Should You Be Adding Synopsys (NASDAQ:SNPS) To Your Watchlist Today?
It's only natural that many investors, especially those who are new to the game, prefer to buy shares in 'sexy' stocks with a good story, even if those businesses lose money. But as Warren Buffett has mused, 'If you've been playing poker for half an hour and you still don't know who the patsy is, you're the patsy.' When they buy such story stocks, investors are all too often the patsy.
In the age of tech-stock blue-sky investing, my choice may seem old fashioned; I still prefer profitable companies like Synopsys (NASDAQ:SNPS). While that doesn't make the shares worth buying at any price, you can't deny that successful capitalism requires profit, eventually. 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.
See our latest analysis for Synopsys
How Fast Is Synopsys Growing Its Earnings Per Share?
In the last three years Synopsys's earnings per share took off like a rocket; fast, and from a low base. So the actual rate of growth doesn't tell us much. Thus, it makes sense to focus on more recent growth rates, instead. Synopsys boosted its trailing twelve month EPS from US$3.55 to US$4.40, in the last year. I doubt many would complain about that 24% gain.
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). While we note Synopsys's EBIT margins were flat over the last year, revenue grew by a solid 9.7% to US$3.7b. That's a real positive.
In the chart below, you can see how the company has grown earnings, and revenue, over time. Click on the chart to see the exact numbers.
You don't drive with your eyes on the rear-view mirror, so you might be more interested in this free report showing analyst forecasts for Synopsys's future profits.
Are Synopsys Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?
We would not expect to see insiders owning a large percentage of a US$41b company like Synopsys. But we do take comfort from the fact that they are investors in the company. Notably, they have an enormous stake in the company, worth US$260m. This suggests to me that leadership will be very mindful of shareholders' interests when making decisions!
Does Synopsys Deserve A Spot On Your Watchlist?
One important encouraging feature of Synopsys is that it is growing profits. If that's not enough on its own, there is also the rather notable levels of insider ownership. The combination sparks joy for me, so I'd consider keeping the company on a watchlist. Still, you should learn about the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Synopsys .
Although Synopsys certainly looks good to me, I would like it more if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see insider buying, too, then this free list 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.
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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