Mesa Laboratories Inc (MLAB)
Return on total capital
| Dec 31, 2024 | Sep 30, 2024 | Jun 30, 2024 | 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) (ttm) | US$ in thousands | -259,631 | -256,454 | -263,704 | -269,951 | 4,596 | 3,872 | 8,890 | 4,381 | 4,568 | 167 | 927 | 7,617 | 13,333 | 10,879 | 9,839 | 11,117 | 1,453 | 1,956 | 2,222 | 4,044 |
| Long-term debt | US$ in thousands | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Total stockholders’ equity | US$ in thousands | 155,214 | 161,451 | 150,727 | 145,393 | 402,961 | 387,759 | 387,719 | 393,480 | 387,205 | 374,236 | 380,431 | 393,801 | 396,329 | 399,417 | 399,003 | 406,227 | 412,795 | 392,412 | 382,234 | 220,013 |
| Return on total capital | -167.27% | -158.84% | -174.95% | -185.67% | 1.14% | 1.00% | 2.29% | 1.11% | 1.18% | 0.04% | 0.24% | 1.93% | 3.36% | 2.72% | 2.47% | 2.74% | 0.35% | 0.50% | 0.58% | 1.84% |
December 31, 2024 calculation
Return on total capital = EBIT (ttm) ÷ (Long-term debt + Total stockholders’ equity)
= $-259,631K ÷ ($—K + $155,214K)
= -167.27%
Mesa Laboratories Inc's return on total capital has exhibited significant fluctuations over the periods provided. The return on total capital has ranged from a low of -185.67% in March 31, 2024, to a high of 3.36% in December 31, 2021.
In the earlier periods, the return on total capital was generally low, indicating potential inefficiencies in capital utilization. However, the return improved notably in recent periods, reaching above 2% in several quarters. The positive trend suggests enhanced profitability and efficiency in utilizing the company's total capital.
It is important to note the sharp decline in return on total capital in the later periods, dropping to negative figures starting from March 31, 2024. This significant negative return indicates that the company's capital employed is not generating sufficient returns, which could be a cause for concern regarding the company's financial performance and capital allocation strategies.
Overall, Mesa Laboratories Inc's return on total capital has shown variability and fluctuation, underscoring the importance of closely monitoring and assessing the company's capital management strategies to ensure sustainable and positive returns in the future.
Peer comparison
Dec 31, 2024