Subdued Growth No Barrier To Vongroup Limited (HKG:318) With Shares Advancing 30%

Vongroup Limited (HKG:318) shareholders have had their patience rewarded with a 30% share price jump in the last month. Looking back a bit further, it's encouraging to see the stock is up 40% in the last year.

After such a large jump in price, given around half the companies in Hong Kong have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") below 12x, you may consider Vongroup as a stock to potentially avoid with its 14.4x P/E ratio. However, the P/E might be high for a reason and it requires further investigation to determine if it's justified.

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For example, consider that Vongroup's financial performance has been poor lately as its earnings have been in decline. One possibility is that the P/E is high because investors think the company will still do enough to outperform the broader market in the near future. You'd really hope so, otherwise you're paying a pretty hefty price for no particular reason.

See our latest analysis for Vongroup

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 Vongroup's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

How Is Vongroup's Growth Trending?

In order to justify its P/E ratio, Vongroup would need to produce impressive growth in excess of the market.

If we review the last year of earnings, dishearteningly the company's profits fell to the tune of 53%. As a result, earnings from three years ago have also fallen 57% overall. So unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that the company has not done a great job of growing earnings over that time.

Weighing that medium-term earnings trajectory against the broader market's one-year forecast for expansion of 20% shows it's an unpleasant look.

In light of this, it's alarming that Vongroup's P/E 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 earnings trends is likely to weigh heavily on the share price eventually.

The Key Takeaway

Vongroup's P/E is getting right up there since its shares have risen strongly. We'd say the price-to-earnings ratio's power isn't primarily as a valuation instrument but rather to gauge current investor sentiment and future expectations.

Our examination of Vongroup revealed its shrinking earnings over the medium-term aren't impacting its high P/E anywhere near as much as we would have predicted, given the market is set to grow. When we see earnings heading backwards and underperforming the market forecasts, we suspect the share price is at risk of declining, sending the high P/E lower. If recent medium-term earnings trends continue, it will place shareholders' investments at significant risk and potential investors in danger of paying an excessive premium.

Plus, you should also learn about these 5 warning signs we've spotted with Vongroup (including 1 which is potentially serious).

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.