It's only natural that many investors, especially those who are new to the game, prefer to buy shares in 'sexy' stocks with a good story, even if those businesses lose money. Unfortunately, high risk investments often have little probability of ever paying off, and many investors pay a price to learn their lesson.
In contrast to all that, I prefer to spend time on companies like WidePoint (NYSEMKT:WYY), which has not only revenues, but also profits. While that doesn't make the shares worth buying at any price, you can't deny that successful capitalism requires profit, eventually. In comparison, loss making companies act like a sponge for capital - but unlike such a sponge they do not always produce something when squeezed.
Check out our latest analysis for WidePoint
How Fast Is WidePoint Growing Its Earnings Per Share?
In a capitalist society capital chases profits, and that means share prices tend rise with earnings per share (EPS). So like a ray of sunshine through a gap in the clouds, improving EPS is considered a good sign. It is therefore awe-striking that WidePoint's EPS went from US$0.027 to US$1.22 in just one year. Even though that growth rate is unlikely to be repeated, that looks like a breakout improvement. But the key is discerning whether something profound has changed, or if this is a just a one-off boost.
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. While we note WidePoint's EBIT margins were flat over the last year, revenue grew by a solid 77% to US$180m. That's progress.
You can take a look at the company's revenue and earnings growth trend, in the chart below. For finer detail, click on the image.
Of course the knack is to find stocks that have their best days in the future, not in the past. You could base your opinion on past performance, of course, but you may also want to check this interactive graph of professional analyst EPS forecasts for WidePoint.
Are WidePoint Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?
Is WidePoint Worth Keeping An Eye On?
WidePoint's earnings per share growth have been levitating higher, like a mountain goat scaling the Alps. You still need to take note of risks, for example - WidePoint has 6 warning signs (and 2 which can't be ignored) we think you should know about.
Although WidePoint 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 NYSEAM:WYY
WidePoint
Provides technology management as a service (TMaaS) to the government and business enterprises in North America and Europe.
Undervalued with excellent balance sheet.