Last One MileLtd's (TSE:9252) Soft Earnings Are Actually Better Than They Appear

The most recent earnings report from Last One Mile Co.,Ltd. (TSE:9252) was disappointing for shareholders. Despite the soft profit numbers, our analysis has optimistic about the overall quality of the income statement.

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Examining Cashflow Against Last One MileLtd's Earnings

As finance nerds would already know, the accrual ratio from cashflow is a key measure for assessing how well a company's free cash flow (FCF) matches its profit. In plain english, this ratio subtracts FCF from net profit, and divides that number by the company's average operating assets over that period. You could think of the accrual ratio from cashflow as the 'non-FCF profit ratio'.

As a result, a negative accrual ratio is a positive for the company, and a positive accrual ratio is a negative. That is not intended to imply we should worry about a positive accrual ratio, but it's worth noting where the accrual ratio is rather high. To quote a 2014 paper by Lewellen and Resutek, "firms with higher accruals tend to be less profitable in the future".

Over the twelve months to August 2025, Last One MileLtd recorded an accrual ratio of -0.20. That implies it has very good cash conversion, and that its earnings in the last year actually significantly understate its free cash flow. Indeed, in the last twelve months it reported free cash flow of JP¥1.3b, well over the JP¥674.0m it reported in profit. Last One MileLtd did see its free cash flow drop year on year, which is less than ideal, like a Simpson's episode without Groundskeeper Willie.

Note: we always recommend investors check balance sheet strength. Click here to be taken to our balance sheet analysis of Last One MileLtd.

Our Take On Last One MileLtd's Profit Performance

Happily for shareholders, Last One MileLtd produced plenty of free cash flow to back up its statutory profit numbers. Because of this, we think Last One MileLtd's underlying earnings potential is as good as, or possibly even better, than the statutory profit makes it seem! Unfortunately, though, its earnings per share actually fell back over the last year. At the end of the day, it's essential to consider more than just the factors above, if you want to understand the company properly. So while earnings quality is important, it's equally important to consider the risks facing Last One MileLtd at this point in time. You'd be interested to know, that we found 3 warning signs for Last One MileLtd and you'll want to know about them.

Today we've zoomed in on a single data point to better understand the nature of Last One MileLtd's profit. But there is always more to discover if you are capable of focussing your mind on minutiae. Some people consider a high return on equity to be a good sign of a quality business. While it might take a little research on your behalf, you may find this free collection of companies boasting high return on equity, or this list of stocks with significant insider holdings to be useful.

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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.