Investors Who Bought Talga Resources (ASX:TLG) Shares Five Years Ago Are Now Up 76%
When we invest, we're generally looking for stocks that outperform the market average. Buying under-rated businesses is one path to excess returns. For example, the Talga Resources Limited (ASX:TLG) share price is up 76% in the last 5 years, clearly besting the market return of around 23% (ignoring dividends). On the other hand, the more recent gains haven't been so impressive, with shareholders gaining just 12%.
View our latest analysis for Talga Resources
With just AU$8,542 worth of revenue in twelve months, we don't think the market considers Talga Resources to have proven its business plan. So it seems that the investors focused more on what could be, than paying attention to the current revenues (or lack thereof). For example, investors may be hoping that Talga Resources finds some valuable resources, before it runs out of money.
As a general rule, if a company doesn't have much revenue, and it loses money, then it is a high risk investment. 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 do very well over the long term, others become hyped up by promoters before eventually falling back down to earth, and going bankrupt (or being recapitalized). Talga Resources has already given some investors a taste of the sweet gains that high risk investing can generate, if your timing is right.
When it reported in June 2019 Talga Resources had minimal cash in excess of all liabilities consider its expenditure: just AU$5.5m to be specific. So if it hasn't remedied the situation already, it will almost certainly have to raise more capital soon. It's a testament to the popularity of the business plan that the share price gained 111% per year, over 5 years , despite the weak balance sheet. You can see in the image below, how Talga Resources's cash levels have changed over time (click to see the values). You can see in the image below, how Talga Resources's cash levels have changed over time (click to see the values).
In reality it's hard to have much certainty when valuing a business that has neither revenue or profit. However you can take a look at whether insiders have been buying up shares. It's often positive if so, assuming the buying is sustained and meaningful. Luckily we are in a position to provide you with this free chart of insider buying (and selling).
A Different Perspective
Talga Resources provided a TSR of 12% over the last twelve months. But that return falls short of the market. If we look back over five years, the returns are even better, coming in at 12% per year for five years. Maybe the share price is just taking a breather while the business executes on its growth strategy. Most investors take the time to check the data on insider transactions. You can click here to see if insiders have been buying or selling.
If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.
Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on AU 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.
