With a median price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of close to 1.2x in the Hospitality industry in Malaysia, you could be forgiven for feeling indifferent about Avillion Berhad's (KLSE:AVI) P/S ratio of 1.3x. 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.
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What Does Avillion Berhad's P/S Mean For Shareholders?
For example, consider that Avillion Berhad's financial performance has been poor lately as its revenue has been in decline. One possibility is that the P/S is moderate because investors think the company might still do enough to be in line with the broader industry in the near future. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.
Want the full picture on earnings, revenue and cash flow for the company? Then our free report on Avillion Berhad will help you shine a light on its historical performance.How Is Avillion Berhad's Revenue Growth Trending?
The only time you'd be comfortable seeing a P/S like Avillion Berhad's is when the company's growth is tracking the industry closely.
Taking a look back first, the company's revenue growth last year wasn't something to get excited about as it posted a disappointing decline of 10%. Even so, admirably revenue has lifted 45% in aggregate from three years ago, notwithstanding the last 12 months. Accordingly, while they would have preferred to keep the run going, shareholders would definitely welcome the medium-term rates of revenue growth.
Weighing that recent medium-term revenue trajectory against the broader industry's one-year forecast for expansion of 13% shows it's about the same on an annualised basis.
In light of this, it's understandable that Avillion Berhad's P/S sits in line with the majority of other companies. Apparently shareholders are comfortable to simply hold on assuming the company will continue keeping a low profile.
The Key Takeaway
While the price-to-sales ratio shouldn't be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it's quite a capable barometer of revenue expectations.
As we've seen, Avillion Berhad's three-year revenue trends seem to be contributing to its P/S, given they look similar to current industry expectations. Right now shareholders are comfortable with the P/S as they are quite confident future revenue won't throw up any surprises. Given the current circumstances, it seems improbable that the share price will experience any significant movement in either direction in the near future if recent medium-term revenue trends persist.
You need to take note of risks, for example - Avillion Berhad has 3 warning signs (and 1 which is a bit concerning) we think you should know about.
Of course, profitable companies with a history of great earnings growth are generally safer bets. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have reasonable P/E ratios and have grown earnings strongly.
Valuation is complex, but we're here to simplify it.
Discover if Avillion Berhad might be undervalued or overvalued with our detailed analysis, featuring fair value estimates, potential risks, dividends, insider trades, and its financial condition.
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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.