Optimistic Investors Push China Shanshui Cement Group Limited (HKG:691) Shares Up 26% But Growth Is Lacking

China Shanshui Cement Group Limited (HKG:691) shares have had a really impressive month, gaining 26% after a shaky period beforehand. Not all shareholders will be feeling jubilant, since the share price is still down a very disappointing 18% in the last twelve months.

Although its price has surged higher, it's still not a stretch to say that China Shanshui Cement Group's price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 0.1x right now seems quite "middle-of-the-road" compared to the Basic Materials industry in Hong Kong, where the median P/S ratio is around 0.6x. While this might not raise any eyebrows, if the P/S ratio is not justified investors could be missing out on a potential opportunity or ignoring looming disappointment.

Check out our latest analysis for China Shanshui Cement Group

What Does China Shanshui Cement Group's Recent Performance Look Like?

For example, consider that China Shanshui Cement Group's financial performance has been poor lately as its revenue has been in decline. Perhaps investors believe the recent revenue performance is enough to keep in line with the industry, which is keeping the P/S from dropping off. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.

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 China Shanshui Cement Group's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

How Is China Shanshui Cement Group's Revenue Growth Trending?

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

Retrospectively, the last year delivered a frustrating 22% decrease to the company's top line. This means it has also seen a slide in revenue over the longer-term as revenue is down 30% in total over the last three years. Therefore, it's fair to say the revenue growth recently has been undesirable for the company.

Comparing that to the industry, which is predicted to deliver 4.4% 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 China Shanshui Cement Group's P/S exceeds that of its industry peers. Apparently many investors in the company are way less bearish than recent times would indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock right now. There's a good chance existing shareholders are setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/S falls to levels more in line with the recent negative growth rates.

The Final Word

China Shanshui Cement Group 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 look at China Shanshui Cement 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.

You always need to take note of risks, for example - China Shanshui Cement Group has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of.

If you're unsure about the strength of China Shanshui Cement 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.