Mesa Laboratories Inc (MLAB)

Operating return on assets (Operating ROA)

		Mar 31, 2024	Dec 31, 2023	Sep 30, 2023	Jun 30, 2023	Mar 31, 2023	Dec 31, 2022	Sep 30, 2022	Jun 30, 2022	Mar 31, 2022	Dec 31, 2021	Sep 30, 2021	Jun 30, 2021	Mar 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Sep 30, 2020	Jun 30, 2020	Mar 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019	Sep 30, 2019	Jun 30, 2019
Operating income (ttm)	US$ in thousands	-272,075	-274	3,195	7,250	3,320	2,803	-3,111	-2,905	4,812	9,108	11,642	11,911	12,358	9,089	5,812	6,036	7,858	9,390	13,965	10,409
Total assets	US$ in thousands	446,796	741,769	637,188	642,611	661,832	662,984	656,231	685,811	707,369	721,712	609,102	612,490	601,475	621,636	588,932	576,733	409,108	423,467	392,465	159,671
Operating ROA		-60.89%	-0.04%	0.50%	1.13%	0.50%	0.42%	-0.47%	-0.42%	0.68%	1.26%	1.91%	1.94%	2.05%	1.46%	0.99%	1.05%	1.92%	2.22%	3.56%	6.52%

March 31, 2024 calculation

Operating ROA = Operating income (ttm) ÷ Total assets
= $-272,075K ÷ $446,796K
= -60.89%

The operating return on assets (operating ROA) for Mesa Laboratories Inc has fluctuated over the past several quarters. The data shows a downward trend from the high of 6.52% in the third quarter of 2019 to a low of -60.89% in the first quarter of 2024.

In the most recent quarter, the operating ROA stood at -60.89%, indicating that the company's operating income generated from its assets was insufficient to cover the costs associated with those assets. This could be a concerning sign for the company's profitability and operational efficiency.

However, it is essential to note that the operating ROA has shown volatility in the past, with quarterly fluctuations ranging from negative figures to positive figures as high as 6.52%. This suggests that Mesa Laboratories Inc's performance in terms of generating operating income from its assets has been inconsistent.

Further analysis and understanding of the company's operational and financial strategies would be necessary to determine the reasons behind these fluctuations and to assess the company's overall financial health and performance.