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Did Changing Sentiment Drive Altai Resources's (CVE:ATI) Share Price Down A Worrying 69%?

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The nature of investing is that you win some, and you lose some. And there's no doubt that Altai Resources Inc. (CVE:ATI) stock has had a really bad year. In that relatively short period, the share price has plunged 69%. On the other hand, the stock is actually up 20% over three years.

Check out our latest analysis for Altai Resources

With just CA$246,835 worth of revenue in twelve months, we don't think the market considers Altai Resources to have proven its business plan. You have to wonder why venture capitalists aren't funding it. So it seems shareholders are too busy dreaming about the progress to come than dwelling on the current (lack of) revenue. It seems likely some shareholders believe that Altai Resources will discover or develop fossil fuel before too long.

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Companies that lack both meaningful revenue and profits are usually considered high risk. There is usually a significant chance that they will need more money for business development, putting them at the mercy of capital markets. So the share price itself impacts the value of the shares (as it determines the cost of capital). While some such companies go on to make revenue, profits, and generate value, others get hyped up by hopeful naifs before eventually going bankrupt. Some Altai Resources investors have already had a taste of the bitterness stocks like this can leave in the mouth.

Altai Resources has plenty of cash in the bank, with net cash sitting at CA$3.3m, when it last reported (December 2018). This gives management the flexibility to drive business growth, without worrying too much about cash reserves. But with the share price diving 69% in the last year, it could be that the price was previously too hyped up. You can click on the image below to see (in greater detail) how Altai Resources's cash levels have changed over time.

TSXV:ATI Historical Debt, April 29th 2019
TSXV:ATI Historical Debt, April 29th 2019

Of course, the truth is that it is hard to value companies without much revenue or profit. What if insiders are ditching the stock hand over fist? It would bother me, that's for sure. It only takes a moment for you to check whether we have identified any insider sales recently.

What about the Total Shareholder Return (TSR)?

We'd be remiss not to mention the difference between Altai Resources's total shareholder return (TSR) and its share price return. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. We note that Altai Resources's TSR, at -69% is higher than its share price return of -69%. When you consider it hasn't been paying a dividend, this data suggests shareholders have benefitted from a spin-off, or had the opportunity to acquire attractively priced shares in a discounted capital raising.

A Different Perspective

Investors in Altai Resources had a tough year, with a total loss of 69%, against a market gain of about 6.3%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. On the bright side, long term shareholders have made money, with a gain of 23% per year over half a decade. It could be that the recent sell-off is an opportunity, so it may be worth checking the fundamental data for signs of a long term growth trend. Before spending more time on Altai Resources it might be wise to click here to see if insiders have been buying or selling shares.

For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on CA exchanges.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.