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Fti Consulting (FCN)
NYSE:FCN

FTI Consulting (FCN) AI Stock Analysis

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FCN

FTI Consulting

(NYSE:FCN)

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Neutral 68 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:68Neutral
Price Target:
$184.00
▲(12.99% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/09/26
The score is driven primarily by solid financial performance with durable revenue growth, tempered by margin compression and volatile/weak 2025 operating cash flow. Earnings call signals are net positive on guidance and demand, but near-term headwinds in Economic Consulting and higher SG&A constrain upside. Technicals are mixed with neutral momentum and a negative MACD, while valuation looks reasonable but not especially discounted.
Positive Factors
Durable Revenue Growth
FTI has delivered consistent top-line expansion over multiple years across its advisory lines, reflecting durable demand for fee-for-service expertise. Diverse offerings (CorpFin, FLC, Stratcom, Tech) and long-term client relationships support recurring engagements and pricing resilience over the next several quarters.
Consistent Earnings Execution
Management has repeatedly converted revenue into higher adjusted EPS, showing operational discipline and scalability. Record results alongside segment outperformance indicate the firm can generate earnings even while reinvesting, underpinning long-term cash returns and capacity to fund strategic hires and targeted investments.
Healthy Capital Efficiency
Substantial equity and double-digit ROE signal efficient use of capital and resilience to shocks. While leverage stepped up in 2025, historical debt ratios were moderate, so the balance sheet still supports ongoing investments and buybacks without immediate refinancing stress across a multi-month horizon.
Negative Factors
Economic Consulting Disruption
Compass Lexecon disruption materially depressed a historically higher‑margin practice, collapsing segment EBITDA. Management expects the segment to trough in Q1 and remain a drag into H1 2026, creating a structural profitability vulnerability until the practice is rebuilt and client flow normalizes.
Operating Cash Flow Volatility
Sharp decline in operating cash flow and one‑off loan issuances make cash generation uneven, reducing internal funding capacity. That volatility limits flexibility to sustain buybacks, absorb working capital swings, or invest opportunistically without increasing leverage or cutting discretionary spend in the medium term.
Margin Compression & Rising SG&A
FTI's EBITDA and net margins have trended lower versus earlier years, and management plans incremental SG&A spend in 2026 that will pressure margins further. Unless revenue mix or pricing offsets this, persistent margin compression could limit reinvestment capacity and constrain free cash flow expansion.

FTI Consulting (FCN) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

FTI Consulting Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionFTI Consulting, Inc. provides business advisory services to manage change, mitigate risk, and resolve disputes worldwide. The company operates through five segments: Corporate Finance & Restructuring, Forensic and Litigation Consulting, Economic Consulting, Technology, and Strategic Communications. Its Corporate Finance & Restructuring segment provides business transformation, transactions, and turnaround and restructuring services. The company's Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment offers. construction and environmental solution, data and analytics, dispute, health solution, and risk and investigation services. Its Economic Consulting segment provides. antitrust and competition economic, financial economic, and international arbitration services. The company's Technology segment offers corporate legal operation; e-discovery and expertise; and information governance, privacy, and security services. Its Strategic Communications segment provides corporate reputation, financial communication, and public affairs services. The company serves aerospace and defense, agriculture, airlines and aviation, automotive and industrial, construction, energy, power and products, environmental solutions, financial services, healthcare and life sciences, hospitality, gaming and leisure, insurance, mining, private equity, public sector, real estate, retail and consumer products, telecom, media and technology, and transportation and logistics industries. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia.
How the Company Makes MoneyFTI Consulting generates revenue primarily through its consulting services, which are billed on a fee-for-service basis. The company has several key revenue streams, including fees from its financial consulting, economic consulting, and forensic and litigation consulting services. Additionally, FTI earns income from strategic communications and technology-related services. The firm's revenue is significantly bolstered by its ability to secure long-term contracts with clients, particularly in high-demand areas such as crisis management and regulatory compliance. FTI also benefits from strategic partnerships and alliances that enhance its service offerings and market reach, further contributing to its overall earnings.

FTI Consulting Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 26, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 23, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call communicated a broadly positive outcome: management reported record full-year and quarterly results driven by strong performances in CorpFin, FLC, Stratcom and a technology rebound, supported by aggressive share repurchases and constructive 2026 guidance (+6.1% midpoint). However, material weaknesses remain—primarily the Compass Lexecon disruption that severely hit Economic Consulting EBITDA, a significant decline in operating cash flow tied to forgivable loans, higher SG&A expectations, and challenging early-2026 comparisons. Management provided a clear remediation path (senior hires, junior hiring, expected stabilization of Econ by H2 2026) and expressed confidence in long-term franchise strength and AI-driven demand, leading to an overall positive tone despite near-term headwinds.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Full-Year Financials
Full-year 2025 revenues of $3.79 billion, up 2.4% year-over-year; record adjusted EBITDA of $463.6 million; record GAAP EPS of $8.24 and adjusted EPS of $8.83; 11th consecutive year of adjusted EPS growth.
Strong Fourth Quarter Performance
Q4 2025 revenues of $990.7 million, up 10.7% year-over-year and +3.6% sequentially; Q4 net income $54.5 million (+9.7% YoY); Q4 GAAP EPS $1.78 (+29% YoY) and adjusted EPS $1.78 (+14.1% YoY); Q4 adjusted EBITDA $106.2 million (10.7% margin) vs $73.7 million (8.2%) prior year.
CorpFin Outperformance
CorpFin Q4 revenues $423.2 million, up 26.1% YoY. Turnaround & restructuring grew 25%, transactions grew 46%, transformation grew 13%. Q4 adjusted segment EBITDA $80.1 million (18.9% margin) vs $44.7 million prior year.
FLC and Stratcom Drive Growth
FLC Q4 revenues $192.9 million, up 9.7% YoY with adjusted segment EBITDA $23.8 million (12.3%). Stratcom Q4 revenues $99.4 million, up 14.8% YoY with adjusted segment EBITDA $19.0 million (19.2%). FLC revenue per billable professional up 22% over three years.
Technology Rebound in 2H
Technology Q4 revenues $99.0 million, up 9.3% YoY; Q4 adjusted segment EBITDA $14.8 million (14.9% margin). Technology revenues increased 7% and adjusted EBITDA increased 69% in 2H 2025 vs 1H 2025, driven by second-request and litigation demand.
Aggressive Share Repurchase Activity
Repurchased 5.3 million shares (15% of shares outstanding) in 2025 for $858.6 million (average $163.07); Q4 repurchases 519,944 shares for $83.5 million. Approximately $491.8 million remaining under repurchase authorization.
Improved Receivables Management
Days sales outstanding improved to 88 days at December 31, 2025 from 97 days a year earlier.
2026 Guidance and AI Tailwinds
2026 revenue guidance $3.94B–$4.10B (midpoint implies ~6.1% YoY growth) and GAAP EPS guidance $8.90–$9.50; management expects AI proliferation to be a positive, creating new categories of expert-driven work (investigations, disputes, regulatory/compliance reviews).
Negative Updates
Economic Consulting (Compass Lexecon) Decline and Disruption
Economic Consulting Q4 revenues $176.2 million, down 14.5% YoY; Q4 adjusted segment EBITDA collapsed to $1.0 million (0.6% margin) from $15.8 million (7.7%) prior year. Management cites substantial Compass Lexecon disruption that drove a material adjusted EBITDA headwind and expects Q1 2026 to be the lowest point for the segment.
Aggregate EBITDA Headwinds from Tech and Econ
Steve noted Tech and Economic Consulting combined created almost a $100 million adjusted EBITDA headwind in 2025, requiring strong performance elsewhere to offset the impact.
Operating Cash Flow Decline Driven by Forgivable Loans
Net cash provided by operating activities fell to $152.1 million in 2025 from $395.1 million in 2024; largest driver was $255 million of forgivable loan issuances during 2025.
Higher SG&A and One-Time Tax/Valuation Impacts
Q4 included an $11.8 million valuation allowance expense that reduced EPS by $0.38 and pushed Q4 effective tax rate to 37.1% (vs 16.9% prior year). Management expects full-year 2026 SG&A ~ $45 million higher than 2025 (Q1 2026 ~ $30 million higher largely due to nonrecurring Q1 2025 legal settlement gains not repeating).
Headcount and Leverage Dynamics
Billable headcount decreased 3.2% and non-billable headcount decreased 2.5% YoY in Q4 2025. Management continues to add senior hires (85 in 2025) which initially pressures P&L and plans for increased junior hiring in H2 2026 to support senior talent.
Near-Term Comparisons and ECon Ramp Timing
Management warns of difficult year-on-year comparisons early 2026 (cycling periods before Compass Lexecon disruption) and expects Economic Consulting to remain a drag on YoY EBITDA through H1 2026, only ceasing to be a drag in H2 2026.
One-Time Benefits in 2025 Partly Mask Underlying Pressure
Management acknowledged some onetime benefits (e.g., prior positive litigation settlement) helped 2025 results and will not recur, creating tougher near-term comparatives for 2026.
Company Guidance
FTI guided 2026 revenues of $3.94 billion to $4.10 billion (midpoint ≈ 6.1% YoY growth) and GAAP (and adjusted) EPS of $8.90 to $9.50, with an expected effective tax rate of 22%–24% (vs. 27% in 2025) and no variance expected between GAAP and adjusted EPS; management flagged approximately $45 million higher full‑year SG&A (with Q1 SG&A roughly $30 million above Q1 2025), expects Economic Consulting adjusted segment EBITDA to trough in Q1 2026 but to stop dragging year‑over‑year EBITDA in H2 2026 as Compass Lexecon is rebuilt, assumes aggregate revenue growth across CorpFin, FLC, Tech and Stratcom will exceed the midpoint, and will continue investing in talent after 85 senior hires in 2025 while adding selective senior and more junior hires in 2026.

FTI Consulting Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Steady multi-year revenue growth and healthy ROE support the score, but profitability has compressed (lower EBITDA and net margins over time). Cash generation is the key drag due to volatility and a sharp 2025 operating cash flow drop versus 2024, alongside a notable 2025 leverage step-up.
Income Statement
78
Positive
Revenue has grown steadily over the period (from ~$2.46B in 2020 to ~$3.79B in 2025), indicating durable demand. Profitability is solid but not expanding: gross margin has been stable around ~31–33%, while net margin has drifted down versus earlier years (about ~8.6% in 2020 to ~7.1% in 2025). EBITDA margin has also softened (roughly ~13.2% in 2020 to ~10.3% in 2025), suggesting cost pressure or mix shift. Net income is broadly stable to slightly higher over time, but 2025 shows lower net margin despite higher revenue, which caps the score.
Balance Sheet
74
Positive
Leverage appears manageable overall with debt-to-equity generally in a moderate range (about ~0.11–0.36 historically), though it rose meaningfully in 2025 (~0.34) from 2024 (~0.11), signaling a less conservative posture. Equity remains substantial (about ~$1.73B in 2025) relative to total assets (~$3.49B), and return on equity is healthy (roughly ~12%–16% across the years, ~15.6% in 2025), indicating solid capital efficiency. The key weakness is the step-up in leverage in the most recent year versus 2024, which reduces balance sheet flexibility if operating conditions weaken.
Cash Flow
66
Positive
Free cash flow conversion versus net income is a strength in the most recent year: free cash flow was slightly above net income in 2025 (free cash flow to net income ~1.03), and free cash flow growth rebounded sharply in 2025. However, cash flow generation has been volatile: operating cash flow fell substantially in 2025 (~$152M) versus 2024 (~$395M), and the cash flow support relative to profitability weakened in 2025 (operating cash flow coverage ~0.16 vs ~0.42 in 2024). Overall, cash generation is positive but uneven, keeping the score in the mid range.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.79B3.70B3.49B3.03B2.78B
Gross Profit1.22B1.18B1.14B962.93M860.72M
EBITDA441.65M405.81M419.93M353.34M363.33M
Net Income270.87M280.09M274.89M235.51M234.97M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.49B3.60B3.33B3.24B3.10B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments265.09M660.49M328.68M491.69M494.49M
Total Debt589.51M242.15M257.64M568.70M564.01M
Total Liabilities1.76B1.34B1.34B1.56B1.52B
Stockholders Equity1.73B2.26B1.98B1.68B1.58B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow156.59M397.72M174.98M135.47M286.82M
Operating Cash Flow152.13M395.10M224.46M188.79M355.48M
Investing Cash Flow-58.53M-10.16M-73.83M-60.06M-79.09M
Financing Cash Flow-510.48M-15.38M-354.66M-106.01M-61.67M

FTI Consulting Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price162.84
Price Trends
50DMA
171.25
Negative
100DMA
168.39
Negative
200DMA
166.39
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.65
Negative
RSI
44.62
Neutral
STOCH
68.42
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For FCN, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 162.84 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 162.74, below the 50-day MA of 171.25, and below the 200-day MA of 166.39, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -1.65 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 44.62 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 68.42 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for FCN.

FTI Consulting Risk Analysis

FTI Consulting disclosed 38 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. FTI Consulting reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

FTI Consulting Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
71
Outperform
$3.45B33.6926.13%1.66%4.90%-1.52%
71
Outperform
$2.28B28.7221.03%12.50%29.40%
69
Neutral
$9.16B13.0081.85%2.60%2.42%3.05%
68
Neutral
$4.98B19.8613.30%-0.95%-10.54%
67
Neutral
$1.09B24.3126.10%0.97%8.69%34.58%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
60
Neutral
$1.31B17.069.11%0.65%-3.81%-7.05%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
FCN
FTI Consulting
162.84
1.21
0.75%
BAH
Booz Allen
75.94
-32.68
-30.09%
CRAI
Cra International
165.74
-9.87
-5.62%
EXPO
Exponent
70.03
-10.48
-13.02%
HURN
Huron Consulting
134.96
-9.45
-6.54%
ICFI
Icf International
71.75
-15.11
-17.39%

FTI Consulting Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
FTI Consulting Names Eun Angela Nam as New CFO
Positive
Mar 9, 2026

FTI Consulting announced on March 9, 2026, that its board has elected Eun Angela Nam as Chief Financial Officer, with her employment beginning on May 1, 2026, and responsibility for all finance functions and the information technology function. She will join the Executive Committee from the firm’s New York office, while interim CFO Paul Linton will revert to his role as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer after supporting the transition.

Nam brings a track record of leading finance teams through growth and capital markets transactions, most recently as CFO and Chief Accounting Officer of FTAI Aviation Ltd., where revenue rose from $708 million in 2022 to $2.5 billion in 2025. Her compensation package at FTI Consulting includes a $700,000 base salary, significant annual bonus and long-term incentives, and a $3 million four-year restricted stock award, signaling the firm’s commitment to bolstering its financial leadership as it continues to execute its growth strategy.

The most recent analyst rating on (FCN) stock is a Hold with a $179.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on FTI Consulting stock, see the FCN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackFinancial Disclosures
FTI Consulting Reports Record 2025 Results, Issues 2026 Outlook
Positive
Feb 27, 2026

FTI Consulting reported record full-year 2025 revenues of $3.79 billion, up 2.4% year on year, and record EPS of $8.24, with Adjusted EPS rising 11% to $8.83, despite net income slipping to $270.9 million on higher direct costs, taxes, special charges and interest. Management highlighted this as the eleventh consecutive year of Adjusted EPS growth and eighth year of record revenues, supported by strength in Corporate Finance, Forensic and Litigation Consulting and Strategic Communications, partially offset by weakness in Economic Consulting and Technology.

For the fourth quarter of 2025, the firm posted record revenues of $990.7 million, up 10.7%, and EPS and Adjusted EPS of $1.78, driven by strong demand and higher rates in Corporate Finance and continued growth in Forensic, Strategic Communications and Technology, while Economic Consulting revenue fell 14.5% amid softer antitrust work. Cash from operations dropped sharply to $152.1 million for 2025, cash balances declined as the company stepped up forgivable loan issuances and compensation, and FTI Consulting returned $858.6 million to shareholders via buybacks, leaving $491.8 million of repurchase capacity as it also issued 2026 guidance on Feb. 26, 2026.

The most recent analyst rating on (FCN) stock is a Buy with a $190.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on FTI Consulting stock, see the FCN Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
FTI Consulting Extends CEO Contract Amid Leadership Changes
Neutral
Dec 9, 2025

On December 8, 2025, FTI Consulting extended the employment agreement of CEO Steven H. Gunby until June 6, 2029, with automatic one-year renewals unless terminated earlier. Additionally, the company announced the appointment of Ulrike Rabl as Chief Human Resources Officer, effective January 1, 2026, succeeding Holly Paul, who will transition to a senior advisory role. This leadership change is part of FTI Consulting’s strategy to continue its organic growth and enhance its global human capital strategy.

The most recent analyst rating on (FCN) stock is a Buy with a $194.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on FTI Consulting stock, see the FCN Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Mar 09, 2026