Stock Analysis

Did Changing Sentiment Drive Hello Pal International's (CNSX:HP) Share Price Down By 28%?

CNSX:HP
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Hello Pal International Inc. (CNSX:HP) shareholders are doubtless heartened to see the share price bounce 44% in just one week. But in truth the last year hasn't been good for the share price. After all, the share price is down 28% in the last year, significantly under-performing the market.

Check out our latest analysis for Hello Pal International

With zero revenue generated over twelve months, we don't think that Hello Pal International has proved its business plan yet. This state of affairs suggests that venture capitalists won't provide funds on attractive terms. 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. Investors will be hoping that Hello Pal International can make progress and gain better traction for the business, before it runs low on cash.

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. So the share price itself impacts the value of the shares (as it determines the cost of capital). While some such companies go on to make revenue, profits, and generate value, others get hyped up by hopeful naifs before eventually going bankrupt.

Our data indicates that Hello Pal International had net debt of CA$1,499,015 when it last reported in November 2018. That makes it extremely high risk, in our view. But since the share price has dived -28% in the last year, it looks like some investors think it's time to abandon ship, so to speak. You can see in the image below, how Hello Pal International's cash levels have changed over time (click to see the values).

CNSX:HP Historical Debt, April 29th 2019
CNSX:HP Historical Debt, April 29th 2019

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. What if insiders are ditching the stock hand over fist? It would bother me, that's for sure. It only takes a moment for you to check whether we have identified any insider sales recently.

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A Different Perspective

Investors in Hello Pal International had a tough year, with a total loss of 28%, against a market gain of about 6.3%. Even the share prices of good stocks drop sometimes, but we want to see improvements in the fundamental metrics of a business, before getting too interested. Unfortunately, last year's performance may indicate unresolved challenges, given that it was worse than the annualised loss of 4.1% over the last half decade. We realise that Buffett has said investors should 'buy when there is blood on the streets', but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality businesses. Before spending more time on Hello Pal International it might be wise to click here to see if insiders have been buying or selling shares.

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this freelist of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

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

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.

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. Thank you for reading.