What happened
Shares of CoStar Group (CSGP 0.10%) were rising to the next level in the first half of the year, gaining 64% according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. The commercial real estate specialist gained on a strong fourth-quarter earnings report, a bullish outlook for 2019, and an improving market environment.
The stock has gained steadily throughout the year with its biggest surge coming on its February earnings report.
So what
CoStar got a boost along with the rest of the market in January, as stocks bounced back from the December sell-off. Early in the month, the company also signed its first contract with CBRE, the world's biggest commercial real estate brokerage, meaning that CoStar's research and products are now used by all of the top 10 U.S. commercial real estate brokerages.
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In late February, CoStar's biggest gains of the year came after the company reported fourth-quarter earnings on Feb. 26, gaining 11.8% the following day as quarterly revenue jumped 24% to $316 million, and adjusted earnings per share from more than doubled from $1.25 to $2.81, ahead of estimates at $2.53. Profits surged as the company continues to build scale and benefit from past acquisitions and as it cut back on marketing spending in the quarter. Apartments.com and Loopnet had particularly strong performances.
Management also set an ambitious long-term goal, projecting revenue of $3 billion by 2023, up from $1.2 billion in 2018 or equivalent to a compound annual growth rate of 20%, and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 40%. For 2019, the company forecast revenue growth of 15%-16% to $1.37 billion to $1.38 billion and called for adjusted EPS of $9.80-$10.00, up from $8.28 in 2018.
The stock gained slightly over the next several weeks but then dipped briefly when the company's first quarter report came out. Results were strong again, however, as revenue rose 20% to $328 million, ahead of the company's guidance, and adjusted EPS rose from $1.65 to $2.53, topping estimates at $3.44. However, investors may have been disappointed with second-quarter guidance calling for just 13% revenue growth.
Now what
The commercial real estate market remains strong and growing, a key catalyst for CoStar, and the company has continued to forge partnerships with the likes of JLL, Buxton, and Barclay Street.
Though CoStar trades at a premium, the company looks primed for continued growth with its strong network of brands and leadership in commercial real estate analytics. As long as the real estate market keeps expanding, Costar stock should benefit as well.
