Heng Tai Consumables Group Limited (HKG:197) Stock Rockets 33% As Investors Are Less Pessimistic Than Expected

Heng Tai Consumables Group Limited (HKG:197) shareholders would be excited to see that the share price has had a great month, posting a 33% gain and recovering from prior weakness. Not all shareholders will be feeling jubilant, since the share price is still down a very disappointing 45% in the last twelve months.

Although its price has surged higher, you could still be forgiven for feeling indifferent about Heng Tai Consumables Group's P/S ratio of 0.2x, since the median price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio for the Consumer Retailing industry in Hong Kong is also close to 0.6x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.

See our latest analysis for Heng Tai Consumables Group

What Does Heng Tai Consumables Group's Recent Performance Look Like?

For example, consider that Heng Tai Consumables Group's financial performance has been pretty ordinary lately as revenue growth is non-existent. Perhaps the market believes the recent run-of-the-mill revenue performance isn't enough to outperform the industry, which has kept the P/S muted. If not, then existing shareholders may be feeling hopeful about the future direction of the share price.

Want the full picture on earnings, revenue and cash flow for the company? Then our free report on Heng Tai Consumables Group will help you shine a light on its historical performance.

How Is Heng Tai Consumables Group's Revenue Growth Trending?

The only time you'd be comfortable seeing a P/S like Heng Tai Consumables Group's is when the company's growth is tracking the industry closely.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered virtually the same number to the company's top line as the year before. Whilst it's an improvement, it wasn't enough to get the company out of the hole it was in, with revenue down 15% overall from three years ago. 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 11% growth in the next 12 months, the company's downward momentum based on recent medium-term revenue results is a sobering picture.

With this in mind, we find it worrying that Heng Tai Consumables Group's P/S exceeds that of its industry peers. It seems most investors are ignoring the recent poor growth rate and are hoping for a turnaround in the company's business prospects. Only the boldest would assume these prices are sustainable as a continuation of recent revenue trends is likely to weigh on the share price eventually.

What Does Heng Tai Consumables Group's P/S Mean For Investors?

Heng Tai Consumables Group's stock has a lot of momentum behind it lately, which has brought its P/S level with the rest of the industry. 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.

Our look at Heng Tai Consumables Group revealed its shrinking revenues over the medium-term haven't impacted the P/S as much as we anticipated, given the industry is set to grow. Even though it matches the industry, we're uncomfortable with the current P/S ratio, as this dismal revenue performance is unlikely to support a more positive sentiment for long. Unless the the circumstances surrounding the recent medium-term improve, it wouldn't be wrong to expect a a difficult period ahead for the company's shareholders.

There are also other vital risk factors to consider and we've discovered 3 warning signs for Heng Tai Consumables Group (1 doesn't sit too well with us!) that you should be aware of before investing here.

If you're unsure about the strength of Heng Tai Consumables Group's business, why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals for some other companies you may have missed.

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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.