Equifax is expected to report Q3 2026 results on October 20 with revenues projected to rise 9.6% year-over-year to $1.7B and EPS growth of 7.8% to $2.20. The company's Workforce Solutions segment is anticipated to grow 12%, while USIS and International segments are expected to show solid margin expansion. However, the Zacks model does not predict an earnings beat due to a negative Earnings ESP of -0.59% and a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell).

Booz Allen Hamilton is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings of $1.44 per share (down 3.4% YoY) and revenues of $2.8 billion (down 3.1% YoY) on October 23. Despite declining earnings and revenues, the company has a positive Earnings ESP of +5.31% combined with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), suggesting a likely earnings beat. The company has beaten consensus estimates in 3 of the last 4 quarters, with a notable +21.48% surprise in the most recent quarter.

Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) is set to report Q3 2026 results on October 21 with projected revenues of $475-$485M. The company faces headwinds from timing of new business starts, food and labor inflation, lower insurance reserve benefits, and customer payment delays. While HCSG has a strong earnings surprise history, the Zacks model does not predict a beat this quarter with an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and Rank #3 (Hold).

The article highlights two business services stocks with positive Earnings Surprise Prediction (ESP) figures that could beat analyst expectations in their upcoming earnings reports. Visa (V) has an ESP of +0.86% with earnings on October 27, 2026, while Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) has an ESP of +5.31% with earnings on October 23, 2026. Both stocks are identified as having strong potential for positive earnings surprises based on recent analyst revisions.

The global cyber warfare market is projected to grow from USD 14.99 billion in 2026 to USD 28.75 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 14.1%. Growth is driven by increasing cyber threats to military networks, AI-driven defense solutions, space-based security demands, and defensive cyber operations. The Middle East is positioned for the second-highest regional growth rate.

The article explains how investors can use the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) filter to identify stocks likely to beat earnings expectations. It highlights two Business Services stocks with positive ESPs: Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) with a +5.31% ESP and Visa (V) with a +0.86% ESP, both scheduled to report earnings in late October 2026. The strategy combines positive ESP with Zacks Rank #3 or better, which historically produced 70% positive earnings surprises and ~28% average annual returns.

Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) outperformed the S&P 500 with a +1.47% daily gain on October 9, 2026. However, the company faces headwinds with forecasted EPS declining 3.36% YoY and revenue down 3.09% for the upcoming quarter. The stock holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating and trades at a Forward P/E of 11.67, below its industry average of 15.21, suggesting a valuation discount.

Despite criticism that Palantir operates like a consulting firm, its financial metrics reveal a highly scalable software business. With 93% YoY revenue growth, 62% operating margins, and $1.2B in adjusted free cash flow, Palantir demonstrates economics typical of software companies rather than labor-intensive consulting. The company's forward-deployed engineers deploy its AI Platform (AIP) across customer organizations, enabling rapid expansion. While trading at high valuation multiples (P/S of 78, P/E of 160), the author argues these metrics are less relevant given the company's exceptional growth and margin expansion trajectory.

Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) fell 4.43% in recent trading, underperforming the broader market. The defense contractor faces headwinds with expected Q3 2026 earnings declining 3.36% year-over-year to $1.44 per share, though annual revenue is projected to grow 2.08%. The stock holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating with a Forward P/E of 11.28, trading at a discount to its industry average.

Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH), a defense contractor in the consulting services industry, is highlighted as a stock likely to beat upcoming earnings estimates. The company has demonstrated a strong earnings-beat streak with an average surprise of 28.16% over the last two quarters. With a positive Earnings ESP of +5.31% and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), the combination suggests a high probability of another earnings beat in the next report expected on October 23, 2026.

Booz Allen Hamilton ended trading at $70.47, up 1.51% and outperforming the S&P 500's 0.2% gain. However, the stock has declined 5.13% over the past month. The company is expected to report Q3 earnings on October 23, 2026, with consensus estimates predicting EPS of $1.44 (down 3.36% YoY) and quarterly revenue of $2.8 billion (down 3.09% YoY). BAH holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with a Forward P/E of 11.12, trading at a discount to its industry average of 14.71.

Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) closed at $76.28, down 1.42% from the previous day. The defense contractor has gained 2.87% over the past month, outperforming its sector. The company is expected to report Q3 earnings on October 23, 2026, with anticipated EPS of $1.44 (down 3.36% YoY) and revenue of $2.8 billion (down 3.09% YoY). BAH holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with a Forward P/E of 12.39, trading at a discount to its industry average of 15.22.