L.B. Foster Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 2/6
L.B. Foster has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 21.4%, while the Machinery industry saw earnings growing at 8.3% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 1.8% per year. L.B. Foster's return on equity is 6.3%, and it has net margins of 2%.
Key information
21.43%
Earnings growth rate
21.47%
EPS growth rate
| Machinery Industry Growth | 8.77% |
| Revenue growth rate | 1.75% |
| Return on equity | 6.32% |
| Net Margin | 1.98% |
| Last Earnings Update | 31 Mar 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • Jun 12
L.B. Foster Company's Historic Run Can Keep Going
Summary L.B. Foster Company remains a soft Buy after a 107% gain since April 2025, outperforming the S&P 500. FSTR’s Q1 2026 saw revenue up 23.8% to $121.1M, with Rail, Technologies, and Services segment driving a 38.4% sales surge. Management guides 2026 revenue of $540–$580M and EBITDA of $41–$46M, with relative valuation still attractive versus peers. Risks include declining backlog and orders, but FSTR’s innovation and fragmented infrastructure markets support further upside. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha
Narrative Update • Jun 11
FSTR: Higher Earnings Multiple Will Drive Cautious View Despite 2026 Guidance
Analysts have raised their price target on L.B. Foster from $32.00 to $34.00, citing updated assumptions around discount rates, revenue growth, profit margins and future P/E that refine their valuation framework rather than relying on a single new data point. What's in the News L.B. Foster reaffirmed 2026 earnings guidance, with expected net sales in a range of $540,000,000 to $580,000,000.
Narrative Update • May 28
FSTR: Cost Controls And 2026 Execution Will Shape Earnings Outlook
Narrative Update Analysts have lifted their fair value estimate for L.B. Foster to $39.00 from $33.00, reflecting updated views on the company’s cost controls, profit margin outlook, and a lower assumed future P/E multiple following recent results and research, including a price target move to $32 from $27. Analyst Commentary Bullish analysts have reacted to recent results by lifting their expectations for L.B. Foster, pointing to disciplined cost controls and solid profitability as key supports for the stock’s valuation.Analysis Article • May 11
We Think You Can Look Beyond L.B. Foster's (NASDAQ:FSTR) Lackluster Earnings
L.B. Foster Company's ( NASDAQ:FSTR ) recent soft profit numbers didn't appear to worry shareholders, as the stock...
Narrative Update • May 02
FSTR: Cost Discipline And 2026 Guidance Will Shape Balanced Return Potential
Analysts have lifted the price target on L.B. Foster shares to $32 from $27, citing Q4 revenue of $160.4m and adjusted EBITDA of $13.7m, which were supported by cost controls that offset lower gross margins. Analyst Commentary Analysts are reacting to the latest Q4 print and updated price target by focusing on how well L.B. Foster is managing profitability against margin pressure, and what that might mean for execution risk and valuation going forward.Narrative Update • Apr 16
FSTR: Cost Controls And 2026 Guidance Will Shape Balanced Risk Reward Profile
Analysts have raised their price target on L.B. Foster to $32.50 from $28.00, citing recent cost controls that supported Q4 adjusted EBITDA of $13.7 million on revenue of $160.4 million, despite lower gross margins. Analyst Commentary Analysts are refining their views on L.B. Foster after the latest quarter, focusing on how recent cost controls and the updated price target align with execution and valuation.Narrative Update • Apr 02
FSTR: Cost Controls And Q4 Delivery Will Support Bullish Outlook
Analysts have raised their price target on L.B. Foster to $32 from $27, citing the latest quarterly figures that showed $160.4m in revenue and $13.7m in adjusted EBITDA, supported by cost controls that helped offset lower gross margins. Analyst Commentary Even with the higher price target to $32, bearish analysts are still framing L.B. Foster as a name where execution and growth risks need to be watched closely.Narrative Update • Mar 19
FSTR: Cost Controls And Q4 Execution Will Support Bullish Fair Value Outlook
Analysts lifted their price target on L.B. Foster to $32 from $27, citing recent Q4 revenue of $160.4M and adjusted EBITDA of $13.7M, supported by cost controls that helped offset lower gross margins. Analyst Commentary Bearish analysts acknowledge the higher price target of $32 as a reflection of recent Q4 results, but they are not shifting to a more positive stance on the stock, keeping a Neutral rating even after factoring in the reported $160.4M in revenue and $13.7M in adjusted EBITDA.Narrative Update • Mar 05
FSTR: Future Margins And Cost Controls Balance Fair Value Outlook
Narrative Update Analysts have lifted their price target on L.B. Foster to $32 from $27, citing recent Q4 revenue of $160.4m and adjusted EBITDA of $13.7m, supported by cost controls that helped offset lower gross margins. Analyst Commentary Bearish analysts acknowledge the updated US$32 price target as a reflection of the recent Q4 report, but they also flag a number of risks that they see as limiting near term upside for the shares.Analysis Article • Nov 06
Earnings Miss: L.B. Foster Company Missed EPS By 35% And Analysts Are Revising Their Forecasts
It's shaping up to be a tough period for L.B. Foster Company ( NASDAQ:FSTR ), which a week ago released some...Analysis Article • Aug 18
L.B. Foster (NASDAQ:FSTR) Strong Profits May Be Masking Some Underlying Issues
NasdaqGS:FSTR 1 Year Share Price vs Fair Value Explore L.B. Foster's Fair Values from the Community and select yours...Analysis Article • Aug 14
L.B. Foster Company Just Missed EPS By 48%: Here's What Analysts Think Will Happen Next
Investors in L.B. Foster Company ( NASDAQ:FSTR ) had a good week, as its shares rose 7.6% to close at US$24.28...Analysis Article • Jul 28
We Ran A Stock Scan For Earnings Growth And L.B. Foster (NASDAQ:FSTR) Passed With Ease
Investors are often guided by the idea of discovering 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks...Analysis Article • Jul 04
There's No Escaping L.B. Foster Company's (NASDAQ:FSTR) Muted Earnings Despite A 26% Share Price Rise
The L.B. Foster Company ( NASDAQ:FSTR ) share price has done very well over the last month, posting an excellent gain...Seeking Alpha • Apr 29
L.B. Foster Company: Shares Are Finally Worth Considering (Rating Upgrade)
Summary L.B. Foster Company has shown revenue growth and improved profitability, transitioning to higher-margin initiatives, despite a slight revenue decline in 2024 due to divestitures. The company's net income surged from a loss in 2022 to significant gains in 2023 and 2024, aided by a substantial income tax benefit. Management's 2025 guidance is optimistic, projecting revenue growth and a notable increase in EBITDA and operating cash flow. Despite risks like tariffs and backlog reduction, FSTR stock appears undervalued, justifying an upgrade from 'hold' to a soft "Buy." Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Apr 09
Should You Investigate L.B. Foster Company (NASDAQ:FSTR) At US$17.98?
L.B. Foster Company ( NASDAQ:FSTR ), is not the largest company out there, but it received a lot of attention from a...Analysis Article • Mar 11
L.B. Foster Company (NASDAQ:FSTR) Stock's 28% Dive Might Signal An Opportunity But It Requires Some Scrutiny
L.B. Foster Company ( NASDAQ:FSTR ) shareholders that were waiting for something to happen have been dealt a blow with...Analysis Article • Mar 07
L.B. Foster Company (NASDAQ:FSTR) Consensus Forecasts Have Become A Little Darker Since Its Latest Report
It's been a mediocre week for L.B. Foster Company ( NASDAQ:FSTR ) shareholders, with the stock dropping 19% to US$21.61...Analysis Article • Mar 05
Some Investors May Be Worried About L.B. Foster's (NASDAQ:FSTR) Returns On Capital
When it comes to investing, there are some useful financial metrics that can warn us when a business is potentially in...Analysis Article • Nov 27
Further Upside For L.B. Foster Company (NASDAQ:FSTR) Shares Could Introduce Price Risks After 43% Bounce
The L.B. Foster Company ( NASDAQ:FSTR ) share price has done very well over the last month, posting an excellent gain...Analysis Article • Nov 14
Why L.B. Foster's (NASDAQ:FSTR) Healthy Earnings Aren’t As Good As They Seem
Following the release of a positive earnings report recently, L.B. Foster Company's ( NASDAQ:FSTR ) stock performed...
New Narrative • Sep 26
Tactical Shifts And Cost-Cutting Measures Poised To Boost Profits And Market Competitiveness
Strategic focus on Rail Technologies and Precast Concrete through business transformation and strategic acquisitions signals a pivot to growth sectors.Seeking Alpha • Aug 21
L.B. Foster: Strong Headwinds In Domestic Rail Market, But I Wouldn't Sell Yet
Summary L.B. Foster Company missed EPS expectations in Q2 2024 and lowered guidance for the year, leading to a significant decline in share price. Challenges include a decline in the rail market, pricing pressures, adverse weather conditions, and divestitures impacting backlog and gross profit. Management increased the flexibility in the share buyback program and the insider buying activity signals some confidence, despite the challenging market environment. Given the ongoing challenges and risks, mixed with positive signals from insider buying and share buybacks, I rate the stock as a Hold, due to high uncertainty. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Jul 18
Some Investors May Be Worried About L.B. Foster's (NASDAQ:FSTR) Returns On Capital
When it comes to investing, there are some useful financial metrics that can warn us when a business is potentially in...Analysis Article • Jul 03
L.B. Foster Company (NASDAQ:FSTR) Stock's 26% Dive Might Signal An Opportunity But It Requires Some Scrutiny
L.B. Foster Company ( NASDAQ:FSTR ) shareholders that were waiting for something to happen have been dealt a blow with...Analysis Article • Mar 13
We Think L.B. Foster's (NASDAQ:FSTR) Profit Is Only A Baseline For What They Can Achieve
L.B. Foster Company ( NASDAQ:FSTR ) just reported healthy earnings but the stock price didn't move much. Investors are...Analysis Article • Nov 06
These Return Metrics Don't Make L.B. Foster (NASDAQ:FSTR) Look Too Strong
If we're looking to avoid a business that is in decline, what are the trends that can warn us ahead of time? When we...Analysis Article • May 19
L.B. Foster (NASDAQ:FSTR) Has A Somewhat Strained Balance Sheet
Legendary fund manager Li Lu (who Charlie Munger backed) once said, 'The biggest investment risk is not the volatility...Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How L.B. Foster makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 26 | 563 | 11 | 89 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 540 | 8 | 87 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 508 | 5 | 88 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 507 | 36 | 91 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 504 | 36 | 93 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 531 | 43 | 95 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 537 | 43 | 98 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 545 | 7 | 98 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 553 | 8 | 98 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 544 | 1 | 97 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 546 | -42 | 91 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 531 | -45 | 89 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 514 | -46 | 84 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 497 | -46 | 80 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 473 | -2 | 77 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 473 | 2 | 75 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 496 | 3 | 75 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 514 | 4 | 76 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 516 | 6 | 75 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 505 | 20 | 72 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 492 | 25 | 71 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 497 | 26 | 74 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 523 | 54 | 78 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 550 | 41 | 82 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 588 | 44 | 83 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 616 | 48 | 85 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 640 | -23 | 85 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 662 | -21 | 86 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 655 | -26 | 89 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 581 | -31 | 83 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 604 | 12 | 88 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 568 | 8 | 85 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 540 | 6 | 82 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 536 | 5 | 81 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 502 | -37 | 78 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 485 | -46 | 79 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 476 | -141 | 81 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 484 | -142 | 85 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 516 | -97 | 90 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 578 | -149 | 91 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 613 | -52 | 92 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 625 | -44 | 91 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 647 | -42 | 87 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 15 | 638 | 25 | 86 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: FSTR has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: FSTR's current net profit margins (2%) are lower than last year (7.2%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: FSTR has become profitable over the past 5 years, growing earnings by 21.4% per year.
Accelerating Growth: FSTR's has had negative earnings growth over the past year, so it can't be compared to its 5-year average.
Earnings vs Industry: FSTR had negative earnings growth (-69.4%) over the past year, making it difficult to compare to the Machinery industry average (1.9%).
Return on Equity
High ROE: FSTR's Return on Equity (6.3%) is considered low.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/06/25 21:58 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/06/25 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
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| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the world class team who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
L.B. Foster Company is covered by 6 analysts. 2 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Liam Burke | Brean Capital Historical (Janney Montgomery) |
| Liam Burke | B. Riley Securities, Inc. |
| Brent Thielman | D.A. Davidson & Co. |