With a median price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of close to 0.8x in the Food industry in the United States, you could be forgiven for feeling indifferent about Utz Brands, Inc.'s (NYSE:UTZ) P/S ratio of 0.9x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.
Check out our latest analysis for Utz Brands
What Does Utz Brands' P/S Mean For Shareholders?
Utz Brands could be doing better as it's been growing revenue less than most other companies lately. One possibility is that the P/S ratio is moderate because investors think this lacklustre revenue performance will turn around. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.
Keen to find out how analysts think Utz Brands' future stacks up against the industry? In that case, our free report is a great place to start.What Are Revenue Growth Metrics Telling Us About The P/S?
The only time you'd be comfortable seeing a P/S like Utz Brands' is when the company's growth is tracking the industry closely.
Taking a look back first, we see that the company managed to grow revenues by a handy 6.4% last year. This was backed up an excellent period prior to see revenue up by 57% in total over the last three years. Accordingly, shareholders would have definitely welcomed those medium-term rates of revenue growth.
Shifting to the future, estimates from the eleven analysts covering the company suggest revenue should grow by 3.7% each year over the next three years. With the industry predicted to deliver 3.1% growth each year, the company is positioned for a comparable revenue result.
With this in mind, it makes sense that Utz Brands' P/S is closely matching its industry peers. Apparently shareholders are comfortable to simply hold on while the company is keeping a low profile.
The Key Takeaway
Typically, we'd caution against reading too much into price-to-sales ratios when settling on investment decisions, though it can reveal plenty about what other market participants think about the company.
Our look at Utz Brands' revenue growth estimates show that its P/S is about what we expect, as both metrics follow closely with the industry averages. Right now shareholders are comfortable with the P/S as they are quite confident future revenue won't throw up any surprises. If all things remain constant, the possibility of a drastic share price movement remains fairly remote.
It's always necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 2 warning signs with Utz Brands (at least 1 which is significant), and understanding these should be part of your investment process.
If these risks are making you reconsider your opinion on Utz Brands, 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.
About NYSE:UTZ
Utz Brands
Engages in manufacture, marketing, and distribution of snack foods.
Good value with moderate growth potential.