HiVi Acoustics Technology Co., Ltd (SZSE:002888) Stock Rockets 26% As Investors Are Less Pessimistic Than Expected

HiVi Acoustics Technology Co., Ltd (SZSE:002888) shares have had a really impressive month, gaining 26% after a shaky period beforehand. Looking further back, the 12% rise over the last twelve months isn't too bad notwithstanding the strength over the last 30 days.

After such a large jump in price, when almost half of the companies in China's Consumer Durables industry have price-to-sales ratios (or "P/S") below 1.6x, you may consider HiVi Acoustics Technology as a stock not worth researching with its 10.4x 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 so lofty.

View our latest analysis for HiVi Acoustics Technology

How Has HiVi Acoustics Technology Performed Recently?

We'd have to say that with no tangible growth over the last year, HiVi Acoustics Technology's revenue has been unimpressive. It might be that many are expecting an improvement to the uninspiring revenue performance over the coming period, which has kept the P/S from collapsing. However, if this isn't the case, investors might get caught out paying too much for the stock.

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 HiVi Acoustics Technology's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

How Is HiVi Acoustics Technology's Revenue Growth Trending?

There's an inherent assumption that a company should far outperform the industry for P/S ratios like HiVi Acoustics Technology's to be considered reasonable.

If we review the last year of revenue, the company posted a result that saw barely any deviation from a year ago. The lack of growth did nothing to help the company's aggregate three-year performance, which is an unsavory 20% drop in revenue. So unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that the company has not done a great job of growing revenue over that time.

Comparing that to the industry, which is predicted to deliver 10% growth in the next 12 months, the company's downward momentum based on recent medium-term revenue results is a sobering picture.

In light of this, it's alarming that HiVi Acoustics Technology's P/S 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. 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

Shares in HiVi Acoustics Technology have seen a strong upwards swing lately, which has really helped boost its P/S figure. While the price-to-sales ratio shouldn't be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it's quite a capable barometer of revenue expectations.

We've established that HiVi Acoustics Technology currently trades on a much higher than expected P/S since its recent revenues have been in decline over the medium-term. When we see revenue heading backwards and underperforming the industry forecasts, we feel the possibility of the share price declining is very real, bringing the P/S back into the realm of reasonability. Should recent medium-term revenue trends persist, it would pose a significant risk to existing shareholders' investments and prospective investors will have a hard time accepting the current value of the stock.

Plus, you should also learn about these 2 warning signs we've spotted with HiVi Acoustics Technology.

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.

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