Should the Xero share price have a P/E ratio of 4,000?

The Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price trades at a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of 4,122 – but is the ASX tech share overvalued?

| More on:
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio, ASX shares

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) share price has been a top ASX tech performer for quite some time. Shares in the Aussie software provider are up 11.66% this year while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has slumped 11.11% lower.

But there's one that thing that really stands out about Xero right now. The Aussie tech group's shares trade at a price to earnings (P/E) ratio of 4,122.29. That's a pretty astonishing number, but does it mean Xero is overvalued today?

Is the Xero share price overvalued?

Xero is currently trading at $89.33 per share. A P/E ratio of 4,122 means that for every $4,122 you pay for the share, you can expect the company to generate $1 worth of earnings.

That's an incredibly high number. Let's compare that figure that to a strong dividend share like Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG). Fortescue shares are currently valued at $14.66 with a P/E ratio of 6.04.

Of course, we have to compare apples with apples. This means it might be more appropriate to evaluate the Xero share price against that of its WAAAX peers. The Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) share price, for example, currently trades at a P/E ratio of 62.16. Therefore, on the surface it might appear that Xero shares are grossly overvalued.

However, I don't think it's that simple. The Xero share price has consistently climbed over the years and investors continue to buy into the company. The group continues to sign big clients and I think small and medium business clients will rely on Xero software throughout the COVID-19 crisis. 

Furthermore, many ASX tech shares don't actually post positive earnings or 'profit'. That means the earnings component of the P/E ratio is useless and won't provide any decisive value. However, if a company posts a 1 cent per share profit, all of a sudden their P/E ratio will be enormous.

Foolish takeaway

I don't think it's wise to just use P/E ratios to value the Xero share price, particularly in the current climate. If Xero retains key customers and manages to reduce churn, the ASX tech share could still be a good buy in 2020 and beyond.

Should you invest $1,000 in Splitit Payments right now?

Before you buy Splitit Payments shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Splitit Payments wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Altium and Xero. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Technology Shares

group of traders cheering at stock market
Technology Shares

What drove a 10% surge in ASX 200 tech shares last week?

The ASX 200 roared to a 2-month high on Friday, with tech shares leading the 11 market sectors last week.

Read more »

A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.
Technology Shares

Why is the Block share price crashing 33%?

This payment giant's shares are being hammered today. But why?

Read more »

A young man pointing up looking amazed, indicating a surging share price movement for an ASX company
Technology Shares

These ASX 200 tech stocks could rise 20% to 35%

Goldman Sachs is tipping these shares to rise strongly from current levels.

Read more »

A corporate team or board stands together and looks out the window.
Technology Shares

WiseTech shares charge higher on $3.5b acquisition news

This tech stock is ending the week positively. But why?

Read more »

A man leans forward over his phone in his hands with a satisfied smirk on his face although he has just learned something pleasing or received some satisfying news.
Technology Shares

3 reasons to buy this $25 billion ASX 200 tech stock today

A top expert forecasts more outperformance from this fast-growing ASX 200 tech stock.

Read more »

Lines of codes and graphs in the background with woman looking at laptop trying to understand the data.
Technology Shares

Why is the Brainchip share price crashing 9% today?

The semiconductor company is being sold off on Tuesday. But why?

Read more »

A man with a wide, eager smile on his face holds up three fingers.
Technology Shares

3 reasons this sold-off ASX 200 share is primed for a big rebound

A leading expert believes this ASX 200 share is well placed to outperform.

Read more »

a man surrounded by huge piles of paper looks through a magnifying glass at his computer screen.
Technology Shares

I did some research on Siteminder — Here's what you should know

The big questions I'm monitoring for answers.

Read more »