Long-term investing often promises solid returns, but not every company follows that trend. The International Workplace Group (IWG) is a prime example, with its share price plummeting 58% over the past five years, according to Simply Wall St.
For those who held onto their shares, this decline has been a painful reminder of how buying at high prices can lead to steep losses.
Looking into the company’s fundamentals shows IWG has struggled to turn a profit in the past year. As a result, investors have focused on the company’s revenue growth — a key indicator for unprofitable firms hoping to turn things around.
Over the last five years, the company’s revenue has grown by just 2.7% annually. This modest growth has not been enough to offset its financial struggles, contributing to a poor 10% annualized return over the same period.
With revenue growth remaining weak, investors are likely waiting for clearer signs of stronger performance before re-engaging with the stock.
While a steep drop in stock price often leads investors to put a company on a watchlist in hopes of a future rebound, there’s no clear indication yet that IWG will make a strong comeback.
However, there is some positive news. Despite the challenges, the company has rewarded shareholders with a 12% total return over the last year, including dividends.
This marks a notable improvement compared to the 9% annual loss over the previous five years, offering a glimmer of hope for potential investors.
Additionally, there has been significant insider buying in the past year, which some see as a positive sign. While insider purchases don’t guarantee future performance, they can indicate confidence in the company’s recovery potential.
For those interested in diving deeper into IWG’s prospects, examining insider activity and the company’s growth trajectory will be key. Investors may also want to explore other stocks where insiders have made purchases, as they could represent companies at attractive valuations.
While the company’s long-term performance has been disappointing, recent short-term gains and insider confidence offer a more optimistic outlook.