P/E Ratio Explained: Lessons from the Mango Season

Kotak Insights | Date 12/04/2024

The anticipation of the mango season is palpable in India. It's a time when the air is filled with the sweet aroma of ripe mangoes, and every fruit stall turns into a treasure trove.

And as we indulge in the joy of selecting the perfect mango, little do we realize that there are valuable lessons to be learned, not just about fruit selection, but also about the intricacies of investing.

Well, ask our Indian mothers who know how to pick perfect mangoes!

If we were to draw parallels from their mango picking skills, we could learn a few investing lessons.

Let’s look at one such lesson on P/E ratio – A powerful stock picking tool.

A Trip to the Mango Stand

Imagine you're strolling through a bustling market, surrounded by the enticing smells of fresh mangoes. As you stand beside your mother, observing her meticulous mango selection process, you couldn’t help but draw parallels between her method and the world of finance. "So, Mom, how do you always manage to pick the best mangoes?" you inquire with curiosity.

"It's all about finding the right balance, beta," she replies with a knowing smile. "You want mangoes that are ripe and flavorful, but you also don't want to overpay for them."

Understanding P/E Ratio and EPS

In the realm of investing, this balance is reflected in the concept of the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio.

Just as you would not want to overpay for a mushy, overripe mango, investors don't want to overpay for a stock that's not delivering earnings.

The P/E ratio is one method that helps investor assess whether they are getting a good deal on a stock by comparing its price to its earnings.

To delve deeper into the analogy, let us consider the components of the P/E ratio. Think of it as dissecting the anatomy of a mango to understand its sweetness and flavor. Similarly, understanding the P/E ratio requires examining two key components: the Price and the EPS.

Here's where the concept of EPS also comes into play. EPS, or Earnings Per Share, tells you how much profit a company is generating per share of its stock. This metric serves as the core essence of a company's profitability, much like the sweetness of a mango defines its quality. Just as we seek mangoes bursting with flavor, investors look for companies with robust earnings.

For example, if a company makes Rs 100 in profit and has 10 shares outstanding, its EPS would be Rs 10 (Rs 100 profit divided by 10 shares). If the market price of each share is Rs 200, the P/E Ratio would be 20 (Rs 200 market price divided by Rs 10 EPS).

So, in a nutshell:

• Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The P/E ratio is a measure of how much investors are willing to pay for each unit of a company's earnings. It indicates the relationship between the stock price and the company's earnings per share.

Formula: P/E Ratio = Market Price per Share / Earnings Per Share (EPS)

• Earnings Per Share (EPS): EPS is a key financial metric that represents the portion of a company's profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock. It provides insights into a company's profitability on a per-share basis.

Formula: EPS = Net Income / Number of Outstanding Shares

Paying the Right Price: Using P/E Ratio and EPS Wisely

It's all about finding that perfect balance between price and quality, whether you're shopping for mangoes or investing in the stock market.

Let's bring this home to the Indian stock market.

Imagine two companies in the mango industry: Company A has a P/E Ratio of 10, while Company B has a P/E Ratio of 20. At first glance, it seems like investors are more willing to shell out for Company B’s earnings. But wait, there's more to the story.

A lower P/E Ratio like Company A’s might indicate that it's undervalued compared to its earnings potential. It could be a hidden gem waiting to shine. On the other hand, Company B’s higher P/E Ratio suggests that investors are paying a premium for its earnings. It might be riding high on market hype.

Why P/E Ratio Matters

A savvy investor looks for stocks with a low P/E Ratio relative to their peers. This doesn't mean blindly picking the cheapest stocks, just how you wouldn’t just pick mangoes with the cheapest tag. It’s about finding those stocks with strong fundamentals and growth potential.

Also, remember that P/E Ratio isn't a crystal ball. Always do your homework, consider the company's performance, industry trends, and broader economic conditions before investing.

So, next time you are picking mangoes at the market or eyeing stocks in the market, remember to think about the P/E ratio and EPS and make the juiciest choice possible.

Happy learning!

Sources and References:

• Investopedia
• Forbes

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is intended solely for educational purposes and should not be regarded as financial advice. It is not produced by the desk of the Kotak Securities Research Team, nor is it a report published by the Kotak Securities Research Team. The securities and assets mentioned serve purely as illustrations only and should not be taken as recommendations for investment. Please note that the information presented is compiled from several secondary sources available on the internet and may change over time. We strongly advise consulting with a qualified financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions. Read the full disclaimer here.