There wouldn't be many who think Zhejiang Jinghua Laser Technology Co.,Ltd's (SHSE:603607) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 32.8x is worth a mention when the median P/E in China is similar at about 34x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/E.

For example, consider that Zhejiang Jinghua Laser TechnologyLtd's financial performance has been poor lately as its earnings have been in decline. It might be that many expect the company to put the disappointing earnings performance behind them over the coming period, which has kept the P/E from falling. 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.

See our latest analysis for Zhejiang Jinghua Laser TechnologyLtd

Is There Some Growth For Zhejiang Jinghua Laser TechnologyLtd?

There's an inherent assumption that a company should be matching the market for P/E ratios like Zhejiang Jinghua Laser TechnologyLtd's to be considered reasonable.

If we review the last year of earnings, dishearteningly the company's profits fell to the tune of 26%. This means it has also seen a slide in earnings over the longer-term as EPS is down 18% in total over the last three years. So unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that the company has not done a great job of growing earnings over that time.

Weighing that medium-term earnings trajectory against the broader market's one-year forecast for expansion of 43% shows it's an unpleasant look.

With this information, we find it concerning that Zhejiang Jinghua Laser TechnologyLtd is trading at a fairly similar P/E to the market. It seems most investors are ignoring the recent poor growth rate and are hoping for a turnaround in the company's business prospects. There's a good chance existing shareholders are setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/E falls to levels more in line with the recent negative growth rates.

What We Can Learn From Zhejiang Jinghua Laser TechnologyLtd'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.

We've established that Zhejiang Jinghua Laser TechnologyLtd currently trades on a higher than expected P/E since its recent earnings have been in decline over the medium-term. Right now we are uncomfortable with the P/E as this earnings performance is unlikely to support a more positive sentiment for long. If recent medium-term earnings trends continue, it will place shareholders' investments at risk and potential investors in danger of paying an unnecessary premium.

Having said that, be aware Zhejiang Jinghua Laser TechnologyLtd is showing 1 warning sign in our investment analysis, you should know about.

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.