The Inkeverse Group Limited (HKG:3700) share price has softened a substantial 25% over the previous 30 days, handing back much of the gains the stock has made lately. Of course, over the longer-term many would still wish they owned shares as the stock's price has soared 105% in the last twelve months.

Even after such a large drop in price, there still wouldn't be many who think Inkeverse Group's price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 9.3x is worth a mention when the median P/E in Hong Kong is similar at about 10x. While this might not raise any eyebrows, if the P/E ratio is not justified investors could be missing out on a potential opportunity or ignoring looming disappointment.

Inkeverse Group certainly has been doing a great job lately as it's been growing earnings at a really rapid pace. It might be that many expect the strong earnings performance to wane, which has kept the P/E from rising. If that doesn't eventuate, then existing shareholders have reason to be feeling optimistic about the future direction of the share price.

See our latest analysis for Inkeverse Group

Want the full picture on earnings, revenue and cash flow for the company? Then our free report on Inkeverse Group will help you shine a light on its historical performance.

What Are Growth Metrics Telling Us About The P/E?

In order to justify its P/E ratio, Inkeverse Group would need to produce growth that's similar to the market.

If we review the last year of earnings growth, the company posted a terrific increase of 134%. As a result, it also grew EPS by 26% in total over the last three years. Therefore, it's fair to say the earnings growth recently has been respectable for the company.

Weighing that recent medium-term earnings trajectory against the broader market's one-year forecast for expansion of 22% shows it's noticeably less attractive on an annualised basis.

In light of this, it's curious that Inkeverse Group's P/E sits in line with the majority of other companies. Apparently many investors in the company are less bearish than recent times would indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock right now. They may be setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/E falls to levels more in line with recent growth rates.

What We Can Learn From Inkeverse Group's P/E?

Inkeverse Group's plummeting stock price has brought its P/E right back to the rest of the market. Typically, we'd caution against reading too much into price-to-earnings ratios when settling on investment decisions, though it can reveal plenty about what other market participants think about the company.

We've established that Inkeverse Group currently trades on a higher than expected P/E since its recent three-year growth is lower than the wider market forecast. Right now we are uncomfortable with the P/E as this earnings performance isn't likely to support a more positive sentiment for long. 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 should always think about risks. Case in point, we've spotted 1 warning sign for Inkeverse Group you should be aware of.

Of course, you might also be able to find a better stock than Inkeverse Group. 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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