Huron Consulting Group Inc. (HURN) Hits Fresh High: Is There Still Room to Run?

Company Performance - Huron Consulting (HURN) shares have increased by 9.5% over the past month, reaching a new 52-week high of $118.1 [1] - The company has gained 13% year-to-date, compared to 16.8% for the Zacks Business Services sector and 14.8% for the Zacks Consulting Services industry [1] Earnings and Revenue - Huron Consulting has a strong record of positive earnings surprises, not missing earnings consensus estimates in the last four quarters [2] - In the latest earnings report on October 29, 2024, Huron reported EPS of$ 1.68, exceeding the consensus estimate of $1.58, but missed the revenue estimate by 2.02% [2] - For the current fiscal year, Huron is expected to post earnings of$ 5.98 per share on revenues of $1.48 billion, reflecting a 21.79% change in EPS and an 8.65% change in revenues [3] - For the next fiscal year, earnings are projected to be$ 6.89 per share on revenues of $1.61 billion, indicating a year-over-year change of 15.18% in EPS and 8.62% in revenues [3] Valuation Metrics - Huron Consulting has a Value Score of A, a Growth Score of A, and a Momentum Score of B, resulting in a combined VGM Score of A [6] - The stock currently trades at 19.4X current fiscal year EPS estimates, below the peer industry average of 26.7X, and at 17.9X trailing cash flow compared to the peer group's average of 18.5X [7] - Huron has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), supported by rising earnings estimates, indicating potential for further price appreciation [8] Industry Comparison - Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (BAH) is a notable peer, also holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) with a Value Score of C, Growth Score of C, and Momentum Score of C [9] - BAH reported earnings that beat consensus estimates by 22.30% and is expected to post earnings of$ 6.01 per share on revenues of $11.92 billion for the current fiscal year [10] - The Consulting Services industry is performing well, ranking in the top 21% of all industries, providing favorable conditions for both Huron and BAH [11]