Yahoo Finance Is Landstar System (NASDAQ:LSTR) Using Too Much Debt?
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously said that 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk.' So it seems the smart money knows that debt - which is usually involved in bankruptcies - is a very important factor, when you assess how risky a company is. Importantly, Landstar System, Inc. (NASDAQ:LSTR) does carry debt. But the more important question is: how much risk is that debt creating?
Why Does Debt Bring Risk?
Debt and other liabilities become risky for a business when it cannot easily fulfill those obligations, either with free cash flow or by raising capital at an attractive price. Part and parcel of capitalism is the process of 'creative destruction' where failed businesses are mercilessly liquidated by their bankers. However, a more frequent (but still costly) occurrence is where a company must issue shares at bargain-basement prices, permanently diluting shareholders, just to shore up its balance sheet. Having said that, the most common situation is where a company manages its debt reasonably well - and to its own advantage. When we examine debt levels, we first consider both cash and debt levels, together.
Check out our latest analysis for Landstar System
What Is Landstar System's Net Debt?
As you can see below, at the end of March 2022, Landstar System had US$166.2m of debt, up from US$74.8m a year ago. Click the image for more detail. But on the other hand it also has US$181.7m in cash, leading to a US$15.5m net cash position.
A Look At Landstar System's Liabilities
The latest balance sheet data shows that Landstar System had liabilities of US$950.3m due within a year, and liabilities of US$239.4m falling due after that. Offsetting these obligations, it had cash of US$181.7m as well as receivables valued at US$1.35b due within 12 months. So it can boast US$338.4m more liquid assets than total liabilities.
This short term liquidity is a sign that Landstar System could probably pay off its debt with ease, as its balance sheet is far from stretched. Succinctly put, Landstar System boasts net cash, so it's fair to say it does not have a heavy debt load!
On top of that, Landstar System grew its EBIT by 70% over the last twelve months, and that growth will make it easier to handle its debt. When analysing debt levels, the balance sheet is the obvious place to start. But it is future earnings, more than anything, that will determine Landstar System's ability to maintain a healthy balance sheet going forward. So if you're focused on the future you can check out this free report showing analyst profit forecasts.
Finally, while the tax-man may adore accounting profits, lenders only accept cold hard cash. While Landstar System has net cash on its balance sheet, it's still worth taking a look at its ability to convert earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to free cash flow, to help us understand how quickly it is building (or eroding) that cash balance. During the last three years, Landstar System produced sturdy free cash flow equating to 60% of its EBIT, about what we'd expect. This cold hard cash means it can reduce its debt when it wants to.
Summing up
While we empathize with investors who find debt concerning, you should keep in mind that Landstar System has net cash of US$15.5m, as well as more liquid assets than liabilities. And it impressed us with its EBIT growth of 70% over the last year. So is Landstar System's debt a risk? It doesn't seem so to us. There's no doubt that we learn most about debt from the balance sheet. However, not all investment risk resides within the balance sheet - far from it. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Landstar System that you should be aware of.
If, after all that, you're more interested in a fast growing company with a rock-solid balance sheet, then check out our list of net cash growth stocks without delay.
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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.
