Stock Analysis

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited (NSE:ICICIGI) Just Released Its Third-Quarter Results And Analysts Are Updating Their Estimates

NSEI:ICICIGI
Source: Shutterstock

It's been a good week for ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited (NSE:ICICIGI) shareholders, because the company has just released its latest third-quarter results, and the shares gained 3.4% to ₹1,440. Revenues came in 3.4% below expectations, at ₹50b. Statutory earnings per share were relatively better off, with a per-share profit of ₹8.73 being roughly in line with analyst estimates. Earnings are an important time for investors, as they can track a company's performance, look at what the analysts are forecasting for next year, and see if there's been a change in sentiment towards the company. So we collected the latest post-earnings statutory consensus estimates to see what could be in store for next year.

Check out our latest analysis for ICICI Lombard General Insurance

earnings-and-revenue-growth
NSEI:ICICIGI Earnings and Revenue Growth January 19th 2024

Following the latest results, ICICI Lombard General Insurance's 22 analysts are now forecasting revenues of ₹230.8b in 2025. This would be a decent 12% improvement in revenue compared to the last 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are predicted to leap 29% to ₹48.20. Yet prior to the latest earnings, the analysts had been anticipated revenues of ₹231.9b and earnings per share (EPS) of ₹49.15 in 2025. So it's pretty clear that, although the analysts have updated their estimates, there's been no major change in expectations for the business following the latest results.

There were no changes to revenue or earnings estimates or the price target of ₹1,574, suggesting that the company has met expectations in its recent result. That's not the only conclusion we can draw from this data however, as some investors also like to consider the spread in estimates when evaluating analyst price targets. Currently, the most bullish analyst values ICICI Lombard General Insurance at ₹1,780 per share, while the most bearish prices it at ₹1,100. This shows there is still a bit of diversity in estimates, but analysts don't appear to be totally split on the stock as though it might be a success or failure situation.

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. It's pretty clear that there is an expectation that ICICI Lombard General Insurance's revenue growth will slow down substantially, with revenues to the end of 2025 expected to display 9.3% growth on an annualised basis. This is compared to a historical growth rate of 16% over the past five years. Compare this to the 11 other companies in this industry with analyst coverage, which are forecast to grow their revenue at 8.6% per year. So it's pretty clear that, while ICICI Lombard General Insurance's revenue growth is expected to slow, it's expected to grow roughly in line with the 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. 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 ₹1,574, with the latest estimates not enough to have an impact on their price targets.

Following on from that line of thought, we think that the long-term prospects of the business are much more relevant than next year's earnings. We have estimates - from multiple ICICI Lombard General Insurance analysts - going out to 2026, and you can see them free on our platform here.

That said, it's still necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with ICICI Lombard General Insurance , and understanding it should be part of your investment process.

Valuation is complex, but we're helping make it simple.

Find out whether ICICI Lombard General Insurance is potentially over or undervalued by checking out our comprehensive analysis, which includes fair value estimates, risks and warnings, dividends, insider transactions and financial health.

View the Free Analysis

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.