The Tsudakoma Corp. (TSE:6217) share price has done very well over the last month, posting an excellent gain of 91%. Looking back a bit further, it's encouraging to see the stock is up 75% in the last year.
Although its price has surged higher, when close to half the companies operating in Japan's Machinery industry have price-to-sales ratios (or "P/S") above 0.8x, you may still consider Tsudakoma as an enticing stock to check out with its 0.1x P/S ratio. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the reduced P/S.
See our latest analysis for Tsudakoma
For example, consider that Tsudakoma's financial performance has been poor lately as its revenue has been in decline. One possibility is that the P/S is low because investors think the company won't do enough to avoid underperforming the broader industry in the near future. However, if this doesn't eventuate then existing shareholders may be feeling optimistic about the future direction of the share price.
Want the full picture on earnings, revenue and cash flow for the company? Then our free report on Tsudakoma will help you shine a light on its historical performance.The only time you'd be truly comfortable seeing a P/S as low as Tsudakoma's is when the company's growth is on track to lag 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 5.8%. This has soured the latest three-year period, which nevertheless managed to deliver a decent 17% overall rise in revenue. Accordingly, while they would have preferred to keep the run going, shareholders would be roughly satisfied with the medium-term rates of revenue growth.
Weighing that recent medium-term revenue trajectory against the broader industry's one-year forecast for expansion of 5.1% shows it's about the same on an annualised basis.
In light of this, it's peculiar that Tsudakoma's P/S sits below the majority of other companies. Apparently some shareholders are more bearish than recent times would indicate and have been accepting lower selling prices.
Tsudakoma's stock price has surged recently, but its but its P/S still remains modest. 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.
The fact that Tsudakoma currently trades at a low P/S relative to the industry is unexpected considering its recent three-year growth is in line with the wider industry forecast. When we see industry-like revenue growth but a lower than expected P/S, we assume potential risks are what might be placing downward pressure on the share price. medium-term
Before you take the next step, you should know about the 2 warning signs for Tsudakoma (1 makes us a bit uncomfortable!) that we have uncovered.
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.