Subdued Growth No Barrier To Genes Tech Group Holdings Company Limited (HKG:8257) With Shares Advancing 29%

The Genes Tech Group Holdings Company Limited (HKG:8257) share price has done very well over the last month, posting an excellent gain of 29%. Looking back a bit further, it's encouraging to see the stock is up 29% in the last year.

In spite of the firm bounce in price, there still wouldn't be many who think Genes Tech Group Holdings' price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 11.6x is worth a mention when the median P/E in Hong Kong is similar at about 12x. Although, it's not wise to simply ignore the P/E without explanation as investors may be disregarding a distinct opportunity or a costly mistake.

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For example, consider that Genes Tech Group Holdings' financial performance has been poor lately as its earnings have been in decline. One possibility is that the P/E is moderate because investors think the company might still do enough to be in line with the broader market in the near future. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.

Check out our latest analysis for Genes Tech Group Holdings

How Is Genes Tech Group Holdings' Growth Trending?

There's an inherent assumption that a company should be matching the market for P/E ratios like Genes Tech Group Holdings' to be considered reasonable.

If we review the last year of earnings, dishearteningly the company's profits fell to the tune of 73%. This means it has also seen a slide in earnings over the longer-term as EPS is down 69% in total over the last three years. So unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that the company has not done a great job of growing earnings over that time.

Comparing that to the market, which is predicted to deliver 19% growth in the next 12 months, the company's downward momentum based on recent medium-term earnings results is a sobering picture.

In light of this, it's somewhat alarming that Genes Tech Group Holdings' P/E sits in line with the majority of other companies. Apparently many investors in the company are way less bearish than recent times would indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock right now. Only the boldest would assume these prices are sustainable as a continuation of recent earnings trends is likely to weigh on the share price eventually.

The Bottom Line On Genes Tech Group Holdings' P/E

Genes Tech Group Holdings' stock has a lot of momentum behind it lately, which has brought its P/E level with the market. Generally, our preference is to limit the use of the price-to-earnings ratio to establishing what the market thinks about the overall health of a company.

We've established that Genes Tech Group Holdings currently trades on a higher than expected P/E since its recent earnings have been in decline over the medium-term. When we see earnings heading backwards and underperforming the market forecasts, we suspect the share price is at risk of declining, sending the moderate P/E lower. If recent medium-term earnings trends continue, it will place shareholders' investments at risk and potential investors in danger of paying an unnecessary premium.

You need to take note of risks, for example - Genes Tech Group Holdings has 4 warning signs (and 3 which are concerning) we think you should know about.

You might be able to find a better investment than Genes Tech Group Holdings. If you want a selection of possible candidates, 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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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.