NYSE:VIPS) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 16.8x right now seems quite "middle-of-the-road" compared to the market in the United States, where the median P/E ratio is around 19x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/E.” data-reactid=”28″>It’s not a stretch to say that Vipshop Holdings Limited’s (NYSE:VIPS) price-to-earnings (or “P/E”) ratio of 16.8x right now seems quite “middle-of-the-road” compared to the market in the United States, where the median P/E ratio is around 19x. However, investors might be overlooking a clear opportunity or potential setback if there is no rational basis for the P/E.
Vipshop Holdings certainly has been doing a good job lately as its earnings growth has been positive while most other companies have been seeing their earnings go backwards. It might be that many expect the strong earnings performance to deteriorate like the rest, which has kept the P/E from rising. If not, then existing shareholders have reason to be feeling optimistic about the future direction of the share price.
View our latest analysis for Vipshop Holdings ” data-reactid=”30″> View our latest analysis for Vipshop Holdings
free report on Vipshop Holdings.” data-reactid=”47″>If you’d like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report on Vipshop Holdings.
Does Growth Match The P/E?
In order to justify its P/E ratio, Vipshop Holdings would need to produce growth that’s similar to the market.
Retrospectively, the last year delivered an exceptional 73% gain to the company’s bottom line. Pleasingly, EPS has also lifted 93% in aggregate from three years ago, thanks to the last 12 months of growth. Accordingly, shareholders would have probably welcomed those medium-term rates of earnings growth.
Shifting to the future, estimates from the analysts covering the company suggest earnings should grow by 15% per annum over the next three years. With the market predicted to deliver 13% growth per year, the company is positioned for a comparable earnings result.
With this information, we can see why Vipshop Holdings is trading at a fairly similar P/E to the market. Apparently shareholders are comfortable to simply hold on while the company is keeping a low profile.
The Key Takeaway
The price-to-earnings ratio’s power isn’t primarily as a valuation instrument but rather to gauge current investor sentiment and future expectations.
We’ve established that Vipshop Holdings maintains its moderate P/E off the back of its forecast growth being in line with the wider market, as expected. Right now shareholders are comfortable with the P/E as they are quite confident future earnings won’t throw up any surprises. Unless these conditions change, they will continue to support the share price at these levels.
1 warning sign for Vipshop Holdings that you should be aware of.” data-reactid=”56″>Before you settle on your opinion, we’ve discovered 1 warning sign for Vipshop Holdings that you should be aware of.
collection of other companies that sit on P/E’s below 20x and have grown earnings strongly.” data-reactid=”57″>Of course, you might also be able to find a better stock than Vipshop Holdings. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that sit on P/E’s below 20x and have grown earnings strongly.
Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email [email protected].” data-reactid=”58″>This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. 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.
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