Korn Ferry(KFY) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]