Pier 1 shares head south as UBS recommends a “sell”

Shares of Pier 1 Imports went on sale today, falling as much as 13 percent, after a UBS analyst hit the comnpany with a “Sell” recommendation.

According to StreetInsider.com, analyst Michael Lasser said the Fort Worth-based home furnishings company faces a number of risks, including rivals “who offer products that are either less expensive or higher quality;” a shift in sales to its website which will erode profit margins; and limited financial ability to repurchase more shares.

The stock (ticker: PIR) was down 89 cents at $7.30 in afternoon trading. Lasser put a price target on the stock of $7.

Pier 1 shares have been under pressure much of the year, since the company announced in February that it had botched expense forecasts and dismissed its long-time chief financial officer.

In September, the company said net income totaled $3.2 million for its fiscal second quarter, down from $9.2 million last year, and slashed its full-year guidance.

This story was originally published November 9, 2015 at 2:08 PM.