One thing we could say about the analysts on Chengxin Lithium Group Co., Ltd. (SZSE:002240) - they aren't optimistic, having just made a major negative revision to their near-term (statutory) forecasts for the organization. Revenue and earnings per share (EPS) forecasts were both revised downwards, with analysts seeing grey clouds on the horizon.

Following the latest downgrade, the current consensus, from the four analysts covering Chengxin Lithium Group, is for revenues of CN¥9.6b in 2023, which would reflect a definite 18% reduction in Chengxin Lithium Group's sales over the past 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are supposed to dive 67% to CN¥1.12 in the same period. Previously, the analysts had been modelling revenues of CN¥11b and earnings per share (EPS) of CN¥1.61 in 2023. Indeed, we can see that the analysts are a lot more bearish about Chengxin Lithium Group's prospects, administering a measurable cut to revenue estimates and slashing their EPS estimates to boot.

View our latest analysis for Chengxin Lithium Group

The consensus price target fell 19% to CN¥35.01, with the weaker earnings outlook clearly leading analyst valuation estimates.

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. These estimates imply that sales are expected to slow, with a forecast annualised revenue decline of 33% by the end of 2023. This indicates a significant reduction from annual growth of 42% over the last five years. Compare this with our data, which suggests that other companies in the same industry are, in aggregate, expected to see their revenue grow 19% per year. It's pretty clear that Chengxin Lithium Group's revenues are expected to perform substantially worse than the wider industry.

The Bottom Line

The most important thing to take away is that analysts cut their earnings per share estimates, expecting a clear decline in business conditions. Unfortunately analysts also downgraded their revenue estimates, and industry data suggests that Chengxin Lithium Group's revenues are expected to grow slower than the wider market. After such a stark change in sentiment from analysts, we'd understand if readers now felt a bit wary of Chengxin Lithium Group.

That said, the analysts might have good reason to be negative on Chengxin Lithium Group, given concerns around earnings quality. Learn more, and discover the 3 other flags we've identified, for free on our platform here.

Of course, seeing company management invest large sums of money in a stock can be just as useful as knowing whether analysts are downgrading their estimates. So you may also wish to search this free list of stocks that insiders are buying.

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