Yahoo Finance The Lumentum Holdings (NASDAQ:LITE) Share Price Has Gained 59% And Shareholders Are Hoping For More
By buying an index fund, investors can approximate the average market return. But if you pick the right individual stocks, you could make more than that. For example, Lumentum Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:LITE) shareholders have seen the share price rise 59% over three years, well in excess of the market return (19%, not including dividends). However, more recent returns haven't been as impressive as that, with the stock returning just 25% in the last year.
View our latest analysis for Lumentum Holdings
While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time.
During three years of share price growth, Lumentum Holdings achieved compound earnings per share growth of 16% per year. We note, however, that extraordinary items have impacted earnings. This EPS growth is remarkably close to the 17% average annual increase in the share price. This suggests that sentiment and expectations have not changed drastically. Au contraire, the share price change has arguably mimicked the EPS growth.
You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values).
Before buying or selling a stock, we always recommend a close examination of historic growth trends, available here.
A Different Perspective
We're pleased to report that Lumentum Holdings rewarded shareholders with a total shareholder return of 25% over the last year. That gain actually surpasses the 17% TSR it generated (per year) over three years. The improving returns to shareholders suggests the stock is becoming more popular with time. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with Lumentum Holdings (at least 1 which shouldn't be ignored) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.
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 US exchanges.
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.
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. Thank you for reading.
