Jiangsu Jingyuan Environmental Protection Co.,Ltd. (SHSE:688096) shareholders that were waiting for something to happen have been dealt a blow with a 25% share price drop in the last month. Instead of being rewarded, shareholders who have already held through the last twelve months are now sitting on a 22% share price drop.

In spite of the heavy fall in price, it's still not a stretch to say that Jiangsu Jingyuan Environmental ProtectionLtd's price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 2.3x right now seems quite "middle-of-the-road" compared to the Machinery industry in China, where the median P/S ratio is around 2.5x. While this might not raise any eyebrows, if the P/S ratio is not justified investors could be missing out on a potential opportunity or ignoring looming disappointment.

See our latest analysis for Jiangsu Jingyuan Environmental ProtectionLtd

How Jiangsu Jingyuan Environmental ProtectionLtd Has Been Performing

For instance, Jiangsu Jingyuan Environmental ProtectionLtd's receding revenue in recent times would have to be some food for thought. One possibility is that the P/S is moderate because investors think the company might still do enough to be in line with the broader industry in the near future. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.

Do Revenue Forecasts Match The P/S Ratio?

There's an inherent assumption that a company should be matching the industry for P/S ratios like Jiangsu Jingyuan Environmental ProtectionLtd's to be considered reasonable.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered a frustrating 7.3% decrease to the company's top line. Still, the latest three year period has seen an excellent 35% overall rise in revenue, in spite of its unsatisfying short-term performance. Although it's been a bumpy ride, it's still fair to say the revenue growth recently has been more than adequate for the company.

Comparing that to the industry, which is predicted to deliver 28% growth in the next 12 months, the company's momentum is weaker, based on recent medium-term annualised revenue results.

With this information, we find it interesting that Jiangsu Jingyuan Environmental ProtectionLtd is trading at a fairly similar P/S compared to the industry. Apparently many investors in the company are less bearish than recent times would indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock right now. They may be setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/S falls to levels more in line with recent growth rates.

The Key Takeaway

Following Jiangsu Jingyuan Environmental ProtectionLtd's share price tumble, its P/S is just clinging on to the industry median P/S. Generally, our preference is to limit the use of the price-to-sales ratio to establishing what the market thinks about the overall health of a company.

We've established that Jiangsu Jingyuan Environmental ProtectionLtd's average P/S is a bit surprising since its recent three-year growth is lower than the wider industry forecast. Right now we are uncomfortable with the P/S as this revenue performance isn't likely to support a more positive sentiment for long. Unless the recent medium-term conditions improve, it's hard to accept the current share price as fair value.

Having said that, be aware Jiangsu Jingyuan Environmental ProtectionLtd is showing 3 warning signs in our investment analysis, and 2 of those are a bit unpleasant.

It's important to make sure you look for a great company, not just the first idea you come across. So if growing profitability aligns with your idea of a great company, take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with strong recent earnings growth (and a low P/E).

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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.