Stock Analysis

Results: Baltic Classifieds Group PLC Exceeded Expectations And The Consensus Has Updated Its Estimates

LSE:BCG
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Investors in Baltic Classifieds Group PLC (LON:BCG) had a good week, as its shares rose 4.8% to close at UK£2.50 following the release of its yearly results. The result was positive overall - although revenues of €72m were in line with what the analysts predicted, Baltic Classifieds Group surprised by delivering a statutory profit of €0.065 per share, modestly greater than expected. The analysts typically update their forecasts at each earnings report, and we can judge from their estimates whether their view of the company has changed or if there are any new concerns to be aware of. Readers will be glad to know we've aggregated the latest statutory forecasts to see whether the analysts have changed their mind on Baltic Classifieds Group after the latest results.

Check out our latest analysis for Baltic Classifieds Group

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LSE:BCG Earnings and Revenue Growth July 5th 2024

After the latest results, the six analysts covering Baltic Classifieds Group are now predicting revenues of €83.1m in 2025. If met, this would reflect a notable 15% improvement in revenue compared to the last 12 months. Per-share earnings are expected to soar 28% to €0.085. Before this earnings report, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of €82.8m and earnings per share (EPS) of €0.082 in 2025. So the consensus seems to have become somewhat more optimistic on Baltic Classifieds Group's earnings potential following these results.

The consensus price target rose 5.5% to UK£2.67, suggesting that higher earnings estimates flow through to the stock's valuation as well. 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 Baltic Classifieds Group, with the most bullish analyst valuing it at UK£3.29 and the most bearish at UK£2.23 per share. There are definitely some different views on the stock, but the range of estimates is not wide enough as to imply that the situation is unforecastable, in our view.

Looking at the bigger picture now, one of the ways we can make sense of these forecasts is to see how they measure up against both past performance and industry growth estimates. The period to the end of 2025 brings more of the same, according to the analysts, with revenue forecast to display 15% growth on an annualised basis. That is in line with its 18% annual growth over the past three years. By contrast, our data suggests that other companies (with analyst coverage) in a similar industry are forecast to see their revenues grow 8.3% per year. So it's pretty clear that Baltic Classifieds Group is forecast to grow substantially faster than its industry.

The Bottom Line

The biggest takeaway for us is the consensus earnings per share upgrade, which suggests a clear improvement in sentiment around Baltic Classifieds Group's earnings potential next year. Happily, there were no major changes to revenue forecasts, with the business still expected to grow faster than the wider industry. We note an upgrade to the price target, suggesting that the analysts believes the intrinsic value of the business is likely to improve over time.

Keeping that in mind, we still think that the longer term trajectory of the business is much more important for investors to consider. We have forecasts for Baltic Classifieds Group going out to 2027, and you can see them free on our platform here.

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

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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.