The Funeng Oriental Equipment Technology Co., Ltd. (SZSE:300173) share price has done very well over the last month, posting an excellent gain of 36%. Looking back a bit further, it's encouraging to see the stock is up 28% in the last year.

Although its price has surged higher, it's still not a stretch to say that Funeng Oriental Equipment Technology's price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 3.5x right now seems quite "middle-of-the-road" compared to the Machinery industry in China, where the median P/S ratio is around 3.2x. While this might not raise any eyebrows, if the P/S ratio is not justified investors could be missing out on a potential opportunity or ignoring looming disappointment.

View our latest analysis for Funeng Oriental Equipment Technology

How Funeng Oriental Equipment Technology Has Been Performing

For example, consider that Funeng Oriental Equipment Technology's financial performance has been poor lately as its revenue has been in decline. 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 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.

Is There Some Revenue Growth Forecasted For Funeng Oriental Equipment Technology?

The only time you'd be comfortable seeing a P/S like Funeng Oriental Equipment Technology's 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 9.9%. Still, the latest three year period has seen an excellent 93% overall rise in revenue, in spite of its unsatisfying short-term performance. Although it's been a bumpy ride, it's still fair to say the revenue growth recently has been more than adequate for the company.

This is in contrast to the rest of the industry, which is expected to grow by 33% over the next year, materially higher than the company's recent medium-term annualised growth rates.

In light of this, it's curious that Funeng Oriental Equipment Technology's P/S sits in line with the majority of other companies. 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

Funeng Oriental Equipment Technology appears to be back in favour with a solid price jump bringing its P/S back in line with other companies in the industry We'd say the price-to-sales ratio's power isn't primarily as a valuation instrument but rather to gauge current investor sentiment and future expectations.

Our examination of Funeng Oriental Equipment Technology 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. Unless there is a significant improvement in the company's medium-term performance, it will be difficult to prevent the P/S ratio from declining to a more reasonable level.

You always need to take note of risks, for example - Funeng Oriental Equipment Technology has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of.

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.