Stock Analysis

SoundHound AI, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:SOUN) Share Price Matching Investor Opinion

NasdaqGM:SOUN
Source: Shutterstock

With a price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 15.1x SoundHound AI, Inc. (NASDAQ:SOUN) may be sending very bearish signals at the moment, given that almost half of all the Software companies in the United States have P/S ratios under 4.5x and even P/S lower than 1.8x are not unusual. Although, it's not wise to just take the P/S at face value as there may be an explanation why it's so lofty.

View our latest analysis for SoundHound AI

ps-multiple-vs-industry
NasdaqGM:SOUN Price to Sales Ratio vs Industry February 15th 2024

How Has SoundHound AI Performed Recently?

SoundHound AI certainly has been doing a good job lately as it's been growing revenue more than most other companies. It seems the market expects this form will continue into the future, hence the elevated P/S ratio. However, if this isn't the case, investors might get caught out paying too much for the stock.

Want the full picture on analyst estimates for the company? Then our free report on SoundHound AI will help you uncover what's on the horizon.

What Are Revenue Growth Metrics Telling Us About The High P/S?

There's an inherent assumption that a company should far outperform the industry for P/S ratios like SoundHound AI's to be considered reasonable.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered an exceptional 43% gain to the company's top line. Pleasingly, revenue has also lifted 194% in aggregate from three years ago, thanks to the last 12 months of growth. So we can start by confirming that the company has done a great job of growing revenue over that time.

Turning to the outlook, the next year should generate growth of 66% as estimated by the six analysts watching the company. Meanwhile, the rest of the industry is forecast to only expand by 15%, which is noticeably less attractive.

With this information, we can see why SoundHound AI is trading at such a high P/S compared to the industry. Apparently shareholders aren't keen to offload something that is potentially eyeing a more prosperous future.

What Does SoundHound AI's P/S Mean For Investors?

Using the price-to-sales ratio alone to determine if you should sell your stock isn't sensible, however it can be a practical guide to the company's future prospects.

As we suspected, our examination of SoundHound AI's analyst forecasts revealed that its superior revenue outlook is contributing to its high P/S. At this stage investors feel the potential for a deterioration in revenues is quite remote, justifying the elevated P/S ratio. Unless these conditions change, they will continue to provide strong support to the share price.

We don't want to rain on the parade too much, but we did also find 4 warning signs for SoundHound AI that you need to be mindful of.

If companies with solid past earnings growth is up your alley, you may wish to see this free collection of other companies with strong earnings growth and low P/E ratios.

New: Manage All Your Stock Portfolios in One Place

We've created the ultimate portfolio companion for stock investors, and it's free.

• Connect an unlimited number of Portfolios and see your total in one currency
• Be alerted to new Warning Signs or Risks via email or mobile
• Track the Fair Value of your stocks

Try a Demo Portfolio for Free

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.