Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q1 2025 adjusted EPS of $1.57 and adjusted EBITDA of $102 million, which fell below guidance due to higher than expected benefits costs [5][6] - The average number of paid worksite employees increased by 0.7% year-over-year to 306,023, but growth was slightly below guidance due to delays and cancellations in new client starts [5][6] - Gross profit per worksite employee decreased to $338 per month from $378 in Q1 2024, attributed to an 8.4% increase in benefits costs per covered employee [6][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Client retention improved to 91% in Q1 2025 from 88% in Q1 2024, indicating strong client loyalty despite market challenges [20] - Client net hiring was slightly positive but significantly weaker compared to historical norms [6][20] - The company experienced a 3% increase in worksite employees paid from new client sales compared to Q1 2024, despite overall hiring challenges [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - A client survey indicated that 66% of respondents expect the economic climate to negatively affect their business, up from 29% in January [16] - The percentage of clients expecting to add employees in the coming quarter decreased to 34% from 43% [16] - The Northeast region showed better results compared to other areas, but overall trends were consistent across the nation [70] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on mitigating benefits cost challenges through pricing adjustments and plan design changes, with a forecasted benefits cost per covered employee range of 6.5% to 7.5% for the full year [10][35] - The strategic partnership with Workday is a key focus, with a go-to-market plan established to target mid-market businesses, which is expected to significantly drive growth starting in 2026 [30][31] - The company aims to leverage the Workday partnership to enhance service offerings and client engagement, particularly for businesses with 150 to 5,000 employees [88] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment over the unexpected rise in benefits costs but remains optimistic about future profitability improvements in 2026 [10][64] - The company anticipates a modest improvement in worksite employee growth throughout the year, barring significant changes in the macroeconomic environment [36] - Management noted that the current period of uncertainty is less likely to be a temporary spike, suggesting a more cautious approach to forecasting [86] Other Important Information - Operating expenses were managed slightly below budget, with a 2% increase year-over-year, primarily due to investments in the Workday partnership [11][12] - The company returned $23 million in cash dividends and repurchased 224,000 shares at a cost of $19 million in Q1 [12] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 29%, consistent with the previous year [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the onboarding pauses mentioned in Q1? - Management noted a dramatic reversal in small business optimism due to government actions, leading to delays and cancellations in onboarding new clients [40][41] Question: What is the expected cadence of spending for the Workday partnership? - The company anticipates stable spending throughout the year, with costs expected to decrease in subsequent years as the project matures [45][48] Question: What actions from Washington could improve customer sentiment? - Management believes that stabilizing the tax system and regulatory environment could significantly boost confidence among clients [53][54] Question: How quickly can pricing adjustments be made in response to healthcare costs? - Pricing changes are already being implemented, with expectations for improved margins as the year progresses [63][64] Question: Are there regional or industry differences in healthcare costs and hiring hesitancy? - The company has observed better results in the Northeast, but overall trends are consistent across the nation [70] Question: What is the expected profitability from the Workday partnership? - Management anticipates higher upfront pricing and ongoing revenue contributions from the new joint solution, though specific figures are still being analyzed [78][79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter adjusted EPS of $1.57 and adjusted EBITDA of $102 million, which fell below guidance due to higher than expected benefits costs [5][6] - The average number of paid worksite employees increased by 0.7% year-over-year to 306,023, but growth was slightly below guidance due to delays and cancellations in new client starts [5][6] - Gross profit per worksite employee decreased to $338 per month from $378 in the prior year, attributed to an 8.4% increase in benefits costs per covered employee [6][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Client retention improved to 91% in Q1, a significant increase from 88% in the previous year, indicating strong client loyalty [18] - Client net hiring was slightly positive but remained weak compared to historical norms [6][33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - A client survey indicated that 66% of respondents expect the economic climate to negatively affect their business, up from 29% in January [15] - The percentage of clients expecting to add employees decreased to 34% from 43% [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on mitigating the impact of rising benefits costs through pricing adjustments and plan design changes, with a forecasted benefits cost per covered employee of 6.5% to 7.5% for the full year [9][34] - The strategic partnership with Workday is seen as a significant growth driver, with plans to launch a joint solution targeting mid-market businesses [25][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment over the unexpected rise in benefits costs but remains optimistic about future profitability improvements as pricing adjustments are implemented [10][36] - The company has reduced its worksite employee growth forecast for the year to 0.5% to 3% due to macroeconomic uncertainties [33][34] Other Important Information - Operating expenses increased slightly by 2% year-over-year, primarily due to investments in the Workday partnership [10][11] - The company returned $23 million in cash dividends and repurchased 224,000 shares at a cost of $19 million during the quarter [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the onboarding pauses mentioned? - Management noted that optimism in the small business community reversed dramatically due to government actions, leading to delays and cancellations in onboarding new clients [40][41] Question: What is the expected cadence of spending for the Workday partnership? - The company anticipates stable spending throughout the year, with a gradual decrease in costs expected in years three to five of the partnership [45][48] Question: What actions from Washington could improve customer confidence? - Management believes that minor changes in tax policy or regulatory environments could significantly boost confidence among clients [54] Question: How quickly can pricing adjustments be made in response to healthcare costs? - Pricing changes are already being implemented, with expectations for improvements in gross margins as the year progresses [63][64] Question: Are there regional differences in healthcare costs or hiring hesitancy? - The company has seen better results in the Northeast, but overall trends appear to be consistent across the nation [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EPS of $0.05 per share and adjusted EBITDA of $23 million for Q4 2024, exceeding the midpoint of expectations [5] - The average number of paid worksite employees was 309,093, a decrease of 2% from Q4 2023, reflecting weak client hiring [5][6] - Total gross profit declined by 2% from Q4 2023 due to the decrease in paid worksite employees, while gross profit per worksite employee was $235 per month, slightly above expectations [5][6] - For the full year 2024, adjusted EBITDA was $270 million and adjusted EPS was $3.58, both above initial guidance [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 37% increase in worksite employees paid from new clients compared to Q4 2023, indicating strong performance in client acquisition [5] - Client retention averaged 99% for the quarter, demonstrating effective retention strategies [5] - Operating expenses increased by 17% over Q4 2023, primarily due to investments in the Workday strategic partnership [6][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The small to mid-sized business client base experienced nearly flat net growth in worksite employees for 2024, the lowest level in two decades excluding recession years [14] - The National Federation of Independent Business January Small Business Optimism Index reached its highest level in six years, indicating improved sentiment among small business owners [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to regain growth momentum through a successful fall sales and client retention campaign, with a focus on key initiatives for 2025 [11][17] - The strategic partnership with Workday is expected to enhance long-term growth and profitability, with significant milestones anticipated in 2025 [21][29] - The company is implementing a role-based approach to optimize its sales organization and improve service efficiency across its HR solutions [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a shift in small and mid-sized business decision-makers' mindsets post-election, leading to increased optimism and hiring expectations for 2025 [15][16] - The company conservatively forecasts net client hiring to improve in 2025 but remains below historical levels, with expected worksite employee growth of 2% to 4% over 2024 [31][32] - Management emphasized the importance of aligning sales, service, and pricing teams to drive results in 2025 [30] Other Important Information - The company plans to spend approximately $62 million on the Workday strategic partnership in 2025, up from $57 million in 2024 [34] - The expected benefits cost trend for 2025 is forecasted to be between 5% to 6.5%, compared to 4.3% in 2024 [32][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the sales leads from the Workday partnership and their impact on client retention? - Management indicated significant progress in the go-to-market strategy and expects improved lead flow and client retention as the joint solution is developed [40][42] Question: How will the operating expenses related to Workday be structured throughout the year? - Operating expenses are expected to be relatively steady throughout the year, with a small drop-off after completing the corporate component [43] Question: What is the outlook for net hiring in 2025? - Management anticipates a gradual improvement in net hiring, weighted towards the second half of the year, with expectations of a return to mid-single-digit growth rates [60][61] Question: How is the competitive pricing environment affecting new sales and retention? - Management noted that while the competitive environment is significant, they have maintained strong pricing and developed unique incentives to attract clients without compromising long-term pricing strategies [66][68] Question: Can you elaborate on the sales optimization strategy and its expected benefits? - The sales optimization strategy focuses on streamlining sales efforts across different HR solutions, which is expected to enhance accountability and improve sales efficiency [54][55]