Aiful Corporation's (TSE:8515) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 8.2x might make it look like a buy right now compared to the market in Japan, where around half of the companies have P/E ratios above 15x and even P/E's above 23x 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.
While the market has experienced earnings growth lately, Aiful's earnings have gone into reverse gear, which is not great. The P/E is probably low because investors think this poor earnings performance isn't going to get any better. If this is the case, then existing shareholders will probably struggle to get excited about the future direction of the share price.
View our latest analysis for Aiful
How Is Aiful's Growth Trending?
In order to justify its P/E ratio, Aiful would need to produce sluggish growth that's trailing the market.
Retrospectively, the last year delivered a frustrating 2.4% decrease to the company's bottom line. This has soured the latest three-year period, which nevertheless managed to deliver a decent 20% overall rise in EPS. Accordingly, while they would have preferred to keep the run going, shareholders would be roughly satisfied with the medium-term rates of earnings growth.
Looking ahead now, EPS is anticipated to climb by 11% per annum during the coming three years according to the three analysts following the company. With the market predicted to deliver 9.5% growth per year, the company is positioned for a comparable earnings result.
With this information, we find it odd that Aiful is trading at a P/E lower than the market. It may be that most investors are not convinced the company can achieve future growth expectations.
The Bottom Line On Aiful's P/E
While the price-to-earnings ratio shouldn't be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it's quite a capable barometer of earnings expectations.
We've established that Aiful currently trades on a lower than expected P/E since its forecast growth is in line with the wider market. When we see an average earnings outlook with market-like growth, we assume potential risks are what might be placing pressure on the P/E ratio. At least the risk of a price drop looks to be subdued, but investors seem to think future earnings could see some volatility.
Plus, you should also learn about this 1 warning sign we've spotted with Aiful.
Of course, you might also be able to find a better stock than Aiful. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have reasonable P/E ratios and have grown earnings strongly.
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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.
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About TSE:8515
Aiful
Engages in the consumer finance and credit guarantee business in Japan.
Very undervalued with solid track record.
