With a median price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of close to 10.3x in the Biotechs industry in the United States, you could be forgiven for feeling indifferent about Twist Bioscience Corporation's (NASDAQ:TWST) P/S ratio of 9.3x. 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.

View our latest analysis for Twist Bioscience

How Twist Bioscience Has Been Performing

Twist Bioscience could be doing better as it's been growing revenue less than most other companies lately. One possibility is that the P/S ratio is moderate because investors think this lacklustre revenue performance will turn around. You'd really hope so, otherwise you're paying a relatively elevated price for a company with this sort of growth profile.

Keen to find out how analysts think Twist Bioscience's future stacks up against the industry? In that case, our free report is a great place to start.

How Is Twist Bioscience's Revenue Growth Trending?

In order to justify its P/S ratio, Twist Bioscience would need to produce growth that's similar to the industry.

If we review the last year of revenue growth, the company posted a terrific increase of 28%. The strong recent performance means it was also able to grow revenue by 137% in total over the last three years. So we can start by confirming that the company has done a great job of growing revenue over that time.

Turning to the outlook, the next three years should generate growth of 18% per year as estimated by the ten analysts watching the company. With the industry predicted to deliver 122% growth per year, the company is positioned for a weaker revenue result.

In light of this, it's curious that Twist Bioscience's P/S sits in line with the majority of other companies. Apparently many investors in the company are less bearish than analysts indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock right now. These shareholders may be setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/S falls to levels more in line with the growth outlook.

The Final Word

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.

When you consider that Twist Bioscience's revenue growth estimates are fairly muted compared to the broader industry, it's easy to see why we consider it unexpected to be trading at its current P/S ratio. When we see companies with a relatively weaker revenue outlook compared to the industry, we suspect the share price is at risk of declining, sending the moderate P/S lower. A positive change is needed in order to justify the current price-to-sales ratio.

Having said that, be aware Twist Bioscience is showing 3 warning signs in our investment analysis, you should know about.

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.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.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.