2026 Leveraged Loan Market Survey Results
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy FCN?
Source: Newsfilter
- Rising Default Risks: Over 75% of respondents expect loan defaults and workouts to increase slightly (58%) or substantially (19%) in 2026, indicating heightened concerns about economic prospects and a strong focus on lending risks in the market.
- Weak Economic Growth Outlook: Approximately 40% of respondents anticipate real GDP growth to be stagnant (28%) or negative (12%) in 2026, contrasting sharply with last year's 62% optimistic outlook, highlighting increasing worries about future economic conditions.
- Concerns Over AI Investments: While 53% of respondents believe AI will improve information flow, 21% view an AI investment crash as the most underestimated financial market risk for 2026, reflecting a complex attitude towards new technologies and their potential risks.
- Shifts in Fed Rate Expectations: Nearly 75% of respondents expect the targeted Fed Funds rate to end 2026 between 3%-4%, indicating diminished expectations for aggressive rate cuts, which reflects a cautious stance on monetary policy in the market.
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Analyst Views on FCN
Wall Street analysts forecast FCN stock price to rise
2 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 162.620
Low
165.00
Averages
165.00
High
165.00
Current: 162.620
Low
165.00
Averages
165.00
High
165.00
About FCN
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory company. The Company’s segment includes Corporate Finance & Restructuring segment focuses on the strategic, operational, financial, transactional and capital needs of its clients; Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment provides law firms, companies, government entities and other interested parties with a multidisciplinary and independent range of services in risk and investigations and disputes; Economic Consulting segment provides law firms, companies, and government entities with analyzes of economic issues for use in international arbitration and legal and regulatory proceedings and strategic decision-making and public policy debates; Technology segment provides companies, law firms, private equity firms and government entities with a portfolio of digital insights and risk management consulting and data services, and Strategic Communications segment provides corporate reputation, financial communications and public affairs.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Professional Background: Prior to joining FTI Consulting, Davidson was a partner at a global management consulting firm focusing on various engagements for aviation clients, and he spent over a decade at Seabury Consulting, gaining extensive industry knowledge.
- Technology-Driven: Davidson will utilize emerging technologies to help clients improve customer experience and financial performance, indicating FTI Consulting's ongoing investment in top talent to address the rapidly changing challenges in the aviation sector.
- Market Positioning: FTI Consulting generated $3.70 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2024 and employs over 8,100 people, showcasing its global leadership in crisis and transformation, further solidifying its market influence in the aviation industry.
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- Technological Adoption: 39% of respondents have integrated artificial intelligence and generative AI into their strategies, a 10% increase from last year, indicating a growing reliance on technology within legal departments to enhance efficiency and tackle complex challenges.
- Increased Regulatory Activity: 30% of respondents noted a rise in regulatory activity this year, with 57% reporting higher costs associated with disputes and investigations, underscoring the financial pressures legal departments face in navigating new regulations and compliance requirements.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: This year's report includes insights from C-level technology leaders, emphasizing the dynamic relationship between legal departments and other business units, reflecting the critical role legal leaders play in technology and business governance.
See More
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- Rising Default Risks: Over 75% of respondents expect loan defaults and workouts to increase slightly (58%) or substantially (19%) in 2026, indicating heightened concerns about economic prospects and a strong focus on lending risks in the market.
- Weak Economic Growth Outlook: Approximately 40% of respondents anticipate real GDP growth to be stagnant (28%) or negative (12%) in 2026, contrasting sharply with last year's 62% optimistic outlook, highlighting increasing worries about future economic conditions.
- Concerns Over AI Investments: While 53% of respondents believe AI will improve information flow, 21% view an AI investment crash as the most underestimated financial market risk for 2026, reflecting a complex attitude towards new technologies and their potential risks.
- Shifts in Fed Rate Expectations: Nearly 75% of respondents expect the targeted Fed Funds rate to end 2026 between 3%-4%, indicating diminished expectations for aggressive rate cuts, which reflects a cautious stance on monetary policy in the market.
See More
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- Asset Management Ratio: Following this acquisition, Black Creek's stake in FTI Consulting now represents 9.09% of its reportable AUM, highlighting its significant commitment to the company and reinforcing its position within the investment portfolio.
- Market Performance: As of February 12, 2026, FTI Consulting shares were priced at $160.91, reflecting a 16.1% decline over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 29.04 percentage points, raising concerns about its future growth trajectory.
- Financial Health: FTI Consulting reported record third-quarter revenue of $956.2 million in 2023, up 3% year-over-year, and raised its 2025 EPS guidance to between $7.62 and $8.12, indicating ongoing growth potential driven by strong consulting demand and profitability.
See More
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See More
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- Share Acquisition: Black Creek Investment Management acquired 402,008 shares of FTI Consulting in Q4, with an estimated trade value of $66.27 million, reflecting confidence in the company's growth potential and market position.
- Value Increase: The quarter-end value of FTI Consulting's position rose by $74.83 million, driven by both market price changes and trading activity, indicating a positive outlook from investors regarding its business prospects.
- Asset Management Proportion: This acquisition increased FTI Consulting's representation to 3.29% of Black Creek's reportable assets under management, highlighting its strategic importance within the investment portfolio.
- Performance Metrics: FTI Consulting reported record third-quarter revenue of $956.2 million, up 3% year-over-year, and a diluted EPS of $2.60, up 41%, further solidifying its competitive edge in the consulting services sector.
See More
FTI Consulting Appoints New Executive to Drive Aviation Business Transformation
- Executive Appointment: FTI Consulting has appointed Scott Davidson as Senior Managing Director in the Aviation Business Transformation practice, leveraging nearly 20 years of aviation industry experience to support clients in implementing sustainable business plans and enhancing operational resilience and financial performance.
- Professional Background: Prior to joining FTI Consulting, Davidson was a partner at a global management consulting firm focusing on various engagements for aviation clients, and he spent over a decade at Seabury Consulting, gaining extensive industry knowledge.
- Technology-Driven: Davidson will utilize emerging technologies to help clients improve customer experience and financial performance, indicating FTI Consulting's ongoing investment in top talent to address the rapidly changing challenges in the aviation sector.
- Market Positioning: FTI Consulting generated $3.70 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2024 and employs over 8,100 people, showcasing its global leadership in crisis and transformation, further solidifying its market influence in the aviation industry.
See More
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- Surge in Workload: The General Counsel Report reveals that 87% of legal leaders report an accelerating increase in risk and demand, resulting in significant workload growth across over 20 areas, highlighting the complexities and unpredictabilities faced by the legal industry.
- Technological Adoption: 39% of respondents have integrated artificial intelligence and generative AI into their strategies, a 10% increase from last year, indicating a growing reliance on technology within legal departments to enhance efficiency and tackle complex challenges.
- Increased Regulatory Activity: 30% of respondents noted a rise in regulatory activity this year, with 57% reporting higher costs associated with disputes and investigations, underscoring the financial pressures legal departments face in navigating new regulations and compliance requirements.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: This year's report includes insights from C-level technology leaders, emphasizing the dynamic relationship between legal departments and other business units, reflecting the critical role legal leaders play in technology and business governance.
See More
2026 Leveraged Loan Market Survey Results
- Rising Default Risks: Over 75% of respondents expect loan defaults and workouts to increase slightly (58%) or substantially (19%) in 2026, indicating heightened concerns about economic prospects and a strong focus on lending risks in the market.
- Weak Economic Growth Outlook: Approximately 40% of respondents anticipate real GDP growth to be stagnant (28%) or negative (12%) in 2026, contrasting sharply with last year's 62% optimistic outlook, highlighting increasing worries about future economic conditions.
- Concerns Over AI Investments: While 53% of respondents believe AI will improve information flow, 21% view an AI investment crash as the most underestimated financial market risk for 2026, reflecting a complex attitude towards new technologies and their potential risks.
- Shifts in Fed Rate Expectations: Nearly 75% of respondents expect the targeted Fed Funds rate to end 2026 between 3%-4%, indicating diminished expectations for aggressive rate cuts, which reflects a cautious stance on monetary policy in the market.
See More
Black Creek Increases Stake in FTI Consulting by $66.27 Million
- Increased Stake: Black Creek Investment Management Inc. acquired 402,008 shares of FTI Consulting in Q4 2026, with an estimated transaction value of $66.27 million, indicating strong confidence in the company's future growth prospects.
- Asset Management Ratio: Following this acquisition, Black Creek's stake in FTI Consulting now represents 9.09% of its reportable AUM, highlighting its significant commitment to the company and reinforcing its position within the investment portfolio.
- Market Performance: As of February 12, 2026, FTI Consulting shares were priced at $160.91, reflecting a 16.1% decline over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 29.04 percentage points, raising concerns about its future growth trajectory.
- Financial Health: FTI Consulting reported record third-quarter revenue of $956.2 million in 2023, up 3% year-over-year, and raised its 2025 EPS guidance to between $7.62 and $8.12, indicating ongoing growth potential driven by strong consulting demand and profitability.
See More
Black Creek Investment Management Acquires Eagle Materials Shares
- New Investment Position: Black Creek Investment Management established a new position in Eagle Materials by acquiring 502,120 shares in Q4 2025, with an estimated trade value of $103.78 million, indicating confidence in the construction materials sector amid a potential infrastructure spending rebound.
- Asset Allocation Significance: This new position accounts for 5.1% of Black Creek's reportable assets in its 13F filing, ranking among its top five holdings, which underscores the firm's strategic focus on this stock.
- Strong Financial Performance: Eagle Materials reported $556 million in quarterly revenue and $3.22 in diluted EPS for its latest fiscal quarter, with cement volumes rising 9% year-over-year, demonstrating resilience despite softness in the residential market.
- Share Buyback Strategy: The company repurchased approximately 648,000 shares for $142.6 million in the quarter, reinforcing consistent capital allocation and reflecting management's confidence in future growth prospects.
See More
Black Creek Increases Stake in FTI Consulting
- Share Acquisition: Black Creek Investment Management acquired 402,008 shares of FTI Consulting in Q4, with an estimated trade value of $66.27 million, reflecting confidence in the company's growth potential and market position.
- Value Increase: The quarter-end value of FTI Consulting's position rose by $74.83 million, driven by both market price changes and trading activity, indicating a positive outlook from investors regarding its business prospects.
- Asset Management Proportion: This acquisition increased FTI Consulting's representation to 3.29% of Black Creek's reportable assets under management, highlighting its strategic importance within the investment portfolio.
- Performance Metrics: FTI Consulting reported record third-quarter revenue of $956.2 million, up 3% year-over-year, and a diluted EPS of $2.60, up 41%, further solidifying its competitive edge in the consulting services sector.
See More
