Will This Ultra-Cheap Stock Rebound Strongly Soon?

Roots Corporation (TSX:ROOT) could be an interesting rebound play.

| More on:

The pandemic has impacted some companies far more than others. Tech stocks surged last year while the rest of the economy has been recovering this year. One stock that seems to have missed out is apparel retailer Roots (TSX:ROOT).

Roots stock had a mild recovery but has dipped in the second half of the year. The stock has lost 25% of its value since hitting a two-year high of $4.13 at the end of June.  Despite this dip, it’s up 20% year to date, which is in line with the rest of the stock market. 

Why is this retailer being overlooked, and could its recovery in 2022 be stronger than its peers? Here’s a closer look.

Waning sentiments

Roots stock has come under pressure ever since the provider of apparel, leather goods, footwear, and accessories delivered disappointing second-quarter results for the period ending in July. Net loss in the quarter landed at $1.2 million. Net sales, meanwhile, improved only slightly to $38.9 million from $38.2 million delivered the same quarter last year.

The retailer has been one of the hardest hit amid the pandemic. During the second quarter, 60% of its store remained closed compared to just 45% the same quarter last year. 

Roots worsening sentiments in the market stem from the fact that it has underperformed compared to other apparel retailers that have bounced back on focusing on e-commerce. However, the company is looking to change its fortunes by focusing on product innovations and marketing partnerships. Increased focus on e-commerce is also likely to bolster the company’s prospects.

With the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions, the company could post solid results for its third quarter, with results due on December 14, 2021. Meanwhile, the stock price reflects a deeply pessimistic outlook for the company. 

Valuation

Roots stock currently trades at just $2.95. That’s significantly lower than its all-time high of $13.5 set in 2018. Much of this decline is because of the pandemic and the company’s lacklustre e-commerce performance. 

However, it could be argued that Roots is underpriced despite these weaknesses. The stock trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of just 7.6. If the new variant of the virus isn’t as concerning as some expect or if Roots can sustain some growth in its e-commerce segment, this valuation could quickly change. 

The reopening is perhaps the biggest catalyst. If Roots can raise the shutters on most of its 68 outlets in time for the Christmas shopping season, shareholders could be in for a windfall. Keep an eye on this high-risk, high-reward retail play for the months ahead. 

Bottom line

Roots has been battered worse than most other retail stocks. The company lost most of its market value since 2018 and roughly a quarter in the last few months. However, if the team is allowed to reopen physical stores in time for Christmas this year, the stock could surge higher. As it stands, it’s priced for the worst-case scenario.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Vishesh Raisinghani has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the Average TFSA Balance at Age 35 in Canada

At age 35, it might not seem like you need to be thinking about your future cash flow. But ideally,…

Read more »

A person uses and AI chat bot
Tech Stocks

AI Where No One’s Looking: Seize Growth in These Canadian Stocks Before the Market Catches Up

Beyond flashy headlines about generative AI, these two Canadian AI stocks could deliver strong returns for investors who are willing…

Read more »

Rocket lift off through the clouds
Investing

2 Small-Cap Stocks That Canadians Should Consider in November

Small-cap stocks can have explosive upside. However, you need to be very choosey. Here are two small cap Canadian stocks…

Read more »

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Stock Market

Top Canadian Stocks You Can Buy Now With Just $1,000

Undervalued Canadian stocks such as Lassonde and Jamieson Wellness trade at a sizeable discount to consensus price target estimates.

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

How to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution in 2024

Here's how I would prioritize a $7,000 TFSA contribution for growth and income.

Read more »

a man relaxes with his feet on a pile of books
Dividend Stocks

CPP Pensioners: Watch for These Important Updates

The CPP is an excellent tool for retirees, but be sure to stay on top of important updates like these.

Read more »

Technology
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Dividend Stocks I’d Buy and Hold Forever

These TSX dividend stocks are likely to help TFSA investors earn steady and growing passive income for decades.

Read more »

money goes up and down in balance
Investing

Unveiled: 2 Must-Watch Stocks for Your TFSA Before 2025

Value-conscious TFSA investors should consider Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS) and another great dividend pick.

Read more »