This data item is calculated as the percentage difference between the stock PS ratio and the sector PS ratio.
As can be seen from the table above, stock A has a higher PS ratio than the sector average which results in a positive output. When the output is positive it is said that the stock is trading at a premium to the sector. In stock B’s case the output is negative, indicating that the stock’s PS ratio is lower than the sector’s PS ratio. In such a scenario it is said that stock is trading at a discount to the sector.
A company’s PS ratio might be at a discount to the sector because the growth potential of the company is considered to be low or the business of the company is under stress. It is also possible that PS is at a discount as the market has mis-priced the stock. Prudent analysis is necessary before making a stock purchase decision.