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Federal Signal Corporation(FSS)

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EXPLORE ADVISORIES AND THEIR HISTORY
QUALITY SIGNAL
1-STAR RATING
PASS
LAST CLOSE
$117.21
11/09/2026
(24-hour delay)

Advisory History & Simulated Performance *

*as per simulation (see disclosures)
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  • BUY Advisory
  • SELL Advisory (Profit)
  • SELL Advisory (Loss)
  • Profit
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Upturn Stock price based on last close iconStock price based on last close
Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Advisory Performance History (Simulated)Advisory Performance History info

Simulated performance—not actual client returns. Excludes advisory subscription fees, trading commissions, and taxes, which would reduce returns. Results depend on calculation assumptions and do not guarantee future outcomes. See Disclosures for full methodology, assumptions, and limitations.

Upturn Advisory & Investor View for FSS

11/09/2026: FSS (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.

Federal Signal Corporation is a specialized industrial manufacturer known for its robust portfolio of environmental and public safety equipment. The company maintains a leading position in niche markets like street sweepers and emergency signaling systems, benefiting from reliable, recurring aftermarket revenue. Its primary investment story centers on steady growth linked to municipal infrastructure cycles and the expansion of high-margin service offerings. Key risks include heavy dependence on public sector budgets and exposure to raw material costs. The stock may suit defensive or value-oriented investors who value steady performance over explosive growth, with investors encouraged to monitor government infrastructure spending trends.

How to Read the Upturn Advisory

The Upturn Star Rating and the current BUY, SELL, or PASS advisory are generated by Upturn’s AI advisory engine based on proprietary signal analysis, price behavior, advisory history, and historical signal performance.

Company fundamentals, valuation, risks, and news provide supporting context about the business.

Investor Fit

Investor styleFitWhy
Growth investorMixed fitWhile the company shows steady growth, it is characterized more by stable, long-cycle industrial progress than rapid hyper-growth.
Momentum investorStrong fit while signal remains positiveThe stock often trends well during periods of high industrial infrastructure investment.
Value investorStrong fitThe company often trades at reasonable valuation multiples relative to its earnings stability and market position.
Dividend investorMixed fitIt provides a reliable dividend, though the yield is typically modest compared to high-dividend utility or real estate stocks.
Low-risk investorStrong fitThe business model relies on essential, non-discretionary municipal spending, offering relative defensive qualities.

Risk Profile

Risk factorLevelWhy it matters
Price volatilityMediumThe stock can experience swings aligned with broader industrial market sentiment.
Valuation riskMediumAs a well-regarded industrial player, the company may occasionally trade at a premium.
Competition risk (municipal equipment)MediumNew entrants or existing competitors in street sweeping and hydro-excavation can pressure margins.
Business qualityStrongThe company has a strong reputation for high-quality, durable equipment essential for infrastructure.
Dividend incomeLowDividend payouts are secure but are not the primary reason to hold the stock.
Execution riskMediumSuccessfully integrating acquisitions and managing supply chains for complex vehicles is critical.

Price Behavior

Rolling Over
PRICE PATH

Rolling Over

The price momentum is slowing down and beginning to turn downward.

Moderately Choppy
PRICE STABILITY

Moderately Choppy

The stock has experienced noticeable price swings while retaining some directional structure.

Analysis of Past Performance

Type Stock
Historic Profit -24.49%
Avg. Invested days 36
Today’s Advisory PASS
Upturn Advisory Rating upturn star rating icon
Upturn Advisory Performance Upturn Advisory Performance icon 1.0
Stock Returns Performance Upturn Returns Performance icon 1.0
Upturn Profits based on simulation icon Profits based on simulation
Upturn last close icon Last Close 11/09/2026

Upturn Scorecard

Upturn Star Rating

★★★★★
FSS receives a 4-star rating, supported by solid company fundamentals, and solid analyst coverage. The rating is constrained by weak price momentum.

Company Fundamentals

★★★★★
FSS has solid overall fundamentals (4 stars), with moderate financial health, solid growth momentum, and solid ownership. In FY2025 versus FY2024, solid earnings growth (+14.0%) and solid cash generation (FCF margin 10.4%) are partially offset by modest insider ownership of 2.57%.

Financial Health Rating

★★★★★
FSS's financial health is supported by solid cash strength, including free-cash-flow generation (10.4% of revenue). Profitability is moderate (3 stars), which helps explain the 3-star overall score.

Growth Momentum Score

★★★★★
Free-cash-flow growth is FSS's strongest growth driver at +19.1% FY2025 versus FY2024 (solid, 4 stars). Revenue growth (+17.1%, solid) and earnings growth (+14.0%, solid) are also constructive, though not equally high across every growth measure.

Ownership

★★★★★
Institutional ownership is 104.7% and approximately 97.5% of outstanding shares are publicly tradable, supporting liquidity and institutional participation. Insider ownership of 2.57% provides only moderate management-shareholder alignment.

Top 5 Institutional Investors

BlackRock Inc 15.77%
Vanguard Portfolio Management, LLC 5.73%
Vanguard Capital Management, LLC 4.34%
State Street Corp 4.01%
Capital World Investors 3.68%

Unit Economics (Per $1K Revenue)

★★★★★
FSS generates approximately $289 of gross profit, $156 of operating income, and $104 of free cash flow for every $1,000 of revenue. Based on FY2025 results. Moderate margins and moderate cash conversion support a 3-star rating, while capital efficiency is solid.

Economic Dimensions

★★★★★
Effective Tax Rate: 24.01%

Quantitative Style Profile

★★★★★
FSS has a high-quality, liquid profile. Weak momentum is the primary drawback, while elevated volatility.

Style Classification

Quality Focused

Value-OrientedQuality TiltHigh VolatilitySmall / Mid Cap RiskShort Squeeze RiskHighly Liquid / Institution-Friendly

Key Highlights

Company Size Mid-Cap Stock
Market Capitalization 6.92B USD
Price to earnings Ratio 23.49
1Y Target Price 141.29
Price to earnings Ratio 23.49
1Y Target Price 141.29
Volume (30-day avg) 508.4K shares
Beta 1.22
52 Weeks Range 101.07 - 134.35
Updated Date 11/08/2026
52 Weeks Range 101.07 - 134.35
Updated Date 11/08/2026
Dividends yield (FY) 0.53%
Basic EPS (TTM) 4.83

How Company Makes Money

Business areaWhat it includesRetail investor read
Environmental SolutionsStreet sweepers, hydro-excavation trucks, and sewer cleaners.This is the primary revenue driver, selling heavy-duty machinery to city governments and private contractors.
Safety and Security SystemsWarning sirens, light bars, and public safety communication tech.This segment provides highly specialized gear for emergency vehicles, often carrying strong brand loyalty.
Aftermarket and ServiceParts, repairs, and maintenance services for existing fleets.This is a high-margin, recurring revenue stream that provides stability even when new equipment sales soften.

Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth

Revenue by Products

Product revenue - Year on Year

Revenue by Geography

Geography revenue - Year on Year

Earnings Date

Report Date 2026-10-29
When Before Market
Estimate 1.32
Actual 1.34

Profitability

Profit Margin 11.65%
Operating Margin (TTM) 17.07%

Management Effectiveness

Return on Assets (TTM) 12.13%
Return on Equity (TTM) 20.47%

Valuation

Trailing PE 23.49
Forward PE 19.61
Enterprise Value 7.30B
Price to Sales(TTM) 2.72
Enterprise Value 7.30B
Price to Sales(TTM) 2.72
Enterprise Value to Revenue 2.86
Enterprise Value to EBITDA 14.44
Shares Outstanding 61.02M
Shares Floating 59.49M
Shares Outstanding 61.02M
Shares Floating 59.49M
Percent Insiders 2.57
Percent Institutions 104.72

Financial Metrics

🧭 Investment Snapshot

Total Revenue (Scale)

Information icon Total money earned from selling products or services before any costs. It is needed to understand the scale of the business and its ability to generate income.

Net Income (Profit)

Information icon Final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes are deducted. It is needed to determine the overall profitability available to shareholders.

Free Cash Flow (Cash Strength)

Information icon Cash remaining after operating activities and capital expenditures, showing cash available for growth. It is needed to evaluate the company’s ability to invest, pay dividends, or reduce debt.

📈 Growth & Strength

Operating Income (Core Profit)

Information icon Profit from core operations after deducting all operating expenses. It is needed to measure how efficiently the company runs its primary business activities.

EBITDA (Cash Earnings)

Information icon Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, indicating operating cash potential. It is needed to compare operating performance across companies without accounting or financing differences.

Gross Profit (Unit Profitability)

Information icon Revenue minus cost of revenue, showing profit after direct production costs. It is needed to evaluate core business profitability before overhead expenses.

🛡️ Financial Safety

Cash (Liquidity Buffer)

Information icon Total cash and cash equivalents on hand. It is needed to evaluate immediate liquidity and financial flexibility.

Total Debt (Leverage Risk)

Information icon Total debt including both short-term and long-term components. It is needed to assess the company’s leverage and financial risk.

Net Working Capital (Short-Term Health)

Information icon Current assets minus current liabilities, indicating short-term liquidity strength. It is needed to assess whether the company can meet its short-term obligations.

🧱 Balance Sheet Strength

Stockholder Equity (Net Worth)

Information icon Total equity value held by shareholders. It is needed to understand the net worth of the company from the owners’ perspective.

Total Assets (Asset Base)

Information icon The full value of everything the company owns, including cash, inventory, equipment, and investments. It is needed to understand the resource base used to generate revenue.

Income Before Tax (Pre-Tax Earnings)

Information icon Income before provision for income taxes. It is needed to analyze profitability independent of tax structures.

⚙️ Cost & Drag Factors

Cost of Revenue (Production Cost)

Information icon Direct costs required to produce and deliver the products or services sold. It is needed to assess efficiency in production and service delivery.

Total Operating Expenses (Operating Cost)

Information icon Indirect costs of running the business such as salaries, marketing, and administration. It is needed to understand how much it costs to sustain ongoing business operations.

Income Tax Expense (Tax Drag)

Information icon Amount of taxes paid or payable to the government. It is needed to evaluate the impact of taxation on overall profitability.

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