Analysis

Price-to-Sales Ratio: Definition

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Simple Definition

A valuation ratio comparing a company's stock price to its revenue per share. Useful for valuing companies that aren't yet profitable.

Why It Matters

P/S ratio shines where P/E can't — for unprofitable growth companies. Amazon had no profits for years, making P/E useless, but P/S showed how the market valued its massive revenue. P/S is harder to manipulate than earnings because revenue is the top line. A low P/S relative to peers may signal an undervalued company with strong sales.

Key Points

  • Calculate it: Market Cap ÷ Annual Revenue (or Stock Price ÷ Revenue Per Share)
  • P/S below 1.0 can signal a bargain; above 10 is considered expensive for most industries
  • Compare within the same sector — software companies naturally have higher P/S than retailers

Related Terms

Common Questions

A valuation ratio comparing a company's stock price to its revenue per share. Useful for valuing companies that aren't yet profitable. P/S ratio shines where P/E can't — for unprofitable growth companies. Amazon had no profits for years, making P/E useless, but P/S showed how the market valued its massive revenue.

P/S ratio shines where P/E can't — for unprofitable growth companies. Amazon had no profits for years, making P/E useless, but P/S showed how the market valued its massive revenue. P/S is harder to manipulate than earnings because revenue is the top line. A low P/S relative to peers may signal an undervalued company with strong sales.

Calculate it: Market Cap ÷ Annual Revenue (or Stock Price ÷ Revenue Per Share)

P/S below 1.0 can signal a bargain; above 10 is considered expensive for most industries

Compare within the same sector — software companies naturally have higher P/S than retailers