enCore Energy Corp.'s (CVE:EU) price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 11.5x may look like a poor investment opportunity when you consider close to half the companies in the Oil and Gas industry in Canada have P/S ratios below 2.8x. Nonetheless, we'd need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the highly elevated P/S.
See our latest analysis for enCore Energy
enCore Energy hasn't been tracking well recently as its declining revenue compares poorly to other companies, which have seen some growth in their revenues on average. Perhaps the market is expecting the poor revenue to reverse, justifying it's current high P/S.. If not, then existing shareholders may be extremely nervous about the viability of the share price.
Want the full picture on analyst estimates for the company? Then our free report on enCore Energy will help you uncover what's on the horizon.The only time you'd be truly comfortable seeing a P/S as steep as enCore Energy's is when the company's growth is on track to outshine the industry decidedly.
In reviewing the last year of financials, we were disheartened to see the company's revenues fell to the tune of 13%. This has erased any of its gains during the last three years, with practically no change in revenue being achieved in total. So it appears to us that the company has had a mixed result in terms of growing revenue over that time.
Turning to the outlook, the next three years should generate growth of 56% per year as estimated by the four analysts watching the company. Meanwhile, the rest of the industry is forecast to only expand by 4.9% per annum, which is noticeably less attractive.
In light of this, it's understandable that enCore Energy's P/S sits above the majority of other companies. Apparently shareholders aren't keen to offload something that is potentially eyeing a more prosperous future.
It's argued the price-to-sales ratio is an inferior measure of value within certain industries, but it can be a powerful business sentiment indicator.
Our look into enCore Energy shows that its P/S ratio remains high on the merit of its strong future revenues. Right now shareholders are comfortable with the P/S as they are quite confident future revenues aren't under threat. Unless the analysts have really missed the mark, these strong revenue forecasts should keep the share price buoyant.
You always need to take note of risks, for example - enCore Energy has 1 warning sign we think you should be aware of.
Of course, profitable companies with a history of great earnings growth are generally safer bets. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have reasonable P/E ratios and have grown earnings strongly.
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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.