• Markets
• News
• Learn

Optima Automobile Group Holdings Limited (HKG:8418) shares have had a really impressive month, gaining 45% after a shaky period beforehand. Unfortunately, the gains of the last month did little to right the losses of the last year with the stock still down 21% over that time.

Since its price has surged higher, given close to half the companies operating in Hong Kong's Specialty Retail industry have price-to-sales ratios (or "P/S") below 0.4x, you may consider Optima Automobile Group Holdings as a stock to potentially avoid with its 0.9x P/S ratio. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the elevated P/S.

View our latest analysis for Optima Automobile Group Holdings

How Has Optima Automobile Group Holdings Performed Recently?

For instance, Optima Automobile Group Holdings' receding revenue in recent times would have to be some food for thought. 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. However, if this isn't the case, investors might get caught out paying too much for the stock.

Is There Enough Revenue Growth Forecasted For Optima Automobile Group Holdings?

Optima Automobile Group Holdings' P/S ratio would be typical for a company that's expected to deliver solid growth, and importantly, perform better than 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 12%. Still, the latest three year period has seen an excellent 167% overall rise in revenue, in spite of its unsatisfying short-term performance. 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 recent medium-term revenue trajectory with the industry's one-year growth forecast of 31% shows it's noticeably more attractive.

With this in consideration, it's not hard to understand why Optima Automobile Group Holdings' P/S is high relative to its industry peers. It seems most investors are expecting this strong growth to continue and are willing to pay more for the stock.

The Final Word

The large bounce in Optima Automobile Group Holdings' shares has lifted the company's P/S handsomely. Generally, our preference is to limit the use of the price-to-sales ratio to establishing what the market thinks about the overall health of a company.

We've established that Optima Automobile Group Holdings maintains its high P/S on the strength of its recent three-year growth being higher than the wider industry forecast, as expected. Right now shareholders are comfortable with the P/S as they are quite confident revenue aren't under threat. If recent medium-term revenue trends continue, 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 - Optima Automobile Group Holdings has 2 warning signs we think you should be aware 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.

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.