Digital Domain Holdings Limited (HKG:547) shareholders are no doubt pleased to see that the share price has bounced 28% in the last month, although it is still struggling to make up recently lost ground. Unfortunately, the gains of the last month did little to right the losses of the last year with the stock still down 21% over that time.
Although its price has surged higher, it's still not a stretch to say that Digital Domain Holdings' price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 1.6x right now seems quite "middle-of-the-road" compared to the Entertainment industry in Hong Kong, where the median P/S ratio is around 1.8x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.
See our latest analysis for Digital Domain Holdings
How Digital Domain Holdings Has Been Performing
For instance, Digital Domain Holdings' 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.
Want the full picture on earnings, revenue and cash flow for the company? Then our free report on Digital Domain Holdings will help you shine a light on its historical performance.How Is Digital Domain Holdings' Revenue Growth Trending?
In order to justify its P/S ratio, Digital Domain Holdings would need to produce growth that's similar to the industry.
In reviewing the last year of financials, we were disheartened to see the company's revenues fell to the tune of 4.5%. However, a few very strong years before that means that it was still able to grow revenue by an impressive 49% in total over the last three years. Accordingly, while they would have preferred to keep the run going, shareholders would definitely welcome the medium-term rates of revenue growth.
This is in contrast to the rest of the industry, which is expected to grow by 50% over the next year, materially higher than the company's recent medium-term annualised growth rates.
With this information, we find it interesting that Digital Domain Holdings 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. Maintaining these prices will be difficult to achieve as a continuation of recent revenue trends is likely to weigh down the shares eventually.
The Final Word
Digital Domain Holdings appears to be back in favour with a solid price jump bringing its P/S back in line with other companies in the industry 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.
Our examination of Digital Domain Holdings revealed its poor three-year revenue trends aren't resulting in a lower P/S as per our expectations, given they look worse than current industry outlook. When we see weak revenue with slower than industry growth, we suspect the share price is at risk of declining, bringing the P/S back in line with expectations. If recent medium-term revenue trends continue, the probability of a share price decline will become quite substantial, placing shareholders at risk.
Plus, you should also learn about this 1 warning sign we've spotted with Digital Domain Holdings.
If you're unsure about the strength of Digital Domain Holdings' business, why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals for some other companies you may have missed.
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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.