Investors Holding Back On Calfrac Well Services Ltd. (TSE:CFW)

There wouldn't be many who think Calfrac Well Services Ltd.'s (TSE:CFW) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 0.2x is worth a mention when the median P/S for the Energy Services industry in Canada is similar at about 0.4x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.

See our latest analysis for Calfrac Well Services

What Does Calfrac Well Services' P/S Mean For Shareholders?

Calfrac Well Services certainly has been doing a good job lately as it's been growing revenue more than most other companies. It might be that many expect the strong revenue performance to wane, which has kept the P/S ratio from rising. 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 not quite in favour.

Keen to find out how analysts think Calfrac Well Services' future stacks up against the industry? In that case, our free report is a great place to start.

Is There Some Revenue Growth Forecasted For Calfrac Well Services?

There's an inherent assumption that a company should be matching the industry for P/S ratios like Calfrac Well Services' to be considered reasonable.

If we review the last year of revenue growth, the company posted a terrific increase of 48%. Pleasingly, revenue has also lifted 125% in aggregate from three years ago, thanks to the last 12 months of growth. Accordingly, shareholders would have definitely welcomed those medium-term rates of revenue growth.

Shifting to the future, estimates from the four analysts covering the company suggest revenue growth will show minor resilience over the next three years growing only by 3.3% per annum. While this isn't a particularly impressive figure, it should be noted that the the industry is expected to decline by 7.7% per annum.

Despite the marginal growth, we find it odd that Calfrac Well Services is trading at a fairly similar P/S to the industry. It looks like most investors aren't convinced the company can achieve positive future growth in the face of a shrinking broader industry.

The Final Word

Using the price-to-sales ratio alone to determine if you should sell your stock isn't sensible, however it can be a practical guide to the company's future prospects.

We note that even though Calfrac Well Services trades at a similar P/S as the rest of the industry, it far eclipses them in terms of forecasted revenue growth. Given the glowing revenue forecasts, we can only assume potential risks are what might be capping the P/S ratio at its current levels. One such risk is that the company may not live up to analysts' revenue trajectories in tough industry conditions. However, if you agree with the analysts' forecasts, you may be able to pick up the stock at an attractive price.

Plus, you should also learn about these 4 warning signs we've spotted with Calfrac Well Services (including 1 which makes us a bit uncomfortable).

If companies with solid past earnings growth is up your alley, you may wish to see this free collection of other companies with strong earnings growth and low P/E ratios.

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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.