Intertek Group plc (LON:ITRK) Annual Results Just Came Out: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting For This Year

As you might know, Intertek Group plc (LON:ITRK) recently reported its annual numbers. It was a credible result overall, with revenues of UK£3.4b and statutory earnings per share of UK£2.13 both in line with analyst estimates, showing that Intertek Group is executing in line with expectations. This is an important time for investors, as they can track a company's performance in its report, look at what experts are forecasting for next year, and see if there has been any change to expectations for the business. We thought readers would find it interesting to see the analysts latest (statutory) post-earnings forecasts for next year.

Check out our latest analysis for Intertek Group

Following the latest results, Intertek Group's 16 analysts are now forecasting revenues of UK£3.58b in 2025. This would be an okay 5.6% improvement in revenue compared to the last 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are predicted to grow 13% to UK£2.42. Before this earnings report, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of UK£3.60b and earnings per share (EPS) of UK£2.37 in 2025. So the consensus seems to have become somewhat more optimistic on Intertek Group's earnings potential following these results.

There's been no major changes to the consensus price target of UK£56.59, suggesting that the improved earnings per share outlook is not enough to have a long-term positive impact on the stock's valuation. The consensus price target is just an average of individual analyst targets, so - it could be handy to see how wide the range of underlying estimates is. There are some variant perceptions on Intertek Group, with the most bullish analyst valuing it at UK£68.00 and the most bearish at UK£42.90 per share. As you can see, analysts are not all in agreement on the stock's future, but the range of estimates is still reasonably narrow, which could suggest that the outcome is not totally unpredictable.

Of course, another way to look at these forecasts is to place them into context against the industry itself. The analysts are definitely expecting Intertek Group's growth to accelerate, with the forecast 5.6% annualised growth to the end of 2025 ranking favourably alongside historical growth of 4.6% per annum over the past five years. Other similar companies in the industry (with analyst coverage) are also forecast to grow their revenue at 6.4% per year. Intertek Group is expected to grow at about the same rate as its industry, so it's not clear that we can draw any conclusions from its growth relative to competitors.

The Bottom Line

The biggest takeaway for us is the consensus earnings per share upgrade, which suggests a clear improvement in sentiment around Intertek Group's earnings potential next year. They also reconfirmed their revenue estimates, with the company predicted to grow at about the same rate as the wider industry. The consensus price target held steady at UK£56.59, with the latest estimates not enough to have an impact on their price targets.

Keeping that in mind, we still think that the longer term trajectory of the business is much more important for investors to consider. At Simply Wall St, we have a full range of analyst estimates for Intertek Group going out to 2027, and you can see them free on our platform here..

You can also see whether Intertek Group is carrying too much debt, and whether its balance sheet is healthy, for free on our platform here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.