Downer EDI's ROE Falls Short of Industry Average, Raises Concerns Over Stock's Future
ByAinvest
Tuesday, Aug 12, 2025 11:44 pm ET1min read
ASX--
One of the key concerns is the company's return on equity (ROE), which has fallen to 3.8% in FY24. This low ROE suggests that the company may be struggling with poor capital allocation or a high payout ratio. Additionally, the company's gross margin has remained relatively stable at 11.5%, but its profit has been declining, dropping from $176m in 2022 to $56m in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -31.7% [1].
Another factor to consider is the company's debt levels. Downer EDI Limited has a debt/equity ratio of 81.1%, indicating a high level of leverage. While this can provide financial flexibility, it also increases the company's sensitivity to interest rates and potential instability. The company's net debt stands at $994m, which could be a concern for investors [1].
Despite these concerns, the company's dividend yield has been falling, currently sitting at around 2.45%, compared to its 5-year average of 3.74%. This could indicate that the share price is increasing, but it also suggests that the company may be prioritizing dividend payouts over reinvestment in the business [1].
In conclusion, while Downer EDI Limited's stock has shown some resilience in the short term, its weak financials and low ROE raise concerns about its long-term sustainability. Investors should carefully consider these metrics before making any investment decisions.
References:
[1] https://www.raskmedia.com.au/2025/08/08/are-downer-edi-ltd-asxdow-shares-good-value-in-2025-12/
Downer EDI Limited's stock has risen 12% in the last three months, but its weak financials and low return on equity (ROE) of 3.8% raise concerns about its sustainability. The company's net income has declined 20% over the past five years, and its earnings growth has been lower than the industry average of 11%. The low ROE and declining earnings suggest that the company may be struggling with poor capital allocation or a high payout ratio.
Downer EDI Limited's (ASX: DOW) stock has shown resilience, rising by 12% in the last three months. However, a closer look at the company's financials reveals a mixed bag of metrics that warrant investor caution. The company's net income has declined by 20% over the past five years, and its earnings growth has lagged behind the industry average of 11% [1].One of the key concerns is the company's return on equity (ROE), which has fallen to 3.8% in FY24. This low ROE suggests that the company may be struggling with poor capital allocation or a high payout ratio. Additionally, the company's gross margin has remained relatively stable at 11.5%, but its profit has been declining, dropping from $176m in 2022 to $56m in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -31.7% [1].
Another factor to consider is the company's debt levels. Downer EDI Limited has a debt/equity ratio of 81.1%, indicating a high level of leverage. While this can provide financial flexibility, it also increases the company's sensitivity to interest rates and potential instability. The company's net debt stands at $994m, which could be a concern for investors [1].
Despite these concerns, the company's dividend yield has been falling, currently sitting at around 2.45%, compared to its 5-year average of 3.74%. This could indicate that the share price is increasing, but it also suggests that the company may be prioritizing dividend payouts over reinvestment in the business [1].
In conclusion, while Downer EDI Limited's stock has shown some resilience in the short term, its weak financials and low ROE raise concerns about its long-term sustainability. Investors should carefully consider these metrics before making any investment decisions.
References:
[1] https://www.raskmedia.com.au/2025/08/08/are-downer-edi-ltd-asxdow-shares-good-value-in-2025-12/

Stay ahead of the market.
Get curated U.S. market news, insights and key dates delivered to your inbox.
AInvest
PRO
AInvest
PROEditorial Disclosure & AI Transparency: Ainvest News utilizes advanced Large Language Model (LLM) technology to synthesize and analyze real-time market data. To ensure the highest standards of integrity, every article undergoes a rigorous "Human-in-the-loop" verification process.
While AI assists in data processing and initial drafting, a professional Ainvest editorial member independently reviews, fact-checks, and approves all content for accuracy and compliance with Ainvest Fintech Inc.’s editorial standards. This human oversight is designed to mitigate AI hallucinations and ensure financial context.
Investment Warning: This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional investment, legal, or financial advice. Markets involve inherent risks. Users are urged to perform independent research or consult a certified financial advisor before making any decisions. Ainvest Fintech Inc. disclaims all liability for actions taken based on this information. Found an error?Report an Issue

Comments
No comments yet