What Type Of Returns Would CWC Energy Services'(CVE:CWC) Shareholders Have Earned If They Purchased Their Shares Three Years Ago?

Many investors define successful investing as beating the market average over the long term. But if you try your hand at stock picking, your risk returning less than the market. Unfortunately, that's been the case for longer term CWC Energy Services Corp. (CVE:CWC) shareholders, since the share price is down 27% in the last three years, falling well short of the market return of around 30%. The last week also saw the share price slip down another 13%.

Check out our latest analysis for CWC Energy Services

Because CWC Energy Services made a loss in the last twelve months, we think the market is probably more focussed on revenue and revenue growth, at least for now. Generally speaking, companies without profits are expected to grow revenue every year, and at a good clip. That's because it's hard to be confident a company will be sustainable if revenue growth is negligible, and it never makes a profit.

In the last three years CWC Energy Services saw its revenue shrink by 24% per year. That means its revenue trend is very weak compared to other loss making companies. With revenue in decline, the share price decline of 8% per year is hardly undeserved. It would probably be worth asking whether the company can fund itself to profitability. The company will need to return to revenue growth as quickly as possible, if it wants to see some enthusiasm from investors.

The image below shows how earnings and revenue have tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

If you are thinking of buying or selling CWC Energy Services stock, you should check out this FREE detailed report on its balance sheet.

A Different Perspective

CWC Energy Services shareholders are up 13% for the year. Unfortunately this falls short of the market return. But at least that's still a gain! Over five years the TSR has been a reduction of 2% per year, over five years. It could well be that the business is stabilizing. 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. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with CWC Energy Services (at least 1 which shouldn't be ignored) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

Of course CWC Energy Services may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of growth stocks.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on CA exchanges.

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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. 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.
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