Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 was reported at $120.2 million, exceeding the outlook range, with a gross margin of 39.5%, which is 300 basis points higher than the prior year [26][28] - SG&A expenses were $44.5 million, a 7% improvement from $47.7 million a year ago, driven by lower management compensation and reductions in other G&A expenses [29] - Adjusted EBITDA improved to $3.1 million, representing a 2.5% adjusted EBITDA margin [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - On-demand segment revenue declined by 16% year-over-year to $44.4 million, but segment-adjusted EBITDA improved to $4.4 million, or a 10% margin [30] - Consulting segment revenue was $43.6 million, a decline of 22% from the prior year, with segment-adjusted EBITDA at $5 million, or an 11.6% margin [30] - Europe and Asia-Pacific segment revenue grew by 5% year-over-year to $19.9 million, with segment-adjusted EBITDA of $0.8 million, or a 4.2% margin [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Europe and Asia-Pacific achieved solid growth, with a strong pipeline for Q2, driven by deepening multinational client relationships and expanding local client bases [24] - Demand for CFO advisory and digital transformation offerings remains strong, with a focus on cost efficiency and process automation [24][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transforming from a professional staffing organization to a diversified platform combining on-demand talent with consulting and outsourced services, focusing on CFO advisory and digital transformation [5][8] - The strategy includes enhancing the addressable market and becoming known for a focused set of solutions, with a unique value proposition based on agility, expertise, and experience [6][10] - The company is actively redesigning its cost structure to fit the current size and scale of the business, aiming for a more stable and profitable operation [15][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the global macro environment remains uncertain and slow-moving for professional services, but they are positioning the business for an upturn [3][12] - The company expects to maintain revenue stability through Q2, with an outlook for revenue between $115 million and $120 million [32][33] - Management emphasized the importance of improving sales execution and driving an efficient cost structure to deliver more value [33] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with $77.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and zero outstanding debt [31] - The company is targeting venture-backed AI startups for outsourced services, capitalizing on the broader venture funding environment [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pricing Trends - Management indicated that while staffing rates have remained steady, there are pricing pressures in consulting, but the value provided allows for rate increases on new projects [37][38] Question: Pipeline and Cross-Selling - The pipeline is seeing an increase in $1 million+ deals, with expectations for continued growth through cross-selling efforts [39] Question: Revenue Guidance Breakdown - Revenue guidance for Q2 indicates continued strength in Europe and Asia-Pacific, while on-demand and consulting segments are expected to perform similarly to Q1 [42] Question: Regional Demand Differences - Demand is strong in the West Coast and Southeast regions, attributed to team tenure and alignment with client priorities [45] Question: Client Spending Appetite - Management noted that client appetite for spending remains choppy, with ongoing uncertainty affecting the operating environment [61] Question: Board Refresh Impact - New board members bring fresh perspectives, focusing on optimizing bottom-line performance and fostering collaborative teams [63][64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $139.3 million, with a gross margin of 40.2%, both exceeding the high end of the outlook range [29][36] - Adjusted EBITDA was $9.8 million, representing a 7.1% adjusted EBITDA margin, marking the strongest quarterly performance in fiscal 2025 [29] - Average bill rate increased by 4% year over year, with the enterprise-wide average bill rate reaching $125, reflecting a disciplined value-based pricing strategy [11][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consulting segment revenue was $51 million, a decline of 14% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $8.3 million, a margin of 16% [34] - On-demand segment revenue was $53 million, down 16% compared to the prior year, with adjusted EBITDA of $6.4 million, maintaining a 12% margin [35] - Outsourced services segment revenue grew by 4% year over year to $11.3 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $3.1 million, a margin of 28% [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Europe and Asia Pacific segment revenue was $21.3 million, flat compared to the prior year, with adjusted EBITDA of $1.9 million, a margin of 9% [35] - The UK was highlighted as a strong market within Europe, contributing to revenue stability and high client retention at 90% year over year [13] - Asia Pacific revenue growth was 3% sequentially, primarily driven by Japan, despite challenges in China [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on evolving from a staffing-centric model to a value-added consulting and digital solutions firm, enhancing shareholder value through disciplined operations and capital allocation strategies [17] - There is a strong emphasis on integrating AI technologies to improve operational efficiency and client engagement [10] - The strategy includes deepening client relationships and expanding cross-selling opportunities, particularly in consulting and outsourced services [22][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding the professional services marketplace in North America, anticipating growth driven by digital transformation initiatives [9] - The company is focused on pipeline generation and conversion, with expectations for revenue in Q1 2026 to be between $115 million and $120 million [38] - Management acknowledged macroeconomic uncertainties but remains committed to executing their strategy to deliver value to clients [28] Other Important Information - The company appointed two new board members to strengthen alignment with long-term investors and support its strategic evolution [16] - A non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $69 million was recorded in the consulting segment due to business performance and market capitalization reduction [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more color on the gross margin beat? - Management attributed the gross margin improvement to higher average bill rates and favorable medical claims [44][47] Question: How is cross-selling progressing? - Management noted an uplift in existing clients where on-demand talent has transitioned to deeper consulting capabilities, indicating potential for future growth [49][50] Question: What are the expected trends for consulting and on-demand talent? - Management expects stability in the on-demand segment but acknowledges that consulting is impacted by project delays [60][62] Question: Can you clarify the pipeline shrinkage? - Management explained that the pipeline contracted due to a focus on funnel discipline and the abandonment of deals as clients reassess their needs [66]