Cross Country Healthcare (NASDAQ:CCRN) Upgraded by Benchmark to Buy Rating

Cross Country Healthcare (NASDAQ:CCRN) was upgraded by research analysts at Benchmark from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a note issued to investors on Thursday, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage presently has a $14.00 target price on the business services provider’s stock. Benchmark’s price target would indicate a potential upside of 53.34% from the stock’s current price.

Several other research firms also recently weighed in on CCRN. Zacks Research raised Cross Country Healthcare from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Monday, January 19th. Truist Financial set a $10.00 price objective on Cross Country Healthcare in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Citizens Jmp set a $11.00 target price on shares of Cross Country Healthcare in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Wedbush started coverage on shares of Cross Country Healthcare in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. They set a “neutral” rating and a $11.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a “market outperform” rating on shares of Cross Country Healthcare in a report on Friday, December 19th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Cross Country Healthcare has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $11.75.

Cross Country Healthcare Price Performance

CCRN stock opened at $9.13 on Thursday. The company’s 50 day simple moving average is $8.62 and its 200-day simple moving average is $10.77. Cross Country Healthcare has a 12 month low of $7.43 and a 12 month high of $17.02. The firm has a market capitalization of $299.10 million, a PE ratio of -18.63, a P/E/G ratio of 6.60 and a beta of 0.42.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in CCRN. Alpine Global Management LLC acquired a new position in Cross Country Healthcare in the fourth quarter valued at $182,000. Corient Private Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Cross Country Healthcare during the 4th quarter worth about $121,000. XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new stake in Cross Country Healthcare during the 4th quarter worth approximately $454,000. Oxford Asset Management LLP purchased a new position in Cross Country Healthcare in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $158,000. Finally, Engineers Gate Manager LP lifted its position in Cross Country Healthcare by 289.2% during the fourth quarter. Engineers Gate Manager LP now owns 85,590 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $693,000 after buying an additional 63,599 shares in the last quarter. 96.03% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Cross Country Healthcare News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting Cross Country Healthcare this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Balance sheet cushion and insider buying — the company reported a higher cash balance (about $108.7M) and lower total liabilities year‑over‑year, and insiders have recently made purchases, which provide some downside support. QuiverQuant: Stock Falls on Q4 2025 Earnings
• Positive Sentiment: Broker attention — at least one roundup piece flagged CCRN among broker‑liked names to watch, which can attract short‑term buyers and liquidity. Zacks: 5 Broker-Liked Stocks to Monitor
• Neutral Sentiment: Earnings call transcripts available — full Q4 and conference call transcripts are posted (useful for management commentary and color on demand trends and cost actions). Yahoo: CCRN Earnings Call Transcript Seeking Alpha: Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
• Neutral Sentiment: Short‑interest data appears inconsistent in reports (values showing 0 shares and NaN changes); treat those figures with caution—no clear short squeeze signal evident from the published data.
• Negative Sentiment: Q4 results missed expectations — revenue declined ~23–24% YoY (~$236.8M) and EPS missed/turned to a loss (reported EPS negative vs. small positive consensus). That shortfall is the primary driver of the selloff. Zacks: Q4 Loss, Lags Revenue Estimates
• Negative Sentiment: Large operating and net loss magnified the reaction — operating loss and a materially wider net loss pushed EPS well below models, increasing near‑term earnings uncertainty. QuiverQuant: Stock Falls on Q4 2025 Earnings
• Negative Sentiment: Weak Q1 2026 guidance — management issued an EPS and revenue outlook below Street consensus (EPS guidance negative vs. consensus positive; revenue guidance below estimates), which likely triggered additional selling and increased uncertainty for the next quarter.
• Negative Sentiment: Immediate market impact — several outlets reported a double‑digit drop intraday (headline: stock slid ~14% on the unexpected loss and weak guidance), reflecting active deleveraging by some funds and analyst downgrades/target adjustments. Investing.com: Stock Slides 14% on Unexpected Q4 Loss

Cross Country Healthcare Company Profile

Cross Country Healthcare, Inc, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, is a leading provider of healthcare workforce solutions in the United States. The company specializes in the recruitment, placement and management of nursing and allied health professionals on both a travel and permanent basis. Through its integrated platform, Cross Country Healthcare serves hospitals, health systems, and long-term care facilities by matching qualified clinical talent with patient care needs across diverse care settings.

The company’s core service offerings include travel nurse and allied health staffing, per diem staffing, permanent placement services, and managed services programs.