Acacia Research Corporation (ACTG) vs L.B. Foster Company (FSTR)

A side-by-side comparison of Acacia Research Corporation and L.B. Foster Company across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — ACTG vs FSTR

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ACTG -28.3% (-3.3%/yr)FSTR +196.3% (+11.5%/yr)FSTR compounded faster over this window
100200300Start $10020182020202220242026$72$296
ACTG FSTR

ACTG vs FSTR: by the numbers

  • •ACTG is the larger company ($415M vs $386M market cap).
  • •FSTR is profitable (2.04% net margin) while ACTG runs a net loss (-5.39%).
  • •ACTG grew revenue faster over the past five years (42.70% vs 2.05% CAGR).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricACTGFSTR
P/E ratioN/A35.15
Forward P/EN/A22.78
P/S ratio1.490.69
P/B ratio0.792.17
EV / EBITDA11.9912.55
FCF yield0.22%10.78%

Profitability

MetricACTGFSTR
Gross margin82.47%21.36%
Operating margin2.25%4.36%
Net margin-5.39%2.04%
ROE-2.85%6.39%
ROIC-2.79%5.30%

Growth (annualized)

MetricACTGFSTR
Revenue CAGR (5Y)42.70%2.05%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-33.59%0.28%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A29.02%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-6.66%18.72%

Frequently asked

Which has grown faster, ACTG or FSTR?
Over the past five years, ACTG grew revenue faster — ACTG at a 42.70% CAGR versus FSTR at 2.05%.
Is ACTG or FSTR more profitable?
FSTR runs the higher net margin — ACTG at -5.39% versus FSTR at 2.04%.
How have ACTG and FSTR total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ACTG delivered -3.85% and FSTR delivered 11.50% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.