Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY) shares climbed 7.5% after the global consulting firm reported stronger-than-expected fiscal first-quarter earnings and issued upbeat guidance for the current quarter.
Adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.31, ahead of Wall Street’s consensus of $1.24. Revenue reached $708.6 million, a 5% year-over-year increase and well above expectations of $687.04 million. Growth was broad-based, with Professional Search & Interim expanding 10% and Executive Search rising 8%.
“I am pleased with our company’s performance. When looking at our results over the last few quarters—even amid all of the choppiness that has encircled the labor and economic environment—it’s clear that our strategy is working,” said Gary D. Burnison, CEO of Korn Ferry.
Adjusted EBITDA grew 8% to $120.4 million, with margins improving by 50 basis points to 17.0%. Executive Search delivered a standout performance, as its adjusted EBITDA margin widened by 190 basis points to 25.6%.
Looking ahead to the fiscal second quarter of 2026, Korn Ferry projected revenue between $690 million and $710 million, compared with consensus expectations of $696 million. Adjusted EPS is expected in a range of $1.23 to $1.33, broadly aligned with analysts’ forecast of $1.27.
The company also reported that remaining fees under signed contracts rose to $1.67 billion from $1.53 billion a year earlier, pointing to sustained momentum in its deal pipeline.
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