Shenyang Blue Silver Industry Automation Equipment Co., Ltd (SZSE:300293) shareholders are no doubt pleased to see that the share price has bounced 28% in the last month, although it is still struggling to make up recently lost ground. The last 30 days bring the annual gain to a very sharp 45%.

Since its price has surged higher, when almost half of the companies in China's Machinery industry have price-to-sales ratios (or "P/S") below 2.6x, you may consider Shenyang Blue Silver Industry Automation Equipment as a stock probably not worth researching with its 3.2x P/S ratio. Although, it's not wise to just take the P/S at face value as there may be an explanation why it's as high as it is.

How Has Shenyang Blue Silver Industry Automation Equipment Performed Recently?

With revenue growth that's exceedingly strong of late, Shenyang Blue Silver Industry Automation Equipment has been doing very well. It seems that many are expecting the strong revenue performance to beat most other companies over the coming period, which has increased investors' willingness to pay up for the stock. You'd really hope so, otherwise you're paying a pretty hefty price for no particular reason.

How Is Shenyang Blue Silver Industry Automation Equipment's Revenue Growth Trending?

The only time you'd be truly comfortable seeing a P/S as high as Shenyang Blue Silver Industry Automation Equipment's is when the company's growth is on track to outshine the industry.

Taking a look back first, we see that the company grew revenue by an impressive 40% last year. Pleasingly, revenue has also lifted 46% in aggregate from three years ago, thanks to the last 12 months of growth. Therefore, it's fair to say the revenue growth recently has been superb for the company.

Comparing that to the industry, which is predicted to deliver 27% growth in the next 12 months, the company's momentum is weaker, based on recent medium-term annualised revenue results.

With this in mind, we find it worrying that Shenyang Blue Silver Industry Automation Equipment's P/S exceeds that of its industry peers. 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. Only the boldest would assume these prices are sustainable as a continuation of recent revenue trends is likely to weigh heavily on the share price eventually.

The Final Word

Shenyang Blue Silver Industry Automation Equipment shares have taken a big step in a northerly direction, but its P/S is elevated as a result. 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 examination of Shenyang Blue Silver Industry Automation Equipment revealed its poor three-year revenue trends aren't detracting from the P/S as much as we though, given they look worse than current industry expectations. When we see slower than industry revenue growth but an elevated P/S, there's considerable risk of the share price declining, sending the P/S lower. 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.

It's always necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 3 warning signs with Shenyang Blue Silver Industry Automation Equipment (at least 2 which are potentially serious), and understanding these should be part of your investment process.

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.