Sinohope Technology Holdings Limited (HKG:1611) shareholders have had their patience rewarded with a 27% share price jump in the last month. The last 30 days bring the annual gain to a very sharp 40%.
Since its price has surged higher, you could be forgiven for thinking Sinohope Technology Holdings is a stock not worth researching with a price-to-sales ratios (or "P/S") of 1x, considering almost half the companies in Hong Kong's Electronic industry have P/S ratios below 0.3x. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the elevated P/S.
See our latest analysis for Sinohope Technology Holdings
For example, consider that Sinohope Technology Holdings' financial performance has been poor lately as its revenue has been in decline. One possibility is that the P/S is high because investors think the company will still do enough to outperform the broader industry in the near future. If not, then existing shareholders may be quite nervous about the viability of the share price.
We don't have analyst forecasts, but you can see how recent trends are setting up the company for the future by checking out our free report on Sinohope Technology Holdings' earnings, revenue and cash flow.The only time you'd be truly comfortable seeing a P/S as high as Sinohope Technology Holdings' is when the company's growth is on track to outshine the industry.
Taking a look back first, the company's revenue growth last year wasn't something to get excited about as it posted a disappointing decline of 90%. Even so, admirably revenue has lifted 160% in aggregate from three years ago, notwithstanding the last 12 months. Although it's been a bumpy ride, it's still fair to say the revenue growth recently has been more than adequate for the company.
Comparing that to the industry, which is only predicted to deliver 22% growth in the next 12 months, the company's momentum is stronger based on recent medium-term annualised revenue results.
With this information, we can see why Sinohope Technology Holdings is trading at such a high P/S compared to the industry. Presumably shareholders aren't keen to offload something they believe will continue to outmanoeuvre the wider industry.
The large bounce in Sinohope Technology Holdings' shares has lifted the company's P/S handsomely. It's argued the price-to-sales ratio is an inferior measure of value within certain industries, but it can be a powerful business sentiment indicator.
It's no surprise that Sinohope Technology Holdings can support its high P/S given the strong revenue growth its experienced over the last three-year is superior to the current industry outlook. In the eyes of shareholders, the probability of a continued growth trajectory is great enough to prevent the P/S from pulling back. Barring any significant changes to the company's ability to make money, the share price should continue to be propped up.
Before you settle on your opinion, we've discovered 2 warning signs for Sinohope Technology Holdings (1 is a bit concerning!) that you should be aware of.
Of course, profitable companies with a history of great earnings growth are generally safer bets. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have reasonable P/E ratios and have grown earnings strongly.
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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.