Stock Analysis

Do PWF Corporation Bhd's (KLSE:PWF) Earnings Warrant Your Attention?

KLSE:PWF
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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 currently 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. 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.

Despite being in the age of tech-stock blue-sky investing, many investors still adopt a more traditional strategy; buying shares in profitable companies like PWF Corporation Bhd (KLSE:PWF). Even if this company is fairly valued by the market, investors would agree that generating consistent profits will continue to provide PWF Corporation Bhd with the means to add long-term value to shareholders.

Check out our latest analysis for PWF Corporation Bhd

PWF Corporation Bhd's Improving Profits

Over the last three years, PWF Corporation Bhd has grown earnings per share (EPS) at as impressive rate from a relatively low point, resulting in a three year percentage growth rate that isn't particularly indicative of expected future performance. Thus, it makes sense to focus on more recent growth rates, instead. Outstandingly, PWF Corporation Bhd's EPS shot from RM0.056 to RM0.16, over the last year. Year on year growth of 186% is certainly a sight to behold.

Top-line growth is a great indicator that growth is sustainable, and combined with a high earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margin, it's a great way for a company to maintain a competitive advantage in the market. PWF Corporation Bhd shareholders can take confidence from the fact that EBIT margins are up from -5.1% to 16%, and revenue is growing. Both of which are great metrics to check off for potential growth.

You can take a look at the company's revenue and earnings growth trend, in the chart below. Click on the chart to see the exact numbers.

earnings-and-revenue-history
KLSE:PWF Earnings and Revenue History March 4th 2024

Since PWF Corporation Bhd is no giant, with a market capitalisation of RM291m, you should definitely check its cash and debt before getting too excited about its prospects.

Are PWF Corporation Bhd Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

Theory would suggest that it's an encouraging sign to see high insider ownership of a company, since it ties company performance directly to the financial success of its management. So those who are interested in PWF Corporation Bhd will be delighted to know that insiders have shown their belief, holding a large proportion of the company's shares. Actually, with 48% of the company to their names, insiders are profoundly invested in the business. Shareholders and speculators should be reassured by this kind of alignment, as it suggests the business will be run for the benefit of shareholders. To give you an idea, the value of insiders' holdings in the business are valued at RM140m at the current share price. That's nothing to sneeze at!

It's good to see that insiders are invested in the company, but are remuneration levels reasonable? Well, based on the CEO pay, you'd argue that they are indeed. Our analysis has discovered that the median total compensation for the CEOs of companies like PWF Corporation Bhd with market caps under RM945m is about RM495k.

The PWF Corporation Bhd CEO received total compensation of only RM60k in the year to December 2022. This total may indicate that the CEO is sacrificing take home pay for performance-based benefits, ensuring that their motivations are synonymous with strong company results. CEO compensation is hardly the most important aspect of a company to consider, but when it's reasonable, that gives a little more confidence that leadership are looking out for shareholder interests. It can also be a sign of a culture of integrity, in a broader sense.

Does PWF Corporation Bhd Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?

PWF Corporation Bhd's earnings per share have been soaring, with growth rates sky high. The cherry on top is that insiders own a bucket-load of shares, and the CEO pay seems really quite reasonable. The sharp increase in earnings could signal good business momentum. Big growth can make big winners, so the writing on the wall tells us that PWF Corporation Bhd is worth considering carefully. You should always think about risks though. Case in point, we've spotted 3 warning signs for PWF Corporation Bhd you should be aware of.

Although PWF Corporation Bhd certainly looks good, it may appeal to more investors if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see companies with insider buying, then check out this handpicked selection of Malaysian companies that not only boast of strong growth but have also seen recent insider buying..

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

Valuation is complex, but we're helping make it simple.

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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.