CoStar Group (STU:RLG) Beneish M-Score: -2.24 (As of Jun. 26, 2026)


STU:RLG CoStar Group Inc STU:RLG
68 GF Score
Price €25.07
GF Value €89.28
Valuation Significantly Undervalued
! 1 Warning Sign
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What is CoStar Group Beneish M-Score?

CoStar Group STU:RLG -4.48% 68 Beneish M-Score is -2.24 as of Jun. 26, 2026. GuruFocus rates STU:RLG with a GF Score™ of 68/100 and a GF Value™ of €89.28 (Significantly Undervalued). The stock has 1 warning sign investors should review. Among 1,682 Real Estate companies, CoStar Group ranks worse than 58.2% on this metric.

The zones of discrimination for M-Score is as such:

An M-Score of equal or less than -1.78 suggests that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator.
An M-Score of greater than -1.78 signals that the company is likely to be a manipulator.

Good Sign:

Beneish M-Score -2.24 no higher than -1.78, which implies that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator.

The historical rank and industry rank for CoStar Group's Beneish M-Score or its related term are showing as below:

STU:RLG' s Beneish M-Score Range Over the Past 10 Years
Min: -3.2   Med: -2.45   Max: -1.93
Current: -2.24

During the past 13 years, the highest Beneish M-Score of CoStar Group was -1.93. The lowest was -3.20. And the median was -2.45.


CoStar Group Beneish M-Score Historical Data

* Premium members only.

The historical data trend for CoStar Group's Beneish M-Score can be seen below:

* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD.
* For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.

CoStar Group Beneish M-Score Chart

CoStar Group Annual Data
Trend Dec16 Dec17 Dec18 Dec19 Dec20 Dec21 Dec22 Dec23 Dec24 Dec25
Beneish M-Score
Get a 7-Day Free Trial Premium Member Only Premium Member Only -2.37 -2.35 -2.32 -2.58 -2.03

CoStar Group Quarterly Data
Jun21 Sep21 Dec21 Mar22 Jun22 Sep22 Dec22 Mar23 Jun23 Sep23 Dec23 Mar24 Jun24 Sep24 Dec24 Mar25 Jun25 Sep25 Dec25 Mar26
Beneish M-Score Get a 7-Day Free Trial Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only -2.35 -2.44 -1.93 -2.03 -2.24

STU:RLG vs JLL, BEKE, COMP: Beneish M-Score Comparison

For the Real Estate Services subindustry, CoStar Group's Beneish M-Score, along with its competitors' market caps and Beneish M-Score data, can be viewed below:

* Competitive companies are chosen from companies within the same industry, with headquarter located in same country, with closest market capitalization; x-axis shows the market cap, and y-axis shows the term value; the bigger the dot, the larger the market cap. Note that "N/A" values will not show up in the chart.


CoStar Group Beneish M-Score vs Real Estate Industry

For the Real Estate industry and Real Estate sector, CoStar Group's Beneish M-Score distribution charts can be found below:

* The bar in red indicates where CoStar Group's Beneish M-Score falls into.


STU:RLG
68GF Score
CoStar Group Inc STU:RLG
Beneish M-Score is just one metric. See GF Score™, valuation, warning signs, and more.
View Full Analysis

CoStar Group Beneish M-Score Calculation

The M-score was created by Professor Messod Beneish. Instead of measuring the bankruptcy risk (Altman Z-Score) or business trend (Piotroski F-Score), M-score can be used to detect the risk of earnings manipulation. This is the original research paper on M-score.

The M-Score Variables:

The M-score of CoStar Group for today is based on a combination of the following eight different indices:

M=-4.84+0.92 * DSRI+0.528 * GMI+0.404 * AQI+0.892 * SGI+0.115 * DEPI
=-4.84+0.92 * 1.1533+0.528 * 1.014+0.404 * 1.4655+0.892 * 1.1242+0.115 * 0.7163
-0.172 * SGAI+4.679 * TATA-0.327 * LVGI
-0.172 * 0.9571+4.679 * -0.048734-0.327 * 1.0824
=-2.31

* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD.
* For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.

This Year (Mar26) TTM:Last Year (Mar25) TTM:
Total Receivables was €248 Mil.
Revenue was 775.905 + 768.515 + 710.227 + 677.387 = €2,932 Mil.
Gross Profit was 606.365 + 603.949 + 563.513 + 531.904 = €2,306 Mil.
Total Current Assets was €1,476 Mil.
Total Assets was €8,792 Mil.
Property, Plant and Equipment(Net PPE) was €1,286 Mil.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization(DDA) was €256 Mil.
Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) was €1,844 Mil.
Total Current Liabilities was €672 Mil.
Long-Term Debt & Capital Lease Obligation was €1,005 Mil.
Net Income was 2.595 + 39.711 + -26.327 + 5.375 = €21 Mil.
Non Operating Income was -0.865 + -1.025 + -17.636 + 14.132 = €-5 Mil.
Cash Flow from Operations was 131.48 + 138.433 + 58.106 + 127.189 = €455 Mil.
Total Receivables was €191 Mil.
Revenue was 677.1 + 677.286 + 624.033 + 629.676 = €2,608 Mil.
Gross Profit was 535.575 + 543.204 + 497.352 + 503.518 = €2,080 Mil.
Total Current Assets was €4,027 Mil.
Total Assets was €9,646 Mil.
Property, Plant and Equipment(Net PPE) was €1,105 Mil.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization(DDA) was €149 Mil.
Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) was €1,714 Mil.
Total Current Liabilities was €670 Mil.
Long-Term Debt & Capital Lease Obligation was €1,030 Mil.




1. DSRI = Days Sales in Receivables Index

Measured as the ratio of Revenue in Total Receivables in year t to year t-1.

A large increase in DSR could be indicative of revenue inflation.

DSRI=(Receivables_t / Revenue_t) / (Receivables_t-1 / Revenue_t-1)
=(248.255 / 2932.034) / (191.475 / 2608.095)
=0.08467 / 0.073416
=1.1533

2. GMI = Gross Margin Index

Measured as the ratio of gross margin in year t-1 to gross margin in year t.

Gross margin has deteriorated when this index is above 1. A firm with poorer prospects is more likely to manipulate earnings.

GMI=GrossMargin_t-1 / GrossMargin_t
=(GrossProfit_t-1 / Revenue_t-1) / (GrossProfit_t / Revenue_t)
=(2079.649 / 2608.095) / (2305.731 / 2932.034)
=0.797382 / 0.786393
=1.014

3. AQI = Asset Quality Index

AQI is the ratio of asset quality in year t to year t-1.

Asset quality is measured as the ratio of non-current assets other than Property, Plant and Equipment to Total Assets.

AQI=(1 - (CurrentAssets_t + PPE_t) / TotalAssets_t) / (1 - (CurrentAssets_t-1 + PPE_t-1) / TotalAssets_t-1)
=(1 - (1475.69 + 1286.255) / 8791.86) / (1 - (4026.802 + 1104.727) / 9645.992)
=0.685852 / 0.468014
=1.4655

4. SGI = Sales Growth Index

Ratio of Revenue in year t to sales in year t-1.

Sales growth is not itself a measure of manipulation. However, growth companies are likely to find themselves under pressure to manipulate in order to keep up appearances.

SGI=Sales_t / Sales_t-1
=Revenue_t / Revenue_t-1
=2932.034 / 2608.095
=1.1242

5. DEPI = Depreciation Index

Measured as the ratio of the rate of Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization in year t-1 to the corresponding rate in year t.

DEPI greater than 1 indicates that assets are being depreciated at a slower rate. This suggests that the firm might be revising useful asset life assumptions upwards, or adopting a new method that is income friendly.

DEPI=(Depreciation_t-1 / (Depreciaton_t-1 + PPE_t-1)) / (Depreciation_t / (Depreciaton_t + PPE_t))
=(149.133 / (149.133 + 1104.727)) / (256.111 / (256.111 + 1286.255))
=0.118939 / 0.166051
=0.7163

Note: If the Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization data is not available, we assume that the depreciation rate is constant and set the Depreciation Index to 1.

6. SGAI = Sales, General and Administrative expenses Index

The ratio of Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) to Sales in year t relative to year t-1.

SGA expenses index > 1 means that the company is becoming less efficient in generate sales.

SGAI=(SGA_t / Sales_t) / (SGA_t-1 /Sales_t-1)
=(1844.273 / 2932.034) / (1714.053 / 2608.095)
=0.629008 / 0.657205
=0.9571

7. LVGI = Leverage Index

The ratio of total debt to Total Assets in year t relative to yeat t-1.

An LVGI > 1 indicates an increase in leverage

LVGI=((LTD_t + CurrentLiabilities_t) / TotalAssets_t) / ((LTD_t-1 + CurrentLiabilities_t-1) / TotalAssets_t-1)
=((1005.13 + 672.105) / 8791.86) / ((1029.987 + 670.07) / 9645.992)
=0.190771 / 0.176245
=1.0824

8. TATA = Total Accruals to Total Assets

Total accruals calculated as the change in working capital accounts other than cash less depreciation.

TATA=(IncomefromContinuingOperations_t - CashFlowsfromOperations_t) / TotalAssets_t
=(NetIncome_t - NonOperatingIncome_t - CashFlowsfromOperations_t) / TotalAssets_t
=(21.354 - -5.394 - 455.208) / 8791.86
=-0.048734

An M-Score of equal or less than -1.78 suggests that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator. An M-Score of greater than -1.78 signals that the company is likely to be a manipulator.

CoStar Group has a M-score of -2.31 suggests that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator.

Frequently Asked Questions Learn more about Beneish M-Score →
What does a Beneish M-Score of -2.24 mean?
CoStar Group (STU:RLG) has a Beneish M-Score of -2.24 as of Jun. 26, 2026. The Beneish M-score measures the likelihood of earnings manipulation. View historical data on CoStar Group and its competitors. According to the industry distribution chart, CoStar Group ranks #979 out of 1682 companies in the Real Estate industry, placing it in the top 58.2%.
Is CoStar Group's Beneish M-Score too high?
CoStar Group's current Beneish M-Score is -2.24. Based on the distribution chart, CoStar Group ranks #979 out of 1682 companies in the Real Estate industry, which is below the industry midpoint. Overall, CoStar Group has a GF Score™ of 68/100 and is considered Significantly Undervalued, reflecting its overall financial health beyond just this single metric.
How does CoStar Group's Beneish M-Score compare to JLL and BEKE?
According to the Real Estate industry distribution chart, CoStar Group ranks #979 out of 1682 companies for Beneish M-Score. This places CoStar Group in the lower half of its industry. See the competitive comparison table and distribution chart on this page for a detailed peer-by-peer breakdown.
What is a good Beneish M-Score for a Real Estate company?
A good Beneish M-Score depends on the Real Estate industry context. However, Beneish M-Score should not be evaluated in isolation — investors should consider it alongside profitability, growth, and financial strength metrics. Use the industry distribution chart on this page to see where any company falls relative to its peers.
What does a high Beneish M-Score mean?
A high Beneish M-Score can signal that a stock is expensive relative to its fundamentals. The Beneish M-score measures the likelihood of earnings manipulation. View historical data on CoStar Group and its competitors. CoStar Group's current Beneish M-Score is -2.24. However, context matters — high-growth companies often justify higher valuations. Always evaluate alongside other metrics like GF Score™ and GF Value™.
Is CoStar Group stock overvalued right now?
Based on GuruFocus' analysis, CoStar Group (STU:RLG) is currently considered Significantly Undervalued. The stock's GF Value™ is €89.28, compared to a current price of €25.07 — trading 71.9% below its estimated fair value. The current Beneish M-Score is -2.24. CoStar Group's overall GF Score™ is 68/100 with 1 warning sign to review. Investors should evaluate multiple metrics — including profitability, growth, and financial strength — before making a decision.
How is Beneish M-Score calculated?
Beneish M-Score is calculated from a company's financial statements. For CoStar Group (STU:RLG), the current Beneish M-Score is -2.24 as of Jun. 26, 2026. GuruFocus calculates this using data sourced from SEC filings and annual reports. See the calculation section and 30-year financial data on this page for the full breakdown.

Is CoStar Group (STU:RLG) Overvalued in 2026?

Based on GuruFocus' analysis, CoStar Group stock appears to be undervalued. The current stock price of €25.07 is trading 71.9% below its estimated GF Value™ of €89.28. GuruFocus considers CoStar Group to be Significantly Undervalued.

Key valuation signals for STU:RLG:

  • Beneish M-Score: -2.24
  • GF Value™: €89.28 vs. price of €25.07 (71.9% below fair value)
  • GF Score™: 68/100 with 1 warning sign

No single metric tells the full story. See the STU:RLG stock analysis page for a complete view including 30-year financials, guru trades, and insider activity.


CoStar Group Business Description

Address 1201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA, USA, 22209
CoStar Group is a global provider of proprietary information, analytics, and online marketplaces serving both commercial and residential real estate. The firm operates through a diverse portfolio of brands, including CoStar Suite for commercial real estate research, LoopNet for commercial listings, Apartments.com for multifamily rentals, and Homes.com for residential brokerage. It primarily sells high-margin software-as-a-service subscriptions that provide institutional clients with forensic property data and premium advertising visibility. With operations across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, CoStar maintains the industry's most comprehensive centralized real estate database, functioning as a critical information utility for brokers, lenders, and owners worldwide.
68GF Score

Get the complete analysis for STU:RLG

Beneish M-Score is just one metric. See GF Value™, 30-year financials, guru trades, warning signs, and more.

€25.07
Price
€89.28
GF Value