You may think that with a price-to-sales (or “P/S”) ratio of 12x MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTSI) is a stock to avoid completely, seeing as almost half of all the Semiconductor companies in the United States have P/S ratios under 4.4x and even P/S lower than 2x aren’t out of the ordinary. Nonetheless, we’d need to dig a little deeper to determine if there is a rational basis for the highly elevated P/S.

Check out our latest analysis for MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings

What Does MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings’ Recent Performance Look Like?

MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings 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. It might be that many expect the dour revenue performance to recover substantially, which has kept the P/S from collapsing. 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 MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings will help you uncover what’s on the horizon.

Do Revenue Forecasts Match The High P/S Ratio?

The only time you’d be truly comfortable seeing a P/S as steep as MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings’ 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 8.9%. Regardless, revenue has managed to lift by a handy 9.2% in aggregate from three years ago, thanks to the earlier period of growth. So we can start by confirming that the company has generally done a good job of growing revenue over that time, even though it had some hiccups along the way.

Looking ahead now, revenue is anticipated to climb by 24% during the coming year according to the analysts following the company. With the industry predicted to deliver 40% growth, the company is positioned for a weaker revenue result.

In light of this, it’s alarming that MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings’ P/S sits above the majority of other companies. Apparently many investors in the company are way more bullish than analysts indicate and aren’t willing to let go of their stock at any price. There’s a good chance these shareholders are setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/S falls to levels more in line with the growth outlook.

The Final Word

While the price-to-sales ratio shouldn’t be the defining factor in whether you buy a stock or not, it’s quite a capable barometer of revenue expectations.

We’ve concluded that MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings currently trades on a much higher than expected P/S since its forecast growth is lower than the wider industry. Right now we aren’t comfortable with the high P/S as the predicted future revenues aren’t likely to support such positive sentiment for long. Unless these conditions improve markedly, it’s very challenging to accept these prices as being reasonable.

There are also other vital risk factors to consider before investing and we’ve discovered 1 warning sign for MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings that you should be aware of.

If strong companies turning a profit tickle your fancy, then you’ll want to check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a low P/E (but have proven they can grow earnings).

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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.

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