The Hackett Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HCKT) defied analyst predictions to release its quarterly results, which were ahead of market expectations. Results were good overall, with revenues beating analyst predictions by 4.2% to hit US$80m. Statutory earnings per share (EPS) came in at US$0.31, some 2.2% above whatthe analysts had expected. Following the result, the analysts have updated their earnings model, and it would be good to know whether they think there's been a strong change in the company's prospects, or if it's business as usual. We've gathered the most recent statutory forecasts to see whether the analysts have changed their earnings models, following these results.

View our latest analysis for Hackett Group

Taking into account the latest results, the most recent consensus for Hackett Group from two analysts is for revenues of US$325.6m in 2025. If met, it would imply a solid 8.3% increase on its revenue over the past 12 months. Per-share earnings are expected to climb 17% to US$1.44. Before this earnings report, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of US$321.0m and earnings per share (EPS) of US$1.42 in 2025. The consensus analysts don't seem to have seen anything in these results that would have changed their view on the business, given there's been no major change to their estimates.

There were no changes to revenue or earnings estimates or the price target of US$30.00, suggesting that the company has met expectations in its recent result.

One way to get more context on these forecasts is to look at how they compare to both past performance, and how other companies in the same industry are performing. It's clear from the latest estimates that Hackett Group's rate of growth is expected to accelerate meaningfully, with the forecast 6.6% annualised revenue growth to the end of 2025 noticeably faster than its historical growth of 4.3% p.a. over the past five years. Compare this with other companies in the same industry, which are forecast to see revenue growth of 9.1% annually. So it's clear that despite the acceleration in growth, Hackett Group is expected to grow meaningfully slower than the industry average.

The Bottom Line

The most important thing to take away is that there's been no major change in sentiment, with the analysts reconfirming that the business is performing in line with their previous earnings per share estimates. On the plus side, there were no major changes to revenue estimates; although forecasts imply they will perform worse than the wider industry. The consensus price target held steady at US$30.00, with the latest estimates not enough to have an impact on their price targets.

With that said, the long-term trajectory of the company's earnings is a lot more important than next year. At least one analyst has provided forecasts out to 2025, which can be seen for free on our platform here.

You can also view our analysis of Hackett Group's balance sheet, and whether we think Hackett Group is carrying too much debt, for free on our platform here.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.