Spotting Top Performers: Exponent (NASDAQ:EXPO) and Business Process Outsourcing & Consulting Shares in the Fourth Quarter

Q4 Review: Business Process Outsourcing & Consulting Stocks

As we reflect on the fourth quarter earnings for business process outsourcing and consulting companies, we highlight the top and bottom performers in the sector, including Exponent (NASDAQ:EXPO) and its industry peers.

Industry Trends and Outlook

This sector is well-positioned to capitalize on ongoing digital transformation, rising corporate demand for cost savings, and the increasing complexity of regulatory and cybersecurity requirements. Companies that strategically invest in artificial intelligence and automation may gain a competitive edge, streamlining operations for themselves and their clients. However, these same technologies could also intensify competition by lowering entry barriers and enabling more self-service solutions. Looking ahead, the industry may face additional hurdles such as rising wages for highly skilled consultants and increased regulatory oversight, particularly in sectors like finance and healthcare where data access is critical.

Q4 Performance Snapshot

Among the nine business process outsourcing and consulting firms tracked, fourth quarter results were mixed. Collectively, revenue surpassed analyst forecasts by 1.3%, and guidance for the upcoming quarter was generally in line with expectations.

Following these results, share prices for these companies have remained stable, with an average increase of 2.6% since the earnings announcements.

Exponent (NASDAQ:EXPO)

Exponent is a science and engineering consulting company with over 800 consultants specializing in more than 90 technical fields. The firm provides in-depth analysis and solutions for complex challenges across a wide range of industries.

For the quarter, Exponent reported revenue of $129.4 million, marking a 4.5% year-over-year increase and exceeding analyst estimates by 1%. The company also outperformed expectations on earnings per share.

Dr. Catherine Corrigan, President and CEO, commented, “We wrapped up 2025 on a strong note, demonstrating the strength, diversity, and resilience of our portfolio.”

Since releasing its earnings, Exponent’s stock has risen 2.8% and is currently trading at $72.78.

Curious if Exponent is a good investment right now?

Q4 Standout: FTI Consulting (NYSE:FCN)

FTI Consulting is a global advisory firm with experts in over 30 countries, supporting organizations as they navigate change, manage risk, and resolve complex financial, legal, operational, and regulatory issues.

In the fourth quarter, FTI Consulting posted revenue of $990.7 million, up 10.7% from the previous year and beating analyst projections by 7.9%. The company delivered strong results, surpassing expectations for both revenue and earnings per share.

FTI Consulting achieved the largest outperformance relative to analyst estimates among its peers. The stock has climbed 2.7% since the earnings release and is now priced at $164.34.

Interested in FTI Consulting’s outlook?

CBIZ (NYSE:CBZ)

CBIZ operates more than 120 offices across 33 states, employing over 6,700 professionals. The company offers accounting, tax, benefits, insurance, and advisory services to help small and mid-sized businesses manage their finances and operations.

CBIZ reported revenue of $542.7 million for the quarter, a 17.9% increase year over year, but this result missed analyst expectations by 6.1%. The company also fell short of earnings per share estimates, making it the weakest performer against analyst forecasts in the group, despite leading in revenue growth. Notably, CBIZ shares have risen 5% since the earnings announcement and are currently trading at $28.66.

Genpact (NYSE:G)

Genpact, originally spun off from General Electric in 2005, is a global professional services provider that helps clients modernize their operations through digital technology, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.

For the quarter, Genpact reported revenue of $1.32 billion, up 5.6% year over year and slightly above analyst expectations by 0.8%. While the company exceeded earnings per share forecasts, its revenue guidance for the next quarter was just below analyst projections. Genpact’s stock has increased 5.2% since the earnings release and is now trading at $39.66.

Huron (NASDAQ:HURN)

Founded in 2002 during a period of significant regulatory changes, Huron Consulting Group assists organizations in developing growth strategies, streamlining operations, and implementing digital transformation initiatives.

Huron reported quarterly revenue of $442 million, up 10.7% from the prior year but 0.9% below analyst expectations. Despite the slight revenue miss, the company exceeded earnings per share estimates. Since the earnings release, Huron’s stock has surged 11.6% and is currently valued at $141.02.

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