With a median price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of close to 0.8x in the Luxury industry in the United States, you could be forgiven for feeling indifferent about Lanvin Group Holdings Limited's (NYSE:LANV) P/S ratio of 0.6x. While this might not raise any eyebrows, if the P/S ratio is not justified investors could be missing out on a potential opportunity or ignoring looming disappointment.
See our latest analysis for Lanvin Group Holdings
While the industry has experienced revenue growth lately, Lanvin Group Holdings' revenue has gone into reverse gear, which is not great. One possibility is that the P/S ratio is moderate because investors think this poor revenue performance will turn around. However, if this isn't the case, investors might get caught out paying too much for the stock.
Keen to find out how analysts think Lanvin Group Holdings' future stacks up against the industry? In that case, our free report is a great place to start.Lanvin Group Holdings' P/S ratio would be typical for a company that's only expected to deliver moderate growth, and importantly, perform in line with the industry.
In reviewing the last year of financials, we were disheartened to see the company's revenues fell to the tune of 24%. As a result, revenue from three years ago have also fallen 26% overall. Therefore, it's fair to say the revenue growth recently has been undesirable for the company.
Shifting to the future, estimates from the only analyst covering the company suggest revenue should grow by 3.1% over the next year. Meanwhile, the rest of the industry is forecast to expand by 5.5%, which is noticeably more attractive.
With this in mind, we find it intriguing that Lanvin Group Holdings' P/S is closely matching its industry peers. Apparently many investors in the company are less bearish than analysts indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock right now. These shareholders may be setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/S falls to levels more in line with the growth outlook.
Using the price-to-sales ratio alone to determine if you should sell your stock isn't sensible, however it can be a practical guide to the company's future prospects.
Our look at the analysts forecasts of Lanvin Group Holdings' revenue prospects has shown that its inferior revenue outlook isn't negatively impacting its P/S as much as we would have predicted. When we see companies with a relatively weaker revenue outlook compared to the industry, we suspect the share price is at risk of declining, sending the moderate P/S lower. Circumstances like this present a risk to current and prospective investors who may see share prices fall if the low revenue growth impacts the sentiment.
You should always think about risks. Case in point, we've spotted 3 warning signs for Lanvin Group Holdings you should be aware of, and 2 of them make us uncomfortable.
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.
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.