Long term investing works well, but it doesn't always work for each individual stock. It hits us in the gut when we see fellow investors suffer a loss. For example, we sympathize with anyone who was caught holding Manas Resources Limited (ASX:MSR) during the five years that saw its share price drop a whopping 86%. And some of the more recent buyers are probably worried, too, with the stock falling 50% in the last year. Shareholders have had an even rougher run lately, with the share price down 33% in the last 90 days.
While a drop like that is definitely a body blow, money isn't as important as health and happiness.
View our latest analysis for Manas Resources
Manas Resources recorded just AU$46,454 in revenue over the last twelve months, which isn't really enough for us to consider it to have a proven product. We can't help wondering why it's publicly listed so early in its journey. Are venture capitalists not interested? So it seems shareholders are too busy dreaming about the progress to come than dwelling on the current (lack of) revenue. It seems likely some shareholders believe that Manas Resources will find or develop a valuable new mine before too long.
We think companies that have neither significant revenues nor profits are pretty high risk. There is almost always a chance they will need to raise more capital, and their progress - and share price - will dictate how dilutive that is to current holders. While some companies like this go on to deliver on their plan, making good money for shareholders, many end in painful losses and eventual de-listing. Manas Resources has already given some investors a taste of the bitter losses that high risk investing can cause.
When it last reported its balance sheet in June 2019, Manas Resources could boast a strong position, with cash in excess of all liabilities of AU$7.8m. That allows management to focus on growing the business, and not worry too much about raising capital. But since the share price has dropped 32% per year, over 5 years , it seems like the market might have been over-excited previously. You can see in the image below, how Manas Resources's cash levels have changed over time (click to see the values). You can click on the image below to see (in greater detail) how Manas Resources's cash levels have changed over time.
Of course, the truth is that it is hard to value companies without much revenue or profit. Given that situation, would you be concerned if it turned out insiders were relentlessly selling stock? I'd like that just about as much as I like to drink milk and fruit juice mixed together. You can click here to see if there are insiders selling.