Like a puppy chasing its tail, some new investors often chase 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks' without revenue, let alone 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.
If, on the other hand, you like companies that have revenue, and even earn profits, then you may well be interested in Sparebanken Øst (OB:SPOG). While that doesn't make the shares worth buying at any price, you can't deny that successful capitalism requires profit, eventually. 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 Sparebanken Øst
Sparebanken Øst's Earnings Per Share Are 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). That makes EPS growth an attractive quality for any company. Sparebanken Øst managed to grow EPS by 4.5% per year, over three years. While that sort of growth rate isn't amazing, it does show the business is growing.
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. I note that Sparebanken Øst'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 Sparebanken Øst's EBIT margins were flat over the last year, revenue grew by a solid 18% to kr830m. 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 we live in the present moment at all times, there's no doubt in my mind that the future matters more than the past. So why not check this interactive chart depicting future EPS estimates, for Sparebanken Øst?
Are Sparebanken Øst Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?
Like the kids in the streets standing up for their beliefs, insider share purchases give me reason to believe in a brighter future. That's because insider buying often indicates that those closest to the company have confidence that the share price will perform well. However, small purchases are not always indicative of conviction, and insiders don't always get it right.
Like a sturdy phalanx Sparebanken Øst insiders have stood united by refusing to sell shares over the last year. But my excitement comes from the kr478k that Chair of the Board of Directors Øivind Andersson spent buying shares (at an average price of about kr47.82).
Does Sparebanken Øst Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?
One important encouraging feature of Sparebanken Øst is that it is growing profits. Not every business can grow its EPS, but Sparebanken Øst certainly can. The icing on the cake is that an insider bought shares during the year, which inclines me to put this one on a watchlist. What about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Sparebanken Øst you should know about.
The good news is that Sparebanken Øst is not the only growth stock with insider buying. Here's a list of them... with insider buying in the last three months!
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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About OB:SPOG
Solid track record average dividend payer.
