Yahoo Finance I Ran A Stock Scan For Earnings Growth And Turning Point Brands (NYSE:TPB) Passed With Ease
Like a puppy chasing its tail, some new investors often chase 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks' without revenue, let alone profit. But the reality is that when a company loses money each year, for long enough, its investors will usually take their share of those losses.
So if you're like me, you might be more interested in profitable, growing companies, like Turning Point Brands (NYSE:TPB). Even if the shares are fully valued today, most capitalists would recognize its profits as the demonstration of steady value generation. Loss-making companies are always racing against time to reach financial sustainability, but time is often a friend of the profitable company, especially if it is growing.
See our latest analysis for Turning Point Brands
How Quickly Is Turning Point Brands Increasing Earnings Per Share?
As one of my mentors once told me, share price follows earnings per share (EPS). Therefore, there are plenty of investors who like to buy shares in companies that are growing EPS. It certainly is nice to see that Turning Point Brands has managed to grow EPS by 17% per year over three years. As a general rule, we'd say that if a company can keep up that sort of growth, shareholders will be smiling.
I like to see top-line growth as an indication that growth is sustainable, and I look for a high earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margin to point to a competitive moat (though some companies with low margins also have moats). While we note Turning Point Brands's EBIT margins were flat over the last year, revenue grew by a solid 20% to US$363m. That's a real positive.
You can take a look at the company's revenue and earnings growth trend, in the chart below. To see the actual numbers, click on the chart.
While we live in the present moment at all times, there's no doubt in my mind that the future matters more than the past. So why not check this interactive chart depicting future EPS estimates, for Turning Point Brands?
Are Turning Point Brands Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?
Like the kids in the streets standing up for their beliefs, insider share purchases give me reason to believe in a brighter future. This view is based on the possibility that stock purchases signal bullishness on behalf of the buyer. However, insiders are sometimes wrong, and we don't know the exact thinking behind their acquisitions.
Any way you look at it Turning Point Brands shareholders can gain quiet confidence from the fact that insiders shelled out US$456k to buy stock, over the last year. When you contrast that with the complete lack of sales, it's easy for shareholders to brim with joyful expectancy. We also note that it was the CFO & Senior VP, Robert Lavan, who made the biggest single acquisition, paying US$105k for shares at about US$29.86 each.
Along with the insider buying, another encouraging sign for Turning Point Brands is that insiders, as a group, have a considerable shareholding. Indeed, they hold US$22m worth of its stock. That's a lot of money, and no small incentive to work hard. Despite being just 4.8% of the company, the value of that investment is enough to show insiders have plenty riding on the venture.
Does Turning Point Brands Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?
For growth investors like me, Turning Point Brands's raw rate of earnings growth is a beacon in the night. On top of that, insiders own a significant stake in the company and have been buying more shares. So it's fair to say I think this stock may well deserve a spot on your watchlist. Of course, identifying quality businesses is only half the battle; investors need to know whether the stock is undervalued. So you might want to consider this free discounted cashflow valuation of Turning Point Brands.
There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. So if you like the sound of Turning Point Brands, you'll probably love this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.
Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction
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If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned. Thank you for reading.
