With a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 37.5x AstraZeneca PLC (LON:AZN) may be sending very bearish signals at the moment, given that almost half of all companies in the United Kingdom have P/E ratios under 16x and even P/E's lower than 9x are not unusual. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the highly elevated P/E.
There hasn't been much to differentiate AstraZeneca's and the market's earnings growth lately. It might be that many expect the mediocre earnings performance to strengthen positively, 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.
Check out our latest analysis for AstraZeneca
What Are Growth Metrics Telling Us About The High P/E?
In order to justify its P/E ratio, AstraZeneca would need to produce outstanding growth well in excess of the market.
Retrospectively, the last year delivered a decent 4.5% gain to the company's bottom line. The latest three year period has also seen an excellent 45% overall rise in EPS, aided somewhat by its short-term performance. So we can start by confirming that the company has done a great job of growing earnings over that time.
Shifting to the future, estimates from the analysts covering the company suggest earnings should grow by 25% per annum over the next three years. With the market only predicted to deliver 13% per annum, the company is positioned for a stronger earnings result.
In light of this, it's understandable that AstraZeneca's P/E sits above the majority of other companies. Apparently shareholders aren't keen to offload something that is potentially eyeing a more prosperous future.
What We Can Learn From AstraZeneca's P/E?
Generally, our preference is to limit the use of the price-to-earnings ratio to establishing what the market thinks about the overall health of a company.
We've established that AstraZeneca maintains its high P/E on the strength of its forecast growth being higher than the wider market, as expected. At this stage investors feel the potential for a deterioration in earnings isn't great enough to justify a lower P/E ratio. Unless these conditions change, they will continue to provide strong support to the share price.
You always need to take note of risks, for example - AstraZeneca has 2 warning signs we think you should be aware of.
Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking at a few good candidates. So take a peek at this free list of companies with a strong growth track record, trading on 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.
About LSE:AZN
AstraZeneca
A biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacture, and commercialization of prescription medicines.
Established dividend payer and good value.
