With a median price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of close to 1.5x in the Gas Utilities industry in the United States, you could be forgiven for feeling indifferent about Brookfield Infrastructure Corporation's (NYSE:BIPC) P/S ratio of 1.7x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/S.
How Brookfield Infrastructure Has Been Performing
Brookfield Infrastructure certainly has been doing a good job lately as its revenue growth has been positive while most other companies have been seeing their revenue go backwards. One possibility is that the P/S ratio is moderate because investors think the company's revenue will be less resilient moving forward. If you like the company, you'd be hoping this isn't the case so that you could potentially pick up some stock while it's not quite in favour.
Want the full picture on analyst estimates for the company? Then our free report on Brookfield Infrastructure will help you uncover what's on the horizon.
How Is Brookfield Infrastructure's Revenue Growth Trending?
In order to justify its P/S ratio, Brookfield Infrastructure would need to produce growth that's similar to the industry.
Taking a look back first, we see that the company grew revenue by an impressive 33% last year. The latest three year period has also seen an excellent 75% overall rise in revenue, aided by its short-term performance. So we can start by confirming that the company has done a great job of growing revenue over that time.
Shifting to the future, estimates from the lone analyst covering the company suggest revenue should grow by 106% per year over the next three years. With the industry only predicted to deliver 25% per annum, the company is positioned for a stronger revenue result.
In light of this, it's curious that Brookfield Infrastructure's P/S sits in line with the majority of other companies. It may be that most investors aren't convinced the company can achieve future growth expectations.
What Does Brookfield Infrastructure's P/S Mean For Investors?
We'd say the price-to-sales ratio's power isn't primarily as a valuation instrument but rather to gauge current investor sentiment and future expectations.
We've established that Brookfield Infrastructure currently trades on a lower than expected P/S since its forecasted revenue growth is higher than the wider industry. There could be some risks that the market is pricing in, which is preventing the P/S ratio from matching the positive outlook. However, if you agree with the analysts' forecasts, you may be able to pick up the stock at an attractive price.
And what about other risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 4 warning signs for Brookfield Infrastructure (of which 1 is concerning!) you should know about.
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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