There wouldn't be many who think Suzhou Weizhixiang Food Co., Ltd.'s (SHSE:605089) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 35.8x is worth a mention when the median P/E in China is similar at about 35x. Although, it's not wise to simply ignore the P/E without explanation as investors may be disregarding a distinct opportunity or a costly mistake.

Suzhou Weizhixiang Food's negative earnings growth of late has neither been better nor worse than most other companies. It seems that few are expecting the company's earnings performance to deviate much from most other companies, which has held the P/E back. You'd much rather the company wasn't bleeding earnings if you still believe in the business. At the very least, you'd be hoping that earnings don't accelerate downwards if your plan is to pick up some stock while it's not in favour.

Check out our latest analysis for Suzhou Weizhixiang Food

Does Growth Match The P/E?

The only time you'd be comfortable seeing a P/E like Suzhou Weizhixiang Food's is when the company's growth is tracking the market closely.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered virtually the same number to the company's bottom line as the year before. Whilst it's an improvement, it wasn't enough to get the company out of the hole it was in, with earnings down 11% overall from three years ago. So unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that the company has not done a great job of growing earnings over that time.

Shifting to the future, estimates from the eight analysts covering the company suggest earnings should grow by 30% over the next year. With the market predicted to deliver 44% growth , the company is positioned for a weaker earnings result.

In light of this, it's curious that Suzhou Weizhixiang Food's P/E sits in line with the majority of other companies. It seems most investors are ignoring the fairly limited growth expectations and are willing to pay up for exposure to the stock. Maintaining these prices will be difficult to achieve as this level of earnings growth is likely to weigh down the shares eventually.

The Bottom Line On Suzhou Weizhixiang Food's P/E

It's argued the price-to-earnings ratio is an inferior measure of value within certain industries, but it can be a powerful business sentiment indicator.

Our examination of Suzhou Weizhixiang Food's analyst forecasts revealed that its inferior earnings outlook isn't impacting its P/E as much as we would have predicted. Right now we are uncomfortable with the P/E as the predicted future earnings aren't likely to support a more positive sentiment for long. Unless these conditions improve, it's challenging to accept these prices as being reasonable.

Plus, you should also learn about these 2 warning signs we've spotted with Suzhou Weizhixiang Food (including 1 which is a bit unpleasant).

Of course, you might also be able to find a better stock than Suzhou Weizhixiang Food. 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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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.