As you might know, Cincinnati Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:CINF) just kicked off its latest first-quarter results with some very strong numbers. Cincinnati Financial delivered a significant beat to revenue and earnings per share (EPS) expectations, hitting US$2.9b-17% above indicated-andUS$4.78-117% above forecasts- respectively 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've gathered the most recent statutory forecasts to see whether the analysts have changed their earnings models, following these results.

Taking into account the latest results, the current consensus, from the seven analysts covering Cincinnati Financial, is for revenues of US$10.0b in 2024. This implies a noticeable 6.3% reduction in Cincinnati Financial's revenue over the past 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are expected to tumble 53% to US$7.11 in the same period. Yet prior to the latest earnings, the analysts had been anticipated revenues of US$9.93b and earnings per share (EPS) of US$6.88 in 2024. The analysts seems to have become more bullish on the business, judging by their new earnings per share estimates.

The consensus price target was unchanged at US$131, implying that the improved earnings outlook is not expected to have a long term impact on value creation for shareholders. Fixating on a single price target can be unwise though, since the consensus target is effectively the average of analyst price targets. As a result, some investors like to look at the range of estimates to see if there are any diverging opinions on the company's valuation. Currently, the most bullish analyst values Cincinnati Financial at US$143 per share, while the most bearish prices it at US$116. With such a narrow range of valuations, the analysts apparently share similar views on what they think the business is worth.

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. These estimates imply that revenue is expected to slow, with a forecast annualised decline of 8.3% by the end of 2024. This indicates a significant reduction from annual growth of 7.6% over the last five years. By contrast, our data suggests that other companies (with analyst coverage) in the same industry are forecast to see their revenue grow 6.0% annually for the foreseeable future. So although its revenues are forecast to shrink, this cloud does not come with a silver lining - Cincinnati Financial is expected to lag the wider industry.

The Bottom Line

The most important thing here is that the analysts upgraded their earnings per share estimates, suggesting that there has been a clear increase in optimism towards Cincinnati Financial following these results. On the plus side, there were no major changes to revenue estimates; although forecasts imply they will perform worse 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.

With that said, the long-term trajectory of the company's earnings is a lot more important than next year. We have estimates - from multiple Cincinnati Financial analysts - going out to 2025, and you can see them free on our platform here.

You still need to take note of risks, for example - Cincinnati Financial has 1 warning sign we think 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.