Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global enterprise revenues for Q2 2025 were $1.37 billion, down 7% year-over-year on both reported and adjusted bases [4] - Net income per share decreased to $0.41 from $0.66 in the same quarter last year [4] - Cash flow from operations was $119 million, with a cash dividend of $0.59 per share distributed, totaling $59 million [5] - Return on invested capital was 12% in Q2 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Talent Solutions revenues were down 11% year-over-year, with U.S. revenues at $668 million and non-U.S. revenues at $207 million, down 11% and 13% respectively [6][7] - Protiviti's global revenues were $495 million, with U.S. revenues down 1% and non-U.S. revenues up 11% year-over-year [9][10] - Contract Talent Solutions gross margin was 39.1%, slightly down from 39.3% year-over-year [11] - Overall gross margin for Talent Solutions was 47.1%, down from 47.4% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. job market remains resilient with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and the unemployment rate for college-educated professionals is at 2.5% [20] - Job openings are above historical levels, indicating strong pent-up hiring demand [20] - Protiviti achieved year-on-year revenue growth for the fourth consecutive quarter, although growth rates have moderated due to economic uncertainty [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on emerging opportunities through its strong brand, technology, and unique business model that includes both professional staffing and consulting services [5] - The strategic integration of contract professionals through Talent Solutions is seen as a key driver for performance [22] - The company remains committed to connecting people to meaningful work and providing clients with the necessary talent and consulting expertise [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that elevated global economic uncertainty has extended client caution and subdued hiring activity [4] - There is a cautious optimism as small business confidence has rebounded modestly, and hiring urgency is expected to increase [20][21] - The company anticipates a slight year-on-year revenue decline in Q3 but expects potential growth by Q4 if new opportunities materialize [31] Other Important Information - The company has 6.2 million shares available for repurchase under its stock repurchase plan [5] - The tax rate for Q2 was 33%, up from 29% year-over-year due to increased nondeductible expenses [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about bill rate increases - Management acknowledged that bill rates have increased due to a mix shift, but specific unadjusted figures were not provided [24][25] Question: Clarification on Protiviti's project timelines - Management indicated that conversion timelines have extended, impacting revenue, but the pipeline remains strong with new opportunities increasing [28][30] Question: Dynamics of the entry-level labor market - Management noted that AI has had little impact on revenues so far, and small business clients typically seek experienced staff rather than entry-level graduates [50][51] Question: Performance of financial services clients - Management stated that trends in Protiviti's financial services client base mirror overall business trends, with cost consciousness and extended decision cycles [59] Question: Resilience of enterprise clients - Management observed that enterprise clients have been more resilient than SMB clients, particularly reflected in Protiviti's results [81]