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On Wednesday, FTI Consulting (NYSE:FCN) experienced a change in stock rating and price target from Truist Securities. The firm downgraded the company’s stock rating from Buy to Hold and adjusted the price target to $178 from the previous $225. The stock, currently trading near its 52-week low of $158.88, has declined over 27% in the past six months. The adjustment was based on several factors affecting the company’s outlook. According to InvestingPro data, three analysts have recently revised their earnings estimates downward for the upcoming period.
Truist Securities cited ongoing risks associated with consultant attrition within FTI Consulting’s Economic Consulting segment as one of the reasons for the downgrade. The firm also pointed to potential risks stemming from less regulatory-driven demand that could occur under the current Trump administration. Additionally, a scarcity of mergers and acquisitions activity was mentioned as a contributing factor to the revised rating and price target. Despite these concerns, InvestingPro analysis shows the company maintains strong financial health with robust cash flows and more cash than debt on its balance sheet.
The new price target of $178 set by Truist Securities is based on a 13x enterprise value to estimated 2026 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EV/EBITDA) multiple. This valuation is consistent with the company’s 10-year average and is positioned below the 16x average of the past five years.
The analysis by Truist Securities reflects a cautious stance on FTI Consulting’s future performance, taking into account the specific challenges identified in the segments of consultant retention, regulatory demand, and M&A activity. The firm’s assessment aligns the new price target with historical valuation multiples, offering a tempered view of the company’s stock prospects.
In other recent news, FTI Consulting reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year ending December 31, 2024. The company provided insights into various financial metrics, including Adjusted Segment EBITDA and Free Cash Flow, to give investors a clearer picture of its operational performance and cash generation capabilities. In addition, FTI Consulting unveiled enhancements to its AI capabilities within the IQ.AI technology suite, aimed at streamlining the legal document review process. This development reflects the company’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs for its clients.
Moreover, Truist Securities maintained its Buy rating on FTI Consulting, with a price target of $225, following a recent non-deal roadshow. The firm highlighted FTI Consulting’s focus on talent-centric organic growth despite recent personnel changes in the Economic Consulting segment. In leadership news, Dr. Mary T. Coleman has been appointed as the Head of the U.S. Antitrust practice at Compass Lexecon, a subsidiary of FTI Consulting. Her appointment is expected to strengthen the company’s expertise in competitive analysis and antitrust litigation.
Additionally, FTI Consulting has bolstered its Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment with new senior managing directors in Asia and Latin America, enhancing its capabilities in these regions. These strategic appointments are intended to support the company’s efforts in managing risks, investigations, and disputes globally. These recent developments underscore FTI Consulting’s ongoing strategic initiatives and operational advancements across various business segments.
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