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 the reality is that when a company loses money each year, for long enough, its investors will usually take their share of those losses.  While a well funded company may sustain losses for years, it will need to generate a profit eventually, or else investors will move on and the company will wither away.

Despite being in the age of tech-stock blue-sky investing, many investors still adopt a more traditional strategy; buying shares in profitable companies like US Foods Holding (NYSE:USFD). While profit isn't the sole metric that should be considered when investing, it's worth recognising businesses that can consistently produce it.

US Foods Holding's Improving Profits

In the last three years US Foods Holding's earnings per share took off; so much so that it's a bit disingenuous to use these figures to try and deduce long term estimates.  So it would be better to isolate the growth rate over the last year for our analysis.    Outstandingly, US Foods Holding's EPS shot from US$1.02 to US$2.03, over the last year.  It's not often a company can achieve year-on-year growth of 100%.  

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.    While we note US Foods Holding achieved similar EBIT margins to last year, revenue grew by a solid 4.6% to US$36b.  That's progress.  

You can take a look at the company's revenue and earnings growth trend, in the chart below.  For finer detail, click on the image.

NYSE:USFD Earnings and Revenue History April 9th 2024

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 US Foods Holding?

Are US Foods Holding Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

Owing to the size of US Foods Holding, we wouldn't expect insiders to hold a significant proportion of the company.  But thanks to their investment in the company, it's pleasing to see that there are still incentives to align their actions with the shareholders.     Indeed, they hold US$46m worth of its stock.  This considerable investment should help drive long-term value in the business.   Even though that's only about 0.4% of the company, it's enough money to indicate alignment between the leaders of the business and ordinary shareholders.  

Does US Foods Holding Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?

US Foods Holding's earnings per share have been soaring, with growth rates sky high.   That EPS growth certainly is attention grabbing, and the large insider ownership only serves to further stoke our interest.  The hope is, of course, that the strong growth marks a fundamental improvement in the business economics.  Based on the sum of its parts, we definitely think its worth watching US Foods Holding very closely.     Still, you should learn about the   2 warning signs we've spotted with US Foods Holding.

Although US Foods Holding certainly looks good, it may appeal to more investors if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see companies with insider buying, then check out this handpicked selection of  companies that not only boast of strong growth but have also seen recent insider buying..

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.