Lanzhou Zhuangyuan Pasture Co., Ltd.'s (SZSE:002910) 26% Price Boost Is Out Of Tune With Revenues

Lanzhou Zhuangyuan Pasture Co., Ltd. (SZSE:002910) shareholders are no doubt pleased to see that the share price has bounced 26% in the last month, although it is still struggling to make up recently lost ground. Unfortunately, the gains of the last month did little to right the losses of the last year with the stock still down 37% over that time.

Even after such a large jump in price, there still wouldn't be many who think Lanzhou Zhuangyuan Pasture's price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 1.5x is worth a mention when the median P/S in China's Food industry is similar at about 1.6x. Although, it's not wise to simply ignore the P/S without explanation as investors may be disregarding a distinct opportunity or a costly mistake.

View our latest analysis for Lanzhou Zhuangyuan Pasture

How Lanzhou Zhuangyuan Pasture Has Been Performing

For instance, Lanzhou Zhuangyuan Pasture's receding revenue in recent times would have to be some food for thought. One possibility is that the P/S is moderate because investors think the company might still do enough to be in line with the broader industry in the near future. If you like the company, you'd at least be hoping this is the case so that you could potentially pick up some stock while it's not quite in favour.

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 Lanzhou Zhuangyuan Pasture's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

How Is Lanzhou Zhuangyuan Pasture's Revenue Growth Trending?

Lanzhou Zhuangyuan Pasture's P/S ratio would be typical for a company that's only expected to deliver moderate growth, and importantly, perform in line with the industry.

In reviewing the last year of financials, we were disheartened to see the company's revenues fell to the tune of 7.1%. Still, the latest three year period has seen an excellent 35% overall rise in revenue, in spite of its unsatisfying short-term performance. Accordingly, while they would have preferred to keep the run going, shareholders would definitely welcome the medium-term rates of revenue growth.

Comparing that to the industry, which is predicted to deliver 16% growth in the next 12 months, the company's momentum is weaker, based on recent medium-term annualised revenue results.

In light of this, it's curious that Lanzhou Zhuangyuan Pasture's P/S sits in line with the majority of other companies. It seems most investors are ignoring the fairly limited recent growth rates and are willing to pay up for exposure to the stock. Maintaining these prices will be difficult to achieve as a continuation of recent revenue trends is likely to weigh down the shares eventually.

What We Can Learn From Lanzhou Zhuangyuan Pasture's P/S?

Lanzhou Zhuangyuan Pasture appears to be back in favour with a solid price jump bringing its P/S back in line with other companies in the industry We'd say the price-to-sales ratio's power isn't primarily as a valuation instrument but rather to gauge current investor sentiment and future expectations.

Our examination of Lanzhou Zhuangyuan Pasture revealed its poor three-year revenue trends aren't resulting in a lower P/S as per our expectations, given they look worse than current industry outlook. Right now we are uncomfortable with the P/S as this revenue performance isn't likely to support a more positive sentiment for long. Unless the recent medium-term conditions improve, it's hard to accept the current share price as fair value.

Before you settle on your opinion, we've discovered 5 warning signs for Lanzhou Zhuangyuan Pasture (2 don't sit too well with us!) that 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 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.