Recent 20% pullback isn't enough to hurt long-term Circle Property (LON:CRC) shareholders, they're still up 15% over 1 year

It's normal to be annoyed when stock you own has a declining share price. But sometimes broader market conditions have more of an impact on prices than the actual business performance. So while the Circle Property Plc (LON:CRC) share price is down 74% in the last year, the total return to shareholders (which includes dividends) was 15%. That's better than the market which declined 2.0% over the last year. We note that it has not been easy for shareholders over three years, either; the share price is down 62% in that time. Furthermore, it's down 72% in about a quarter. That's not much fun for holders.

After losing 20% this past week, it's worth investigating the company's fundamentals to see what we can infer from past performance.

Check out our latest analysis for Circle Property

While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time.

Circle Property managed to increase earnings per share from a loss to a profit, over the last 12 months.

Earnings per share growth rates aren't particularly useful for comparing with the share price, when a company has moved from loss to profit. But we may find different metrics more enlightening.

On the other hand, we're certainly perturbed by the 16% decline in Circle Property's revenue. If the market sees the weak revenue as jeopardising EPS, that could explain the lower share price.

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

You can see how its balance sheet has strengthened (or weakened) over time in this free interactive graphic.

What About The Total Shareholder Return (TSR)?

Investors should note that there's a difference between Circle Property's total shareholder return (TSR) and its share price change, which we've covered above. The TSR attempts to capture the value of dividends (as if they were reinvested) as well as any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings offered to shareholders. Dividends have been really beneficial for Circle Property shareholders, and that cash payout contributed to why its TSR of 15%, over the last 1 year, is better than the share price return.

A Different Perspective

It's nice to see that Circle Property shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 15% over the last year. That's better than the annualised return of 14% over half a decade, implying that the company is doing better recently. Someone with an optimistic perspective could view the recent improvement in TSR as indicating that the business itself is getting better with time. I find it very interesting to look at share price over the long term as a proxy for business performance. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Take risks, for example - Circle Property has 5 warning signs (and 2 which are a bit concerning) we think you should know about.

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list 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 British 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.