Those holding PS International Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:PSIG) shares would be relieved that the share price has rebounded 29% in the last thirty days, but it needs to keep going to repair the recent damage it has caused to investor portfolios. Still, the 30-day jump doesn't change the fact that longer term shareholders have seen their stock decimated by the 96% share price drop in the last twelve months.

Even after such a large jump in price, there still wouldn't be many who think PS International Group's price-to-sales (or "P/S") ratio of 0.1x is worth a mention when the median P/S in the United States' Logistics industry is similar at about 0.6x. 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.

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View our latest analysis for PS International Group

What Does PS International Group's P/S Mean For Shareholders?

For example, consider that PS International Group's financial performance has been poor lately as its revenue has been in decline. It might be that many expect the company to put the disappointing revenue performance behind them over the coming period, which has kept the P/S from falling. If not, then existing shareholders may be a little nervous about the viability of the share price.

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

How Is PS International Group's Revenue Growth Trending?

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

In reviewing the last year of financials, we were disheartened to see the company's revenues fell to the tune of 38%. As a result, revenue from three years ago have also fallen 33% overall. So unfortunately, we have to acknowledge that the company has not done a great job of growing revenue over that time.

Comparing that to the industry, which is predicted to shrink 0.7% in the next 12 months, the company's downward momentum is still inferior based on recent medium-term annualised revenue results.

In light of this, it's somewhat peculiar that PS International Group's P/S sits in line with the majority of other companies. In general, when revenue shrink rapidly the P/S often shrinks too, which could set up shareholders for future disappointment. Maintaining these prices will be difficult to achieve as a continuation of recent revenue trends is likely to weigh down the shares eventually.

The Final Word

Its shares have lifted substantially and now PS International Group's P/S is back within range of the industry median. We'd say the price-to-sales ratio's power isn't primarily as a valuation instrument but rather to gauge current investor sentiment and future expectations.

Our examination of PS International Group revealed its sharp three-year contraction in revenue isn't impacting its P/S as much as we would have predicted, given the industry is set to shrink less severely. When we see below average revenue, we suspect the share price is at risk of declining, sending the moderate P/S lower. In addition, we would be concerned whether the company can even maintain its medium-term level of performance under these tough industry conditions. This would place shareholders' investments at risk and potential investors in danger of paying an unnecessary premium.

We don't want to rain on the parade too much, but we did also find 4 warning signs for PS International Group (2 can't be ignored!) that you need to be mindful 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.

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.