Kforce(US:KFRC)2026-02-02 23:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q4 2025 were $332 million, representing a 3% sequential improvement per billing day [9] - Fiscal 2025 revenues were approximately $1.33 billion, a decrease of roughly 5% year-over-year [18] - GAAP earnings per share for Q4 2025 was $0.30, while adjusted earnings per share was $0.43, falling below guidance due to higher healthcare costs [19][20] - Overall gross margins were 27.2%, down 50 basis points sequentially but up 20 basis points year-over-year [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Flex revenues in the technology business grew sequentially by 3% and in the finance and accounting (F&A) business by 5.7% in Q4 [9] - Flex revenues in the F&A business declined 2.4% year-over-year but saw a 5.7% sequential growth in Q4 [14] - The average bill rate in the technology business remained steady at approximately $90 per hour over the past three years [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sequential growth was observed in eight of the top ten industries served by the company [10] - The company noted a significant increase in demand for consulting solutions, particularly in data and digital practices, which are growing at double-digit rates [50] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a domestic organic growth strategy, minimizing distractions and enhancing client partnerships [7] - Strategic initiatives include the implementation of Workday for HCM and financials, and the evolution of offshore delivery capabilities in India [4] - The company aims to achieve approximately 8% operating margin when annual revenues return to $1.7 billion, which is over 100 basis points higher than in 2022 [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about recent operating trends, suggesting a potential return to typical cyclicality in client demand [5] - The company anticipates that clients are increasingly prioritizing flexible talent solutions amid economic uncertainty [6] - There is a belief that the returns from AI investments may take longer to realize and will be more specific to unique business problems [3] Other Important Information - The company announced further refinements in headcount and organizational structure to align with current revenue levels [16] - Operating cash flows were $19.7 million, and the return on equity remains at approximately 30% [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the sequential improvement in revenue per billing day and the impact of AI? - Management noted that the positive trend began in August 2025, coinciding with a positive turn in the American Staffing Association Index, and emphasized the complexity of executing corporate AI initiatives [30][31] Question: What are the dynamics of client demand and project execution? - Management indicated that clients are increasingly unable to wait to execute technology projects due to the foundational work required for AI and modernization efforts [47][48] Question: How do you see the direct hire business evolving in 2026? - Management expressed optimism for small to mid-sized businesses in direct hire, while large enterprises have slowed their hiring [80]