HF Foods Group Inc.'s (NASDAQ:HFFG) Popularity With Investors Under Threat As Stock Sinks 27%

HF Foods Group Inc. (NASDAQ:HFFG) shareholders won't be pleased to see that the share price has had a very rough month, dropping 27% and undoing the prior period's positive performance. Instead of being rewarded, shareholders who have already held through the last twelve months are now sitting on a 47% share price drop.

In spite of the heavy fall in price, it's still not a stretch to say that HF Foods Group's price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 0.1x right now seems quite "middle-of-the-road" compared to the Consumer Retailing industry in the United States, where the median P/S ratio is around 0.4x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.

See our latest analysis for HF Foods Group

How HF Foods Group Has Been Performing

Recent times haven't been great for HF Foods Group as its revenue has been rising slower than most other companies. Perhaps the market is expecting future revenue performance to lift, which has kept the P/S from declining. You'd really hope so, otherwise you're paying a relatively elevated price for a company with this sort of growth profile.

If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report on HF Foods Group.

Is There Some Revenue Growth Forecasted For HF Foods Group?

HF Foods Group's P/S ratio would be typical for a company that's only expected to deliver moderate growth, and importantly, perform in line with the industry.

If we review the last year of revenue, the company posted a result that saw barely any deviation from a year ago. Although pleasingly revenue has lifted 65% in aggregate from three years ago, notwithstanding the last 12 months. Accordingly, shareholders will be pleased, but also have some questions to ponder about the last 12 months.

Shifting to the future, estimates from the only analyst covering the company suggest revenue should grow by 2.7% over the next year. Meanwhile, the rest of the industry is forecast to expand by 4.7%, which is noticeably more attractive.

In light of this, it's curious that HF Foods Group's P/S sits in line with the majority of other companies. Apparently many investors in the company are less bearish than analysts indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock right now. Maintaining these prices will be difficult to achieve as this level of revenue growth is likely to weigh down the shares eventually.

The Bottom Line On HF Foods Group's P/S

Following HF Foods Group's share price tumble, its P/S is just clinging on to the industry median P/S. We'd say the price-to-sales ratio's power isn't primarily as a valuation instrument but rather to gauge current investor sentiment and future expectations.

Our look at the analysts forecasts of HF Foods Group's revenue prospects has shown that its inferior revenue outlook isn't negatively impacting its P/S as much as we would have predicted. When we see companies with a relatively weaker revenue outlook compared to the industry, we suspect the share price is at risk of declining, sending the moderate P/S lower. A positive change is needed in order to justify the current price-to-sales ratio.

You should always think about risks. Case in point, we've spotted 1 warning sign for HF Foods Group you should be aware of.

It's important to make sure you look for a great company, not just the first idea you come across. So if growing profitability aligns with your idea of a great company, take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with strong recent earnings growth (and a low P/E).

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

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.