Ningbo Solartron Technology Co.,Ltd.'s (SHSE:688299) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 71x might make it look like a strong sell right now compared to the market in China, where around half of the companies have P/E ratios below 28x and even P/E's below 17x are quite common. Although, it's not wise to just take the P/E at face value as there may be an explanation why it's so lofty.
With earnings that are retreating more than the market's of late, Ningbo Solartron TechnologyLtd has been very sluggish. One possibility is that the P/E is high because investors think the company will turn things around completely and accelerate past most others in the market. You'd really hope so, otherwise you're paying a pretty hefty price for no particular reason.
See our latest analysis for Ningbo Solartron TechnologyLtd
Keen to find out how analysts think Ningbo Solartron TechnologyLtd's future stacks up against the industry? In that case, our free report is a great place to start.Ningbo Solartron TechnologyLtd's P/E ratio would be typical for a company that's expected to deliver very strong growth, and importantly, perform much better than the market.
Retrospectively, the last year delivered a frustrating 44% decrease to the company's bottom line. The last three years don't look nice either as the company has shrunk EPS by 73% in aggregate. Accordingly, shareholders would have felt downbeat about the medium-term rates of earnings growth.
Shifting to the future, estimates from the dual analysts covering the company suggest earnings should grow by 76% per annum over the next three years. With the market only predicted to deliver 19% each year, the company is positioned for a stronger earnings result.
In light of this, it's understandable that Ningbo Solartron TechnologyLtd's P/E sits above the majority of other companies. It seems most investors are expecting this strong future growth and are willing to pay more for the stock.
While the price-to-earnings ratio shouldn't be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it's quite a capable barometer of earnings expectations.
We've established that Ningbo Solartron TechnologyLtd maintains its high P/E on the strength of its forecast growth being higher than the wider market, as expected. At this stage investors feel the potential for a deterioration in earnings isn't great enough to justify a lower P/E ratio. It's hard to see the share price falling strongly in the near future under these circumstances.
You always need to take note of risks, for example - Ningbo Solartron TechnologyLtd has 2 warning signs we think you should be aware of.
Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking at a few good candidates. So take a peek at this free list of companies with a strong growth track record, trading on a low P/E.
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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.