It's common for many investors, especially those who are inexperienced, to buy shares in companies with a good story even if these companies are loss-making. Unfortunately, these high risk investments often have little probability of ever paying off, and many investors pay a price to learn their lesson. 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.
So if this idea of high risk and high reward doesn't suit, you might be more interested in profitable, growing companies, like Deutsche Bank (ETR:DBK). While profit isn't the sole metric that should be considered when investing, it's worth recognising businesses that can consistently produce it.
Deutsche Bank has undergone a massive growth in earnings per share over the last three years. So much so that this three year growth rate wouldn't be a fair assessment of the company's future. Thus, it makes sense to focus on more recent growth rates, instead. Deutsche Bank's EPS shot up from €1.00 to €1.66; a result that's bound to keep shareholders happy. That's a commendable gain of 66%.
Careful consideration of revenue growth and earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margins can help inform a view on the sustainability of the recent profit growth. Not all of Deutsche Bank's revenue this year is revenue from operations, so keep in mind the revenue and margin numbers used in this article might not be the best representation of the underlying business. While we note Deutsche Bank achieved similar EBIT margins to last year, revenue grew by a solid 3.6% to €26b. That's progress.
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.
Are Deutsche Bank Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?
We would not expect to see insiders owning a large percentage of a €22b company like Deutsche Bank. But we are reassured by the fact they have invested in the company. Notably, they have an enviable stake in the company, worth €2.5b. Holders should find this level of insider commitment quite encouraging, since it would ensure that the leaders of the company would also experience their success, or failure, with the stock.
While it's always good to see some strong conviction in the company from insiders through heavy investment, it's also important for shareholders to ask if management compensation policies are reasonable. Our quick analysis into CEO remuneration would seem to indicate they are. The median total compensation for CEOs of companies similar in size to Deutsche Bank, with market caps over €7.5b, is around €4.5m.
The Deutsche Bank CEO received €3.9m in compensation for the year ending December 2021. That seems pretty reasonable, especially given it's below the median for similar sized companies. While the level of CEO compensation shouldn't be the biggest factor in how the company is viewed, modest remuneration is a positive, because it suggests that the board keeps shareholder interests in mind. Generally, arguments can be made that reasonable pay levels attest to good decision-making.
Does Deutsche Bank Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?
You can't deny that Deutsche Bank has grown its earnings per share at a very impressive rate. That's attractive. If that's not enough, consider also that the CEO pay is quite reasonable, and insiders are well-invested alongside other shareholders. This may only be a fast rundown, but the key takeaway is that Deutsche Bank is worth keeping an eye on. We should say that we've discovered 2 warning signs for Deutsche Bank that you should be aware of before investing here.
Although Deutsche Bank certainly looks good, it may appeal to more investors if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see insider buying, then this freelist 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. 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.
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