Helix Energy Solutions Group (NYSE:HLX) shareholders are still up 71% over 3 years despite pulling back 11% in the past week

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE:HLX) shareholders might be concerned after seeing the share price drop 11% in the last month. But over three years, the returns would have left most investors smiling After all, the share price is up a market-beating 71% in that time.

While the stock has fallen 11% this week, it's worth focusing on the longer term and seeing if the stocks historical returns have been driven by the underlying fundamentals.

See our latest analysis for Helix Energy Solutions Group

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.

Helix Energy Solutions Group has made a profit in the past. However, it made a loss in the last twelve months, suggesting profit may be an unreliable metric at this stage. So we might find other metrics can better explain the share price movements.

It could be that the revenue growth of 28% per year is viewed as evidence that Helix Energy Solutions Group is growing. If the company is being managed for the long term good, today's shareholders might be right to hold on.

The company's revenue and earnings (over time) are depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers).

Take a more thorough look at Helix Energy Solutions Group's financial health with this free report on its balance sheet.

A Different Perspective

It's nice to see that Helix Energy Solutions Group shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 41% over the last year. Since the one-year TSR is better than the five-year TSR (the latter coming in at 7% per year), it would seem that the stock's performance has improved in recent times. In the best case scenario, this may hint at some real business momentum, implying that now could be a great time to delve deeper. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Helix Energy Solutions Group better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Helix Energy Solutions Group , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

Of course Helix Energy Solutions Group 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 American 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.