The Hackett Group(HCKT) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]