Organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY) reported Q2 CY2025 results beating Wall Street’s revenue expectations, with sales up 3.8% year on year to $708.6 million. On the other hand, next quarter’s revenue guidance of $700 million was less impressive, coming in 0.8% below analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.31 per share was 6% above analysts’ consensus estimates.

Is now the time to buy KFY? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

StockStory’s Take

Korn Ferry’s second quarter results were well received by the market, supported by broad-based growth across its business solutions and positive momentum in key geographies. Management attributed performance to the company’s ongoing diversification strategy, citing increased demand for integrated, multi-solution engagements—particularly with large, global clients. CEO Gary Burnison highlighted wins with clients in the pharmaceutical, retail, and HR software sectors, emphasizing Korn Ferry’s ability to deliver both consulting expertise and digital solutions. The company’s focus on cross-solution referrals and expansion of marquee accounts contributed to resilience amidst lingering economic uncertainty.

Looking ahead, Korn Ferry’s guidance reflects both optimism around its upcoming Talent Suite digital platform and caution due to persistent macroeconomic uncertainty, particularly in the Americas. Management expects the new platform to enhance client engagement and cross-solution delivery, but CFO Robert Rozek noted that near-term benefits will take time to materialize. Burnison said, “I think it will be towards the end of calendar '26 realistically when we start to see the true benefits of [Talent Suite].” The company is also closely monitoring evolving client needs related to AI adoption and workforce transformation as major factors shaping future growth.

Key Insights from Management’s Remarks

Management credited the quarter’s performance to strong execution in integrated client solutions, expansion in digital subscriptions, and regional strength outside the Americas.

• Integrated client engagements: Korn Ferry’s approach of combining consulting, digital, and interim solutions drove notable client wins, including multi-year agreements with large pharmaceutical and retail clients, and a global HR management software provider. These complex deals are seen as key to creating enduring client partnerships and recurring revenue.
• Digital solutions momentum: The company’s digital subscription and licensed business grew 10% year-over-year, making up 39% of total new digital business. Management highlighted the upcoming Talent Suite SaaS platform, which integrates proprietary intellectual property and data, aiming to further scale digital delivery and cross-solution enablement.
• Regional performance divergence: EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and APAC (Asia-Pacific) regions delivered strong double-digit fee revenue growth, while the Americas saw a decline due to softer consulting and digital demand. Management cited macroeconomic caution and client spending restraint in the U.S. market as primary headwinds.
• Executive search and interim strength: Both executive search and professional/interim services posted year-over-year growth, with management pointing to demographic shifts—such as “peak 65” retirements and evolving C-suite requirements—as drivers of sustained demand.
• Capital allocation and investments: Korn Ferry continued to invest in technology, notably in Talent Suite and productivity tools, while maintaining a balanced capital return strategy through share repurchases and dividends. Management also emphasized ongoing investments in AI, with a centralized team now focused on integrating generative AI into both client-facing and internal workflows.

Drivers of Future Performance

Korn Ferry’s outlook is shaped by the Talent Suite rollout, macroeconomic headwinds in the Americas, and continued investment in AI and digital transformation.

• Talent Suite platform launch: The November launch of the Talent Suite SaaS platform is expected to deepen client relationships and expand cross-solution sales. Management believes the platform will drive subscription growth and enable more efficient delivery of services, but meaningful financial impact is projected for late 2026 as client adoption ramps up.
• Macroeconomic caution and labor trends: Persistent economic uncertainty, particularly in the U.S., is causing clients to limit hiring and delay major projects. Management expects this environment to continue absent significant interest rate cuts, with natural attrition and technology adoption shaping workforce strategies. Regional divergence is likely, with EMEA and APAC expected to remain stronger than the Americas in the near term.
• AI adoption and efficiency gains: Korn Ferry is investing in generative AI (technology that can generate text, data, or solutions based on learned patterns) to improve internal productivity and enhance client offerings, such as AI-readiness assessments. Management anticipates that AI will not only streamline internal processes and free up consultant capacity but also reshape client workforce needs, impacting demand for both consulting and digital solutions.

Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters

In the coming quarters, the StockStory team will be watching (1) the adoption pace and client feedback for the Talent Suite platform following its November launch, (2) regional performance divergence, especially whether EMEA and APAC can sustain momentum as U.S. demand remains soft, and (3) evidence of AI-driven productivity gains and their impact on both Korn Ferry’s internal operations and client solutions. Progress on large, integrated client engagements and continued expansion in digital subscriptions will also be key markers.

Korn Ferry currently trades at $72.75, in line with $72.55 just before the earnings. In the wake of this quarter, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).

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