Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group Co., Ltd.'s (SHSE:900912) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 13.6x might make it look like a strong buy right now compared to the market in China, where around half of the companies have P/E ratios above 34x and even P/E's above 61x are quite common. Although, it's not wise to just take the P/E at face value as there may be an explanation why it's so limited.

For instance, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group's receding earnings in recent times would have to be some food for thought. It might be that many expect the disappointing earnings performance to continue or accelerate, which has repressed the P/E. If you like the company, you'd be hoping this isn't the case so that you could potentially pick up some stock while it's out of favour.

Check out our latest analysis for Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group

How Is Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group's Growth Trending?

The only time you'd be truly comfortable seeing a P/E as depressed as Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group's is when the company's growth is on track to lag the market decidedly.

If we review the last year of earnings, dishearteningly the company's profits fell to the tune of 67%. This has soured the latest three-year period, which nevertheless managed to deliver a decent 17% overall rise in EPS. So we can start by confirming that the company has generally done a good job of growing earnings over that time, even though it had some hiccups along the way.

Weighing that recent medium-term earnings trajectory against the broader market's one-year forecast for expansion of 45% shows it's noticeably less attractive on an annualised basis.

With this information, we can see why Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group is trading at a P/E lower than the market. Apparently many shareholders weren't comfortable holding on to something they believe will continue to trail the bourse.

The Bottom Line On Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group's P/E

We'd say the price-to-earnings ratio's power isn't primarily as a valuation instrument but rather to gauge current investor sentiment and future expectations.

As we suspected, our examination of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group revealed its three-year earnings trends are contributing to its low P/E, given they look worse than current market expectations. Right now shareholders are accepting the low P/E as they concede future earnings probably won't provide any pleasant surprises. Unless the recent medium-term conditions improve, they will continue to form a barrier for the share price around these levels.

Plus, you should also learn about these 3 warning signs we've spotted with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group (including 1 which is significant).

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.