Those holding Zhengyuan Geomatics Group Co.,Ltd. (SHSE:688509) shares would be relieved that the share price has rebounded 28% in the last thirty days, but it needs to keep going to repair the recent damage it has caused to investor portfolios. Not all shareholders will be feeling jubilant, since the share price is still down a very disappointing 19% in the last twelve months.

Even after such a large jump in price, it's still not a stretch to say that Zhengyuan Geomatics GroupLtd's price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 3.5x right now seems quite "middle-of-the-road" compared to the Professional Services industry in China, where the median P/S ratio is around 3x. 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.

What Does Zhengyuan Geomatics GroupLtd's P/S Mean For Shareholders?

For instance, Zhengyuan Geomatics GroupLtd's receding revenue in recent times would have to be some food for thought. It might be that many expect the company to put the disappointing revenue performance behind them over the coming period, which has kept the P/S from falling. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.

Is There Some Revenue Growth Forecasted For Zhengyuan Geomatics GroupLtd?

The only time you'd be comfortable seeing a P/S like Zhengyuan Geomatics GroupLtd's is when the company's growth is tracking the industry closely.

Retrospectively, the last year delivered a frustrating 32% decrease to the company's top line. This means it has also seen a slide in revenue over the longer-term as revenue is down 47% in total over the last three years. So unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that the company has not done a great job of growing revenue over that time.

Weighing that medium-term revenue trajectory against the broader industry's one-year forecast for expansion of 95% shows it's an unpleasant look.

With this information, we find it concerning that Zhengyuan Geomatics GroupLtd is trading at a fairly similar P/S compared to the industry. It seems most investors are ignoring the recent poor growth rate and are hoping for a turnaround in the company's business prospects. There's a good chance existing shareholders are setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/S falls to levels more in line with the recent negative growth rates.

The Final Word

Its shares have lifted substantially and now Zhengyuan Geomatics GroupLtd's P/S is back within range of the industry median. 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.

Our look at Zhengyuan Geomatics GroupLtd revealed its shrinking revenues over the medium-term haven't impacted the P/S as much as we anticipated, given the industry is set to grow. Even though it matches the industry, we're uncomfortable with the current P/S ratio, as this dismal revenue performance is unlikely to support a more positive sentiment for long. Unless the recent medium-term conditions improve markedly, investors will have a hard time accepting the share price as fair value.

Plus, you should also learn about this 1 warning sign we've spotted with Zhengyuan Geomatics GroupLtd.

If strong companies turning a profit tickle your fancy, then you'll want to check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a low P/E (but have proven they can grow earnings).

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