Most readers would already be aware that Sunvim GroupLtd's (SZSE:002083) stock increased significantly by 18% over the past month. However, we decided to pay close attention to its weak financials as we are doubtful that the current momentum will keep up, given the scenario. In this article, we decided to focus on Sunvim GroupLtd's 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.
Check out our latest analysis for Sunvim GroupLtd
Return on equity can be calculated by using the formula:
Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) ÷ Shareholders' Equity
So, based on the above formula, the ROE for Sunvim GroupLtd is:
8.9% = CN¥357m ÷ CN¥4.0b (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2024).
The 'return' is the amount earned after tax over the last twelve months. Another way to think of that is that for every CN¥1 worth of equity, the company was able to earn CN¥0.09 in profit.
We have already established that ROE serves as an efficient profit-generating gauge for a company's future earnings. Based on how much of its profits the company chooses to reinvest or "retain", we are then able to evaluate a company's future ability to generate profits. 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.
On the face of it, Sunvim GroupLtd's ROE is not much to talk about. Yet, a closer study shows that the company's ROE is similar to the industry average of 7.8%. Having said that, Sunvim GroupLtd's five year net income decline rate was 7.2%. Remember, the company's ROE is a bit low to begin with. So that's what might be causing earnings growth to shrink.
However, when we compared Sunvim GroupLtd's growth with the industry we found that while the company's earnings have been shrinking, the industry has seen an earnings growth of 1.7% in the same period. This is quite worrisome.
Earnings growth is a huge factor in stock valuation. The investor should try to establish if the expected growth or decline in earnings, whichever the case may be, is priced in. This then helps them determine if the stock is placed for a bright or bleak future. One good indicator of expected earnings growth is the P/E ratio which determines the price the market is willing to pay for a stock based on its earnings prospects. So, you may want to check if Sunvim GroupLtd is trading on a high P/E or a low P/E, relative to its industry.
With a high three-year median payout ratio of 84% (implying that 16% of the profits are retained), most of Sunvim GroupLtd's profits are being paid to shareholders, which explains the company's shrinking earnings. 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 3 risks we have identified for Sunvim GroupLtd.
Moreover, Sunvim GroupLtd has been paying dividends for nine years, which is a considerable amount of time, suggesting that management must have perceived that the shareholders prefer consistent dividends even though earnings have been shrinking.
In total, we would have a hard think before deciding on any investment action concerning Sunvim GroupLtd. 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. Until now, we have only just grazed the surface of the company's past performance by looking at the company's fundamentals. To gain further insights into Sunvim GroupLtd's past profit growth, check out this visualization of past earnings, revenue and cash flows.
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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.