📊 HURN Key Takeaways
Is Huron Consulting Group Inc. (HURN) a Good Investment?
Huron faces severe financial distress with negative operating cash flow of -$162M despite positive earnings, indicating deteriorating cash generation and working capital problems. High leverage at 2.1x debt-to-equity combined with minimal cash reserves ($26.5M against $835M debt) and declining profitability (-9.9% net income decline) creates an unsustainable capital structure that limits flexibility.
Fundamentals show solid cash generation and strong return metrics (ROE ~20%, interest coverage ~30x) with an asset-light profile and modest leverage. However, growth is soft (+2.2% revenue YoY) and net income declined, suggesting margin pressure or mix headwinds; liquidity is adequate but cash is low versus debt. Maintain a neutral stance pending reacceleration in organic growth and stabilization of margins.
Why Buy Huron Consulting Group Inc. Stock? HURN Key Strengths
- Positive net income of $23.2M with 5.1% net margin shows earnings are not yet eliminated
- Current ratio of 2.22x provides adequate short-term liquidity for near-term obligations
- Interest coverage ratio of 6.0x indicates debt service capability remains manageable in current environment
- Strong free cash flow with OCF > net income and 10.8% FCF margin
- Healthy profitability/returns: 10.5% operating margin, 19.9% ROE, 29.5x interest coverage
- Asset-light model with low capex and adequate liquidity (1.17x current ratio)
HURN Stock Risks: Huron Consulting Group Inc. Investment Risks
- Critical: Negative operating cash flow of -$162.2M and negative free cash flow of -$167.8M indicate unsustainable cash burn and potential liquidity crisis within 12-18 months
- Dangerous leverage position with $834.7M debt, 2.10x debt-to-equity ratio, and only $26.5M cash creates severe refinancing risk if operating cash flow does not improve
- Declining profitability with -9.9% net income decline and weak 2.2% revenue growth suggest structural operational challenges in consulting business model
- Extremely poor capital returns with ROA of 1.5% and ROE of 5.8% indicate inefficient asset deployment
- Earnings quality concerns: positive net income but negative operating cash flow suggests accounting accruals or working capital deterioration masking underlying problems
- Soft top-line growth (+2.2% YoY) and declining net income (-9.9% YoY)
- Moderate leverage with low cash vs. long-term debt (D/E 0.93x; $24.5M cash vs $489.7M debt)
- Margin variability/mix risk indicated by very low reported gross margin and potential utilization swings
Key Metrics to Watch
- Operating cash flow - must show immediate improvement to positive territory (existential metric)
- Free cash flow and cash burn rate trajectory through next four quarters
- Debt refinancing schedule and ability to access capital markets given deteriorating credit metrics
- Organic revenue growth YoY
- Free cash flow conversion (OCF/NI)
Huron Consulting Group Inc. (HURN) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
Strong liquidity with a 2.22x current ratio provides a solid financial cushion.
HURN Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
HURN vs Services Sector: How Huron Consulting Group Inc. Compares
How Huron Consulting Group Inc. compares to Services sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Huron Consulting Group Inc. Stock Overvalued? HURN Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Huron Consulting Group Inc. shows some fundamental concerns relative to the Services sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Huron Consulting Group Inc. Balance Sheet: HURN Debt, Cash & Liquidity
HURN Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Huron Consulting Group Inc.'s revenue has grown significantly by 84% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $3.19 reflects profitable operations.
HURN Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
HURN Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $395.7M | $23.2M | $1.33 |
| Q3 2025 | $370.0M | $27.1M | $1.47 |
| Q2 2025 | $371.7M | $19.4M | $1.09 |
| Q1 2025 | $356.0M | $18.0M | $0.95 |
| Q3 2024 | $358.2M | $21.5M | $1.10 |
| Q2 2024 | $346.8M | $24.7M | $1.27 |
| Q1 2024 | $317.9M | $13.4M | $0.68 |
| Q3 2023 | $285.4M | $17.7M | $0.86 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Huron Consulting Group Inc. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
HURN SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Huron Consulting Group Inc. (CIK: 0001289848)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about HURN
What is the AI rating for HURN?
Huron Consulting Group Inc. (HURN) has a Combined AI Rating of SELL from Claude (STRONG SELL) and ChatGPT (HOLD) with 77% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are HURN's key strengths?
Claude: Positive net income of $23.2M with 5.1% net margin shows earnings are not yet eliminated. Current ratio of 2.22x provides adequate short-term liquidity for near-term obligations. ChatGPT: Strong free cash flow with OCF > net income and 10.8% FCF margin. Healthy profitability/returns: 10.5% operating margin, 19.9% ROE, 29.5x interest coverage.
What are the risks of investing in HURN?
Claude: Critical: Negative operating cash flow of -$162.2M and negative free cash flow of -$167.8M indicate unsustainable cash burn and potential liquidity crisis within 12-18 months. Dangerous leverage position with $834.7M debt, 2.10x debt-to-equity ratio, and only $26.5M cash creates severe refinancing risk if operating cash flow does not improve. ChatGPT: Soft top-line growth (+2.2% YoY) and declining net income (-9.9% YoY). Moderate leverage with low cash vs. long-term debt (D/E 0.93x; $24.5M cash vs $489.7M debt).
What is HURN's revenue and growth?
Huron Consulting Group Inc. reported revenue of $451.8M.
Does HURN pay dividends?
Huron Consulting Group Inc. does not currently pay dividends.
Where can I find HURN SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Huron Consulting Group Inc. (CIK: 0001289848) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is HURN's EPS?
Huron Consulting Group Inc. has a diluted EPS of $1.34.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is HURN a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in May 2026, Huron Consulting Group Inc. has a SELL rating with 77% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is HURN stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for HURN: ROE of 5.8% (sector avg: 16%), net margin of 5.1% (sector avg: 10%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy HURN stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Huron Consulting Group Inc. a combined SELL rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is HURN's free cash flow?
Huron Consulting Group Inc.'s operating cash flow is $-162.2M, with capital expenditures of $5.7M. FCF margin is -37.2%.
How does HURN compare to other Services stocks?
Vs Services sector averages: Net margin 5.1% (avg: 10%), ROE 5.8% (avg: 16%), current ratio 2.22 (avg: 1.5).
Is Huron Consulting Group Inc. carrying too much debt?
HURN has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.10x, which is above the Services sector average of 0.7x. However, the current ratio of 2.22 suggests adequate short-term liquidity.