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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. But as Peter Lynch said in One Up On Wall Street, 'Long shots almost never pay off.' 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.
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 Watts Water Technologies (NYSE:WTS). Even if this company is fairly valued by the market, investors would agree that generating consistent profits will continue to provide Watts Water Technologies with the means to add long-term value to shareholders.
Check out our latest analysis for Watts Water Technologies
How Quickly Is Watts Water Technologies Increasing Earnings Per Share?
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) outcomes. That makes EPS growth an attractive quality for any company. It certainly is nice to see that Watts Water Technologies has managed to grow EPS by 21% per year over three years. As a general rule, we'd say that if a company can keep up that sort of growth, shareholders will be beaming.
Top-line growth is a great indicator that growth is sustainable, and combined with a high earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margin, it's a great way for a company to maintain a competitive advantage in the market. EBIT margins for Watts Water Technologies remained fairly unchanged over the last year, however the company should be pleased to report its revenue growth for the period of 9.5% to US$2.3b. That's a real positive.
The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. Click on the chart to see the exact numbers.
Fortunately, we've got access to analyst forecasts of Watts Water Technologies' future profits. You can do your own forecasts without looking, or you can take a peek at what the professionals are predicting.
Are Watts Water Technologies Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?
Owing to the size of Watts Water Technologies, we wouldn't expect insiders to hold a significant proportion of the company. But we do take comfort from the fact that they are investors in the company. We note that their impressive stake in the company is worth US$1.3b. This totals to 19% of shares in the company. Enough to lead management's decision making process down a path that brings the most benefit to shareholders. Looking very optimistic for investors.