Korn Ferry (KFY) Earnings Call Transcripts

Korn Ferry's Latest Earnings Call - Q4 FY2026

In the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026, Korn Ferry (KFY:US) reported a consolidated fee revenue of $760 million, reflecting a 7% year-over-year increase, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of growth. Adjusted EPS rose to $1.40, up 6%, while adjusted EBITDA increased to $130 million, also up 7%. Management provided guidance for Q1 FY '27, expecting fee revenue between $725 million and $745 million, indicating a stable outlook despite geopolitical challenges impacting new business growth.

Reported metrics

Guidance from management

For Q1 FY '27, Korn Ferry expects fee revenue to range from $725 million to $745 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin around 17%. This guidance reflects a stable outlook amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.

What management said

Yes. It's a little thing called the war. So the Middle East, it definitely has had an impact in a big way on the levels of new business. And it's a little bit of a flywheel impact. So we've -- trailing 4 months, we've seen strong, strong new business in Americas, but it's definitely impacted APAC. No question about it, and it's obviously impacted EMEA and the Middle East. So that's what I would point to.

Yes. Yes, I'm glad you asked it, George. I saw your note, you mentioned it. There's really one reason why if you look at the revenue overperformance in the quarter, you have to pay people for that. And so we ended up having to book more bonus expense in the quarter, which is something I'd happily do to drive that type of revenue growth every quarter, to be honest with you.

What analysts pressed on

Analysts expressed concerns regarding the deceleration in new business growth, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions affecting the APAC and EMEA regions. There were also questions about margin stability given the increased bonus expenses impacting profitability.

Main topics on the call

• Sustained Revenue Growth — Korn Ferry achieved a consolidated fee revenue of $760 million in Q4, up 7% year-over-year. Management emphasized that this marks the fifth consecutive quarter of top-line growth, underscoring the effectiveness of their ...
• New Business Trends — New business growth was reported at 2% year-over-year, with a notable impact from geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East. Gary Burnison noted, "It's a little thing called the war," highlighting external f...
• Strategic Shift in Reporting Structure — Korn Ferry will transition to a regional reporting structure starting Q1 FY '27, moving from a solution-based presentation to segments focused on the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. This change aims to better align with client...
• Strong Performance in Executive Search — The Executive Search segment grew 7% in Q4, continuing an eight-quarter growth streak. Management highlighted that average fees have increased by almost 10% over the past two years, indicating a successful upmarket shift...

Read the full Korn Ferry transcript (Q4 FY2026) → Summary generated from the call transcript; every figure above is stated by management on the record.

Earnings Call History

EarningsCalls.dev has 29 Korn Ferry earnings call transcripts on record, spanning March 10, 2020 to June 29, 2026. Based on this history, Korn Ferry reports quarterly. The most recent call on file is dated June 29, 2026. The full list is below — each row opens the complete, free-to-read transcript.

Ticker

KFY

Exchange

NYSE

Country

US

Sector

Industrials

Industry

Professional Services

Calls on record

29

First call

March 10, 2020

Most recent

June 29, 2026

Reporting cadence

quarterly