Dianguang Explosion-proof Technology Co.,Ltd.'s (SZSE:002730) 25% Share Price Surge Not Quite Adding Up

Dianguang Explosion-proof Technology Co.,Ltd. (SZSE:002730) shares have continued their recent momentum with a 25% gain in the last month alone. Notwithstanding the latest gain, the annual share price return of 6.1% isn't as impressive.

Although its price has surged higher, you could still be forgiven for feeling indifferent about Dianguang Explosion-proof TechnologyLtd's P/E ratio of 34.2x, since the median price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio in China is also close to 37x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/E.

For example, consider that Dianguang Explosion-proof TechnologyLtd's financial performance has been poor lately as its earnings have been in decline. It might be that many expect the company to put the disappointing earnings performance behind them over the coming period, which has kept the P/E from falling. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.

See our latest analysis for Dianguang Explosion-proof TechnologyLtd

Although there are no analyst estimates available for Dianguang Explosion-proof TechnologyLtd, take a look at this free data-rich visualisation to see how the company stacks up on earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What Are Growth Metrics Telling Us About The P/E?

In order to justify its P/E ratio, Dianguang Explosion-proof TechnologyLtd would need to produce growth that's similar to the market.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered a frustrating 5.8% decrease to the company's bottom line. Still, the latest three year period has seen an excellent 51% overall rise in EPS, in spite of its unsatisfying short-term performance. So we can start by confirming that the company has generally done a very good job of growing earnings over that time, even though it had some hiccups along the way.

Weighing that recent medium-term earnings trajectory against the broader market's one-year forecast for expansion of 38% shows it's noticeably less attractive on an annualised basis.

With this information, we find it interesting that Dianguang Explosion-proof TechnologyLtd is trading at a fairly similar P/E to the market. Apparently many investors in the company are less bearish than recent times would indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock right now. They may be setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/E falls to levels more in line with recent growth rates.

What We Can Learn From Dianguang Explosion-proof TechnologyLtd's P/E?

Dianguang Explosion-proof TechnologyLtd appears to be back in favour with a solid price jump getting its P/E back in line with most other companies. While the price-to-earnings ratio shouldn't be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it's quite a capable barometer of earnings expectations.

We've established that Dianguang Explosion-proof TechnologyLtd currently trades on a higher than expected P/E since its recent three-year growth is lower than the wider market forecast. When we see weak earnings with slower than market growth, we suspect the share price is at risk of declining, sending the moderate P/E lower. Unless the recent medium-term conditions improve, it's challenging to accept these prices as being reasonable.

Don't forget that there may be other risks. For instance, we've identified 2 warning signs for Dianguang Explosion-proof TechnologyLtd (1 shouldn't be ignored) you should be aware of.

It's important to make sure you look for a great company, not just the first idea you come across. So 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.