Maravai LifeSciences Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRVI) shares have had a horrible month, losing 35% after a relatively good period beforehand. The drop over the last 30 days has capped off a tough year for shareholders, with the share price down 45% in that time.

Even after such a large drop in price, there still wouldn't be many who think Maravai LifeSciences Holdings' price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 3.4x is worth a mention when the median P/S in the United States' Life Sciences industry is similar at about 3.2x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.

What Does Maravai LifeSciences Holdings' Recent Performance Look Like?

Maravai LifeSciences Holdings has been struggling lately as its revenue has declined faster than most other companies. It might be that many expect the dismal revenue performance to revert back to industry averages soon, which has kept the P/S from falling. You'd much rather the company improve its revenue if you still believe in the business. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.

What Are Revenue Growth Metrics Telling Us About The P/S?

The only time you'd be comfortable seeing a P/S like Maravai LifeSciences Holdings' 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 62%. As a result, revenue from three years ago have also fallen 28% overall. Accordingly, shareholders would have felt downbeat about the medium-term rates of revenue growth.

Looking ahead now, revenue is anticipated to climb by 11% per annum during the coming three years according to the analysts following the company. With the industry only predicted to deliver 6.8% each year, the company is positioned for a stronger revenue result.

In light of this, it's curious that Maravai LifeSciences Holdings' P/S sits in line with the majority of other companies. It may be that most investors aren't convinced the company can achieve future growth expectations.

What Does Maravai LifeSciences Holdings' P/S Mean For Investors?

Following Maravai LifeSciences Holdings' share price tumble, its P/S is just clinging on to the industry median P/S. 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.

Despite enticing revenue growth figures that outpace the industry, Maravai LifeSciences Holdings' P/S isn't quite what we'd expect. When we see a strong revenue outlook, with growth outpacing the industry, we can only assume potential uncertainty around these figures are what might be placing slight pressure on the P/S ratio. However, if you agree with the analysts' forecasts, you may be able to pick up the stock at an attractive price.

Many other vital risk factors can be found on the company's balance sheet. You can assess many of the main risks through our free balance sheet analysis for Maravai LifeSciences Holdings with six simple checks.

Of course, profitable companies with a history of great earnings growth are generally safer bets. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have reasonable P/E ratios and have grown earnings strongly.

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