Stock Analysis

If EPS Growth Is Important To You, UWC Berhad (KLSE:UWC) Presents An Opportunity

KLSE:UWC
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The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even companies that have no revenue, no profit, and a record of falling short, can manage to find investors. But as Peter Lynch said in One Up On Wall Street, 'Long shots almost never pay off.' Loss-making companies are always racing against time to reach financial sustainability, so investors in these companies may be taking on more risk than they should.

So if this idea of high risk and high reward doesn't suit, you might be more interested in profitable, growing companies, like UWC Berhad (KLSE:UWC). Even if this company is fairly valued by the market, investors would agree that generating consistent profits will continue to provide UWC Berhad with the means to add long-term value to shareholders.

Check out our latest analysis for UWC Berhad

How Fast Is UWC Berhad Growing?

If you believe that markets are even vaguely efficient, then over the long term you'd expect a company's share price to follow its earnings per share (EPS) outcomes. So it makes sense that experienced investors pay close attention to company EPS when undertaking investment research. Shareholders will be happy to know that UWC Berhad's EPS has grown 36% each year, compound, over three years. If growth like this continues on into the future, then shareholders will have plenty to smile about.

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. While we note UWC Berhad achieved similar EBIT margins to last year, revenue grew by a solid 27% to RM367m. That's progress.

The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. Click on the chart to see the exact numbers.

earnings-and-revenue-history
KLSE:UWC Earnings and Revenue History January 18th 2023

While we live in the present moment, there's little doubt that the future matters most in the investment decision process. So why not check this interactive chart depicting future EPS estimates, for UWC Berhad?

Are UWC Berhad Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

It should give investors a sense of security owning shares in a company if insiders also own shares, creating a close alignment their interests. UWC Berhad followers will find comfort in knowing that insiders have a significant amount of capital that aligns their best interests with the wider shareholder group. Indeed, they have a considerable amount of wealth invested in it, currently valued at RM731m. That equates to 16% of the company, making insiders powerful and aligned with other shareholders. Very encouraging.

Should You Add UWC Berhad To Your Watchlist?

For growth investors, UWC Berhad's raw rate of earnings growth is a beacon in the night. This EPS growth rate is something the company should be proud of, and so it's no surprise that insiders are holding on to a considerable chunk of shares. On the balance of its merits, solid EPS growth and company insiders who are aligned with the shareholders would indicate a business that is worthy of further research. While we've looked at the quality of the earnings, we haven't yet done any work to value the stock. So if you like to buy cheap, you may want to check if UWC Berhad is trading on a high P/E or a low P/E, relative to its industry.

Although UWC Berhad certainly looks good, it may appeal to more investors if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see insider buying, 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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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.

About KLSE:UWC

UWC Berhad

An investment holding company, engages in the provision of precision sheet metal fabrication, precision machined components, and value-added assembly services in Malaysia, the United States, Singapore, Thailand, India, France, the Netherlands, Australia, China, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Spain, South Korea, and Vietnam.

Flawless balance sheet with reasonable growth potential.