Stock Analysis

Varun Beverages Limited Just Beat Earnings Expectations: Here's What Analysts Think Will Happen Next

Published
NSEI:VBL

Varun Beverages Limited (NSE:VBL) investors will be delighted, with the company turning in some strong numbers with its latest results. It was overall a positive result, with revenues beating expectations by 4.9% to hit ₹49b. Varun Beverages reported statutory earnings per share (EPS) ₹1.91, which was a notable 12% above what the analysts had forecast. 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. We thought readers would find it interesting to see the analysts latest (statutory) post-earnings forecasts for next year.

View our latest analysis for Varun Beverages

NSEI:VBL Earnings and Revenue Growth October 25th 2024

Taking into account the latest results, the current consensus from Varun Beverages' 21 analysts is for revenues of ₹240.9b in 2025. This would reflect a substantial 27% increase on its revenue over the past 12 months. Per-share earnings are expected to soar 28% to ₹10.02. Yet prior to the latest earnings, the analysts had been anticipated revenues of ₹242.6b and earnings per share (EPS) of ₹10.09 in 2025. The consensus analysts don't seem to have seen anything in these results that would have changed their view on the business, given there's been no major change to their estimates.

There were no changes to revenue or earnings estimates or the price target of ₹714, suggesting that the company has met expectations in its recent result. 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. The most optimistic Varun Beverages analyst has a price target of ₹827 per share, while the most pessimistic values it at ₹606. Analysts definitely have varying views on the business, but the spread of estimates is not wide enough in our view to suggest that extreme outcomes could await Varun Beverages shareholders.

Taking a look at the bigger picture now, one of the ways we can understand these forecasts is to see how they compare to 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 21% growth on an annualised basis. That is in line with its 24% annual growth over the past five years. Compare this with the broader industry, which analyst estimates (in aggregate) suggest will see revenues grow 12% annually. So it's pretty clear that Varun Beverages is forecast to grow substantially faster than its industry.

The Bottom Line

The most important thing to take away is that there's been no major change in sentiment, with the analysts reconfirming that the business is performing in line with their previous earnings per share estimates. Happily, there were no major changes to revenue forecasts, with the business still expected to grow faster than the wider industry. There was no real change to the consensus price target, suggesting that the intrinsic value of the business has not undergone any major changes with the latest estimates.

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 Varun Beverages going out to 2026, and you can see them free on our platform here.

However, before you get too enthused, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Varun Beverages that you should be aware of.

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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.