Investors are often guided by the idea of discovering 'the next big thing', even if that means buying 'story stocks' without any revenue, let alone profit. 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.

So if this idea of high risk and high reward doesn't suit, you might be more interested in profitable, growing companies, like Major Drilling Group International (TSE:MDI). Now this is not to say that the company presents the best investment opportunity around, but profitability is a key component to success in business.

View our latest analysis for Major Drilling Group International

How Fast Is Major Drilling Group International Growing Its Earnings Per Share?

Over the last three years, Major Drilling Group International has grown earnings per share (EPS) at as impressive rate from a relatively low point, resulting in a three year percentage growth rate that isn't particularly indicative of expected future performance. So it would be better to isolate the growth rate over the last year for our analysis. Major Drilling Group International has grown its trailing twelve month EPS from CA$0.81 to CA$0.88, in the last year. That's a fair increase of 9.3%.

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 Major Drilling Group International remained fairly unchanged over the last year, however the company should be pleased to report its revenue growth for the period of 5.1% to CA$735m. That's a real positive.

In the chart below, you can see how the company has grown earnings and revenue, over time. For finer detail, click on the image.

 earnings-and-revenue-history

You don't drive with your eyes on the rear-view mirror, so you might be more interested in this freereport showing analyst forecasts for Major Drilling Group International's future profits.

Are Major Drilling Group International Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

Insider interest in a company always sparks a bit of intrigue and many investors are on the lookout for companies where insiders are putting their money where their mouth is. That's because insider buying often indicates that those closest to the company have confidence that the share price will perform well. However, small purchases are not always indicative of conviction, and insiders don't always get it right.

Even though some insiders sold down their holdings, their actions speak louder than words with CA$281k more invested than sold by people who know they company best. This overall confidence in the company at current the valuation signals their optimism. It is also worth noting that it was Vice President of Canadian Operations Barry Zerbin who made the biggest single purchase, worth CA$52k, paying CA$8.59 per share.

Is Major Drilling Group International Worth Keeping An Eye On?

As previously touched on, Major Drilling Group International is a growing business, which is encouraging. While some companies are struggling to grow EPS, Major Drilling Group International seems free from that morose affliction. The eye-catcher here is the reecnt insider share acquisitions which are undoubtedly enough to entice some investors to keep watch for the future. While we've looked at the quality of the earnings, we haven't yet done any work to value the stock. So if you like to buy cheap, you may want to check if Major Drilling Group International is trading on a high P/E or a low P/E, relative to its industry.

Keen growth investors love to see insider buying. Thankfully, Major Drilling Group International isn't the only one. You can see a a free list of them here.

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.