In This Article:
Today, we'll introduce the concept of the P/E ratio for those who are learning about investing. To keep it practical, we'll show how Konecranes Plc's (HEL:KCR) P/E ratio could help you assess the value on offer. What is Konecranes's P/E ratio? Well, based on the last twelve months it is 29.64. In other words, at today's prices, investors are paying €29.64 for every €1 in prior year profit.
View our latest analysis for Konecranes
How Do I Calculate A Price To Earnings Ratio?
The formula for price to earnings is:
Price to Earnings Ratio = Share Price ÷ Earnings per Share (EPS)
Or for Konecranes:
P/E of 29.64 = €28.24 ÷ €0.95 (Based on the year to September 2019.)
Is A High P/E Ratio Good?
A higher P/E ratio means that investors are paying a higher price for each €1 of company earnings. That is not a good or a bad thing per se, but a high P/E does imply buyers are optimistic about the future.
How Does Konecranes's P/E Ratio Compare To Its Peers?
The P/E ratio indicates whether the market has higher or lower expectations of a company. As you can see below, Konecranes has a higher P/E than the average company (16.6) in the machinery industry.
Konecranes's P/E tells us that market participants think the company will perform better than its industry peers, going forward. Shareholders are clearly optimistic, but the future is always uncertain. So investors should delve deeper. I like to check if company insiders have been buying or selling.
How Growth Rates Impact P/E Ratios
Earnings growth rates have a big influence on P/E ratios. If earnings are growing quickly, then the 'E' in the equation will increase faster than it would otherwise. And in that case, the P/E ratio itself will drop rather quickly. And as that P/E ratio drops, the company will look cheap, unless its share price increases.
Konecranes's earnings per share fell by 10% in the last twelve months. But it has grown its earnings per share by 13% per year over the last three years. And EPS is down 3.8% a year, over the last 5 years. This growth rate might warrant a below average P/E ratio.
Remember: P/E Ratios Don't Consider The Balance Sheet
One drawback of using a P/E ratio is that it considers market capitalization, but not the balance sheet. In other words, it does not consider any debt or cash that the company may have on the balance sheet. Theoretically, a business can improve its earnings (and produce a lower P/E in the future) by investing in growth. That means taking on debt (or spending its cash).
While growth expenditure doesn't always pay off, the point is that it is a good option to have; but one that the P/E ratio ignores.