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 can act like a sponge for capital - so investors should be cautious that they're not throwing good money after bad.
If this kind of company isn't your style, you like companies that generate revenue, and even earn profits, then you may well be interested in MGE Energy (NASDAQ:MGEE). While this doesn't necessarily speak to whether it's undervalued, the profitability of the business is enough to warrant some appreciation - especially if its growing.
MGE Energy's Earnings Per Share Are Growing
Generally, companies experiencing growth in earnings per share (EPS) should see similar trends in share price. That makes EPS growth an attractive quality for any company. Over the last three years, MGE Energy has grown EPS by 6.5% per year. This may not be setting the world alight, but it does show that EPS is on the upwards trend.
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. EBIT margins for MGE Energy remained fairly unchanged over the last year, however the company should be pleased to report its revenue growth for the period of 6.1% to US$688m. That's progress.
The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. For finer detail, click on the image.
Check out our latest analysis for MGE Energy
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 MGE Energy?
Are MGE Energy Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?
Investors are always searching for a vote of confidence in the companies they hold and insider buying is one of the key indicators for optimism on the market. This view is based on the possibility that stock purchases signal bullishness on behalf of the buyer. However, insiders are sometimes wrong, and we don't know the exact thinking behind their acquisitions.
Belief in the company remains high for insiders as there hasn't been a single share sold by the management or company board members. But the real excitement comes from the US$76k that Independent Director James Berbee spent buying shares (at an average price of about US$89.18). It seems at least one insider has seen potential in the company's future - and they're willing to put money on the line.
It's reassuring that MGE Energy insiders are buying the stock, but that's not the only reason to think management are fair to shareholders. Namely, MGE Energy has a very reasonable level of CEO pay. The median total compensation for CEOs of companies similar in size to MGE Energy, with market caps between US$2.0b and US$6.4b, is around US$7.6m.
MGE Energy's CEO took home a total compensation package of US$2.1m in the year prior to December 2024. First impressions seem to indicate a compensation policy that is favourable to shareholders. CEO remuneration levels are not the most important metric for investors, but when the pay is modest, that does support enhanced alignment between the CEO and the ordinary shareholders. It can also be a sign of a culture of integrity, in a broader sense.
Should You Add MGE Energy To Your Watchlist?
One important encouraging feature of MGE Energy is that it is growing profits. And there's more to love too, with modest CEO remuneration and insider buying interest continuing the positives for the company. If these factors aren't enough to secure MGE Energy a spot on the watchlist, then it certainly warrants a closer look at the very least. Before you take the next step you should know about the 2 warning signs for MGE Energy that we have uncovered.
The good news is that MGE Energy is not the only stock with insider buying. Here's a list of small cap, undervalued companies in the US 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.
Valuation is complex, but we're here to simplify it.
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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.