US Equities Have Never Been More Expensive, and That Probably Won’t Improve for Q4

Two measures of valuation for US equities are off the charts. Price to Sales and Enterprise Value to EBITDA. And according to consensus estimates, corporate profits likely dropped in Q4, dragging down annual earnings growth to the smallest in three years. A lot of investors are fine with that it seems as hope grows eternal.

History suggests that the S&P 500 can rise about 7% in the year following an tough in earnings. Last year’s 30%+ gain was in anticipation for a strong recovery in earnings growth rates. We are not so sure.

An article in Barron’s over the weekend looks at several metrics measuring the valuation of the market based on historical averages. By most measures the market is very expensive.

Sizing Up the Market

Valuation Model Current Reading Versus Historical Average
Market Cap to GDP 203% Very Expensive
S&P 500 Forward P/E 18.9% Very Expensive
Enterprise Value/Sales 2.6% Very Expensive
Rule of 20 20.2% Fairly Valued
Yield Gap vs 10-Year Tresury 3.4% Inexpensive
S&P 500 Price/Book Ratio 3.7% Expensive

Sources: Charles Schwab, Goldman Sachs

According to Investopedia, Price-to-Sales (P/S) Ratios are a key analysis and valuation tool. The ratio shows how much investors are willing to pay per dollar of sales. Like all ratios, the P/S ratio is most relevant when used to compare companies in the same sector. A low ratio may indicate the stock is undervalued, while a ratio that is significantly above the average may suggest overvaluation. When compared with the bubble peak in 2000 when there were no sales yet versus today when there are, this statistic is a major WARNING!

Also according to Investopedia, the enterprise value (EV) to the earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) ratio varies by industry. However, he EV/EBITDA for the S&P 500 has typically averaged from 11 to 14 over the last few years. EBITDA measures a firm’s overall financial performance, while EV determines the firm’s total value.

As of last week, the average EV/EBITDA for the S&P was 14.14. As a general guideline, an EV/EBITDA value below 10 is commonly interpreted as healthy and above average by analysts and investors.

The EV/EBITDA Multiple

The enterprise-value-to-EBITDA ratio is calculated by:

This popular metric is used as a valuation tool to compare the value of a company, debt included, to the company’s cash earnings less non-cash expenses. It’s ideal for analysts and investors looking to compare companies within the same industry.

Typically, EV/EBITDA values below 10 are seen as healthy. However, the comparison of relative values among companies within the same industry is the best way for investors to determine companies with the healthiest EV/EBITDA within a specific sector.

Benefits of EV/EBITDA Analysis

Just like the P/E ratio (price-to-earnings), the lower the EV/EBITDA, the cheaper the valuation for a company. Although the P/E ratio is typically used as the go-to-valuation tool, there are benefits to using the P/E ratio along with the EV/EBITDA. For example, many investors look for companies that have both low valuations using P/E and EV/EBITDA and solid dividend growth.

Analysts are projecting that S&P 500 profits fell 1.6% in the last three months of 2019. Investors will likely pay closer attention to forecasts to see if companies confirm the rebound currently expected by analysts–a 3.2% rise in the first quarter of 2020, with a full-year forecast of 9.1% growth, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence.

Cyclical sectors of the market are expected to lead the rebound in earnings growth this year, with energy stocks set to see growth of 21%, which will not last. Industrials and materials are each forecast for rises of about 14%, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, which will also not last. The best of Trump’s stimulus agenda is behind us an no longer offers a tailwind. Despite this week’s signing of a phase 1 deal with China, tariffs, will continue to provide headwinds to growth. The vast majority of earnings growth was a tax cut plus share buybacks. This is why the price to sales ratio has never been worse. Be cautious and don’t buy into the fear of missing out rally.

 

Share your thoughts and comments