If You Like EPS Growth Then Check Out UBS Group (VTX:UBSG) Before It's Too Late

For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to investors, even if it completely lacks a track record of revenue and 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 UBS Group (VTX:UBSG). Even if the shares are fully valued today, most capitalists would recognize its profits as the demonstration of steady value generation. While a well funded company may sustain losses for years, unless its owners have an endless appetite for subsidizing the customer, it will need to generate a profit eventually, or else breathe its last breath.

See our latest analysis for UBS Group

How Fast Is UBS Group Growing Its Earnings Per Share?

Over the last three years, UBS Group has grown earnings per share (EPS) like young bamboo after rain; fast, and from a low base. So I don't think the percent growth rate is particularly meaningful. Thus, it makes sense to focus on more recent growth rates, instead. Like a wedge-tailed eagle on the wind, UBS Group's EPS soared from US$1.57 to US$2.25, in just one year. That's a commendable gain of 43%.

Careful consideration of revenue growth and earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margins can help inform a view on the sustainability of the recent profit growth. I note that UBS Group's revenue from operations was lower than its revenue in the last twelve months, so that could distort my analysis of its margins. While we note UBS Group's EBIT margins were flat over the last year, revenue grew by a solid 12% to US$35b. That's progress.

The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. To see the actual numbers, click on the chart.

In investing, as in life, the future matters more than the past. So why not check out this free interactive visualization of UBS Group's forecast profits?

Are UBS Group Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

We would not expect to see insiders owning a large percentage of a CHF57b company like UBS Group. But we do take comfort from the fact that they are investors in the company. Notably, they have an enormous stake in the company, worth US$217m. This suggests to me that leadership will be very mindful of shareholders' interests when making decisions!

Does UBS Group Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?

For growth investors like me, UBS Group's raw rate of earnings growth is a beacon in the night. I think that EPS growth is something to boast of, and it doesn't surprise me that insiders are holding on to a considerable chunk of shares. So this is very likely the kind of business that I like to spend time researching, with a view to discerning its true value. We don't want to rain on the parade too much, but we did also find 2 warning signs for UBS Group (1 is potentially serious!) that you need to be mindful of.

Of course, you can do well (sometimes) buying stocks that are not growing earnings and do not have insiders buying shares. But as a growth investor I always like to check out companies that do have those features. You can access a free list of them here.

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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