YD Electronic Technology Co.,Ltd.'s (SZSE:301123) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 3.3x might make it look like a buy right now compared to the Electronic industry in China, where around half of the companies have P/S ratios above 4.2x and even P/S above 8x are quite common. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the reduced P/S.
Check out our latest analysis for YD Electronic TechnologyLtd
How YD Electronic TechnologyLtd Has Been Performing
For instance, YD Electronic TechnologyLtd's receding revenue in recent times would have to be some food for thought. It might be that many expect the disappointing revenue performance to continue or accelerate, which has repressed the P/S. If you like the company, you'd be hoping this isn't the case so that you could potentially pick up some stock while it's out of favour.
We don't have analyst forecasts, but you can see how recent trends are setting up the company for the future by checking out our free report on YD Electronic TechnologyLtd's earnings, revenue and cash flow.What Are Revenue Growth Metrics Telling Us About The Low P/S?
In order to justify its P/S ratio, YD Electronic TechnologyLtd would need to produce sluggish growth that's trailing the industry.
In reviewing the last year of financials, we were disheartened to see the company's revenues fell to the tune of 3.9%. That put a dampener on the good run it was having over the longer-term as its three-year revenue growth is still a noteworthy 28% in total. Although it's been a bumpy ride, it's still fair to say the revenue growth recently has been mostly respectable for the company.
This is in contrast to the rest of the industry, which is expected to grow by 61% over the next year, materially higher than the company's recent medium-term annualised growth rates.
With this information, we can see why YD Electronic TechnologyLtd is trading at a P/S lower than the industry. It seems most investors are expecting to see the recent limited growth rates continue into the future and are only willing to pay a reduced amount for the stock.
What We Can Learn From YD Electronic TechnologyLtd's P/S?
It's argued the price-to-sales ratio is an inferior measure of value within certain industries, but it can be a powerful business sentiment indicator.
In line with expectations, YD Electronic TechnologyLtd maintains its low P/S on the weakness of its recent three-year growth being lower than the wider industry forecast. Right now shareholders are accepting the low P/S as they concede future revenue probably won't provide any pleasant surprises. Unless the recent medium-term conditions improve, they will continue to form a barrier for the share price around these levels.
Before you take the next step, you should know about the 3 warning signs for YD Electronic TechnologyLtd (2 are significant!) that we have uncovered.
If you're unsure about the strength of YD Electronic TechnologyLtd's business, why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals for some other companies you may have missed.
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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.