Advertisement
Canada markets closed
  • S&P/TSX

    21,873.72
    -138.00 (-0.63%)
     
  • S&P 500

    5,071.63
    +1.08 (+0.02%)
     
  • DOW

    38,460.92
    -42.77 (-0.11%)
     
  • CAD/USD

    0.7300
    -0.0020 (-0.27%)
     
  • CRUDE OIL

    82.84
    -0.52 (-0.62%)
     
  • Bitcoin CAD

    87,869.32
    -3,033.00 (-3.34%)
     
  • CMC Crypto 200

    1,385.35
    -38.75 (-2.72%)
     
  • GOLD FUTURES

    2,328.90
    -13.20 (-0.56%)
     
  • RUSSELL 2000

    1,995.43
    -7.22 (-0.36%)
     
  • 10-Yr Bond

    4.6520
    +0.0540 (+1.17%)
     
  • NASDAQ futures

    17,507.25
    -99.50 (-0.57%)
     
  • VOLATILITY

    15.97
    +0.28 (+1.78%)
     
  • FTSE

    8,040.38
    -4.43 (-0.06%)
     
  • NIKKEI 225

    38,460.08
    +907.92 (+2.42%)
     
  • CAD/EUR

    0.6820
    -0.0016 (-0.23%)
     

Does CTI Logistics Limited's (ASX:CLX) Weak Fundamentals Mean That The Market Could Correct Its Share Price?

CTI Logistics' (ASX:CLX) stock is up by a considerable 17% over the past three months. However, in this article, we decided to focus on its weak fundamentals, as long-term financial performance of a business is what ultimatley dictates market outcomes. In this article, we decided to focus on CTI Logistics' ROE.

Return on equity or ROE is an important factor to be considered by a shareholder because it tells them how effectively their capital is being reinvested. In other words, it is a profitability ratio which measures the rate of return on the capital provided by the company's shareholders.

See our latest analysis for CTI Logistics

How Is ROE Calculated?

The formula for return on equity is:

ADVERTISEMENT

Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) ÷ Shareholders' Equity

So, based on the above formula, the ROE for CTI Logistics is:

9.2% = AU$8.2m ÷ AU$88m (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2021).

The 'return' is the amount earned after tax over the last twelve months. So, this means that for every A$1 of its shareholder's investments, the company generates a profit of A$0.09.

What Has ROE Got To Do With Earnings Growth?

So far, we've learned that ROE is a measure of a company's profitability. Depending on how much of these profits the company reinvests or "retains", and how effectively it does so, we are then able to assess a company’s earnings growth potential. Assuming everything else remains unchanged, the higher the ROE and profit retention, the higher the growth rate of a company compared to companies that don't necessarily bear these characteristics.

CTI Logistics' Earnings Growth And 9.2% ROE

At first glance, CTI Logistics' ROE doesn't look very promising. However, its ROE is similar to the industry average of 9.2%, so we won't completely dismiss the company. But then again, CTI Logistics' five year net income shrunk at a rate of 49%. Remember, the company's ROE is a bit low to begin with. Hence, this goes some way in explaining the shrinking earnings.

So, as a next step, we compared CTI Logistics' performance against the industry and were disappointed to discover that while the company has been shrinking its earnings, the industry has been growing its earnings at a rate of 13% in the same period.

past-earnings-growth
past-earnings-growth

The basis for attaching value to a company is, to a great extent, tied to its earnings growth. What investors need to determine next is if the expected earnings growth, or the lack of it, is already built into the share price. This then helps them determine if the stock is placed for a bright or bleak future. Is CTI Logistics fairly valued compared to other companies? These 3 valuation measures might help you decide.

Is CTI Logistics Using Its Retained Earnings Effectively?

CTI Logistics' declining earnings is not surprising given how the company is spending most of its profits in paying dividends, judging by its three-year median payout ratio of 64% (or a retention ratio of 36%). The business is only left with a small pool of capital to reinvest - A vicious cycle that doesn't benefit the company in the long-run. Our risks dashboard should have the 4 risks we have identified for CTI Logistics.

Moreover, CTI Logistics has been paying dividends for at least ten years or more suggesting that management must have perceived that the shareholders prefer dividends over earnings growth.

Summary

In total, we would have a hard think before deciding on any investment action concerning CTI Logistics. Because the company is not reinvesting much into the business, and given the low ROE, it's not surprising to see the lack or absence of growth in its earnings. So far, we've only made a quick discussion around the company's earnings growth. So it may be worth checking this free detailed graph of CTI Logistics' past earnings, as well as revenue and cash flows to get a deeper insight into the company's performance.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.