Analog Devices, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:ADI) Earnings Haven't Escaped The Attention Of Investors
NASDAQ:ADI) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 38.1x might make it look like a strong sell right now compared to the market in the United States, where around half of the companies have P/E ratios below 18x and even P/E’s below 9x are quite common. Although, it’s not wise to just take the P/E at face value as there may be an explanation why it’s so lofty.” data-reactid=”28″>Analog Devices, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:ADI) price-to-earnings (or “P/E”) ratio of 38.1x might make it look like a strong sell right now compared to the market in the United States, where around half of the companies have P/E ratios below 18x and even P/E’s below 9x are quite common. Although, it’s not wise to just take the P/E at face value as there may be an explanation why it’s so lofty.
With earnings that are retreating more than the market’s of late, Analog Devices has been very sluggish. One possibility is that the P/E is high because investors think the company will turn things around completely and accelerate past most others in the market. If not, then existing shareholders may be very nervous about the viability of the share price.
Check out our latest analysis for Analog Devices ” data-reactid=”30″> Check out our latest analysis for Analog Devices
free report on Analog Devices.” data-reactid=”47″>If you’d like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report on Analog Devices.
How Is Analog Devices’ Growth Trending?
In order to justify its P/E ratio, Analog Devices would need to produce outstanding growth well in excess of the market.
If we review the last year of earnings, dishearteningly the company’s profits fell to the tune of 25%. Even so, admirably EPS has lifted 48% in aggregate from three years ago, notwithstanding the last 12 months. Accordingly, while they would have preferred to keep the run going, shareholders would probably welcome the medium-term rates of earnings growth.
Turning to the outlook, the next three years should generate growth of 20% per year as estimated by the analysts watching the company. That’s shaping up to be materially higher than the 13% per annum growth forecast for the broader market.
In light of this, it’s understandable that Analog Devices’ P/E sits above the majority of other companies. It seems most investors are expecting this strong future growth and are willing to pay more for the stock.
The Key Takeaway
Using the price-to-earnings ratio alone to determine if you should sell your stock isn’t sensible, however it can be a practical guide to the company’s future prospects.
We’ve established that Analog Devices maintains its high P/E on the strength of its forecast growth being higher than the wider market, as expected. Right now shareholders are comfortable with the P/E as they are quite confident future earnings aren’t under threat. It’s hard to see the share price falling strongly in the near future under these circumstances.
2 warning signs we’ve spotted with Analog Devices.” data-reactid=”56″>Plus, you should also learn about these 2 warning signs we’ve spotted with Analog Devices.
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Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email [email protected].” data-reactid=”58″>This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. 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.
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