Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q2 2025 EPS of $0.26 and adjusted EBITDA of $32 million, slightly below the forecasted range due to higher than expected benefits costs [5][6] - Average paid worksite employees increased by 0.7% year-over-year to 309,115, with new sales contributing to a 2% increase in worksite employees [5][6] - Gross profit per worksite employee decreased to $240 per month from $282 in Q2 2024, primarily due to increased benefits costs [6][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Client retention averaged 99% per month, consistent with prior year results, while net hiring within the client base showed slight improvement [5][6] - Benefits costs per covered employee increased by 9.6% year-over-year in Q2, with pharmacy costs being a significant contributor [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that large claim frequency remains elevated, particularly for cancer and heart-related conditions, but did not observe adverse selection among new clients [8][9] - The overall economic environment for small and medium-sized businesses is showing signs of stabilization, which may lead to improved hiring trends [26][30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing a pricing plan and implementing plan design changes to address elevated benefits cost trends [34][30] - A strategic partnership with Workday is being leveraged to enhance HR solutions, with a new product architecture aimed at expanding the total addressable market [17][19] - The company plans to launch a fall sales campaign earlier than previous years, with strong incentives to drive sales and retention [25][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving accelerated growth and improved profitability in 2026 despite current challenges [14][30] - The company is optimistic about the potential for recovery in gross profit margins and operating expense management [27][30] Other Important Information - Operating expenses decreased by 3% year-over-year, with significant reductions in travel and professional fees [12] - The company returned $22 million in cash dividends to shareholders during Q2 2025, with a total of $45 million year-to-date [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expected financial impact of the Workday partnership in 2026? - Management indicated it is too early to predict the exact revenue and profitability impact from the Workday partnership, but they are excited about the progress [38][39] Question: Has there been improvement in net client hiring? - Management noted that underlying hiring has improved, although it remains below historical levels, and they expect further improvement [44][46] Question: Is the $150 million investment in Workday still appropriate? - Management believes the investment will exceed $150 million over five years, but the impact on the income statement will reduce significantly as they move closer to launch [49][50] Question: How will pricing and plan design changes affect healthcare costs? - Management stated that pricing changes will be the primary method to manage rising healthcare costs, with plan design changes serving to limit overall cost trends [67][68] Question: When will broad marketing efforts for Workday begin? - Management indicated that broad marketing efforts will likely occur in 2026, following the beta testing phases [71][72]