Essence Fastening Systems (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.'s (SZSE:301005) Business Is Trailing The Industry But Its Shares Aren't

When you see that almost half of the companies in the Auto Components industry in China have price-to-sales ratios (or "P/S") below 2.1x, Essence Fastening Systems (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (SZSE:301005) looks to be giving off strong sell signals with its 6.8x P/S ratio. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the highly elevated P/S.

Check out our latest analysis for Essence Fastening Systems (Shanghai)

How Has Essence Fastening Systems (Shanghai) Performed Recently?

Essence Fastening Systems (Shanghai) has been doing a good job lately as it's been growing revenue at a solid pace. One possibility is that the P/S ratio is high because investors think this respectable revenue growth will be enough to outperform the broader industry in the near future. You'd really hope so, otherwise you're paying a pretty hefty price for no particular reason.

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 Essence Fastening Systems (Shanghai)'s earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What Are Revenue Growth Metrics Telling Us About The High P/S?

Essence Fastening Systems (Shanghai)'s P/S ratio would be typical for a company that's expected to deliver very strong growth, and importantly, perform much better than the industry.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered an exceptional 21% gain to the company's top line. The strong recent performance means it was also able to grow revenue by 43% in total over the last three years. Therefore, it's fair to say the revenue growth recently has been superb for the company.

Comparing the recent medium-term revenue trends against the industry's one-year growth forecast of 25% shows it's noticeably less attractive.

With this information, we find it concerning that Essence Fastening Systems (Shanghai) is trading at a P/S higher than the industry. 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 good chance existing shareholders are setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/S falls to levels more in line with recent growth rates.

What Does Essence Fastening Systems (Shanghai)'s P/S Mean For Investors?

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.

The fact that Essence Fastening Systems (Shanghai) currently trades on a higher P/S relative to the industry is an oddity, since its recent three-year growth is lower than the wider industry forecast. 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. If recent medium-term revenue trends continue, it will place shareholders' investments at significant risk and potential investors in danger of paying an excessive premium.

You need to take note of risks, for example - Essence Fastening Systems (Shanghai) has 4 warning signs (and 2 which are a bit concerning) we think you should know about.

Of course, profitable companies with a history of great earnings growth are generally safer bets. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have reasonable P/E ratios and have grown earnings strongly.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

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.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com