QuinStreet, Inc (QNST) AI Stock Analysis

NASDAQ: QNSTAI research summary: business, growth, valuation, analysts, bull and bear case.

QNST AI stock analysis summary

AI Research

QuinStreet, Inc (QNST) provides online performance marketing and customer acquisition services focused on financial and home services. In FY2026, revenue increased 18.3% to $1.29B, and net income rose to $81.2M. The company maintains a net cash position of $53.4M and generated $127.5M in free cash flow in FY2026.

Market cap
$933.9M
Revenue (TTM)
$1.29B
P/E
11.7x
fwd 8.4x
1Y return
16.2%
S&P 500 16.8%
Avg. target
$22.80
39.7% vs last close

Bull case

  • Revenue increased 42.7% year-over-year in the quarter ended June 30, 2026, accompanied by a 559.2% increase in quarterly earnings.
  • Free cash flow expanded to $127.5M in FY2026, up from $82.9M in FY2025 and -$3.2M in FY2023.
  • The stock's forward P/E of 8.4x trades at a discount to the 14.1x median of its US-listed Communication Services peers.

Bear case

  • QuinStreet produced a 5-year return of -4.2%, lagging the S&P 500 return of 83.0% over the same period.
  • The company experienced consecutive annual net losses in FY2022 (-$5.2M), FY2023 (-$68.9M), and FY2024 (-$31.3M).
  • Short interest represents 13.4% of the company's float as of October 16, 2026.

What QuinStreet does

QuinStreet, Inc. operates in the online performance marketing sector, specializing in customer acquisition services across the United States and globally. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Foster City, California, the company provides targeted online marketing solutions, including qualified clicks, leads, calls, applications, and customers. QuinStreet primarily serves the financial and home services industries through proprietary websites and partnerships with third-party publishers. Using data-driven strategies and its network of online properties, the company designs client-specific campaigns intended to optimize customer acquisition efforts and improve client returns.

Growth and profitability

Revenue increased from $582.1M in FY2022 to $1.29B in FY2026, marking a 5-year revenue CAGR of 17.5%. After posting operating margins of -0.8% in FY2022, -3.6% in FY2023, and -4.6% in FY2024, operating margin improved to 0.6% in FY2025 and 2.7% in FY2026. Net income shifted from -$68.9M in FY2023 and -$31.3M in FY2024 to $4.7M in FY2025 and $81.2M in FY2026. In the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, revenue grew 42.7% year-over-year, and earnings increased 559.2%.

QNST income statement →

Balance sheet and cash flow

As of June 30, 2026, QuinStreet held $128.3M in cash and short-term investments and $74.9M in total debt, resulting in net cash of $53.4M. The company reported total assets of $721.3M, shareholders' equity of $323.1M, a current ratio of 1.22, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. During FY2026, operating cash flow reached $130.9M and free cash flow was $127.5M after capital expenditures of $3.4M. QuinStreet also spent $31.4M on share buybacks in FY2026.

QNST balance sheet →

Valuation and performance

At the closing price of $16.32 on October 16, 2026, QuinStreet trades at a trailing P/E of 11.7x and a forward P/E of 8.4x. This compares to a trailing P/E of 16.2x and a forward P/E of 14.1x for the median of its US-listed Communication Services peers. The stock's price-to-sales multiple of 0.7x sits below the peer median of 0.8x, while its EV/EBITDA of 12.6x is above the peer median of 10.0x. Over the past year, QNST gained 16.2%, compared to a 16.8% return for the S&P 500.

QNST key metrics →

What analysts expect

Wall Street analysts hold 5 Strong Buy ratings, 1 Buy rating, and zero Hold, Sell, or Strong Sell ratings on QuinStreet. The mean price target is $22.80, which is 39.7% above the last close of $16.32. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, consensus estimates anticipate revenue of $1.50B and EPS of $1.59, representing expected EPS growth of 25.2%. The company beat EPS expectations in 3 of the last 4 quarters and has its next earnings date scheduled for November 4, 2026.

QNST forecast and price target →

Key risks and what to watch

  • Operating margin was 2.7% in FY2026, remaining well below the peer median operating margin of 13.3%.
  • A short interest level of 13.4% of float highlights significant market skepticism regarding the company's performance.
  • The stock traded at $16.32 on October 16, 2026, down from its 52-week high of $22.29.

AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer

About this QNST AI stock analysis

This page is an AI-written research summary of QuinStreet, Inc (QNST). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.

Related: QNST income statement, QNST balance sheet, QNST key metrics, QNST analyst forecast, QNST chart. See the QNST stock overview for the latest quote and news.

QNST AI stock analysis FAQ

Does QuinStreet pay a dividend?

QuinStreet does not pay a dividend. The company used $31.4M for share buybacks and $3.4M for capital expenditures in FY2026.

What is QuinStreet's balance sheet position?

As of June 30, 2026, QuinStreet held $128.3M in cash and short-term investments against $74.9M in total debt, giving it a net cash balance of $53.4M.

When is QuinStreet's next earnings report date?

QuinStreet is scheduled to report its next earnings on November 4, 2026.

What is the consensus analyst target for QNST?

The mean analyst price target is $22.80, representing a 39.7% premium over the October 16, 2026 closing price of $16.32, with 5 Strong Buy and 1 Buy ratings.

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