Shenzhen RongDa Photosensitive Science & Technology Co., Ltd.'s (SZSE:300576) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 12.4x may look like a poor investment opportunity when you consider close to half the companies in the Chemicals industry in China have P/S ratios below 2x. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the highly elevated P/S.

What Does Shenzhen RongDa Photosensitive Science & Technology's P/S Mean For Shareholders?

For example, consider that Shenzhen RongDa Photosensitive Science & Technology's financial performance has been pretty ordinary lately as revenue growth is non-existent. One possibility is that the P/S is high because investors think the benign revenue growth will improve to outperform the broader industry in the near future. However, if this isn't the case, investors might get caught out paying too much for the stock.

What Are Revenue Growth Metrics Telling Us About The High P/S?

The only time you'd be truly comfortable seeing a P/S as steep as Shenzhen RongDa Photosensitive Science & Technology's is when the company's growth is on track to outshine the industry decidedly.

Taking a look back first, we see that there was hardly any revenue growth to speak of for the company over the past year. However, a few strong years before that means that it was still able to grow revenue by an impressive 52% in total over the last three years. Accordingly, shareholders will be pleased, but also have some questions to ponder about the last 12 months.

Comparing that to the industry, which is predicted to deliver 23% growth in the next 12 months, the company's momentum is weaker, based on recent medium-term annualised revenue results.

In light of this, it's alarming that Shenzhen RongDa Photosensitive Science & Technology's P/S sits above the majority of other companies. Apparently many investors in the company are way more bullish than recent times would indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock at any price. Only the boldest would assume these prices are sustainable as a continuation of recent revenue trends is likely to weigh heavily on the share price eventually.

The Final Word

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.

The fact that Shenzhen RongDa Photosensitive Science & Technology currently trades on a higher P/S relative to the industry is an oddity, since its recent three-year growth is lower than the wider industry forecast. When we observe slower-than-industry revenue growth alongside a high P/S ratio, we assume there to be a significant risk of the share price decreasing, which would result in a lower P/S ratio. If recent medium-term revenue trends continue, it will place shareholders' investments at significant risk and potential investors in danger of paying an excessive premium.

You need to take note of risks, for example - Shenzhen RongDa Photosensitive Science & Technology has 2 warning signs (and 1 which is concerning) we think you should know about.

If companies with solid past earnings growth is up your alley, you may wish to see this free collection of other companies with strong earnings growth and low P/E ratios.

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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.