Shares of YouGov plc reached a new 52-week low on October 14, 2023, following a downgrade from JPMorgan Chase & Co.. The investment bank revised its price target for the stock from GBX 385 to GBX 380, while maintaining an overweight rating. During trading, YouGov’s shares fell to as low as GBX 238 before closing at GBX 243, with a total trading volume of 575,575 shares.
Analysts from other financial institutions also adjusted their projections for YouGov. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered its price target from GBX 565 to GBX 438 and issued a “buy” rating. Similarly, Berenberg Bank decreased its target from GBX 760 to GBX 600, also maintaining a “buy” rating in a report released on the same day.
Market Performance and Analyst Ratings
Despite the recent downgrades, YouGov currently holds an average rating of “buy” according to data from MarketBeat, with an average target price of GBX 472.67. The stock has experienced a decline of 0.6% following the news, reflecting broader concerns about its financial performance.
YouGov’s market capitalization now stands at approximately £284.82 million. The company has a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.50 and a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.71. Its beta value is recorded at 1.06, indicating a volatility level that is slightly above the market average. The company’s 50-day moving average is GBX 256.90, while the 200-day moving average is GBX 298.71.
Financial ratios reveal additional insights into YouGov’s situation. The firm has a current ratio of 0.77 and a quick ratio of 0.99, which may raise concerns about its short-term liquidity. The debt-to-equity ratio is notably high at 130.35, suggesting a reliance on debt financing.
Earnings Report Highlights
YouGov’s latest earnings results, published on October 14, 2023, indicated an earnings per share (EPS) of GBX 31.70 for the quarter. The company reported a negative return on equity of 1.23% and a negative net margin of 0.69%. Analysts project that YouGov will achieve an average EPS of 41.89 for the current fiscal year, highlighting the challenges the company faces in meeting growth expectations.
Founded to provide comprehensive insights into consumer behavior, YouGov operates in multiple regions, including the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The company claims to harness data from millions of registered members across 64 markets, translating into a powerful research network that offers real-time insights for clients.
In summary, YouGov’s recent stock performance has raised concerns among investors and analysts alike. The combination of analyst downgrades and challenging financial metrics suggests a need for strategic reassessment as the company moves forward in a competitive landscape.
