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 as Peter Lynch said in One Up On Wall Street, 'Long shots almost never pay off.'
In contrast to all that, I prefer to spend time on companies like Huons (KOSDAQ:243070), which has not only revenues, but also profits. While profit is not necessarily a social good, it's easy to admire a business that can consistently produce it. In comparison, loss making companies act like a sponge for capital - but unlike such a sponge they do not always produce something when squeezed.
View our latest analysis for Huons
Huons's Improving Profits
Even with very modest growth rates, a company will usually do well if it improves earnings per share (EPS) year after year. So EPS growth can certainly encourage an investor to take note of a stock. Over twelve months, Huons increased its EPS from ₩3,725 to ₩3,957. That amounts to a small improvement of 6.2%.
One way to double-check a company's growth is to look at how its revenue, and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) margins are changing. Huons maintained stable EBIT margins over the last year, all while growing revenue 15% to ₩405b. That's progress.
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 it's always good to see growing profits, you should always remember that a weak balance sheet could come back to bite. So check Huons's balance sheet strength, before getting too excited.
Are Huons Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?
I like company leaders to have some skin in the game, so to speak, because it increases alignment of incentives between the people running the business, and its true owners. As a result, I'm encouraged by the fact that insiders own Huons shares worth a considerable sum. To be specific, they have ₩25b worth of shares. That shows significant buy-in, and may indicate conviction in the business strategy. Despite being just 4.2% of the company, the value of that investment is enough to show insiders have plenty riding on the venture.
Does Huons Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?
One positive for Huons is that it is growing EPS. That's nice to see. Just as polish makes silverware pop, the high level of insider ownership enhances my enthusiasm for this growth. The combination sparks joy for me, so I'd consider keeping the company on a watchlist. It is worth noting though that we have found 1 warning sign for Huons that you need to take into consideration.
Although Huons certainly looks good to me, I would like it more if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see insider buying, too, then this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying, could be exactly what you're looking for.
Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.
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About KOSDAQ:A243070
Huons
Provides medical solutions for human health in Korea and internationally.
Excellent balance sheet and fair value.