The KCP Limited's (NSE:KCP) Prospects Need A Boost To Lift Shares

The KCP Limited's (NSE:KCP) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 26.2x might make it look like a buy right now compared to the market in India, where around half of the companies have P/E ratios above 31x and even P/E's above 57x are quite common. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the reduced P/E.

The recent earnings growth at KCP would have to be considered satisfactory if not spectacular. It might be that many expect the respectable earnings performance to degrade, which has repressed the P/E. If that doesn't eventuate, then existing shareholders may have reason to be optimistic about the future direction of the share price.

View our latest analysis for KCP

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 KCP's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

Does Growth Match The Low P/E?

In order to justify its P/E ratio, KCP would need to produce sluggish growth that's trailing the market.

Taking a look back first, we see that the company managed to grow earnings per share by a handy 3.9% last year. EPS has also lifted 13% in aggregate from three years ago, partly thanks to the last 12 months of growth. Accordingly, shareholders would have probably been satisfied with the medium-term rates of earnings growth.

Weighing that recent medium-term earnings trajectory against the broader market's one-year forecast for expansion of 25% shows it's noticeably less attractive on an annualised basis.

With this information, we can see why KCP is trading at a P/E lower than the market. Apparently many shareholders weren't comfortable holding on to something they believe will continue to trail the bourse.

The Final Word

Using the price-to-earnings 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.

We've established that KCP maintains its low P/E on the weakness of its recent three-year growth being lower than the wider market forecast, as expected. Right now shareholders are accepting the low P/E as they concede future earnings probably won't provide any pleasant surprises. If recent medium-term earnings trends continue, it's hard to see the share price rising strongly in the near future under these circumstances.

Many other vital risk factors can be found on the company's balance sheet. Our free balance sheet analysis for KCP with six simple checks will allow you to discover any risks that could be an issue.

If these risks are making you reconsider your opinion on KCP, explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there.

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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.