Shenzhen HeungKong Holding Co.,Ltd (SHSE:600162) shareholders have had their patience rewarded with a 30% share price jump in the last month. Not all shareholders will be feeling jubilant, since the share price is still down a very disappointing 16% in the last twelve months.

In spite of the firm bounce in price, there still wouldn't be many who think Shenzhen HeungKong HoldingLtd's price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 1.6x is worth a mention when the median P/S in China's Real Estate industry is similar at about 1.9x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.

What Does Shenzhen HeungKong HoldingLtd's Recent Performance Look Like?

For example, consider that Shenzhen HeungKong HoldingLtd's financial performance has been poor lately as its revenue has been in decline. 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 you like the company, you'd at least be hoping this is the case so that you could potentially pick up some stock while it's not quite in favour.

Do Revenue Forecasts Match The P/S Ratio?

The only time you'd be comfortable seeing a P/S like Shenzhen HeungKong HoldingLtd's is when the company's growth is tracking the industry closely.

In reviewing the last year of financials, we were disheartened to see the company's revenues fell to the tune of 45%. This means it has also seen a slide in revenue over the longer-term as revenue is down 40% in total over the last three years. Therefore, it's fair to say the revenue growth recently has been undesirable for the company.

Comparing that to the industry, which is predicted to deliver 11% growth in the next 12 months, the company's downward momentum based on recent medium-term revenue results is a sobering picture.

With this in mind, we find it worrying that Shenzhen HeungKong HoldingLtd's P/S exceeds that of its industry peers. Apparently many investors in the company are way less bearish than recent times would indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock right now. There's a good chance existing shareholders are setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/S falls to levels more in line with the recent negative growth rates.

What We Can Learn From Shenzhen HeungKong HoldingLtd's P/S?

Its shares have lifted substantially and now Shenzhen HeungKong HoldingLtd's P/S is back within range of the industry median. While the price-to-sales ratio shouldn't be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it's quite a capable barometer of revenue expectations.

Our look at Shenzhen HeungKong HoldingLtd revealed its shrinking revenues over the medium-term haven't impacted the P/S as much as we anticipated, given the industry is set to grow. When we see revenue heading backwards in the context of growing industry forecasts, it'd make sense to expect a possible share price decline on the horizon, sending the moderate P/S lower. Unless the recent medium-term conditions improve markedly, investors will have a hard time accepting the share price as fair value.

It's always necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 4 warning signs with Shenzhen HeungKong HoldingLtd (at least 2 which are potentially serious), and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

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.