Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY) Raised to “Buy” at Wall Street Zen

Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY) was upgraded by research analysts at Wall Street Zen from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a note issued to investors on Saturday.

A number of other research firms have also recently weighed in on KFY. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “buy (b-)” rating on shares of Korn/Ferry International in a research report on Friday, October 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price target on Korn/Ferry International from $85.00 to $74.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $78.67.

Korn/Ferry International Stock Up 1.5%

Shares of NYSE:KFY opened at $69.07 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $3.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.01 and a beta of 1.33. Korn/Ferry International has a 12-month low of $59.23 and a 12-month high of $78.50. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $66.25 and a 200 day moving average price of $70.02. The company has a current ratio of 2.14, a quick ratio of 2.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20.

Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, December 9th. The business services provider reported $1.33 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.31 by $0.02. Korn/Ferry International had a net margin of 9.21% and a return on equity of 14.53%. The company had revenue of $729.80 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $705.16 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.21 earnings per share. Korn/Ferry International’s revenue for the quarter was up 7.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Korn/Ferry International has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 1.19-1.250 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Korn/Ferry International will post 4.75 EPS for the current year.

Korn/Ferry International announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock buyback program on Thursday, September 18th that authorizes the company to buyback $331.40 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the business services provider to buy up to 8.7% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are often an indication that the company’s board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Korn/Ferry International

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Kestra Investment Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Korn/Ferry International by 71.8% during the second quarter. Kestra Investment Management LLC now owns 579 shares of the business services provider’s stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 242 shares during the period. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board increased its position in shares of Korn/Ferry International by 200.0% in the 2nd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 600 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares during the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Korn/Ferry International by 160.4% in the 3rd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 664 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 409 shares in the last quarter. Danske Bank A S acquired a new stake in shares of Korn/Ferry International in the 3rd quarter valued at $56,000. Finally, CX Institutional lifted its position in shares of Korn/Ferry International by 45.4% during the 2nd quarter. CX Institutional now owns 839 shares of the business services provider’s stock worth $62,000 after purchasing an additional 262 shares during the last quarter. 98.82% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Korn/Ferry International Company Profile

Korn Ferry International is a global organizational consulting firm that partners with clients to design optimal structures, roles and responsibilities. The company’s core offerings include executive search, talent acquisition, leadership development and succession planning. By blending deep industry expertise with data-driven insights, Korn Ferry helps organizations identify, assess and develop executives and high-potential talent for critical roles.

Since its founding in 1969 and with headquarters in Los Angeles, Korn Ferry has expanded its presence to more than 50 offices across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America.