Momentum Financial Holdings Limited's (HKG:1152) Shares Lagging The Industry But So Is The Business

Momentum Financial Holdings Limited's (HKG:1152) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 0.3x might make it look like a strong buy right now compared to the Diversified Financial industry in Hong Kong, where around half of the companies have P/S ratios above 2.4x and even P/S above 5x are quite common. Although, it's not wise to just take the P/S at face value as there may be an explanation why it's so limited.

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View our latest analysis for Momentum Financial Holdings

What Does Momentum Financial Holdings' P/S Mean For Shareholders?

For example, consider that Momentum Financial Holdings' financial performance has been poor lately as its revenue has been in decline. Perhaps the market believes the recent revenue performance isn't good enough to keep up the industry, causing the P/S ratio to suffer. Those who are bullish on Momentum Financial Holdings will be hoping that this isn't the case so that they can pick up the stock at a lower valuation.

Do Revenue Forecasts Match The Low P/S Ratio?

Momentum Financial Holdings' P/S ratio would be typical for a company that's expected to deliver very poor growth or even falling revenue, and importantly, perform much worse than the industry.

In reviewing the last year of financials, we were disheartened to see the company's revenues fell to the tune of 17%. The last three years don't look nice either as the company has shrunk revenue by 3.3% in aggregate. Accordingly, shareholders would have felt downbeat about the medium-term rates of revenue growth.

Weighing that medium-term revenue trajectory against the broader industry's one-year forecast for expansion of 30% shows it's an unpleasant look.

In light of this, it's understandable that Momentum Financial Holdings' P/S would sit below the majority of other companies. However, we think shrinking revenues are unlikely to lead to a stable P/S over the longer term, which could set up shareholders for future disappointment. There's potential for the P/S to fall to even lower levels if the company doesn't improve its top-line growth.

What We Can Learn From Momentum Financial Holdings' P/S?

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.

As we suspected, our examination of Momentum Financial Holdings revealed its shrinking revenue over the medium-term is contributing to its low P/S, given the industry is set to grow. At this stage investors feel the potential for an improvement in revenue isn't great enough to justify a higher P/S ratio. Unless the recent medium-term conditions improve, they will continue to form a barrier for the share price around these levels.

Before you take the next step, you should know about the 2 warning signs for Momentum Financial Holdings (1 is a bit concerning!) that we have uncovered.

If you're unsure about the strength of Momentum Financial Holdings' business, why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals for some other companies you may have missed.

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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.