With EPS Growth And More, Community Financial (NASDAQ:TCFC) Is Interesting
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. Unfortunately, high risk investments often have little probability of ever paying off, and many investors pay a price to learn their lesson.
So if you're like me, you might be more interested in profitable, growing companies, like Community Financial (NASDAQ:TCFC). While that doesn't make the shares worth buying at any price, you can't deny that successful capitalism requires profit, eventually. Loss-making companies are always racing against time to reach financial sustainability, but time is often a friend of the profitable company, especially if it is growing.
View our latest analysis for Community Financial
How Quickly Is Community Financial 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). That means EPS growth is considered a real positive by most successful long-term investors. I, for one, am blown away by the fact that Community Financial has grown EPS by 51% per year, over the last three years. That sort of growth never lasts long, but like a shooting star it is well worth watching when it happens.
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. I note that Community Financial'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 Community Financial's EBIT margins were flat over the last year, revenue grew by a solid 23% to US$69m. 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.
The trick, as an investor, is to find companies that are going to perform well in the future, not just in the past. To that end, right now and today, you can check our visualization of consensus analyst forecasts for future Community Financial EPS 100% free.
Are Community Financial Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?
Like standing at the lookout, surveying the horizon at sunrise, insider buying, for some investors, sparks joy. This view is based on the possibility that stock purchases signal bullishness on behalf of the buyer. However, small purchases are not always indicative of conviction, and insiders don't always get it right.
In the last year insider at Community Financial were both selling and buying shares; but happily, as a group they spent US$177k more on stock, than they netted from selling it. On balance, that's a good sign. It is also worth noting that it was Independent Director Mohammad Javaid who made the biggest single purchase, worth US$150k, paying US$30.15 per share.
Along with the insider buying, another encouraging sign for Community Financial is that insiders, as a group, have a considerable shareholding. Indeed, they hold US$25m worth of its stock. That's a lot of money, and no small incentive to work hard. That amounts to 12% of the company, demonstrating a degree of high-level alignment with shareholders.
Does Community Financial Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?
Community Financial's earnings per share growth have been levitating higher, like a mountain goat scaling the Alps. Just as heartening; insiders both own and are buying more stock. Because of the potential that it has reached an inflection point, I'd suggest Community Financial belongs on the top of your watchlist. You still need to take note of risks, for example - Community Financial has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of.
There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. So if you like the sound of Community Financial, you'll probably love this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.
Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.
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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