Unfortunately for some shareholders, the Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group Company Limited (HKG:1385) share price has dived 29% in the last thirty days, prolonging recent pain. For any long-term shareholders, the last month ends a year to forget by locking in a 72% share price decline.

Even after such a large drop in price, there still wouldn't be many who think Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group's price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 8.1x is worth a mention when the median P/E in Hong Kong is similar at about 9x. Although, it's not wise to simply ignore the P/E without explanation as investors may be disregarding a distinct opportunity or a costly mistake.

Recent times haven't been advantageous for Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group as its earnings have been falling quicker than most other companies. It might be that many expect the dismal earnings performance to revert back to market averages soon, which has kept the P/E from falling. You'd much rather the company wasn't bleeding earnings if you still believe in the business. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.

How Is Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group's Growth Trending?

In order to justify its P/E ratio, Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group would need to produce growth that's similar to the market.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered a frustrating 11% decrease to the company's bottom line. Even so, admirably EPS has lifted 911% in aggregate from three years ago, notwithstanding the last 12 months. Accordingly, while they would have preferred to keep the run going, shareholders would probably welcome the medium-term rates of earnings growth.

Shifting to the future, estimates from the dual analysts covering the company suggest earnings should grow by 24% over the next year. Meanwhile, the rest of the market is forecast to only expand by 21%, which is noticeably less attractive.

In light of this, it's curious that Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group's P/E sits in line with the majority of other companies. Apparently some shareholders are skeptical of the forecasts and have been accepting lower selling prices.

The Key Takeaway

Following Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group's share price tumble, its P/E is now hanging on to the median market P/E. While the price-to-earnings ratio shouldn't be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it's quite a capable barometer of earnings expectations.

Our examination of Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group's analyst forecasts revealed that its superior earnings outlook isn't contributing to its P/E as much as we would have predicted. There could be some unobserved threats to earnings preventing the P/E ratio from matching the positive outlook. It appears some are indeed anticipating earnings instability, because these conditions should normally provide a boost to the share price.

Before you take the next step, you should know about the 1 warning sign for Shanghai Fudan Microelectronics Group that we have uncovered.

If P/E ratios interest you, 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.