Price/Earnings-to-Growth Ratio (PEG)

The price/earnings-to-growth ratio (PEG) is an indicator used to show the price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of a stock in relation to its long-term growth. This provides a more accurate picture of the stocks actual P/E ratio.

One of the biggest lacks of the P/E ratio is the fact that it does not account for profit growth. Investors which compare stocks in the same field solely on the basis of the price-to-earnings ratio typically invest in stocks with a low P/E ratio because their potential earnings seem promising.

However, some companies grow at a much faster rate than others. Because of this, a company with a high P/E ratio may in fact show exceptionally fast growth, which generally leads to growth in stock value. These circumstances are accounted for by the PEG.

To calculate a PEG, you divide the price-to-earnings ratio (P/E ratio) by the companies projected growth rate (as a percentage). The expected growth in profitability is normally based on the previous year’s growth rate.

If a company’s stocks have a P/E ratio of 15 and the company’s anticipated growth rate is 25 percent, the PEG of those stocks would be 0.6 (=15/25). Generally, a PEG of less than 1 is considered good value, while stocks with a PEG of more than 1 are rated as expensive.

However, it is important to consider that past growth is not a fail-proof indicator of a company’s future profitability. Growth rates are subject to cyclical fluctuations and vary widely between branches.

Because of this, you need to make a clear projection of whether or not the industry in question will grow and if so, whether or not a company will maintain its growth phase.

More on this topic:

Swiss online trading comparison
Swiss private banking comparison
Price-to-cash-flow-ratio
Price-to-earnings ratio
Price-to-sales ratio
Price-to-book ratio

Online trading brokers in comparison

Find the cheapest online broker now

Compare now
Trading platforms

Brokers with low fees

Swiss Trading Platform

Cornèrtrader Special Offer

  • Special offer: particularly favorable conditions for Moneyland users

  • No custody account fees for shares

  • Swiss online bank with FINMA license

Swiss Broker

Saxo Bank Special Offer

  • Special offer: Reimbursement of brokerage fees up to CHF 200 for 90 days

  • Licensed Swiss bank (FINMA)

  • Free expert research and trading signals

Deal of the Day
×
Swiss Trading Platform

Cornèrtrader Special Offer

Special offer: particularly favorable conditions for Moneyland users

Wealth managers in comparison

Find the most favorable wealth management now

Compare now for free
Expert Felix Oeschger
Felix Oeschger is an analyst and expert at moneyland.ch. He is responsible for several core topics.