The Ningbo TIP Rubber Technology Co.,Ltd (SHSE:605255) share price has fared very poorly over the last month, falling by a substantial 27%. The drop over the last 30 days has capped off a tough year for shareholders, with the share price down 18% in that time.

Although its price has dipped substantially, Ningbo TIP Rubber TechnologyLtd may still be sending very bearish signals at the moment with a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 65.7x, since almost half of all companies in China have P/E ratios under 27x and even P/E's lower than 17x are not unusual. Although, it's not wise to just take the P/E at face value as there may be an explanation why it's so lofty.

The recent earnings growth at Ningbo TIP Rubber TechnologyLtd would have to be considered satisfactory if not spectacular. One possibility is that the P/E is high because investors think this good earnings growth will be enough to outperform the broader market in the near future. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.

Does Growth Match The High P/E?

Ningbo TIP Rubber TechnologyLtd's P/E ratio would be typical for a company that's expected to deliver very strong growth, and importantly, perform much better than the market.

If we review the last year of earnings growth, the company posted a worthy increase of 4.7%. Still, lamentably EPS has fallen 68% in aggregate from three years ago, which is disappointing. So unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that the company has not done a great job of growing earnings over that time.

Weighing that medium-term earnings trajectory against the broader market's one-year forecast for expansion of 41% shows it's an unpleasant look.

In light of this, it's alarming that Ningbo TIP Rubber TechnologyLtd's P/E sits above the majority of other companies. Apparently many investors in the company are way more bullish than recent times would indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock at any price. There's a very good chance existing shareholders are setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/E falls to levels more in line with the recent negative growth rates.

The Bottom Line On Ningbo TIP Rubber TechnologyLtd's P/E

A significant share price dive has done very little to deflate Ningbo TIP Rubber TechnologyLtd's very lofty P/E. We'd say the price-to-earnings ratio's power isn't primarily as a valuation instrument but rather to gauge current investor sentiment and future expectations.

We've established that Ningbo TIP Rubber TechnologyLtd currently trades on a much higher than expected P/E since its recent earnings have been in decline over the medium-term. Right now we are increasingly uncomfortable with the high P/E as this earnings performance is highly unlikely to support such positive sentiment for long. If recent medium-term earnings trends continue, it will place shareholders' investments at significant risk and potential investors in danger of paying an excessive premium.

Having said that, be aware Ningbo TIP Rubber TechnologyLtd is showing 3 warning signs in our investment analysis, you should know about.

You might be able to find a better investment than Ningbo TIP Rubber TechnologyLtd. If you want a selection of possible candidates, check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a low P/E (but have proven they can grow earnings).

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