Chongqing YuXin Pingrui Electronic Co., Ltd. (SZSE:301107) shares have had a really impressive month, gaining 35% after a shaky period beforehand. The bad news is that even after the stocks recovery in the last 30 days, shareholders are still underwater by about 3.2% over the last year.
Since its price has surged higher, Chongqing YuXin Pingrui Electronic may be sending bearish signals at the moment with its price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 41.2x, since almost half of all companies in China have P/E ratios under 32x and even P/E's lower than 19x are not unusual. Although, it's not wise to just take the P/E at face value as there may be an explanation why it's as high as it is.
For instance, Chongqing YuXin Pingrui Electronic's receding earnings in recent times would have to be some food for thought. One possibility is that the P/E is high because investors think the company will still do 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.
See our latest analysis for Chongqing YuXin Pingrui Electronic
Although there are no analyst estimates available for Chongqing YuXin Pingrui Electronic, take a look at this free data-rich visualisation to see how the company stacks up on earnings, revenue and cash flow.In order to justify its P/E ratio, Chongqing YuXin Pingrui Electronic would need to produce impressive growth in excess of the market.
Retrospectively, the last year delivered a frustrating 26% decrease to the company's bottom line. This means it has also seen a slide in earnings over the longer-term as EPS is down 52% in total over the last three years. Therefore, it's fair to say the earnings growth recently has been undesirable for the company.
Weighing that medium-term earnings trajectory against the broader market's one-year forecast for expansion of 37% shows it's an unpleasant look.
In light of this, it's alarming that Chongqing YuXin Pingrui Electronic's P/E sits above the majority of other companies. Apparently many investors in the company are way more bullish than recent times would indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock at any price. Only the boldest would assume these prices are sustainable as a continuation of recent earnings trends is likely to weigh heavily on the share price eventually.
Chongqing YuXin Pingrui Electronic's P/E is getting right up there since its shares have risen strongly. Generally, our preference is to limit the use of the price-to-earnings ratio to establishing what the market thinks about the overall health of a company.
Our examination of Chongqing YuXin Pingrui Electronic revealed its shrinking earnings over the medium-term aren't impacting its high P/E anywhere near as much as we would have predicted, given the market is set to grow. Right now we are increasingly uncomfortable with the high P/E as this earnings performance is highly unlikely to support such positive sentiment for long. If recent medium-term earnings trends continue, it will place shareholders' investments at significant risk and potential investors in danger of paying an excessive premium.
Plus, you should also learn about this 1 warning sign we've spotted with Chongqing YuXin Pingrui Electronic.
You might be able to find a better investment than Chongqing YuXin Pingrui Electronic. If you want a selection of possible candidates, check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a low P/E (but have proven they can grow earnings).
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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.