Fuda Alloy Materials Co.,Ltd (SHSE:603045) shareholders are no doubt pleased to see that the share price has bounced 29% in the last month, although it is still struggling to make up recently lost ground. Not all shareholders will be feeling jubilant, since the share price is still down a very disappointing 16% in the last twelve months.

Even after such a large jump in price, it's still not a stretch to say that Fuda Alloy MaterialsLtd's price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 30.2x right now seems quite "middle-of-the-road" compared to the market in China, where the median P/E ratio is around 31x. While this might not raise any eyebrows, if the P/E ratio is not justified investors could be missing out on a potential opportunity or ignoring looming disappointment.

With earnings growth that's exceedingly strong of late, Fuda Alloy MaterialsLtd has been doing very well. It might be that many expect the strong earnings performance to wane, which has kept the P/E from rising. If that doesn't eventuate, then existing shareholders have reason to be feeling optimistic about the future direction of the share price.

Although there are no analyst estimates available for Fuda Alloy MaterialsLtd, take a look at this free data-rich visualisation to see how the company stacks up on earnings, revenue and cash flow.

How Is Fuda Alloy MaterialsLtd's Growth Trending?

In order to justify its P/E ratio, Fuda Alloy MaterialsLtd would need to produce growth that's similar to the market.

If we review the last year of earnings growth, the company posted a terrific increase of 110%. The latest three year period has also seen a 5.1% overall rise in EPS, aided extensively by its short-term performance. So we can start by confirming that the company has actually done a good job of growing earnings over that time.

Weighing that recent medium-term earnings trajectory against the broader market's one-year forecast for expansion of 41% shows it's noticeably less attractive on an annualised basis.

In light of this, it's curious that Fuda Alloy MaterialsLtd's P/E sits in line with the majority of other companies. Apparently many investors in the company are less bearish than recent times would indicate and aren't willing to let go of their stock right now. They may be setting themselves up for future disappointment if the P/E falls to levels more in line with recent growth rates.

What We Can Learn From Fuda Alloy MaterialsLtd's P/E?

Its shares have lifted substantially and now Fuda Alloy MaterialsLtd's P/E is also back up to the market median. We'd say the price-to-earnings ratio's power isn't primarily as a valuation instrument but rather to gauge current investor sentiment and future expectations.

Our examination of Fuda Alloy MaterialsLtd revealed its three-year earnings trends aren't impacting its P/E as much as we would have predicted, given they look worse than current market expectations. Right now we are uncomfortable with the P/E as this earnings performance isn't likely to support a more positive sentiment for long. If recent medium-term earnings trends continue, it will place shareholders' investments at risk and potential investors in danger of paying an unnecessary premium.

You should always think about risks. Case in point, we've spotted 3 warning signs for Fuda Alloy MaterialsLtd you should be aware of.

Of course, you might also be able to find a better stock than Fuda Alloy MaterialsLtd. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have reasonable P/E ratios and have grown earnings strongly.

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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.