Sky Light Holdings Limited (HKG:3882) shareholders are no doubt pleased to see that the share price has bounced 86% in the last month, although it is still struggling to make up recently lost ground. Still, the 30-day jump doesn't change the fact that longer term shareholders have seen their stock decimated by the 58% share price drop in the last twelve months.
Following the firm bounce in price, you could be forgiven for thinking Sky Light Holdings is a stock not worth researching with a price-to-sales ratios (or "P/S") of 1.7x, considering almost half the companies in Hong Kong's Consumer Durables industry have P/S ratios below 0.5x. Although, it's not wise to just take the P/S at face value as there may be an explanation why it's as high as it is.
Check out our latest analysis for Sky Light Holdings
How Has Sky Light Holdings Performed Recently?
For example, consider that Sky Light Holdings' financial performance has been poor lately as its revenue has been in decline. Perhaps the market believes the company can do enough to outperform the rest of the industry in the near future, which is keeping the P/S ratio high. If not, then existing shareholders may be quite nervous about the viability of the share price.
Want the full picture on earnings, revenue and cash flow for the company? Then our free report on Sky Light Holdings will help you shine a light on its historical performance.How Is Sky Light Holdings' Revenue Growth Trending?
Sky Light Holdings' P/S ratio would be typical for a company that's expected to deliver solid growth, and importantly, perform better than the industry.
In reviewing the last year of financials, we were disheartened to see the company's revenues fell to the tune of 23%. This means it has also seen a slide in revenue over the longer-term as revenue is down 26% in total over the last three years. Accordingly, shareholders would have felt downbeat about the medium-term rates of revenue growth.
Weighing that medium-term revenue trajectory against the broader industry's one-year forecast for expansion of 13% shows it's an unpleasant look.
With this in mind, we find it worrying that Sky Light Holdings' P/S exceeds that of its industry peers. It seems most investors are ignoring the recent poor growth rate and are hoping for a turnaround in the company's business prospects. Only the boldest would assume these prices are sustainable as a continuation of recent revenue trends is likely to weigh heavily on the share price eventually.
The Bottom Line On Sky Light Holdings' P/S
Sky Light Holdings shares have taken a big step in a northerly direction, but its P/S is elevated as a result. While the price-to-sales ratio shouldn't be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it's quite a capable barometer of revenue expectations.
Our examination of Sky Light Holdings revealed its shrinking revenue over the medium-term isn't resulting in a P/S as low as we expected, given the industry is set to grow. With a revenue decline on investors' minds, the likelihood of a souring sentiment is quite high which could send the P/S back in line with what we'd expect. Unless the the circumstances surrounding the recent medium-term improve, it wouldn't be wrong to expect a a difficult period ahead for the company's shareholders.
It's always necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 4 warning signs with Sky Light Holdings (at least 3 which make us uncomfortable), and understanding them should be part of your investment process.
It's important to make sure you look for a great company, not just the first idea you come across. So if growing profitability aligns with your idea of a great company, take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with strong recent earnings growth (and 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.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com