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.

In contrast to all that, I prefer to spend time on companies like Mineral Commodities (ASX:MRC), which has not only revenues, but also profits. Even if the shares are fully valued today, most capitalists would recognize its profits as the demonstration of steady value generation. While a well funded company may sustain losses for years, unless its owners have an endless appetite for subsidizing the customer, it will need to generate a profit eventually, or else breathe its last breath.

Check out our latest analysis for Mineral Commodities

How Quickly Is Mineral Commodities Increasing Earnings Per Share?

If a company can keep growing earnings per share (EPS) long enough, its share price will eventually follow. That makes EPS growth an attractive quality for any company. Over the last three years, Mineral Commodities has grown EPS by 9.9% per year. That's a good rate of growth, if it can be sustained.

I like to see top-line growth as an indication that growth is sustainable, and I look for a high earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margin to point to a competitive moat (though some companies with low margins also have moats). Not all of Mineral Commodities's revenue this year is revenue from operations, so keep in mind the revenue and margin numbers I've used might not be the best representation of the underlying business. The good news is that Mineral Commodities is growing revenues, and EBIT margins improved by 3.7 percentage points to 23%, over the last year. That's great to see, on both counts.

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.

 earnings-and-revenue-history

Mineral Commodities isn't a huge company, given its market capitalization of AU$182m. That makes it extra important to check on its balance sheet strength.

Are Mineral Commodities Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

Like that fresh smell in the air when the rains are coming, insider buying fills me with optimistic anticipation. Because oftentimes, the purchase of stock is a sign that the buyer views it as undervalued. Of course, we can never be sure what insiders are thinking, we can only judge their actions.

Like a sturdy phalanx Mineral Commodities insiders have stood united by refusing to sell shares over the last year. But my excitement comes from the US$82k that Independent Non-Executive Chairman David Baker spent buying shares (at an average price of about US$0.33).

The good news, alongside the insider buying, for Mineral Commodities bulls is that insiders (collectively) have a meaningful investment in the stock. Indeed, they hold US$21m worth of its stock. That shows significant buy-in, and may indicate conviction in the business strategy. That amounts to 11% of the company, demonstrating a degree of high-level alignment with shareholders.

Does Mineral Commodities Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?

As I already mentioned, Mineral Commodities is a growing business, which is what I like to see. Better yet, insiders are significant shareholders, and have been buying more shares. That makes the company a prime candidate for my watchlist - and arguably a research priority. It is worth noting though that we have found 2 warning signs for Mineral Commodities (1 is a bit concerning!) that you need to take into consideration.

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. So if you like the sound of Mineral Commodities, you'll probably love this freelist 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. 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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