There wouldn't be many who think Bowlero Corp.'s (NYSE:BOWL) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 1.7x is worth a mention when the median P/S for the Hospitality industry in the United States is similar at about 1.2x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.

How Has Bowlero Performed Recently?

Bowlero could be doing better as it's been growing revenue less than most other companies lately. Perhaps the market is expecting future revenue performance to lift, which has kept the P/S from declining. 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?

In order to justify its P/S ratio, Bowlero would need to produce growth that's similar to the industry.

If we review the last year of revenue, the company posted a result that saw barely any deviation from a year ago. The latest three year period has seen an incredible overall rise in revenue, in spite of this mediocre revenue growth of late. Accordingly, shareholders will be pleased, but also have some serious questions to ponder about the last 12 months.

Turning to the outlook, the next three years should generate growth of 7.5% each year as estimated by the ten analysts watching the company. With the industry predicted to deliver 11% growth each year, the company is positioned for a weaker revenue result.

In light of this, it's curious that Bowlero's P/S sits in line with the majority of other companies. Apparently many investors in the company are less bearish than analysts indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock right now. Maintaining these prices will be difficult to achieve as this level of revenue growth is likely to weigh down the shares eventually.

The Key Takeaway

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 look at the analysts forecasts of Bowlero's revenue prospects has shown that its inferior revenue outlook isn't negatively impacting its P/S as much as we would have predicted. When we see companies with a relatively weaker revenue outlook compared to the industry, we suspect the share price is at risk of declining, sending the moderate P/S lower. A positive change is needed in order to justify the current price-to-sales ratio.

It is also worth noting that we have found 4 warning signs for Bowlero (1 shouldn't be ignored!) that you need to take into consideration.

It's important to make sure you look for a great company, not just the first idea you come across. So if growing profitability aligns with your idea of a great company, take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with strong recent earnings growth (and a low P/E).

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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.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com