Investors in Rhythm Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:RYTM) have unfortunately lost 65% over the last year
Taking the occasional loss comes part and parcel with investing on the stock market. Anyone who held Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:RYTM) over the last year knows what a loser feels like. In that relatively short period, the share price has plunged 65%. We note that it has not been easy for shareholders over three years, either; the share price is down 64% in that time. More recently, the share price has dropped a further 24% in a month.
It's worthwhile assessing if the company's economics have been moving in lockstep with these underwhelming shareholder returns, or if there is some disparity between the two. So let's do just that.
Check out our latest analysis for Rhythm Pharmaceuticals
We don't think Rhythm Pharmaceuticals' revenue of US$1,337,000 is enough to establish significant demand. We can't help wondering why it's publicly listed so early in its journey. Are venture capitalists not interested? As a result, we think it's unlikely shareholders are paying much attention to current revenue, but rather speculating on growth in the years to come. For example, they may be hoping that Rhythm Pharmaceuticals comes up with a great new product, before it runs out of money.
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 to raise equity. So the share price itself impacts the value of the shares (as it determines the cost of capital). While some companies like this go on to deliver on their plan, making good money for shareholders, many end in painful losses and eventual de-listing. It certainly is a dangerous place to invest, as Rhythm Pharmaceuticals investors might realise.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals had cash in excess of all liabilities of US$295m when it last reported (September 2021). While that's nothing to panic about, there is some possibility the company will raise more capital, especially if profits are not imminent. We'd venture that shareholders are concerned about the need for more capital, because the share price has dropped 65% in the last year. You can see in the image below, how Rhythm Pharmaceuticals' cash levels have changed over time (click to see the values).
It can be extremely risky to invest in a company that doesn't even have revenue. There's no way to know its value easily. Would it bother you if insiders were selling the stock? I'd like that just about as much as I like to drink milk and fruit juice mixed together. It costs nothing but a moment of your time to see if we are picking up on any insider selling.
A Different Perspective
Over the last year, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals shareholders took a loss of 65%. In contrast the market gained about 22%. Of course the long term matters more than the short term, and even great stocks will sometimes have a poor year. The three-year loss of 18% per year isn't as bad as the last twelve months, suggesting that the company has not been able to convince the market it has solved its problems. Although Baron Rothschild famously said to "buy when there's blood in the streets, even if the blood is your own", he also focusses on high quality stocks with solid prospects. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Even so, be aware that Rhythm Pharmaceuticals is showing 4 warning signs in our investment analysis , you should know about...
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals is not the only stock that insiders are buying. 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.
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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.
