20%. Another source valued the global oil and gas pipes market at US$68.2 billion in 2025, estimated to reach US$111.0 billion in 2032.
- The global oil & gas pipeline market size was valued at USD 115.28 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 195.09 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.02%. Other reports indicate the global oil and gas pipeline market size was valued at USD 26.5 billion in 2023, estimated to reach USD 44.01 billion by 2032.
- The U.S. oil & gas pipeline construction market size was USD 52.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 99 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 8.4%.
- The U.S. oil & gas infrastructure market size was valued at USD 78.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a 6.4% CAGR from 2025 to 2034, reaching USD 147.8 billion by 2034. The Oil, Gas & NGL Pipelines segment within this market is anticipated to surpass USD 41 billion by 2034.
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L.B. Foster (FSTR) anticipates several key drivers for future revenue growth over the next two to three years:
- Sustained Demand and Growing Backlog in Rail and Infrastructure Segments: The company has reported a robust and growing backlog, with significant gains observed in both its Rail and Infrastructure segments in early 2026. This indicates continued strong demand for its products and services in these core markets.
- Strategic Investments and Expansion in Precast Concrete Products: L.B. Foster is investing in organic growth programs, primarily within its Precast Concrete segment. This segment experienced impressive growth in 2025, and the company notes robust project pipelines and increasing bidding activity, with capital expenditure allocated for further expansion.
- Growth in Global Friction Management and Rail Products: Within the Rail, Technologies, and Services segment, both Global Friction Management and Rail Products demonstrated strong sales growth in late 2025, with expectations for these favorable trends to continue.
- Increased Demand for Protective Coatings: The company expects continued favorable trends in its Protective Coatings product line, driven by renewed interest in U.S. oil and gas production. This contributes to the revenue outlook for the Steel Products and Measurement segment.
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Share Repurchases
- On March 3, 2025, L.B. Foster's Board of Directors authorized a new, 3-year $40 million stock repurchase program, replacing a prior $15 million authorization that expired in February 2025.
- The company deployed $14.4 million in stock repurchases during 2025, which reduced outstanding shares by 5.4%.
- As of February 2025, L.B. Foster had $28.7 million remaining under its most recent share repurchase authorization.
Outbound Investments
- In August 2022, L.B. Foster acquired two UK-based rail technologies companies: Skratch Enterprises Ltd., a digital solutions specialty company, and Intelligent Video Ltd., a developer of surveillance, security, and safety solutions.
- The company continues to evaluate tuck-in acquisitions to broaden its growth platforms, particularly within the precast concrete market space.
Capital Expenditures
- Capital spending for the full year 2025 totaled $10.4 million, representing 1.9% of sales.
- Expected capital expenditures for 2026 are projected to be approximately 2.7% of sales, with a primary focus on targeted organic growth programs within the Precast Concrete business.
- The 2025 results included approximately $2.2 million in start-up costs related to a new precast facility in Florida.
Latest Trefis Analyses
| Title | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| DASHBOARDS | ||
| L.B. Foster Earnings Notes | 12/16/2025 | |
| With L.B. Foster Stock Surging, Have You Considered The Downside? | 10/17/2025 |
| Title | |
|---|---|
| ARTICLES |
Trade Ideas
Select ideas related to FSTR.
| Date | Ticker | Company | Category | Trade Strategy | 6M Fwd Rtn | 12M Fwd Rtn | 12M Max DD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04302026 | GEO | GEO | Dip Buy | DB | P/E OPMDip Buy with Low PE and High MarginBuying dips for companies with tame PE and meaningfully high operating margin | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| 04302026 | RUN | Sunrun | Special | Short Squeeze PotentialShort Squeeze PotentialHas potential for a short squeeze. High short interest, rising short interest and high debt. | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| 04172026 | RSG | Republic Services | Monopoly | MY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S DeclineLarge cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple | 0.8% | 0.8% | -1.1% |
| 04102026 | VRSK | Verisk Analytics | Dip Buy | DB | FCFY OPMDip Buy with High FCF Yield and High MarginBuying dips for companies with high FCF yield and meaningfully high operating margin | 12.3% | 12.3% | 0.0% |
| 04102026 | UHAL | U-Haul | Monopoly | MY | Getting CheaperMonopoly-Like with P/S DeclineLarge cap with monopoly-like margins or cash flow generation and getting cheaper based on P/S multiple | 0.3% | 0.3% | -1.0% |
Research & Analysis
Invest in Strategies
Wealth Management
Peer Comparisons
| Peers to compare with: |
Financials
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Price | 44.15 |
| Mkt Cap | 2.0 |
| Rev LTM | 2,443 |
| Op Inc LTM | 273 |
| FCF LTM | 185 |
| FCF 3Y Avg | 44 |
| CFO LTM | 397 |
| CFO 3Y Avg | 358 |
Growth & Margins
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Rev Chg LTM | 0.6% |
| Rev Chg 3Y Avg | 3.4% |
| Rev Chg Q | 2.1% |
| QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM | 0.4% |
| Op Inc Chg LTM | 7.7% |
| Op Inc Chg 3Y Avg | 24.9% |
| Op Mgn LTM | 11.1% |
| Op Mgn 3Y Avg | 9.3% |
| QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM | -0.0% |
| CFO/Rev LTM | 15.0% |
| CFO/Rev 3Y Avg | 12.6% |
| FCF/Rev LTM | 7.7% |
| FCF/Rev 3Y Avg | 3.4% |
Valuation
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Cap | 2.0 |
| P/S | 1.0 |
| P/Op Inc | 11.3 |
| P/EBIT | 10.2 |
| P/E | 18.4 |
| P/CFO | 7.2 |
| Total Yield | 7.3% |
| Dividend Yield | 0.7% |
| FCF Yield 3Y Avg | 4.6% |
| D/E | 0.7 |
| Net D/E | 0.6 |
Returns
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| 1M Rtn | 0.6% |
| 3M Rtn | -3.7% |
| 6M Rtn | 28.9% |
| 12M Rtn | 34.7% |
| 3Y Rtn | 84.5% |
| 1M Excs Rtn | -3.1% |
| 3M Excs Rtn | -11.2% |
| 6M Excs Rtn | 18.6% |
| 12M Excs Rtn | 5.5% |
| 3Y Excs Rtn | 2.7% |
Price Behavior
Price Behavior
| Market Price | $38.11 | |
| Market Cap ($ Bil) | 0.4 | |
| First Trading Date | 03/26/1990 | |
| Distance from 52W High | -9.9% | |
| 50 Days | 200 Days | |
| DMA Price | $32.39 | $28.78 |
| DMA Trend | up | up |
| Distance from DMA | 17.7% | 32.4% |
| 3M | 1YR | |
| Volatility | 55.2% | 41.2% |
| Downside Capture | 92.62 | 95.06 |
| Upside Capture | 137.68 | 153.00 |
| Correlation (SPY) | 24.2% | 36.8% |
FSTR Betas & Captures as of 4/30/2026
[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
| 1M | 2M | 3M | 6M | 1Y | 3Y | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta | 0.37 | 0.62 | 0.62 | 0.77 | 1.23 | 1.04 |
| Up Beta | -0.09 | -0.29 | -0.11 | 0.55 | 1.31 | 1.05 |
| Down Beta | 0.38 | -0.07 | 0.32 | 0.79 | 0.98 | 1.10 |
| Up Capture | 94% | 111% | 113% | 106% | 159% | 129% |
| Bmk +ve Days | 15 | 22 | 31 | 66 | 141 | 428 |
| Stock +ve Days | 8 | 13 | 27 | 54 | 120 | 381 |
| Down Capture | -15% | 119% | 83% | 69% | 112% | 97% |
| Bmk -ve Days | 4 | 18 | 30 | 56 | 108 | 321 |
| Stock -ve Days | 10 | 26 | 32 | 66 | 126 | 359 |
[1] Upside and downside betas calculated using positive and negative benchmark daily returns respectively
Based On 1-Year Data
| Annualized Return | Annualized Volatility | Sharpe Ratio | Correlation with FSTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FSTR | 100.6% | 41.6% | 1.78 | - |
| Sector ETF (XLI) | 23.3% | 15.4% | 1.16 | 36.4% |
| Equity (SPY) | 29.5% | 12.0% | 1.86 | 36.7% |
| Gold (GLD) | 35.5% | 26.8% | 1.11 | -0.5% |
| Commodities (DBC) | 42.9% | 18.7% | 1.77 | -9.3% |
| Real Estate (VNQ) | 15.2% | 13.1% | 0.82 | 23.1% |
| Bitcoin (BTCUSD) | -31.3% | 41.8% | -0.78 | 20.6% |
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Based On 5-Year Data
| Annualized Return | Annualized Volatility | Sharpe Ratio | Correlation with FSTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FSTR | 16.0% | 41.5% | 0.48 | - |
| Sector ETF (XLI) | 12.2% | 17.4% | 0.54 | 33.5% |
| Equity (SPY) | 14.0% | 17.0% | 0.64 | 31.0% |
| Gold (GLD) | 18.8% | 18.0% | 0.85 | 2.6% |
| Commodities (DBC) | 10.4% | 19.4% | 0.42 | 7.8% |
| Real Estate (VNQ) | 3.8% | 18.8% | 0.10 | 20.4% |
| Bitcoin (BTCUSD) | 11.6% | 55.3% | 0.41 | 15.1% |
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Based On 10-Year Data
| Annualized Return | Annualized Volatility | Sharpe Ratio | Correlation with FSTR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FSTR | 12.6% | 48.3% | 0.43 | - |
| Sector ETF (XLI) | 14.0% | 20.0% | 0.62 | 44.6% |
| Equity (SPY) | 15.7% | 17.9% | 0.75 | 39.3% |
| Gold (GLD) | 13.0% | 16.0% | 0.67 | -1.5% |
| Commodities (DBC) | 7.8% | 17.9% | 0.35 | 17.4% |
| Real Estate (VNQ) | 5.5% | 20.7% | 0.23 | 30.3% |
| Bitcoin (BTCUSD) | 66.7% | 66.9% | 1.06 | 12.8% |
Smart multi-asset allocation framework can stack odds in your favor. Learn How
Returns Analyses
Earnings Returns History
Expand for More| Forward Returns | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings Date | 1D Returns | 5D Returns | 21D Returns |
| 3/3/2026 | -1.6% | -10.4% | -13.3% |
| 3/4/2025 | -12.3% | -23.1% | -22.4% |
| 11/7/2024 | -3.7% | 10.8% | 36.5% |
| 8/6/2024 | -19.7% | -10.9% | -7.1% |
| 3/5/2024 | -8.0% | -7.5% | 11.5% |
| 11/7/2023 | -4.8% | -4.5% | -7.6% |
| 8/8/2023 | 6.3% | 24.1% | 25.2% |
| 3/6/2023 | -0.2% | -1.3% | -7.3% |
| ... | |||
| SUMMARY STATS | |||
| # Positive | 5 | 7 | 8 |
| # Negative | 13 | 11 | 10 |
| Median Positive | 2.4% | 9.9% | 11.1% |
| Median Negative | -4.3% | -4.5% | -7.4% |
| Max Positive | 6.3% | 24.1% | 36.5% |
| Max Negative | -19.7% | -23.1% | -22.9% |
SEC Filings
Expand for More| Report Date | Filing Date | Filing |
|---|---|---|
| 03/31/2026 | 05/04/2026 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2025 | 03/05/2026 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2025 | 11/03/2025 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2025 | 08/11/2025 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2025 | 05/06/2025 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2024 | 03/07/2025 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2024 | 11/07/2024 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2024 | 08/06/2024 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2024 | 05/07/2024 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2023 | 03/06/2024 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2023 | 11/07/2023 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2023 | 08/08/2023 | 10-Q |
| 03/31/2023 | 05/10/2023 | 10-Q |
| 12/31/2022 | 03/10/2023 | 10-K |
| 09/30/2022 | 11/08/2022 | 10-Q |
| 06/30/2022 | 08/09/2022 | 10-Q |
Recent Forward Guidance [BETA]
Latest: Q1 2026 Earnings Reported 5/4/2026
| Forward Guidance | Guidance Change | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metric | Low | Mid | High | % Chg | % Delta | Change | Prior |
| 2026 Net sales | 540.00 Mil | 560.00 Mil | 580.00 Mil | 0 | Affirmed | Guidance: 560.00 Mil for 2026 | |
| 2026 Adjusted EBITDA | 41.00 Mil | 43.50 Mil | 46.00 Mil | 0 | Affirmed | Guidance: 43.50 Mil for 2026 | |
| 2026 Capital spending as a percent of sales | 0.03 | 0 | Affirmed | Guidance: 0.03 for 2026 | |||
| 2026 Free Cash Flow | 15.00 Mil | 20.00 Mil | 25.00 Mil | 0 | Affirmed | Guidance: 20.00 Mil for 2026 | |
Prior: Q4 2025 Earnings Reported 3/3/2026
| Forward Guidance | Guidance Change | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metric | Low | Mid | High | % Chg | % Delta | Change | Prior |
| 2026 Revenue | 540.00 Mil | 560.00 Mil | 580.00 Mil | 0 | Affirmed | Guidance: 560.00 Mil for 2025 | |
| 2026 Adjusted EBITDA | 41.00 Mil | 43.50 Mil | 46.00 Mil | -3.3% | Lowered | Guidance: 45.00 Mil for 2025 | |
| 2026 Capital Expenditures | 0.03 | 35.0% | 0.7% | Raised | Guidance: 0.02 for 2025 | ||
| 2026 Free Cash Flow | 15.00 Mil | 20.00 Mil | 25.00 Mil | -20.0% | Lowered | Guidance: 25.00 Mil for 2025 | |
Insider Activity
Expand for More| # | Owner | Title | Holding | Action | Filing Date | Price | Shares | Transacted Value | Value of Held Shares | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English, Aron R | By: 22NW Fund, LP | Sell | 3302026 | 28.01 | 1,887 | 52,857 | 29,893,054 | Form | |
| 2 | English, Aron R | By: 22NW Fund, LP | Sell | 3302026 | 28.02 | 862 | 24,153 | 29,955,425 | Form | |
| 3 | English, Aron R | By: 22NW Fund, LP | Sell | 3302026 | 28.02 | 8,968 | 251,291 | 29,980,435 | Form | |
| 4 | English, Aron R | By: 22NW Fund, LP | Sell | 3252026 | 28.09 | 2,716 | 76,282 | 30,302,070 | Form | |
| 5 | English, Aron R | By: 22NW Fund, LP | Sell | 3252026 | 28.19 | 25,889 | 729,718 | 30,486,946 | Form |
External Quote Links
| Y Finance | Barrons |
| TradingView | Morningstar |
| SeekingAlpha | ValueLine |
| Motley Fool | Robinhood |
| CNBC | Etrade |
| MarketWatch | Unusual Whales |
| YCharts | Perplexity Finance |
| FinViz |
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