Home

Korn Ferry Announces Second Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results of Operations

Highlights

  • Korn Ferry reports Q2 FY'26 fee revenue of $721.7 million, an increase of 7% year-over-year, 6% at constant currency.
    • Fee revenue grew 10% and 17% year-over-year in Executive Search and Professional Search & Interim, respectively.
  • Net income attributable to Korn Ferry was $72.4 million, an increase of 19% year-over-year, with a margin of 10.0%, an increase of 100bps year-over-year.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $124.8 million, an increase of 7% year-over-year, with a margin of 17.3%, essentially flat year-over-year.
  • Diluted and adjusted diluted earnings per share were $1.36 and $1.33 in Q2 FY'26, up 19% and 10% year-over-year, respectively.
  • Estimated remaining fees under existing contracts at the end of the second quarter was $1.842 billion, up 20% year-over-year.

Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY), a global consulting firm, today announced second quarter fee revenue of $721.7 million. In addition, second quarter diluted earnings per share was $1.36 and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $1.33.

“Our performance during the quarter was outstanding, as we achieved our fourth consecutive quarter of accelerated growth, led by our Marquee and Diamond accounts,“ said Gary D. Burnison, CEO, Korn Ferry. “In a world defined by disruption, digitization and economic fluctuation, organizations require more than static strategies. They need the ability to adapt, align and act. Korn Ferry sits at the intersection of these opportunities, unlocking the potential in people and organizations—synchronizing strategy, operations and talent to accelerate performance, fuel growth and inspire a legacy of change.”

Selected Financial Results

(dollars in millions, except per share amounts) (a)

 

 

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Fee revenue

$

721.7

 

 

$

674.4

 

 

$

1,430.3

 

 

$

1,349.3

 

Total revenue

$

729.8

 

 

$

682.0

 

 

$

1,445.3

 

 

$

1,364.7

 

Estimated remaining fees under existing contracts (b)

$

1,842.4

 

 

$

1,530.4

 

 

$

1,842.4

 

 

$

1,530.4

 

Net income attributable to Korn Ferry

$

72.4

 

 

$

60.8

 

 

$

139.0

 

 

$

123.4

 

Net income attributable to Korn Ferry margin

 

10.0

%

 

 

9.0

%

 

 

9.7

%

 

 

9.1

%

Basic earnings per share

$

1.38

 

 

$

1.16

 

 

$

2.66

 

 

$

2.34

 

Diluted earnings per share

$

1.36

 

 

$

1.14

 

 

$

2.61

 

 

$

2.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Results (c):

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Adjusted EBITDA

$

124.8

 

 

$

117.0

 

 

$

245.2

 

 

$

228.2

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

 

17.3

%

 

 

17.4

%

 

 

17.1

%

 

 

16.9

%

Adjusted net income attributable to Korn Ferry (d)

$

70.5

 

 

$

64.7

 

 

$

139.7

 

 

$

127.8

 

Adjusted basic earnings per share (d)

$

1.35

 

 

$

1.23

 

 

$

2.67

 

 

$

2.42

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (d)

$

1.33

 

 

$

1.21

 

 

$

2.63

 

 

$

2.38

 

____________________

(a)

 

Numbers may not total due to rounding.

(b)

 

Estimated fee revenue associated with signed contracts for which revenue has not yet been recognized.

(c) 

 

Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, further adjusted to exclude integration/acquisition costs, impairment of fixed assets, impairment of right-of-use assets, gain on lease modification, restructuring charges, net and management separation charges when applicable.  Adjusted results on a consolidated basis are non-GAAP financial measures that adjust for the following, as applicable (see attached reconciliations):

 

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Gain on modification of office lease

$

(13.9

)

 

$

 

$

(13.9

)

 

$

Integration/acquisition costs

$

1.3

 

 

$

3.9

 

$

2.8

 

 

$

5.0

Restructuring charges, net

$

 

 

$

0.6

 

$

 

 

$

0.6

____________________

(d)

 

Adjusted net income attributable to Korn Ferry, Adjusted basic earnings per share and Adjusted diluted earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures that adjust for the following, as applicable (see attached reconciliations):

 

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Gain on modification of office lease

$

(13.9

)

 

$

 

 

$

(13.9

)

 

$

 

Accelerated depreciation on Digital platform

$

10.2

 

 

$

 

 

$

12.2

 

 

$

 

Integration/acquisition costs

$

1.3

 

 

$

3.9

 

 

$

2.8

 

 

$

5.0

 

Restructuring charges, net

$

 

 

$

0.6

 

 

$

 

 

$

0.6

 

Tax effect on the adjusted items

$

0.5

 

 

$

(0.6

)

 

$

(0.4

)

 

$

(1.1

)

The Company reported fee revenue in Q2 FY'26 of $721.7 million, an increase of 7% year-over-year (up 6.0% at constant currency).

Net income attributable to Korn Ferry was $72.4 million with a margin of 10.0% in Q2 FY'26, compared to Q2 FY'25 net income attributable to Korn Ferry of $60.8 million with a margin of 9.0%, an increase of 100bps. Net income attributable to Korn Ferry increased from the year-ago quarter primarily due to an increase in fee revenue and the impact of adjusted items in item (d) above, partially offset by increases in compensation and benefits expenses and cost of services.

Adjusted EBITDA was $124.8 million in Q2 FY'26 compared to $117.0 million in Q2 FY'25. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 17.3% in Q2 FY'26, essentially flat compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was due to an increase in fee revenue, partially offset by increases in compensation and benefits expenses and cost of services.

Results by Solution

Selected Consulting Data

(dollars in millions) (a)

 

 

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Fee revenue

$

172.8

 

 

$

166.8

 

 

$

342.8

 

 

$

334.6

 

Total revenue

$

175.9

 

 

$

169.4

 

 

$

348.6

 

 

$

340.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated remaining fees under existing contracts (b)

$

373.0

 

 

$

352.2

 

 

$

373.0

 

 

$

352.2

 

Ending number of consultants and execution staff (c)

 

1,537

 

 

 

1,646

 

 

 

1,537

 

 

 

1,646

 

Hours worked in thousands (d)

 

376

 

 

 

398

 

 

 

743

 

 

 

793

 

Average bill rate (e)

$

460

 

 

$

419

 

 

$

461

 

 

$

422

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Results (f):

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Adjusted EBITDA

$

30.3

 

 

$

29.1

 

 

$

59.1

 

 

$

58.4

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

 

17.5

%

 

 

17.5

%

 

 

17.2

%

 

 

17.5

%

____________________

(a)

 

Numbers may not total due to rounding.

(b)

 

Estimated fee revenue associated with signed contracts for which revenue has not yet been recognized.

(c)

 

Represents number of employees originating, delivering and executing consulting services.

(d)

 

The number of hours worked by consultant and execution staff during the period.

(e)

 

The amount of fee revenue divided by the number of hours worked by consultants and execution staff.

(f)

 

Adjusted results exclude the following:

 

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Gain on modification of office lease

$

(4.1

)

 

$

 

$

(4.1

)

 

$

Restructuring charges, net

$

 

 

$

0.4

 

$

 

 

$

0.4

Fee revenue was $172.8 million in Q2 FY'26 compared to $166.8 million in Q2 FY'25, an increase of $6.0 million or 4% (up 3% on a constant currency basis). The year-over-year increase in Consulting fee revenue was primarily driven by a 10% increase in average bill rates.

Adjusted EBITDA was $30.3 million in Q2 FY'26 compared to $29.1 million in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EBITDA margin in the quarter was 17.5%, flat year-over-year.

Selected Digital Data

(dollars in millions) (a)

 

 

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Fee revenue

$

91.0

 

 

$

92.9

 

 

$

180.2

 

 

$

181.1

 

Total revenue

$

91.2

 

 

$

93.0

 

 

$

180.5

 

 

$

181.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated remaining fees under existing contracts (b)

$

397.2

 

 

$

371.7

 

 

$

397.2

 

 

$

371.7

 

Ending number of consultants

 

231

 

 

 

260

 

 

 

231

 

 

 

260

 

Subscription & License fee revenue

$

36.2

 

 

$

34.6

 

 

$

73.4

 

 

$

68.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Results (c):

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Adjusted EBITDA

$

28.7

 

 

$

29.2

 

 

$

56.3

 

 

$

55.8

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

 

31.6

%

 

 

31.4

%

 

 

31.3

%

 

 

30.8

%

____________________
(a)   

Numbers may not total due to rounding.

(b)  

Estimated fee revenue associated with signed contracts for which revenue has not yet been recognized.

(c)  

Adjusted results exclude the following:

 

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Gain on modification of office lease

$

(2.0

)

 

$

 

$

(2.0

)

 

$

Fee revenue was $91.0 million in Q2 FY'26 compared to $92.9 million in Q2 FY'25, a decrease of $1.9 million or 2% (down 3% on a constant currency basis).

Adjusted EBITDA was $28.7 million in Q2 FY'26, compared to $29.2 million in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 31.6%, essentially flat compared to the year-ago quarter.

Selected Executive Search Data(a)

(dollars in millions) (b)

 

 

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Fee revenue

$

226.0

 

 

$

206.0

 

 

$

450.2

 

 

$

414.6

 

Total revenue

$

227.9

 

 

$

208.0

 

 

$

454.1

 

 

$

418.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated remaining fees under existing contracts (c)

$

72.8

 

 

$

62.2

 

 

$

72.8

 

 

$

62.2

 

Ending number of consultants

 

569

 

 

 

555

 

 

 

569

 

 

 

555

 

Average number of consultants

 

572

 

 

 

557

 

 

 

565

 

 

 

549

 

Engagements billed

 

3,762

 

 

 

3,566

 

 

 

5,826

 

 

 

5,474

 

New engagements (d)

 

1,633

 

 

 

1,567

 

 

 

3,229

 

 

 

3,123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Results (e):

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Adjusted EBITDA

$

57.8

 

 

$

51.4

 

 

$

115.2

 

 

$

100.8

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

 

25.6

%

 

 

24.9

%

 

 

25.6

%

 

 

24.3

%

____________________

(a) 

 

Executive Search is the sum of the individual Executive Search Reporting Segments described in our annual and quarterly reporting on Forms 10-K and 10-Q and is presented on a consolidated basis as it is consistent with the Company’s discussion of its Solutions, and financial metrics used by the Company’s investor base.

(b)

 

Numbers may not total due to rounding.

(c)

 

Estimated fee revenue associated with signed contracts for which revenue has not yet been recognized.

(d)

 

Represents new engagements opened in the respective period.

(e)

 

Executive Search Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP financial measures that adjust for the following:

 

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Gain on modification of office lease

$

(3.7

)

 

$

 

$

(3.7

)

 

$

Restructuring charges, net

$

 

 

$

0.2

 

$

 

 

$

0.2

Fee revenue was $226.0 million in Q2 FY'26 compared to $206.0 million in Q2 FY'25, an increase of $20.0 million or 10% (up 9% at constant currency). The year-over-year increase in fee revenue was driven by an increase in both the number of engagements billed and the weighted-average fee billed per engagement. The Company experienced fee revenue growth in North America, EMEA and APAC regions.

Adjusted EBITDA was $57.8 million in Q2 FY'26 compared to $51.4 million in the year-ago quarter, an increase of 12% year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 70bps to 25.6% in Q2 FY'26. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin was due to higher fee revenue, partially offset by an increase in compensation and benefits expense.

Selected Professional Search & Interim Data

(dollars in millions) (a)

 

 

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Fee revenue

$

141.1

 

 

$

121.1

 

 

$

275.0

 

 

$

242.8

 

Total revenue

$

142.5

 

 

$

122.0

 

 

$

277.6

 

 

$

244.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Permanent Placement:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fee revenue

$

56.2

 

 

$

52.8

 

 

$

110.9

 

 

$

105.0

 

Estimated remaining fees under existing contracts (b)

$

15.9

 

 

$

14.2

 

 

$

15.9

 

 

$

14.2

 

Engagements billed

 

1,843

 

 

 

1,740

 

 

 

2,918

 

 

 

2,844

 

New engagements (c)

 

1,004

 

 

 

947

 

 

 

1,967

 

 

 

1,919

 

Ending number of consultants

 

301

 

 

 

292

 

 

 

301

 

 

 

292

 

Interim:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fee revenue

$

84.9

 

 

$

68.3

 

 

$

164.1

 

 

$

137.8

 

Estimated remaining fees under existing contracts (b)

$

96.5

 

 

$

70.9

 

 

$

96.5

 

 

$

70.9

 

Average bill rate (d)

$

142

 

 

$

140

 

 

$

140

 

 

$

137

 

Average weekly billable consultants (e)

 

1,237

 

 

 

980

 

 

 

1,227

 

 

 

1,024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Results (f):

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Adjusted EBITDA

$

30.2

 

 

$

27.2

 

 

$

58.2

 

 

$

52.9

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

 

21.4

%

 

 

22.5

%

 

 

21.2

%

 

 

21.8

%

____________________

(a) 

 

Numbers may not total due to rounding.

(b)

 

Estimated fee revenue associated with signed contracts for which revenue has not yet been recognized.

(c)

 

Represents new engagements opened in the respective period.

(d)

 

Fee revenue from interim divided by the number of hours worked by consultants.

(e)

 

The number of billable consultants based on a weekly average in the respective period.

(f)

 

Adjusted results exclude the following:

 

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Gain on modification of office lease

$

(2.6

)

 

$

 

$

(2.6

)

 

$

Integration/acquisition costs

$

1.3

 

 

$

1.4

 

$

2.8

 

 

$

2.5

Fee revenue was $141.1 million in Q2 FY'26 compared to $121.1 million in Q2 FY'25, an increase of $20.0 million or 17% (up 16% at constant currency). Fee revenue increased primarily due to higher fee revenue from Interim associated with the acquisition of Trilogy International effective November 1, 2024.

Adjusted EBITDA was $30.2 million in Q2 FY'26 compared to $27.2 million in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 21.4% in Q2 FY'26, a decrease of 110bps compared to the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EBITDA increased due to an increase in fee revenue, partially offset by an increase in cost of services. Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased due to the growth in fee revenue from Interim services which have lower margins than permanent placement.

Selected Recruitment Process Outsourcing ("RPO") Data

(dollars in millions) (a)

 

 

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Fee revenue

$

90.8

 

 

$

87.6

 

 

$

182.1

 

 

$

176.1

 

Total revenue

$

92.3

 

 

$

89.6

 

 

$

184.5

 

 

$

180.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated remaining fees under existing contracts (b)

$

886.9

 

 

$

659.2

 

 

$

886.9

 

 

$

659.2

 

RPO new business (c)

$

253.0

 

 

$

101.1

 

 

$

352.3

 

 

$

204.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted Results (d):

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Adjusted EBITDA

$

14.2

 

 

$

12.9

 

 

$

28.6

 

 

$

25.4

 

Adjusted EBITDA margin

 

15.7

%

 

 

14.7

%

 

 

15.7

%

 

 

14.4

%

____________________

(a) 

 

Numbers may not total due to rounding.

(b)

 

Estimated fee revenue associated with signed contracts for which revenue has not yet been recognized.

(c)

 

Estimated total value of a contract at the point of execution of the contract.

(d)

 

Adjusted results exclude the following:

 

Second Quarter

 

Year to Date

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

 

FY’26

 

FY’25

Gain on modification of office lease

$

(1.5

)

 

$

 

$

(1.5

)

 

$

Fee revenue was $90.8 million in Q2 FY'26 compared to $87.6 million in Q2 FY'25, an increase of $3.2 million or 4% (up 3% at constant currency). RPO fee revenue increased primarily due to new logo clients in North America.

Adjusted EBITDA was $14.2 million in Q2 FY'26 compared to $12.9 million in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 100bps to 15.7% in Q2 FY'26. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin both resulted from an increase in fee revenue.

Outlook

Assuming worldwide geopolitical conditions, economic conditions, financial markets and foreign exchange rates remain steady, on a consolidated basis:

  • Q3 FY’26 fee revenue is expected to be in the range of $680 million and $694 million; and
  • Q3 FY’26 diluted earnings per share is expected to range between $1.15 to $1.21.

On a consolidated adjusted basis:

  • Q3 FY’26 adjusted diluted earnings per share is expected to be in the range from $1.19 to $1.25.

 

Q3 FY’26

Earnings Per Share

Outlook

 

Low

 

High

 

 

 

 

Consolidated diluted earnings per share

 1.15

 

 

 1.21

 

Integration/acquisition costs and accelerated depreciation on Digital platform

 0.05

 

 

 0.05

 

Tax rate impact

 (0.01

)

 

 (0.01

)

Consolidated adjusted diluted earnings per share(1)

$

1.19

 

$

1.25
____________________

(1)

 

Consolidated adjusted diluted earnings per share is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes the items listed in the table.

Earnings Conference Call Webcast

The earnings conference call will be held today at 12:00 PM (EST) and hosted by CEO Gary Burnison, CFO Robert Rozek, SVP Business Development & Analytics Gregg Kvochak and VP Investor Relations Tiffany Louder. The conference call will be webcast and available online at ir.kornferry.com. We will also post to the investor relations section of our website earnings slides, which will accompany our webcast, and other important information, and encourage you to review the information that we make available on our website.

About Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry is a global consulting firm that powers performance. We unlock the potential in your people and unleash transformation across your business—synchronizing strategy, operations, and talent to accelerate performance, fuel growth, and inspire a legacy of change. That’s why the world’s most forward-thinking companies across every major industry turn to us—for a shared commitment to lasting impact and the bold ambition to Be More Than.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release and our conference call that relate to our outlook, projections, goals, strategies, future plans and expectations, including statements relating to expected impacts of sunsetting our Digital platform, expected labor market conditions, expected demand for and relevance of our products and services, expected results of our business diversification strategy, impact of global events on our business, and other statements of future events or conditions are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Words such as “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “goals”, “estimates”, “guidance”, “may”, “should”, “could”, “will” or “likely”, and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Such statements are based on current expectations; actual results in future periods may differ materially from those currently expected or desired because of a number of risks and uncertainties that are beyond the control of Korn Ferry. The potential risks and uncertainties include those relating to global and local political and or economic developments in or affecting countries where we have operations, such as inflation, trade wars, interest rates, labor market conditions, global slowdowns, or recessions, competition, geopolitical tensions, shifts in global trade patterns, changes in demand for our services as a result of automation, dependence on and costs of attracting and retaining qualified and experienced consultants, impact of inflationary pressures on our profitability, our ability to maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retaining key employees, maintaining our brand name and professional reputation, potential legal liability and regulatory developments, portability of client relationships, consolidation of or within the industries we serve, changes and developments in government laws and regulations, evolving investor and customer expectations with regard to corporate responsibility matters, currency fluctuations in our international operations, risks related to growth, alignment of our cost structure, including as a result of recent workforce, real estate, and other restructuring initiatives, restrictions imposed by off-limits agreements, reliance on information processing systems, cyber security vulnerabilities or events, changes to data security, data privacy, and data protection laws, dependence on third parties for the execution of critical functions, limited protection of our intellectual property, our ability to enhance, develop and respond to new technology, including artificial intelligence, our ability to successfully recover from a disaster or other business continuity problems, employment liability risk, an impairment in the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets, treaties, or regulations on our business and our Company, deferred tax assets that we may not be able to use, our ability to develop new products and services, changes in our accounting estimates and assumptions, the utilization and billing rates of our consultants, seasonality, the expansion of social media platforms, the ability to effect acquisitions and integrate acquired businesses, resulting organizational changes, our indebtedness, and those relating to the ultimate magnitude and duration of any pandemic or outbreaks. For a detailed description of risks and uncertainties that could cause differences from our expectations, please refer to Korn Ferry’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Korn Ferry disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains financial information calculated other than in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). In particular, it includes:

  • Adjusted net income attributable to Korn Ferry, adjusted to exclude integration/acquisition costs, restructuring charges, gain on modification of an office lease and cost associated with accelerated depreciation on our Digital platform, net of income tax effect;
  • Adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share, adjusted to exclude integration/acquisition costs, restructuring charges, gain on modification of an office lease and cost associated with accelerated depreciation on our Digital platform, net of income tax effect;
  • Constant currency (calculated using a quarterly average) percentages that represent the percentage change that would have resulted had exchange rates in the prior period been the same as those in effect in the current period; and
  • Consolidated and Executive Search Adjusted EBITDA, which is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, further adjusted to exclude integration/acquisition costs, gain on modification of an office lease and restructuring charges, net when applicable, and Consolidated and Executive Search Adjusted EBITDA margin.

This non-GAAP disclosure has limitations as an analytical tool, should not be viewed as a substitute for financial information determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP, nor is it necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.

Management believes the presentation of non-GAAP financial measures in this press release provides meaningful supplemental information regarding Korn Ferry’s performance by excluding certain charges that may not be indicative of Korn Ferry’s ongoing operating results. These non-GAAP financial measures are performance measures and are not indicative of the liquidity of Korn Ferry. These charges, which are described in the footnotes in the attached reconciliations, represent 1) costs associated with previous acquisitions, such as legal and professional fees, retention awards and on-going integration expenses, 2) gain on modification of an office lease where the Company received lease incentives to shorten the lease term, 3) restructuring charges, net to align workforce to eliminate excess capacity resulting from challenging macroeconomic business environment and 4) accelerated depreciation associated with the decision to sunset our Digital platform. The use of non-GAAP financial measures facilitates comparisons to Korn Ferry’s historical performance. Korn Ferry includes non-GAAP financial measures because management believes they are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its evaluation of Korn Ferry’s ongoing operations and financial and operational decision-making. Adjusted net income attributable to Korn Ferry, adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share and Consolidated and Executive Search Adjusted EBITDA, exclude certain charges that management does not consider on-going in nature and allows management and investors to make more meaningful period-to-period comparisons of the Company’s operating results. Management further believes that Consolidated and Executive Search Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors because it is frequently used by investors and other interested parties to measure operating performance among companies with different capital structures, effective tax rates and tax attributes and capitalized asset values, all of which can vary substantially from company to company. In the case of constant currency percentages, management believes the presentation of such information provides useful supplemental information regarding Korn Ferry's performance as excluding the impact of exchange rate changes on Korn Ferry's financial performance allows investors to make more meaningful period-to-period comparisons of the Company’s operating results, to better identify operating trends that may otherwise be masked or distorted by exchange rate changes and to perform related trend analysis, and provides a higher degree of transparency of information used by management in its evaluation of Korn Ferry's ongoing operations and financial and operational decision-making.

KORN FERRY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

Three Months Ended

October 31,

 

Six Months Ended

October 31,

 

2025

 

2024

 

2025

 

2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(unaudited)

Fee revenue

$

721,699

 

 

$

674,365

 

 

$

1,430,312

 

 

$

1,349,311

 

Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses

 

8,101

 

 

 

7,595

 

 

 

15,031

 

 

 

15,410

 

Total revenue

 

729,800

 

 

 

681,960

 

 

 

1,445,343

 

 

 

1,364,721

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation and benefits

 

462,034

 

 

 

437,427

 

 

 

923,445

 

 

 

889,202

 

General and administrative expenses

 

50,250

 

 

 

64,541

 

 

 

114,124

 

 

 

124,540

 

Reimbursed expenses

 

8,101

 

 

 

7,595

 

 

 

15,031

 

 

 

15,410

 

Cost of services

 

79,087

 

 

 

64,657

 

 

 

156,281

 

 

 

132,201

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

31,573

 

 

 

19,688

 

 

 

54,259

 

 

 

39,266

 

Restructuring charges, net

 

 

 

 

576

 

 

 

 

 

 

576

 

Total operating expenses

 

631,045

 

 

 

594,484

 

 

 

1,263,140

 

 

 

1,201,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

98,755

 

 

 

87,476

 

 

 

182,203

 

 

 

163,526

 

Other income, net

 

7,075

 

 

 

5,391

 

 

 

19,827

 

 

 

19,896

 

Interest expense, net

 

(5,763

)

 

 

(5,626

)

 

 

(9,279

)

 

 

(9,571

)

Income before provision for income taxes

 

100,067

 

 

 

87,241

 

 

 

192,751

 

 

 

173,851

 

Income tax provision

 

26,645

 

 

 

24,898

 

 

 

51,895

 

 

 

47,252

 

Net income

 

73,422

 

 

 

62,343

 

 

 

140,856

 

 

 

126,599

 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

(1,023

)

 

 

(1,543

)

 

 

(1,821

)

 

 

(3,195

)

Net income attributable to Korn Ferry

$

72,399

 

 

$

60,800

 

 

$

139,035

 

 

$

123,404

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per common share attributable to Korn Ferry:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

1.38

 

 

$

1.16

 

 

$

2.66

 

 

$

2.34

 

Diluted

$

1.36

 

 

$

1.14

 

 

$

2.61

 

 

$

2.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

51,745

 

 

 

51,957

 

 

 

51,606

 

 

 

51,953

 

Diluted

 

52,517

 

 

 

52,750

 

 

 

52,557

 

 

 

52,864

 

KORN FERRY AND SUBSIDIARIES

FINANCIAL SUMMARY BY REPORTING SEGMENT

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended October 31,

 

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

2025

 

2024

 

% Change

 

2025

 

2024

 

% Change

Fee revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consulting

$

172,841

 

$

166,771

 

3.6

%

 

$

342,803

 

$

334,641

 

2.4

%

Digital

 

91,029

 

 

92,893

 

(2.0

%)

 

 

180,227

 

 

181,073

 

(0.5

%)

Executive Search:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

142,105

 

 

129,891

 

9.4

%

 

 

281,759

 

 

264,643

 

6.5

%

EMEA

 

51,900

 

 

46,788

 

10.9

%

 

 

105,681

 

 

92,769

 

13.9

%

Asia Pacific

 

24,131

 

 

21,464

 

12.4

%

 

 

48,832

 

 

42,043

 

16.1

%

Latin America

 

7,815

 

 

7,856

 

(0.5

%)

 

 

13,932

 

 

15,179

 

(8.2

%)

Total Executive Search (a)

 

225,951

 

 

205,999

 

9.7

%

 

 

450,204

 

 

414,634

 

8.6

%

Professional Search & Interim

 

141,099

 

 

121,107

 

16.5

%

 

 

275,000

 

 

242,848

 

13.2

%

RPO

 

90,779

 

 

87,595

 

3.6

%

 

 

182,078

 

 

176,115

 

3.4

%

Total fee revenue

 

721,699

 

 

674,365

 

7.0

%

 

 

1,430,312

 

 

1,349,311

 

6.0

%

Reimbursed out-of-pocket engagement expenses

 

8,101

 

 

7,595

 

6.7

%

 

 

15,031

 

 

15,410

 

(2.5

%)

Total revenue

$

729,800

 

$

681,960

 

7.0

%

 

$

1,445,343

 

$

1,364,721

 

5.9

%

(a)

 

Total Executive Search is the sum of the individual Executive Search Reporting Segments and is presented on a consolidated basis as it is consistent with the Company’s discussion of its Solutions, and financial metrics used by the Company’s investor base

KORN FERRY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

October 31,

2025

 

April 30,

2025 (1)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

761,579

 

 

$

1,006,964

 

Marketable securities

 

39,509

 

 

 

36,388

 

Receivables due from clients, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $43,418 and $40,461 at October 31, 2025 and April 30, 2025, respectively

 

607,303

 

 

 

565,255

 

Income taxes and other receivables

 

75,254

 

 

 

38,394

 

Unearned compensation

 

67,603

 

 

 

61,649

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

54,989

 

 

 

41,488

 

Total current assets

 

1,606,237

 

 

 

1,750,138

 

 

 

 

 

Marketable securities, non-current

 

237,227

 

 

 

233,626

 

Property and equipment, net

 

176,506

 

 

 

173,610

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets, net

 

131,861

 

 

 

152,712

 

Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance policies, net of loans

 

270,984

 

 

 

252,621

 

Deferred income taxes

 

127,324

 

 

 

144,560

 

Goodwill

 

948,284

 

 

 

948,832

 

Intangible assets, net

 

57,901

 

 

 

70,193

 

Unearned compensation, non-current

 

137,290

 

 

 

106,965

 

Investments and other assets

 

29,319

 

 

 

27,967

 

Total assets

$

3,722,933

 

 

$

3,861,224

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

53,032

 

 

$

58,884

 

Income taxes payable

 

23,243

 

 

 

23,079

 

Compensation and benefits payable

 

355,256

 

 

 

530,473

 

Operating lease liability, current

 

32,996

 

 

 

38,573

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

284,722

 

 

 

304,589

 

Total current liabilities

 

749,249

 

 

 

955,598

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred compensation and other retirement plans

 

476,882

 

 

 

477,770

 

Operating lease liability, non-current

 

118,563

 

 

 

131,762

 

Long-term debt

 

398,145

 

 

 

397,736

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

6,276

 

 

 

5,981

 

Other liabilities

 

24,033

 

 

 

20,238

 

Total liabilities

 

1,773,148

 

 

 

1,989,085

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity

 

 

 

Common stock: $0.01 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, 79,136 and 78,264 shares issued and 51,694 and 51,458 shares outstanding at October 31, 2025 and April 30, 2025, respectively

 

355,151

 

 

 

364,425

 

Retained earnings

 

1,675,964

 

 

 

1,588,274

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net

 

(86,960

)

 

 

(86,243

)

Total Korn Ferry stockholders' equity

 

1,944,155

 

 

 

1,866,456

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

5,630

 

 

 

5,683

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

1,949,785

 

 

 

1,872,139

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

3,722,933

 

 

$

3,861,224

 

(1) 

 

information is derived from audited financial statements included in our most recently filed Form 10-K.

KORN FERRY AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

October 31,

 

Six Months Ended

October 31,

 

2025

 

2024

 

2025

 

2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Korn Ferry

$

72,399

 

 

$

60,800

 

 

$

139,035

 

 

$

123,404

 

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

1,023

 

 

 

1,543

 

 

 

1,821

 

 

 

3,195

 

Net income

 

73,422

 

 

 

62,343

 

 

 

140,856

 

 

 

126,599

 

Income tax provision

 

26,645

 

 

 

24,898

 

 

 

51,895

 

 

 

47,252

 

Income before provision for income taxes

 

100,067

 

 

 

87,241

 

 

 

192,751

 

 

 

173,851

 

Interest expense, net

 

5,763

 

 

 

5,626

 

 

 

9,279

 

 

 

9,571

 

Depreciation and amortization (1)

 

31,573

 

 

 

19,688

 

 

 

54,259

 

 

 

39,266

 

Integration/acquisition costs (2)

 

1,325

 

 

 

3,896

 

 

 

2,833

 

 

 

4,972

 

Gain on modification of office lease (3)

 

(13,907

)

 

 

 

 

 

(13,907

)

 

 

 

Restructuring charges, net (4)

 

 

 

 

576

 

 

 

 

 

 

576

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

124,821

 

 

$

117,027

 

 

$

245,215

 

 

$

228,236

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Korn Ferry margin

 

10.0

%

 

 

9.0

%

 

 

9.7

%

 

 

9.1

%

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

0.1

%

 

 

0.2

%

 

 

0.1

%

 

 

0.3

%

Income tax provision

 

3.7

%

 

 

3.7

%

 

 

3.6

%

 

 

3.5

%

Interest expense, net

 

0.8

%

 

 

0.9

%

 

 

0.7

%

 

 

0.7

%

Depreciation and amortization (1)

 

4.4

%

 

 

2.9

%

 

 

3.8

%

 

 

2.9

%

Integration/acquisition costs (2)

 

0.2

%

 

 

0.6

%

 

 

0.2

%

 

 

0.4

%

Gain on modification of office lease (3)

 

(1.9

%)

 

 

%

 

 

(1.0

%)

 

 

%

Restructuring charges, net (4)

 

%

 

 

0.1

%

 

 

%

 

 

0.0

%

Adjusted EBITDA margin

 

17.3

%

 

 

17.4

%

 

 

17.1

%

 

 

16.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Korn Ferry

$

72,399

 

 

$

60,800

 

 

$

139,035

 

 

$

123,404

 

Accelerated depreciation on Digital platform (1)

 

10,173

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,150

 

 

 

 

Integration/acquisition costs (2)

 

1,325

 

 

 

3,896

 

 

 

2,833

 

 

 

4,972

 

Gain on modification of office lease (3)

 

(13,907

)

 

 

 

 

 

(13,907

)

 

 

 

Restructuring charges, net (4)

 

 

 

 

576

 

 

 

 

 

 

576

 

Tax effect on the adjusted items (5)

 

505

 

 

 

(585

)

 

 

(378

)

 

 

(1,145

)

Adjusted net income attributable to Korn Ferry

$

70,495

 

 

$

64,687

 

 

$

139,733

 

 

$

127,807

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common share

$

1.38

 

 

$

1.16

 

 

$

2.66

 

 

$

2.34

 

Accelerated depreciation on Digital platform (1)

 

0.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.24

 

 

 

 

Integration/acquisition costs (2)

 

0.03

 

 

 

0.07

 

 

 

0.05

 

 

 

0.09

 

Gain on modification of office lease (3)

 

(0.27

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.27

)

 

 

 

Restructuring charges, net (4)

 

 

 

 

0.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.01

 

Tax effect on the adjusted items (5)

 

0.01

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

(0.02

)

Adjusted basic earnings per share

$

1.35

 

 

$

1.23

 

 

$

2.67

 

 

$

2.42

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share

$

1.36

 

 

$

1.14

 

 

$

2.61

 

 

$

2.30

 

Accelerated depreciation on Digital platform (1)

 

0.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.24

 

 

 

 

Integration/acquisition costs (2)

 

0.03

 

 

 

0.07

 

 

 

0.05

 

 

 

0.09

 

Gain on modification of office lease (3)

 

(0.26

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.26

)

 

 

 

Restructuring charges, net (4)

 

 

 

 

0.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.01

 

Tax effect on the adjusted items (5)

 

0.01

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

(0.01

)

 

 

(0.02

)

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$

1.33

 

 

$

1.21

 

 

$

2.63

 

 

$

2.38

 

Explanation of Non-GAAP Adjustments

(1)

 

Depreciation and amortization includes $10.2 million and $12.2 million of accelerated depreciation associated with the decision to sunset our Digital platform in the three and six months ended October 31, 2025, respectively.

(2)

 

Costs associated with previous acquisitions, such as legal and professional fees, retention awards and the on-going integration expenses.

(3)

 

Gain on the modification of an office lease where the Company received lease incentives to shorten the lease term.

(4)

 

Restructuring charges incurred to align our workforce to eliminate excess capacity resulting from challenging macroeconomic business environment.

(5)

 

Tax effect on integration/acquisition costs, gain on modification of office lease, restructuring charges, net and accelerated depreciation on Digital platform.

KORN FERRY AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES - CONTINUED

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended October 31,

 

2025

 

2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

attributable to

Korn Ferry

 

Net income

attributable

to

Korn Ferry

margin

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

attributable

to

Korn Ferry

 

Net income

attributable

to

Korn Ferry

margin

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

$

72,399

 

 

10.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

$

60,800

 

 

9.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fee

revenue

 

Total

revenue

 

Adjusted

EBITDA

 

Adjusted

EBITDA

margin

 

Fee

revenue

 

Total

revenue

 

Adjusted

EBITDA

 

Adjusted

EBITDA

margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consulting

$

172,841

 

$

175,930

 

$

30,264

 

 

17.5

%

 

$

166,771

 

$

169,384

 

$

29,106

 

 

17.5

%

Digital

 

91,029

 

 

91,237

 

 

28,732

 

 

31.6

%

 

 

92,893

 

 

93,038

 

 

29,188

 

 

31.4

%

Executive Search:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

142,105

 

 

143,566

 

 

41,954

 

 

29.5

%

 

 

129,891

 

 

131,419

 

 

36,907

 

 

28.4

%

EMEA

 

51,900

 

 

52,212

 

 

8,771

 

 

16.9

%

 

 

46,788

 

 

47,132

 

 

7,487

 

 

16.0

%

Asia Pacific

 

24,131

 

 

24,264

 

 

5,319

 

 

22.0

%

 

 

21,464

 

 

21,540

 

 

4,432

 

 

20.6

%

Latin America

 

7,815

 

 

7,819

 

 

1,734

 

 

22.2

%

 

 

7,856

 

 

7,859

 

 

2,552

 

 

32.5

%

Total Executive Search

 

225,951

 

 

227,861

 

 

57,778

 

 

25.6

%

 

 

205,999

 

 

207,950

 

 

51,378

 

 

24.9

%

Professional Search & Interim

 

141,099

 

 

142,505

 

 

30,201

 

 

21.4

%

 

 

121,107

 

 

121,988

 

 

27,203

 

 

22.5

%

RPO

 

90,779

 

 

92,267

 

 

14,220

 

 

15.7

%

 

 

87,595

 

 

89,600

 

 

12,899

 

 

14.7

%

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

(36,374

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(32,747

)

 

 

Consolidated

$

721,699

 

$

729,800

 

$

124,821

 

 

17.3

%

 

$

674,365

 

$

681,960

 

$

117,027

 

 

17.4

%

 

Six Months Ended October 31,

 

 

2025

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

attributable

to

Korn Ferry

 

Net income

attributable

to

Korn Ferry

margin

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

attributable

to

Korn Ferry

 

Net income

attributable

to

Korn Ferry

margin

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

$

139,035

 

 

9.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

$

123,404

 

 

9.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fee

revenue

 

Total

revenue

 

Adjusted

EBITDA

 

Adjusted

EBITDA

margin

 

Fee

revenue

 

Total

revenue

 

Adjusted

EBITDA

 

Adjusted

EBITDA

margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consulting

$

342,803

 

$

348,629

 

$

59,073

 

 

17.2

%

 

$

334,641

 

$

340,151

 

$

58,400

 

 

17.5

%

Digital

 

180,227

 

 

180,482

 

 

56,339

 

 

31.3

%

 

 

181,073

 

 

181,249

 

 

55,811

 

 

30.8

%

Executive Search:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

 

281,759

 

 

284,781

 

 

83,194

 

 

29.5

%

 

 

264,643

 

 

267,506

 

 

72,005

 

 

27.2

%

EMEA

 

105,681

 

 

106,293

 

 

17,914

 

 

17.0

%

 

 

92,769

 

 

93,408

 

 

14,752

 

 

15.9

%

Asia Pacific

 

48,832

 

 

49,103

 

 

10,854

 

 

22.2

%

 

 

42,043

 

 

42,244

 

 

8,650

 

 

20.6

%

Latin America

 

13,932

 

 

13,958

 

 

3,274

 

 

23.5

%

 

 

15,179

 

 

15,185

 

 

5,350

 

 

35.2

%

Total Executive Search

 

450,204

 

 

454,135

 

 

115,236

 

 

25.6

%

 

 

414,634

 

 

418,343

 

 

100,757

 

 

24.3

%

Professional Search & Interim

 

275,000

 

 

277,646

 

 

58,228

 

 

21.2

%

 

 

242,848

 

 

244,718

 

 

52,909

 

 

21.8

%

RPO

 

182,078

 

 

184,451

 

 

28,562

 

 

15.7

%

 

 

176,115

 

 

180,260

 

 

25,393

 

 

14.4

%

Corporate

 

 

 

 

 

(72,223

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(65,034

)

 

 

Consolidated

$

1,430,312

 

$

1,445,343

 

$

245,215

 

 

17.1

%

 

$

1,349,311

 

$

1,364,721

 

$

228,236

 

 

16.9

%

 

Contacts

Investor Relations: Tiffany Louder, (214) 310-8407

Media: Dan Gugler, (310) 226-2645

Korn Ferry Announces Second Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results of Operations | The Sun Chronicle