Investors Interested In Acer e-Enabling Service Business Inc.'s (GTSM:6811) Earnings
With a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 32.8x Acer e-Enabling Service Business Inc. (GTSM:6811) may be sending very bearish signals at the moment, given that almost half of all companies in Taiwan have P/E ratios under 20x and even P/E's lower than 14x are not unusual. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the highly elevated P/E.
With earnings growth that's exceedingly strong of late, Acer e-Enabling Service Business has been doing very well. The P/E is probably high because investors think this strong earnings growth will be 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.
View our latest analysis for Acer e-Enabling Service Business
How Is Acer e-Enabling Service Business' Growth Trending?
In order to justify its P/E ratio, Acer e-Enabling Service Business would need to produce outstanding growth well in excess of the market.
If we review the last year of earnings growth, the company posted a terrific increase of 79%. The strong recent performance means it was also able to grow EPS by 682% in total over the last three years. So we can start by confirming that the company has done a great job of growing earnings over that time.
Comparing that to the market, which is only predicted to deliver 24% growth in the next 12 months, the company's momentum is stronger based on recent medium-term annualised earnings results.
With this information, we can see why Acer e-Enabling Service Business is trading at such a high P/E compared to the market. Presumably shareholders aren't keen to offload something they believe will continue to outmanoeuvre the bourse.
What We Can Learn From Acer e-Enabling Service Business' P/E?
It's argued the price-to-earnings ratio is an inferior measure of value within certain industries, but it can be a powerful business sentiment indicator.
As we suspected, our examination of Acer e-Enabling Service Business revealed its three-year earnings trends are contributing to its high P/E, given they look better than current market expectations. Right now shareholders are comfortable with the P/E as they are quite confident earnings aren't under threat. If recent medium-term earnings trends continue, it's hard to see the share price falling strongly in the near future under these circumstances.
It's always necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with Acer e-Enabling Service Business, and understanding should be part of your investment process.
Of course, you might also be able to find a better stock than Acer e-Enabling Service Business. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that sit on P/E's below 20x and have grown earnings strongly.
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About TPEX:6811
Acer E-Enabling Service Business
Offers information and communication technology and services primarily in Taiwan.
Undervalued with excellent balance sheet.