Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues before reimbursements for the third quarter of 2025 were $72.2 million, a decrease of 7% compared to the prior year [14] - Adjusted earnings per share for the third quarter were $0.37, at the midpoint of the quarterly guidance [4][20] - GAAP net income for the third quarter totaled $2.5 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.09, down from $8.6 million or $0.31 in the prior year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global GS&BT segment revenues were $42.4 million, a decrease of 2% year-over-year, with strong GenAI-related revenue growth offset by weakness in OneStream and the expiration of an iPaaS contract [15] - Oracle Solutions segment revenues were $16.4 million, a decrease of 25% compared to the prior year, attributed to prolonged client decision-making [15] - SAP Solutions segment revenues were $13.4 million, an increase of 4% year-over-year, driven by implementation services from increased software sales activity [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 23% of total company revenues before reimbursements consist of recurring multi-year and subscription-based revenues [16] - Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) improved to 71 days from 73 days in the previous quarter [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on GenAI-enabled transformation, which is seen as a generational opportunity to change how companies operate and how consulting services are delivered [28][29] - The recent launch of version 4 of the AI Explorer platform is expected to significantly enhance capabilities and attract new clients [5][29] - Strategic alliances are being pursued to expand growth opportunities, with ongoing discussions with potential partners [36][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The demand for digital transformation remains strong but is impacted by economic concerns and the assessment of GenAI technologies [28] - The company expects continued growth in GenAI revenues, with a forecast for Q4 2025 total revenue before reimbursements in the range of $69.5 million to $71 million [23] - Management anticipates that the majority of strategy and business transformation initiatives will be led by GenAI initiatives by the end of 2026 [52] Other Important Information - The company announced a $40 million Dutch tender offer to acquire approximately 8% of its common stock [10][24] - The board declared a fourth-quarter dividend of $0.12 per share, payable on January 9, 2026 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans for alliances and potential partners - Management expressed confidence in attracting one or two major alliance partners soon, especially following the release of version 4 [36][38] Question: Software sales and recovery in Q4 - Management noted improved client engagement and pipeline activity, expecting to recover some weakness in Q4 [39][40] Question: Rationale for Dutch auction - The Dutch auction was chosen to be more aggressive in stock buybacks during a volatile quarter, leveraging a strong balance sheet [42][43] Question: Licensing progress for ZBrain and Explorer - Licensing for version 4 is expected to begin late in Q4 or early Q1, with a portion of licenses incorporating ZBrain [48][49] Question: Trends within GS&BT - The largest piece of GS&BT is strategy and business transformation, which is expected to drive a significant portion of operating profits in the future [51][52] Question: Decision-making trends - Clients are making commitments for 2026 while protecting 2025 spending due to economic volatility [55][56] Question: Labor resources in GSBT - Management indicated no concerns about labor resources, citing productivity improvements from new platforms [60][62] Question: Game-changing aspects of version 4 - Version 4 offers enhanced capabilities in simulating and informing client capabilities based on existing technology, significantly improving ideation processes [63][65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues before reimbursements of $72.2 million, a decrease of 7% compared to the prior year [14] - Adjusted earnings per share were $0.37, at the midpoint of quarterly guidance, compared to $0.43 in the prior year [20] - GAAP net income for the third quarter totaled $2.5 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.09, down from $8.6 million, or $0.31 per diluted share in the previous year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global GS&BT segment revenues were $42.4 million, a decrease of 2% year-over-year, but excluding declines from OneStream and iPaaS, it was up over 4% [14][15] - Oracle Solutions segment revenues were $16.4 million, a decrease of 25% year-over-year due to prolonged decision-making [15] - SAP Solutions segment revenues increased by 4% to $13.4 million, driven by implementation services [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 23% of total revenues before reimbursements consist of recurring multi-year and subscription-based revenues [16] - The company’s Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) improved to 71 days from 73 days in the previous quarter [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on GenAI-enabled transformation, which is seen as a generational opportunity to change operational models and consulting service delivery [28][29] - The recent launch of version 4 of the AI Explorer platform is expected to enhance capabilities and attract new clients [5][29] - Strategic alliances are being pursued to expand growth opportunities, with ongoing discussions with potential partners [36][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while demand for digital transformation remains strong, economic concerns are causing organizations to assess competing priorities [28] - The company expects continued growth in GenAI revenues, particularly in Q4 and into 2026, despite some revenue declines in other segments [15][23] - Management anticipates that the integration of GenAI capabilities will lead to improved revenue growth margins and operational efficiencies [32] Other Important Information - The company announced a $40 million Dutch tender offer to repurchase approximately 8% of its common stock [10][22] - The board declared a fourth-quarter dividend of $0.12 per share, payable on January 9, 2026 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide an update on potential alliances? - Management expressed confidence in attracting one or two major alliance partners soon, especially following the release of version 4 [36][38] Question: What is the outlook for software licensing? - Licensing for version 4 is expected to begin late in Q4 or early Q1, with many current opportunities likely converting to AI Explorer licenses [48] Question: How is the GS&BT segment performing? - The GS&BT segment is primarily driven by strategy and business transformation initiatives, which are expected to contribute significantly to operating profits in the future [52] Question: Are there concerns about labor resources in GS&BT? - Management indicated no concerns regarding labor resources, citing productivity improvements from new platforms [60][62] Question: What differentiates version 4 from alternatives? - Version 4 offers enhanced capabilities in simulating and informing client-specific automation footprints, significantly improving ideation and solutioning processes [64][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues before reimbursements of $72.2 million, a decrease of 7% compared to the prior year [15] - Adjusted earnings per share were $0.37, which was at the midpoint of the quarterly guidance [5] - GAAP net income totaled $2.5 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.09, down from $8.6 million or $0.31 in the same quarter of the previous year [20] - Adjusted EBITDA was $15.3 million or 21.2% of revenues before reimbursements, compared to $17.7 million or 22.7% in the prior year [20] - Total company adjusted gross margin was 42.6%, down from 43.2% in the prior year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global SMT segment revenues were $42.4 million, a decrease of 2% year-over-year, but would have been up 4% excluding the OneStream practice and iPaaS contract [16] - Oracle Solutions segment revenues were $16.4 million, a decrease of 25% compared to the prior year, attributed to prolonged decision-making [17] - SAP Solutions segment revenues increased by 4% to $13.4 million, driven by implementation services [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 23% of total revenues before reimbursements consisted of recurring, multiyear, and subscription-based revenues [18] - The company expects continued momentum in GenAI-related revenues, particularly in the Global SMT segment [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on GenAI-enabled transformation, which is seen as a generational opportunity to change how consulting services are delivered [29] - The recent launch of version four of the AI Explorer platform has received positive feedback and is expected to enhance client engagement and pipeline activity [6][41] - Strategic alliances are being pursued to expand growth opportunities, with ongoing discussions with potential partners [40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while demand for digital transformation remains strong, it is being impacted by economic concerns and the assessment of GenAI technologies [28] - The company anticipates that the integration of GenAI capabilities will significantly enhance service delivery and revenue growth margins [33] - Economic volatility and tariff distractions are affecting client decision-making, but there is an increasing desire to invest in digital transformation initiatives [56] Other Important Information - The company announced a $40 million Dutch tender offer to repurchase approximately 8% of its common stock [12][25] - The board declared a fourth-quarter dividend of $0.12 per share [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans for alliances and potential partners - Management expressed confidence in attracting one or two major alliance partners soon, especially following the release of version four [40] Question: Software sales and recovery in Q4 - Management indicated that improved client engagement and pipeline activity are expected to help recover some of the weakness in software sales in Q4 [41] Question: Reason for Dutch auction - The Dutch auction was initiated to take advantage of stock repurchase opportunities during a volatile quarter, with a focus on being aggressive in buybacks [43][44] Question: Licensing progress for version four - Licensing for version four is expected to begin in late Q4 or early Q1, with many current opportunities anticipated to become licensees [49] Question: Trends within the Strategy and Business Transformation Group - The Strategy and Business Transformation Group is expected to drive a significant portion of total operating profits, particularly through GenAI initiatives [52] Question: Decision-making trends among clients - Management noted that while clients are making commitments, economic volatility is causing them to protect their spending, impacting decision-making [55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues before reimbursements for Q3 2025 were $72.2 million, a decrease of 7% compared to the prior year [15] - Adjusted earnings per share for Q3 2025 were $0.37, at the midpoint of quarterly guidance [4] - GAAP net income for Q3 2025 was $2.5 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.09, down from $8.6 million or $0.31 in the same quarter last year [19] - Adjusted EBITDA was $15.3 million, or 21.2% of revenues before reimbursements, compared to 22.7% in the prior year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global GS&BT segment revenues were $42.4 million, a decrease of 2% year-over-year, but would have increased by 4% excluding the OneStream practice and iPaaS contract [15][16] - Oracle Solutions segment revenues were $16.4 million, down 25% year-over-year due to prolonged decision-making [16] - SAP Solutions segment revenues were $13.4 million, an increase of 4% year-over-year, driven by implementation services [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 23% of total revenues before reimbursements consist of recurring multi-year and subscription-based revenues [17] - Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) improved to 71 days from 73 days in the previous quarter [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on GenAI-enabled transformation, which is seen as a generational opportunity to change operational and consulting service delivery [27][28] - The recent launch of version 4 of the AI Explorer platform is expected to enhance client engagement and pipeline activity [4][39] - Strategic alliances are being pursued to expand growth opportunities, with ongoing discussions with potential partners [34][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The demand for digital transformation remains strong but is impacted by economic concerns and decision-making delays [27] - The company expects continued growth in GenAI revenues, particularly in Q4 and into 2026 [16][39] - Management anticipates a decrease in available billing days in Q4 due to holiday schedules, estimating revenues before reimbursements to be in the range of $69.5-$71 million [23] Other Important Information - The company announced a $40 million Dutch tender offer to repurchase approximately 8% of its common stock [11][22] - Cash balances increased to $13.9 million at the end of Q3, up from $10.1 million in the previous quarter [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans for alliances and partnerships - Management expressed confidence in attracting major alliance partners due to the capabilities demonstrated by version 4 of AI Explorer [34][35] Question: Licensing progress for ZBrain and Explorer - Licensing for version 4 is expected to begin late in Q4 or early Q1, with anticipated interest from current clients [41][42] Question: Trends within GS&BT segment - The strategy and business transformation group represents a significant portion of GS&BT revenues, with expectations for GenAI initiatives to drive future profits [43][44] Question: Decision-making trends among clients - Management noted that while clients are cautious about 2025 spending, there is an increasing willingness to invest in digital transformation initiatives [46] Question: Labor resources to meet AI demand - Management indicated that productivity improvements from new platforms will reduce reliance on headcount growth [47]

Core Insights - The Hackett Group reported third quarter 2025 financial results, highlighting a continued pivot towards generative AI (Gen AI) and the launch of AI XPLR V4, which received positive feedback from partners [2][3][30] - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was $73.1 million, down from $79.8 million in Q3 2024, with adjusted diluted earnings per share at $0.37 compared to $0.43 in the previous year [3][9] - The company plans to initiate a Dutch tender offer to repurchase up to $40 million of its common stock, with a range of $18.30 to $21.00 per share [3][11] Financial Performance - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was $73.1 million, a decrease of 8.4% year-over-year from $79.8 million in Q3 2024 [3] - Revenue before reimbursements was $72.2 million, down from $77.9 million in the same quarter last year [3] - GAAP diluted earnings per share were $0.09, a significant decline from $0.31 in Q3 2024, impacted by non-cash compensation and restructuring costs [3][9] Business Developments - The launch of AI XPLR V4 in September 2025 is expected to enhance client engagement and accelerate growth in the Gen AI sector [2][30] - The company repurchased 1.1 million shares at an average price of $20.70, totaling $22.9 million, with $12.6 million remaining in the share repurchase program authorization [3][11] - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share, payable on January 9, 2026 [3] Future Outlook - The company estimates total revenue before reimbursements for Q4 2025 to be between $69.5 million and $71.0 million [9] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for Q4 2025 are projected to be in the range of $0.38 to $0.40 [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for the first quarter of 2025 was $77.9 million, up 1% year-over-year, with revenues before reimbursements at $76.2 million, also up 1% [15][22] - Adjusted earnings per share were $0.41, at the high end of quarterly guidance, compared to $0.39 in the prior year [6][22] - GAAP net income for Q1 2025 was $3.1 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.11, down from $8.7 million or $0.32 in the previous year [20][22] - Adjusted gross margin improved to 43.4% from 41.4% year-over-year, driven by higher margin GenAI consulting and implementation revenue [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global SMBT segment revenues were $43.4 million, with revenues before reimbursements at $42.6 million, a 6% increase year-over-year [15][16] - Oracle Solutions segment revenues were $21.1 million, with revenues before reimbursements down 3% year-over-year [16] - SAP Solutions segment revenues were $13.4 million, with revenues before reimbursements down 8% year-over-year, but expected to improve due to increased software sales [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 23% of total revenues before reimbursements were recurring, multi-year, and subscription-based revenues [18] - Days sales outstanding (DSO) increased to 73 days from 66 days in the previous quarter, attributed to extended terms on large client engagements [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on GenAI enabled transformations, viewing it as a generational opportunity that will change consulting services delivery [7][26] - The acquisition of Leeway Hertz and the development of the ZBrain platform are strategic moves to enhance GenAI capabilities [28][29] - The company plans to leverage its AI Explorer platform to integrate GenAI capabilities across all offerings, enhancing its competitive position [31][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while demand for digital transformation remains strong, economic uncertainties and tariff negotiations could impact client decision-making [25][48] - The company expects IT budgets to increase, particularly for GenAI initiatives, with a shift from awareness to budgeted projects [25][26] - Management anticipates continued growth in GenAI revenue, with licensing revenues expected to start in July 2025 [51] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 379,000 shares at an average price of $30.93, totaling approximately $11.7 million [23] - A second-quarter dividend of $0.12 per share was declared, payable on July 7, 2025 [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on client interactions with AI Explorer and the pipeline for implementation projects? - Management highlighted unique capabilities in ideation and evaluation, leading to favorable client reactions and new engagements [38][39] Question: What is the current capacity for AI implementation and plans for scaling? - Management indicated a 60% to 70% increase in capacity since acquisitions, with ongoing hiring to expand resources [42][43] Question: What is the progress of the joint venture with ZBrain? - Management confirmed the addition of licensed clients to the ZBrain platform and expected to finalize the JV agreement soon [44] Question: How does economic disruption impact the business? - Management acknowledged the potential for clients to pause decisions due to economic concerns but noted strong engagement in GenAI capabilities [48][49] Question: What is the expected impact of GenAI on 2025 results? - Management expects meaningful growth in ARR and licensing revenues, with a focus on channel partnerships to enhance distribution [50][53] Question: What portion of AI revenue was implementation revenue in the quarter? - Management estimated a 50-50 split between implementation and ideation revenue, with expectations for implementation to grow significantly [61] Question: How is the pipeline looking for Oracle? - Management indicated that Oracle's activity is expected to be down, while SAP's momentum is improving [64]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenue of $77.9 million, up 1% year-over-year, with revenues before reimbursements at $76.2 million, also up 1% [13] - Adjusted earnings per share were $0.41, at the high end of quarterly guidance, compared to $0.39 in the prior year [19] - GAAP net income for the quarter was $3.1 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.11, down from $8.7 million or $0.32 in the previous year [18] - Adjusted gross margin improved to 43.4% from 41.4% in the prior year, driven by higher margin GenAI consulting and implementation revenue [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Global SMBT segment revenues were $43.4 million, with revenues before reimbursements at $42.6 million, a 6% increase year-over-year [13] - The Oracle Solutions segment saw revenues of $21.1 million, down 3% year-over-year, primarily due to the wind down of a large engagement [14] - The SAP Solutions segment reported revenues of $13.4 million, down 8% year-over-year, but expected to see strong demand due to increased software sales [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 23% of total revenues before reimbursements consist of recurring, multi-year, and subscription-based revenues [16] - Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) increased to 73 days from 66 days in the previous quarter, attributed to extended terms on large client engagements [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on GenAI enabled transformations, viewing it as a generational opportunity that will change consulting services delivery [6][24] - The acquisition of Leeway Hertz and the integration of ZBrain are expected to enhance the company's capabilities in GenAI solutions [25][27] - The company plans to leverage its AI Explorer platform to integrate GenAI capabilities across all offerings, enhancing its market position [29][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while demand for digital transformation remains strong, economic concerns and tariff negotiations may impact client decision-making [23] - The company expects IT budgets to increase, with a focus on GenAI initiatives in high feasibility areas [24] - Management anticipates continued growth in GenAI revenue, with licensing expected to start in July [49] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 379,000 shares at an average price of $30.93, totaling approximately $11.7 million [21] - A second quarter dividend of $0.12 per share was declared, payable on July 7, 2025 [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on client interactions with AI Explorer and the pipeline for implementation projects? - Management highlighted unique capabilities in ideation and evaluation, leading to favorable client reactions and new engagements [35][36] Question: What is the current capacity for AI implementation and plans for scaling further? - Management indicated a 60% to 70% increase in capacity since acquisitions, with ongoing hiring to expand resources [39] Question: Update on the joint venture with ZBrain and any ARR contracts? - Management confirmed the addition of licensed clients to the ZBrain platform and expected to finalize the JV agreement soon [40] Question: How does economic disruption impact the business model? - Management acknowledged the need to address strategic cost reduction and efficiency in light of economic disruptions [44] Question: What is the expected impact of GenAI on 2025 results? - Management expects meaningful growth in GenAI revenue and licensing, with potential for accelerated growth through the JV [47][49] Question: What portion of AI revenue was implementation revenue in the quarter? - Management estimated a 50-50 split between implementation and discovery ideation revenue, with expectations for implementation to grow significantly [59] Question: Are you seeing cross-selling from GenAI consulting clients into other services? - Management confirmed cross-selling opportunities, integrating GenAI solutions into traditional digital transformation engagements [60]