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]