If You Like EPS Growth Then Check Out Hiap Teck Venture Berhad (KLSE:HIAPTEK) Before It's Too Late

Some have more dollars than sense, they say, so even companies that have no revenue, no profit, and a record of falling short, can easily find investors. 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.

In contrast to all that, I prefer to spend time on companies like Hiap Teck Venture Berhad (KLSE:HIAPTEK), which has not only revenues, but also profits. Now, I'm not saying that the stock is necessarily undervalued today; but I can't shake an appreciation for the profitability of the business itself. 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 Hiap Teck Venture Berhad

How Fast Is Hiap Teck Venture Berhad Growing Its Earnings Per Share?

Over the last three years, Hiap Teck Venture Berhad 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. It's good to see that Hiap Teck Venture Berhad's EPS have grown from RM0.0087 to RM0.011 over twelve months. I doubt many would complain about that 24% gain.

I like to take a look at earnings before interest and (EBIT) tax margins, as well as revenue growth, to get another take on the quality of the company's growth. To cut to the chase Hiap Teck Venture Berhad's EBIT margins dropped last year, and so did its revenue. That will not make it easy to grow profits, to say the least.

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.

Since Hiap Teck Venture Berhad is no giant, with a market capitalization of RM697m, so you should definitely check its cash and debt before getting too excited about its prospects.

Are Hiap Teck Venture Berhad 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 Hiap Teck Venture Berhad shares worth a considerable sum. Indeed, they hold RM84m worth of its stock. That shows significant buy-in, and may indicate conviction in the business strategy. Those holdings account for over 12% of the company; visible skin in the game.

Does Hiap Teck Venture Berhad Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?

One important encouraging feature of Hiap Teck Venture Berhad is that it is growing profits. 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. You still need to take note of risks, for example - Hiap Teck Venture Berhad has 3 warning signs (and 1 which is significant) we think you should know about.

Although Hiap Teck Venture Berhad 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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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. 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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