Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated fee revenue grew 5% year over year to $709 million, marking the second consecutive quarter of positive growth [12] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by $9 million, or 8% year over year, to $120 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin growth of 50 basis points year over year to 17% [12] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share rose by $0.13, or 11% year over year, to $1.31 [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Executive Search fee revenue grew 8% year over year, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of growth in this area [11] - Professional Search and Interim fee revenue increased by 10% year over year, with Professional Services per employee up 5% and Interim up 14% [11] - Digital subscription and licensed new business grew 10% year over year, contributing to 39% of total digital new business [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee revenue in the Americas decreased by 2% year over year, while EMEA fee revenue grew by 19% and APAC fee revenue increased by 12% [14][15] - Total company new business, excluding RPO, grew 5% year over year, with strength noted in EMEA and APAC [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a diversification strategy that enhances resilience and durability, contributing to sustained shareholder value [8] - The upcoming launch of the TalentSuite platform is expected to enhance the delivery of integrated solutions and improve client engagement [10] - The company aims to increase the proportion of digital subscriptions to over 60% in the long term [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed optimism about the company's trajectory despite ongoing economic uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of their integrated business strategy [9] - The outlook for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 anticipates fee revenue to range from $690 million to $710 million, with adjusted EBITDA margins expected between 17% and 17.5% [15][16] - Management noted that the current economic environment presents opportunities for strengthening client relationships and addressing complex talent challenges [9] Other Important Information - The company returned $36 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, while investing $22 million in capital expenditures focused on TalentSuite and productivity tools [15] - Estimated remaining fees under existing contracts amounted to $1.67 billion, up 9% year over year, with expectations for approximately 58% to be recognized as fees within the next year [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key milestones for TalentSuite rollout and timeline for financial benefits - Management indicated that true benefits from TalentSuite are expected towards the end of calendar 2026, with key milestones including partnerships and training for consultants [19] Question: Long-term aspirational target for digital subscriptions - The company aims for digital subscriptions to exceed 60% of segment revenue in the long term, leveraging partnerships for growth [21] Question: Guidance for Q2 revenue and potential conservatism - Management acknowledged a conservative approach in guidance due to uncertainties in the economic backdrop [24] Question: Client feedback on economic uncertainty and job creation - Management noted optimism in the Americas but acknowledged challenges in pricing power and labor market dynamics [28] Question: Performance of Consulting new business and outlook - Management expects continued momentum in Europe and Asia for consulting solutions, while the Americas may face challenges [39] Question: Impact of AI on workforce and consulting services - Management discussed the dual impact of AI on reducing headcount and enhancing efficiency in service delivery [66][70] Question: Performance of Executive Search in North America - The Executive Search segment is benefiting from demographic shifts and changes in leadership needs post-COVID [45] Question: Opportunities in Professional Search and Interim Solutions - Management sees significant opportunities in Professional Search and Interim Solutions, particularly outside the U.S. [59]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated fee revenue grew 5% year over year to $709 million, marking the second consecutive quarter of positive growth [11] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by $9 million, or 8% year over year, reaching $120 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin growth of 50 basis points to 17% [11] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share rose by $0.13, or 11% year over year, to $1.31 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Executive Search fee revenue grew 8% year over year, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of growth in this area [10] - Professional Search and Interim fee revenue increased by 10% year over year, with Professional Services per employee up 5% and Interim up 14% [10] - Digital subscription and licensed new business grew 10% year over year, contributing to 39% of total digital new business [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee revenue in the Americas decreased by 2% year over year, while EMEA fee revenue grew by 19% and APAC fee revenue increased by 12% [12][13] - Estimated remaining fees under existing contracts rose by 9% year over year to $1.67 billion, with 58% expected to be recognized as fees within the next year [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a diversification strategy that enhances resilience and durability, contributing to sustained shareholder value [7] - The launch of the TalentSuite platform is expected to enhance service delivery and client engagement, with a market launch planned for November [9] - The company aims to increase the proportion of digital subscriptions to over 60% in the long term [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management expressed optimism about the company's trajectory despite ongoing economic uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of their integrated business strategy [8] - The outlook for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 anticipates fee revenue between $690 million and $710 million, with adjusted EBITDA margins expected to range from 17% to 17.5% [14] - Management noted that the current economic environment presents opportunities for strengthening client relationships and addressing complex organizational challenges [8] Other Important Information - The company returned $36 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, while investing $22 million in capital expenditures focused on TalentSuite and productivity tools [13] - The company has a balanced capital allocation strategy, evidenced by six dividend increases in the last five years [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key milestones for the TalentSuite rollout? - The benefits of TalentSuite are expected to materialize towards the end of calendar 2026, with milestones including partnerships and training for consultants [17] Question: What is the long-term target for digital subscriptions? - The company aims for digital subscriptions to exceed 60% of segment revenue in the long term [19] Question: What are clients saying about the economic environment? - Clients express optimism in the Americas, while facing challenges such as lack of pricing power and rising costs [26] Question: How is the consulting business performing? - The consulting market remains challenging, but there is momentum in Europe and Asia, with a focus on larger, integrated solutions [34] Question: How is AI impacting the workforce? - Management believes AI will lead to a reduction in workforce size, but it will also free up capacity to deliver services more efficiently [64][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated fee revenue for the fourth quarter was $712 million, growing 4% year over year at constant currency [15] - Adjusted EBITDA grew 8% to $121 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin increase of 70 basis points to 17% [15] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 5% to $1.32 [15] - Estimated remaining fees under existing contracts totaled approximately $1.7 billion, up 12% year over year [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Executive Search grew 15% year over year at constant currency, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of growth [14] - Digital subscription and license new business grew to 40% of total digital new business, up from 37% in the prior year quarter [14] - RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing) secured $119 million in new business awards, with 77% attributed to new logos [14] - Average hourly bill rates in consulting and interim portions remained strong at $454 and $131, respectively [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee revenue in The Americas was flat year over year at constant currency, with growth in Executive Search and RPO [17] - EMEA fee revenue grew 9% year over year at constant currency, driven by growth in Executive Search and Professional Search [18] - APAC fee revenue grew 8% year over year at constant currency, primarily due to growth in Executive Search and RPO [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on extending its offerings and solutions, particularly in technology and AI, to drive organizational performance for clients [8][10] - The strategy emphasizes synergistic fee revenue sources, with 77% of clients purchasing two or more solutions [7] - The company aims to innovate and enhance its TalentSuite product, which is expected to create a significant impact in the market [9][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the ongoing economic challenges, including a cost of living crisis and its impact on client spending [33][34] - Despite the challenging environment, the company remains optimistic about future growth opportunities and its ability to drive performance for clients [19] - The leadership team is focused on adapting to changing market demands and the need for different leadership qualities in the current economic climate [50][51] Other Important Information - The company returned $173 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in fiscal year 2025 [18] - The company invested $44 million in M&A and $62 million in capital expenditures focused on technology platforms and product enhancements [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on new business trends and revenue trends by month - Management noted that May was stronger than April, indicating a positive trend despite ongoing uncertainties [23] Question: Executive Search growth specifics - Management indicated that long-term growth has been consistent, with quarterly fluctuations expected [26] Question: Update on sales cycles and client spending behaviors - Management highlighted a cost of living crisis affecting client spending and overall economic growth [33][34] Question: Performance of consulting and digital segments - Digital business grew 4% year over year, while consulting remained flat, reflecting larger engagements taking longer to implement [41] Question: Impact of international news on business confidence - Management expressed uncertainty about the impact of geopolitical events on business confidence, emphasizing the ongoing cost of living crisis [58][59] Question: Headcount productivity and revenue generation - Management discussed the importance of monetizing intellectual property and the scalability of their offerings [73][74] Question: Changes in leadership qualities sought by boards - Management emphasized the need for leaders who can embrace ambiguity and adapt to rapid changes in the market [50][51]