KORN FERRY
For the period ended Jan 31, 2026. Filed Mar 11, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Jan 31, 2026 · Filed Mar 11, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-10-31; filed 2025-12-09.
0001628280-25-056040
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2026-01-31; filed 2026-03-11.
0000056679-26-000009
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 177 previous paragraphs and 175 current paragraphs.
61 unchanged; 84 reworded; 29 added; 31 removed; 1 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 6 previous and 6 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (29)
Current report
•Fee revenue was $717.4 million, an increase of 7% year-over-year with growth in all solutions.
Current report
Fee Revenue. Fee revenue was $717.4 million, an increase of $48.7 million, or 7%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $668.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $18.8 million, or 3%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. Solutions with the highest increase in fee revenue included Executive Search North America, Executive Search EMEA, Consulting, and Professional Search & Interim.
Current report
Digital. Digital reported fee revenue of $94.0 million, an increase of $3.2 million, or 4%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026, compared to $90.8 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $3.7 million, or 4%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in fee revenue was primarily driven by an 8% increase in Subscription & License fee revenue in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current report
Professional Search & Interim. Professional Search & Interim reported fee revenue of $137.0 million, an increase of $7.0 million, or 5%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $130.0 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $2.8 million, or 2%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. Permanent placement fee revenue increased by $3.8 million in thethree months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter due to an increase in both the number of engagements billed and the weighted-average fee billed per engagement. Interim fee revenue increased by $3.2 million in thethree months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter due to a 16% increase in average bill rate.
Current report
Compensation and benefits expense increased by $31.5 million, or 7%, to $456.8 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 from $425.3 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted compensation and benefits expense by $12.2 million, or 3%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to an increase of $18.7 million in performance-related bonus expense due to higher fee revenue in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. Also contributing to the increase were higher salaries and related payroll taxes of $10.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current report
Consulting compensation and benefits expense increased by $4.9 million, or 4%, to $114.4 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 from $109.5 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted compensation and benefits expense by $3.8 million, or 3%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to an increase of $5.6 million in performance-related bonus expense in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter driven by higher segment fee revenue.
Current report
Digital compensation and benefits expense increased by $2.5 million, or 6%, to $45.8 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $43.3 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted compensation and benefits expense by $1.8 million, or 4%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to higher salaries and related payroll taxes of $2.1 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current report
Executive Search EMEA compensation and benefits expense increased by $5.7 million, or 16%, to $41.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $35.5 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted compensation and benefits expense by $3.3 million, or 9%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to higher salaries and related payroll taxes of $3.1 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. Also contributing to the increase were higher performance-related bonus expense of $1.5 million and higher amortization of long-term awards of $1.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current report
Executive Search Latin America compensation and benefits expense increased by $0.7 million, or 18%, to $4.7 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $4.0 million in the year-ago quarter.
Current report
RPO compensation and benefits expense increased by $1.3 million, or 2%, to $65.9 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $64.6 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted compensation and benefits expense by $1.6 million, or 2%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to higher salaries and related payroll taxes of $0.9 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current report
Corporate compensation and benefits expense increased by $1.2 million, or 6%, to $19.8 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 from $18.6 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was primarily due to increases of $0.9 million in both salaries and related payroll taxes and restricted stock compensation expense, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was partially offset by an increase in the cash surrender value (“CSV”) of company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) of $1.0 million as a result of recording more death benefits in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current report
General and administrative expenses increased by $0.6 million, or 1%, to $65.9 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 from $65.3 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase in marketing and business development expense of $3.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter, partially offset by impairment charges recorded in the year-ago quarter of $2.6 million associated with the reduction of the Company's real estate footprint.
Current report
Digital general and administrative expenses increased by $0.9 million, or 9%, to $11.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 from $10.1 million in the year-ago quarter.
Current report
Executive Search North America general and administrative expenses decreased by $3.1 million, or 29%, to $7.7 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $10.8 million in the year-ago quarter. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to impairment charges of $2.6 million associated with the reduction of the Company's real estate footprint in the year-ago quarter. Also contributing to the decrease were lower legal and other professional fees of $0.8 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current report
Executive Search EMEA general and administrative expenses increased by $0.2 million, or 5%, to $4.6 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $4.4 million in the year-ago quarter.
Current report
Executive Search Latin America general and administrative expenses increased by $0.2 million, or 22%, to $1.1 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $0.9 million in the year-ago quarter.
Current report
Professional Search & Interim general and administrative expenses decreased by $0.4 million, or 7%, to $5.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $5.4 million in the year-ago quarter.
Current report
RPO general and administrative expenses increased by $0.2 million, or 5%, to $4.6 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $4.4 million in the year-ago quarter.
Current report
Corporate general and administrative expenses increased by $0.7 million, or 5%, to $16.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $15.5 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due an increase in marketing and business development expense of $2.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter, partially offset by lower legal and other professional fees of $0.4 million and the impact of foreign currency, with a foreign currency gain of $0.1 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to a foreign currency loss of $0.6 million in the year-ago quarter.
Current report
Consulting Adjusted EBITDA was $28.4 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026, an increase of $0.4 million, or 1%, compared to $28.0 million in the year-ago quarter. Consulting Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 17% and 18% in the three months ended January 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
Current report
Nine Months Ended January 31, 2026 Compared to Nine Months Ended January 31, 2025
Current report
Digital. Digital reported fee revenue of $274.2 million, an increase of $2.3 million, or 1%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $271.9 million in the year-ago period. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $6.5 million, or 2%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period. The increase in fee revenue was primarily driven by a 7% increase in Subscription & License fee revenue in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period.
Current report
Professional Search & Interim. Professional Search & Interim reported fee revenue of $412.0 million, an increase of $39.2 million, or 11%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $372.8 million in the year-ago period. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $3.8 million, or 1%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period. Interim fee revenue increased by $29.5 million primarily due to the acquisition of Trilogy International effective November 1, 2024. The rest of the increase was due to higher fee revenue in Permanent placement of $9.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period due to an increase in both the number of engagements billed and the weighted-average fee billed per engagement.
Current report
Compensation and benefits expense increased by $65.8 million, or 5%, to $1,380.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 from $1,314.5 million in the year-ago period. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted compensation and benefits by $22.7 million, or 2%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to an increase in salaries and related payroll taxes of $23.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period. Also contributing to the increase were higher performance-related bonus expense, severance-related expenses, amortization of long-term awards and deferred compensation expense of $15.6 million, $14.6 million, $5.0 million and $3.9 million, respectively, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period.
Current report
Digital compensation and benefits expense increased by $1.2 million, or 1%, to $135.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 from $134.2 million in the year-ago period. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted compensation and benefits by $3.2 million, or 2%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to increases in salaries and related payroll taxes, severance-related expenses, commission expense, deferred compensation expense and restricted stock compensation expense of $4.1 million, $3.6 million, $0.7 million, $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in performance-related bonus expense of $8.7 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period.
Current report
Digital general and administrative expenses decreased by $0.2 million, or 1%, to $29.4 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 from $29.6 million in the year-ago period.
Current report
Executive Search North America general and administrative expenses decreased by $5.0 million, or 19%, to $21.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $26.8 million in the year-ago period. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to impairment charges of $2.6 million associated with the reduction of the Company's real estate footprint in the year-ago period. Also contributing to the decrease were lower legal and other professional fees of $2.0 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period.
Current report
Executive Search Asia Pacific general and administrative expenses increased by $1.3 million, or 24%, to $6.8 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $5.5 million in the year-ago period. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase of $1.0 million in bad debt expense in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period.
Current report
Executive Search North America Adjusted EBITDA increased by $16.1 million, or 15%, to $125.3 million in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $109.2 million in the year-ago period. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily driven by an increase in fee revenue, partially offset by an increase in compensation and benefits expense in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period. Executive Search North America Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 29% in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 as compared to 28% in the nine months ended January 31, 2025.
Removed paragraphs (31)
Previous report
•Fee revenue in Q2 FY'26 was $721.7 million, a year-over-year increase of 7%.
Previous report
•Fee revenue grew 10% and 17% year-over-year in Executive Search and Professional Search & Interim, respectively.
Previous report
•Adjusted EBITDA was $124.8 million, an increase of 7.0% year-over-year, with a margin of 17.3%, essentially flat year-over-year.
Previous report
Fee Revenue. Fee revenue was $721.7 million, an increase of $47.3 million, or 7%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $674.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $5.1 million, or 1%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in fee revenue was primarily due to higher fee revenues in Professional Search & Interim, Consulting, Executive Search North America and Executive Search EMEA.
Previous report
Digital. Digital reported fee revenue of $91.0 million, a decrease of $1.9 million, or 2%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025, compared to $92.9 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $1.3 million, or 1%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter. The decrease in fee revenue was primarily driven by a decrease in demand for leadership and development offerings, partially offset by increases in demand for organizational strategy, total rewards and assessment & succession offerings.
Previous report
Professional Search & Interim. Professional Search & Interim reported fee revenue of $141.1 million, an increase of $20.0 million, or 17%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $121.1 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in fee revenue was primarily due to an increase in interim fee revenue of $16.6 million associated with the acquisition of Trilogy International effective November 1, 2024.
Previous report
Consulting compensation and benefits expense increased by $4.7 million, or 4%, to $118.5 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 from $113.8 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted compensation and benefits expense by $1.2 million, or 1%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to an increase of $7.8 million in performance-related bonus expense, partially offset by lower salaries and related payroll taxes of $1.5 million and a decrease in severance-related expenses of $1.2 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous report
Digital compensation and benefits expense decreased by $0.5 million, or 1%, to $45.1 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $45.6 million in the year-ago quarter.
Previous report
Executive Search EMEA compensation and benefits expense increased by $3.6 million, or 10%, to $38.7 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $35.1 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted compensation and benefits expense by $1.5 million, or 4%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to an increase of $3.0 million in performance-related bonus expense in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous report
Executive Search Asia Pacific compensation and benefits expense increased by $0.8 million, or 5%, to $16.5 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $15.7 million in the year-ago quarter.
Previous report
RPO compensation and benefits expense increased by $0.7 million, or 1%, to $68.4 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $67.7 million in the year-ago quarter.
Previous report
Corporate compensation and benefits expense increased by $2.5 million, or 14%, to $20.7 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 from $18.2 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was primarily due to increases of $1.1 million, $0.4 million, and $0.2 million in restricted stock compensation expense, salaries and related payroll taxes, and severance-related expenses, respectively, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous report
General and administrative expenses decreased by $14.2 million, or 22%, to $50.3 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 from $64.5 million in the year-ago quarter. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a gain from the modification of an office lease of $13.9 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous report
Consulting general and administrative expenses decreased by $4.3 million, or 32%, to $9.2 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $13.5 million in the year-ago quarter. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a gain from the modification of an office lease of $4.1 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous report
Digital general and administrative expenses decreased by $2.0 million, or 19%, to $8.4 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 from $10.4 million in the year-ago quarter. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a gain from the modification of an office lease of $2.0 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous report
Executive Search North America general and administrative expenses decreased by $1.2 million, or 14%, to $7.1 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $8.3 million in the year-ago quarter. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to decreases of $0.7 million and $0.4 million in legal and other professional fees, and premise and office expense, respectively, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous report
Executive Search EMEA general and administrative expenses decreased by $3.5 million, or 83%, to $0.7 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $4.2 million in the year-ago quarter. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a gain from the modification of an office lease of $3.7 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous report
Executive Search Latin America general and administrative expenses were $0.9 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $0.7 million in the year-ago quarter.
Previous report
Consulting Adjusted EBITDA was $30.3 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025, an increase of $1.2 million, or 4%, compared to $29.1 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was driven by an increase in fee revenue, partially offset by an increase in compensation and benefits expense. Consulting Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 18% and 17% in the three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Previous report
Six Months Ended October 31, 2025 Compared to Six Months Ended October 31, 2024
Previous report
Digital. Digital reported fee revenue of $180.2 million, a decrease of $0.9 million, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $181.1 million in the year-ago period. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $2.9 million, or 2%, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period. The decrease in fee revenue was primarily driven by a decrease in demand for leadership and development offerings, partially offset by increases in demand for organizational strategy and assessment & succession offerings.
Previous report
Professional Search & Interim. Professional Search & Interim reported fee revenue of $275.0 million, an increase of $32.2 million, or 13%, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $242.8 million in the year-ago period. The increase in fee revenue was primarily due to an increase in interim fee revenue of $26.3 million associated with the acquisition of Trilogy International effective November 1, 2024.
Previous report
Compensation and benefits expense increased by $34.2 million, or 4%, to $923.4 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025 from $889.2 million in the year-ago period. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted compensation and benefits by $10.5 million, or 1%, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to an increase in salaries and related payroll taxes of $13.3 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period. Also contributing to the increase were higher severance-related expenses, deferred compensation expense, amortization of long-term awards and commission expense of $12.2 million, $3.5 million, $2.9 million and $2.6 million, respectively, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period.
Previous report
Digital compensation and benefits expense decreased by $1.3 million, or 1%, to $89.6 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025 from $90.9 million in the year-ago period. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted compensation and benefits by $1.4 million, or 2%, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period. The decrease in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to a decrease in performance-related bonus expense of $7.6 million. The decrease was partially offset by increases in severance-related expenses, salaries and related payroll taxes and commission expense of $2.6 million, $2.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period.
Previous report
Executive Search Latin America compensation and benefits expense was $9.0 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025, essentially flat compared to $9.2 million in the year-ago period.
Previous report
Digital general and administrative expenses decreased by $1.1 million, or 6%, to $18.4 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025 from $19.5 million in the year-ago period. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a gain from the modification of an office lease of $2.0 million, partially offset by an increase in computer software licenses of $1.1 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period.
Previous report
Executive Search North America general and administrative expenses decreased by $1.8 million, or 11%, to $14.1 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $15.9 million in the year-ago period. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to decreases in legal and other professional fees of $1.2 million and premise and office expense of $0.6 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period.
Previous report
Executive Search Asia Pacific general and administrative expenses increased by $0.7 million, or 19%, to $4.3 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $3.6 million in the year-ago period.
Previous report
Professional Search & Interim general and administrative expenses decreased by $2.0 million, or 22%, to $7.3 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $9.3 million in the year-ago period. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a gain from the modification of an office lease of $2.6 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in legal and other professional fees of $0.3 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period.
Previous report
RPO general and administrative expenses decreased by $1.4 million, or 15%, to $7.8 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $9.2 million in the year-ago period. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a gain from the modification of an office lease of $1.5 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period.
Previous report
Executive Search North America Adjusted EBITDA increased by $11.2 million, or 16%, to $83.2 million in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $72.0 million in the year-ago period. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily driven by an increase in fee revenue and a decrease in general and administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in compensation and benefits expense in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period. Executive Search North America Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 30% in the six months ended October 31, 2025 as compared to 27% in the six months ended October 31, 2024.
Reworded paragraphs (84)
Previous wording
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain certain statements that we believe are, or may be considered to be, “forward-looking” statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of statements that include phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “may,” “will,” “likely,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals, including the timing and anticipated impacts of our business strategy, expected demand for and relevance of our products and services, and expected results of our business diversification strategy, are also forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results or outcomes, or the timing of our results or outcomes, to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statement. The principal risk factors that could cause actual performance, results, outcomes and timing and future actions to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those relating to global and local political and or economic developments in or affecting countries where we have operations, such as inflation, trade wars, 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, maintaining our 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 governmental 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 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 (“IP”), our ability to enhance and develop new technology, including artificial intelligence (“AI”), our ability to successfully recover from a disaster or other business continuity problems, employment liability risk, an impairment in…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Current wording
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain certain statements that we believe are, or may be considered to be, “forward-looking” statements, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by use of statements that include phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “may,” “will,” “likely,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue” or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals, including the timing and anticipated impacts of our business strategy, expected demand for and relevance of our products and services, and expected results of our business diversification strategy, are also forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results or outcomes, or the timing of our results or outcomes, to differ materially from those contemplated by the relevant forward-looking statement. The principal risk factors that could cause actual performance, results, outcomes and timing and future actions to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those relating to global and local political and or economic developments in or affecting countries where we have operations, such as inflation, trade wars, 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, maintaining our 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 governmental 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 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 (“IP”), our ability to enhance and develop new technology, including artificial intelligence (“AI”), our ability to successfully recover from a disaster or other business continuity problems, employment liability risk, an impairment in…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Previous wording
•Leadership & Professional Development - Developing leaders and building critical skills through coaching, experimental learning programs, and scalable digital programs.
Current wording
•Leadership & Professional Development - Developing leaders and building critical skills through coaching, experiential learning programs, and scalable digital programs.
Previous wording
Clients within the Program are supported by dedicated account leaders who coordinate engagement across Korn Ferry’s full portfolio—enabling consistent delivery, deep understanding of client priorities, and early access to new offerings. As of October 31, 2025, our 350 Marquee and Diamond accounts represented approximately 39% of consolidated fee revenue—more than double their contribution at the Program’s inception.
Current wording
Clients within the Program are supported by dedicated account leaders who coordinate engagement across Korn Ferry’s full portfolio—enabling consistent delivery, deep understanding of client priorities, and early access to new offerings. As of January 31, 2026, our 350 Marquee and Diamond accounts represented approximately 40% of consolidated fee revenue—more than double their contribution at the Program’s inception.
Previous wording
•Net income attributable to Korn Ferry was $72.4 million, an increase of 19.0% year-over-year, with a margin of 10.0%, an increase of 100bps year-over-year.
Current wording
•Net income attributable to Korn Ferry increased 12% year-over-year, with a margin of 9.1%.
Previous wording
•Diluted earnings per share was $1.36 in Q2 FY'26, up 19% compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current wording
•Diluted earnings per share was up 12% year-over-year.
Previous wording
The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the chief operating decision maker’s review of (1) fee revenue and (2) adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”). To the extent that such charges occur, Adjusted EBITDA excludes restructuring charges, integration/acquisition costs, certain separation costs and certain non-cash charges (goodwill, intangible asset, gain on modification of office lease and other impairments charges). For the three months ended October 31, 2025, Adjusted EBITDA excluded $1.3 million of integration/acquisition costs and $13.9 million from a gain on modification of office lease. For the six months ended October 31, 2025, Adjusted EBITDA excluded $2.8 million of integration/acquisition costs and $13.9 million of gain on the modification of an office lease. For the three months ended October 31, 2024, Adjusted EBITDA excluded $0.6 million of restructuring charges, net, and $3.9 million of integration/acquisition costs. For the six months ended October 31, 2024, Adjusted EBITDA excluded $0.6 million of restructuring charges, net, and $5.0 million of integration/acquisition costs.
Current wording
The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the chief operating decision maker’s review of 1) fee revenue and 2) adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”). To the extent that such charges occur, Adjusted EBITDA excludes restructuring charges, integration/acquisition costs, certain separation costs and certain non-cash charges (goodwill, intangible asset, gain on modification of office lease and other impairments charges). For the three months ended January 31, 2026, Adjusted EBITDA excluded $1.6 million of integration/acquisition costs. For the nine months ended January 31, 2026, Adjusted EBITDA excluded $4.4 million of integration/acquisition costs and $13.9 million of gain on the modification of an office lease. For the three months ended January 31, 2025, Adjusted EBITDA excluded $2.5 million of impairment of right-of-use assets, $2.1 million of integration/acquisition costs, $1.3 million of restructuring charges, net and $0.5 million impairment of fixed assets. For the nine months ended January 31, 2025, Adjusted EBITDA excluded $7.1 million of integration/acquisition costs, $2.5 million of impairment of right-of-use assets, $1.9 million of restructuring charges, net and $0.5 million impairment of fixed assets.
Previous wording
Consulting. Consulting reported fee revenue of $172.8 million, an increase of $6.0 million, or 4%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $166.8 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $1.3 million, or 1%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in fee revenue was primarily driven by a 10% increase in average bill rates in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current wording
Consulting. Consulting reported fee revenue of $166.9 million, an increase of $8.2 million, or 5%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $158.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $4.8 million, or 3%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in fee revenue was primarily driven by a 2% increase in average bill rates in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous wording
Executive Search North America. Executive Search North America reported fee revenue of $142.1 million, an increase of $12.2 million, or 9%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $129.9 million in the year-ago quarter. North America’s fee revenue increased primarily due to a 5% increase in the weighted-average fee billed per engagement (calculated using local currency) and a 4% increase in the number of engagements billed during the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current wording
Executive Search North America. Executive Search North America reported fee revenue of $145.5 million, an increase of $17.2 million, or 13%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $128.3 million in the year-ago quarter. North America’s fee revenue increased primarily due to a 9% increase in the weighted-average fee billed per engagement (calculated using local currency) and a 4% increase in the number of engagements billed during the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous wording
Executive Search EMEA. Executive Search EMEA reported fee revenue of $51.9 million, an increase of $5.1 million, or 11%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $46.8 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $1.9 million, or 4%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in fee revenue was due to a 10% increase in the number of engagements billed, partially offset by a 3% decrease in weighted-average fee billed per engagement (calculated using local currency) during the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current wording
Executive Search EMEA. Executive Search EMEA reported fee revenue of $55.3 million, an increase of $7.5 million, or 16%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $47.8 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $4.3 million, or 9%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in fee revenue was due to a 9% increase in the number of engagements billed, partially offset by a 3% decrease in weighted-average fee billed per engagement (calculated using local currency) during the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous wording
Executive Search Asia Pacific. Executive Search Asia Pacific reported fee revenue of $24.1 million, an increase of $2.6 million, or 12%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $21.5 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted fee revenue by $0.4 million, or 2%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in fee revenue was due to a 9% increase in the number of engagements billed and a 5% increase in weighted-average fee billed per engagement (calculated using local currency) during the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current wording
Executive Search Asia Pacific. Executive Search Asia Pacific reported fee revenue of $24.1 million, an increase of $2.4 million, or 11%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $21.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $0.2 million, or 1%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in fee revenue was due to a 10% increase in the number of engagements billed during the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous wording
Executive Search Latin America. Executive Search Latin America reported fee revenue of $7.8 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025, essentially flat compared to $7.9 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $0.3 million, or 4%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current wording
Executive Search Latin America. Executive Search Latin America reported fee revenue of $7.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026, essentially flat compared to $6.8 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $0.7 million, or 10%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous wording
RPO. RPO reported fee revenue of $90.8 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025, an increase of $3.2 million, or 4%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $87.6 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in fee revenue was primarily due to new logo clients in North America.
Current wording
RPO. RPO reported fee revenue of $87.5 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026, an increase of $2.8 million, or 3%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $84.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $2.1 million, or 2%, in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in fee revenue was primarily due to new logo clients in North America.
Previous wording
Executive Search North America compensation and benefits expense increased by $9.9 million, or 11%, to $96.7 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $86.8 million in the year-ago quarter. Compensation and benefits expense increased primarily due to an increase in performance-related bonus expense of $8.3 million and an increase in deferred compensation expense of $2.0 million due to an increase in the fair value of participants' accounts in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current wording
Executive Search North America compensation and benefits expense increased by $11.2 million, or 13%, to $99.9 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $88.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Compensation and benefits expense increased primarily due to an increase in performance-related bonus expense of $11.5 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter driven by higher segment fee revenue.
Previous wording
Compensation and benefits expense increased by $24.6 million, or 6%, to $462.0 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 from $437.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Exchange rates unfavorably impacted compensation and benefits expense by $3.8 million, or 1%, in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to an increase of $15.2 million in performance-related bonus expense due to a higher fee revenue in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter. Also contributing to the increase were higher salaries and related payroll taxes of $4.7 million, and an increase in deferred compensation expense of $3.5 million due to an increase in the fair value of participants' accounts in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current wording
Executive Search Asia Pacific compensation and benefits expense increased by $1.0 million, or 7%, to $16.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $15.2 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to an increase of $0.7 million in performance-related bonus expense due to higher fee revenue in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. Also contributing to the increase were higher salaries and related payroll taxes of $0.4 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous wording
Professional Search & Interim compensation and benefits expense increased by $2.3 million, or 5%, to $52.1 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 from $49.8 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to higher salaries and related payroll taxes of $2.6 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter. Additionally, there were increases of $1.3 million and $1.1 million in severance-related expenses and commission expense, respectively. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $3.3 million in performance-related bonus expense in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current wording
Professional Search & Interim compensation and benefits expense increased by $3.1 million, or 7%, to $48.9 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 from $45.8 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily due to higher salaries and related payroll taxes of $1.6 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. Additionally, there was an increase of $0.6 million in performance-related bonus expense due to a higher segment fee revenue in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous wording
Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased by $1.2 million, or 7%, to $16.2 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $17.4 million in the year-ago quarter. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a decrease in integration and acquisition cost of $2.5 million, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency, with a foreign currency loss of $0.5 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to a foreign currency gain of $0.2 million in the year-ago quarter. Further offsetting the decrease were increases in marketing and business development expenses of $0.6 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current wording
Consulting general and administrative expenses increased by $1.3 million, or 11%, to $13.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $11.9 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to the impact of foreign currency, with a foreign currency loss of $0.5 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to a foreign currency gain of $0.2 million in the year-ago quarter. Also contributing to the increase were higher marketing and business development expenses of $0.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous wording
Executive Search Asia Pacific general and administrative expenses increased by $0.8 million, or 57%, to $2.2 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $1.4 million in the year-ago quarter.
Current wording
Executive Search Asia Pacific general and administrative expenses increased by $0.6 million, or 32%, to $2.5 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $1.9 million in the year-ago quarter.
Previous wording
Cost of services expense consists of contractor and product costs related to delivery of various services and products through Consulting, Digital, Professional Search & Interim and RPO. Cost of services expense increased by $14.4 million, or 22%, to $79.1 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $64.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Professional Search & Interim accounted for $14.0 million of the increase due to an increase in fee revenue in the segment as a significant amount of interim services they perform have a higher cost of service expense as compared to the Company's other segments.
Current wording
Cost of services expense consists of contractor and product costs related to delivery of various services and products through Consulting, Digital, Professional Search & Interim and RPO. Cost of services expense increased by $2.6 million, or 3%, to $80.6 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $78.0 million in the year-ago quarter. Professional Search & Interim accounted for $2.0 million of the increase due to an increase in fee revenue in the segment as a significant amount of interim services they performed had a higher cost of service expense as compared to the Company's other segments.
Previous wording
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $11.9 million, or 60%, to $31.6 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $19.7 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was primarily due to the accelerated depreciation associated with the decision to sunset our Digital platform with the replacement of our Korn Ferry Talent Suite, which was introduced in the third quarter of fiscal 2026.
Current wording
Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $2.5 million, or 12%, to $23.0 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $20.5 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was primarily due to the accelerated depreciation associated with the previously announced decision to sunset our Digital platform with the replacement of our Korn Ferry Talent Suite combined with technology investments made in the current and prior year in our Digital segment.
Previous wording
During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, we implemented a restructuring plan to eliminate excess capacity resulting from a challenging macroeconomic business environment impacting demand. During the three months ended October 31, 2024, we recorded an adjustment to the previously recorded restructuring accruals of $0.6 million. There were no restructuring charges during the three months ended October 31, 2025.
Current wording
During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, we implemented a restructuring plan to eliminate excess capacity resulting from a challenging macroeconomic business environment impacting demand. During the three months ended January 31, 2025, we recorded an adjustment to the previously recorded restructuring accruals of $1.3 million. There were no restructuring charges during the three months ended January 31, 2026.
Previous wording
Net income attributable to Korn Ferry increased by $11.6 million, or 19%, to $72.4 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 as compared to $60.8 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in net income attributable to Korn Ferry was primarily due to an increase in fee revenue of $47.3 million and a $13.9 million gain from the modification of an office lease recorded during the three months ended October 31, 2025, partially offset by increases in compensation and benefits expense of $24.6 million, cost of services expense of $14.4 million, and depreciation and amortization expenses of $11.9 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter. Net income attributable to Korn Ferry, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 10% and 9% in the three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Current wording
Net income attributable to Korn Ferry increased by $6.9 million, or 12%, to $65.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 as compared to $58.4 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in net income attributable to Korn Ferry was primarily due to an increase in fee revenue of $48.7 million during the three months ended January 31, 2026, partially offset by increases in compensation and benefits expense of $31.5 million, income tax provision of $3.9 million, cost of services expense of $2.6 million, and depreciation and amortization expenses of $2.5 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter. Net income attributable to Korn Ferry, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 9% in both the three months ended January 31, 2026 and 2025.
Previous wording
Adjusted EBITDA increased by $7.8 million, or 7%, to $124.8 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 as compared to $117.0 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was driven by an increase in fee revenue, partially offset by increases in compensation and benefits expense (excluding integration/acquisition costs) and cost of services expense. Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 17% in both the three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024.
Current wording
Adjusted EBITDA increased by $8.6 million, or 8%, to $123.1 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 as compared to $114.5 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was driven by an increase in fee revenue, partially offset by increases in compensation and benefits expense (excluding integration/acquisition costs), general and administrative expenses (excluding integration/acquisition costs, impairment of right-of-use assets and impairment of fixed assets) and cost of services expense. Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 17% in both the three months ended January 31, 2026 and 2025.
Previous wording
Digital Adjusted EBITDA was $28.7 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025, a decrease of $0.5 million, or 2%, compared to $29.2 million in the year-ago quarter. Digital Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 32% and 31% in the three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Current wording
Digital Adjusted EBITDA was $29.1 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026, an increase of $0.7 million, or 2%, compared to $28.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Digital Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 31% in both the three months ended January 31, 2026 and 2025.
Previous wording
Executive Search North America Adjusted EBITDA increased by $5.1 million, or 14%, to $42.0 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $36.9 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was mainly driven by higher fee revenue in the segment and a decrease in general and administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in compensation and benefits expense. Executive Search North America Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 30% and 28% in the three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Current wording
Executive Search North America Adjusted EBITDA increased by $4.9 million, or 13%, to $42.1 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $37.2 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was mainly driven by higher fee revenue in the segment, partially offset by an increase in compensation and benefits expense. Executive Search North America Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 29% in both the three months ended January 31, 2026 and 2025.
Previous wording
Executive Search EMEA Adjusted EBITDA increased by $1.3 million, or 17%, to $8.8 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $7.5 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was mainly driven by higher fee revenue in the segment, partially offset by an increase in compensation and benefits expense. Executive Search EMEA Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 17% and 16% in the three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Current wording
Executive Search EMEA Adjusted EBITDA increased by $1.7 million, or 22%, to $9.5 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $7.8 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was mainly driven by higher fee revenue in the segment, partially offset by an increase in compensation and benefits expense. Executive Search EMEA Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 17% and 16% in the three months ended January 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
Previous wording
Executive Search Asia Pacific Adjusted EBITDA increased by $0.9 million, or 20%, to $5.3 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $4.4 million in the year-ago quarter. Executive Search Asia Pacific Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 22% and 21% in the three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Current wording
Executive Search Asia Pacific Adjusted EBITDA increased by $0.8 million, or 18%, to $5.3 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $4.5 million in the year-ago quarter. Executive Search Asia Pacific Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 22% and 21% in the three months ended January 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
Previous wording
Executive Search Latin America Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $0.9 million, or 35%, to $1.7 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $2.6 million in the year-ago quarter. Executive Search Latin America Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 22% and 32% in the three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Current wording
Executive Search Latin America Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $0.5 million, or 29%, to $1.2 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $1.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Executive Search Latin America Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 17% and 25% in the three months ended January 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
Previous wording
Professional Search & Interim Adjusted EBITDA was $30.2 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025, an increase of $3.0 million, or 11%, compared to $27.2 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was mainly driven by higher fee revenue, partially offset by increases in cost of services expense and compensation and benefits expense (excluding integration/acquisition costs). Professional Search & Interim Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 21% and 22% in the three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Current wording
Professional Search & Interim Adjusted EBITDA was $29.1 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026, an increase of $1.8 million, or 7%, compared to $27.3 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was mainly driven by higher fee revenue, partially offset by increases in compensation and benefits expense (excluding integration/acquisition costs) and cost of services expense. Professional Search & Interim Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 21% in both the three months ended January 31, 2026 and 2025.
Previous wording
RPO Adjusted EBITDA was $14.2 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025, an increase of $1.3 million, or 10%, as compared to $12.9 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was mainly driven by higher fee revenue, partially offset by an increase in cost of services expense and compensation and benefits expense. RPO Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 16% and 15% in the three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Current wording
RPO Adjusted EBITDA was $13.6 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026, an increase of $0.9 million, or 7%, as compared to $12.7 million in the year-ago quarter. RPO Adjusted EBITDA, as a percentage of fee revenue, was 16% and 15% in the three months ended January 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
Previous wording
Other income, net was $7.1 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $5.4 million in the year-ago quarter. The difference was primarily due to an increase in the gains generated from the increased fair value of our marketable securities that are held in trust for the settlement of the Company's obligation under the Executive Capital Accumulation Plan and similar plans in Asia Pacific and Canada (collectively, "ECAP") during the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Current wording
Other income, net was $7.5 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $9.4 million in the year-ago quarter. The difference was primarily due to a decrease in the gains generated from the increase in fair value of our marketable securities that are held in trust for the settlement of the Company's obligations under the Executive Capital Accumulation Plan and similar plans in Asia Pacific and Canada (collectively, "ECAP") during the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago quarter.
Previous wording
Interest expense, net primarily relates to the Company’s 4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 ("Notes") issued in December 2019, borrowings under company-owned life insurance ("COLI") policies and interest cost related to our deferred compensation plans, which are partially offset by interest earned on cash and cash equivalent balances. Interest expense, net was $5.8 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $5.6 million in the year-ago quarter.
Current wording
Interest expense, net primarily relates to the Company’s 4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 ("Notes") issued in December 2019, borrowings under COLI policies and interest cost related to our deferred compensation plans, which are partially offset by interest earned on cash and cash equivalents balances. Interest expense, net was $5.7 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $5.5 million in the year-ago quarter.
Previous wording
The provision for income tax was $26.6 million in the three months ended October 31, 2025, with an effective tax rate of 26.6%, compared to $24.9 million in the three months ended October 31, 2024, with an effective rate of 28.5%. Our effective tax rate is primarily impacted by U.S. state income taxes and jurisdictional mix of earnings, which generally create variability in the effective tax rate over time.
Current wording
The provision for income tax was $26.7 million in the three months ended January 31, 2026, with an effective tax rate of 28.7%, compared to $22.8 million in the three months ended January 31, 2025, with an effective rate of 27.8%. Our effective tax rate is primarily impacted by U.S. state income taxes and jurisdictional mix of earnings, which generally create variability in the effective tax rate over time.
Previous wording
On July 4, 2025, House Resolution 1, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the "Act") was enacted into law. Key provisions of the Act include the extension and modification of certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, changes to bonus depreciation, adjustments to business interest expense limitations, and modifications to the treatment of research and development expenditures. The Act has multiple effective dates, with certain provisions effective in our fiscal 2026 and others becoming effective in fiscal 2027. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740, the effect of changes in tax rates and laws on deferred tax balances are recognized in the period when the legislation is enacted. We have reflected the effect on the Act within the provision for income taxes and the deferred tax balances as of October 31, 2025. The Act did not materially impact the Company's effective tax rate.
Current wording
On July 4, 2025, House Resolution 1, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the "Act") was enacted into law. Key provisions of the Act include the extension and modification of certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, changes to bonus depreciation, adjustments to business interest expense limitations, and modifications to the treatment of research and development expenditures. The Act has multiple effective dates, with certain provisions effective in our fiscal 2026 and others becoming effective in fiscal 2027. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740, the effect of changes in tax rates and laws on deferred tax balances are recognized in the period when the legislation is enacted. We have reflected the effect on the Act within the provision for income taxes and the deferred tax balances as of January 31, 2026. The Act did not materially impact our effective tax rate.
Previous wording
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest represents the portion of a subsidiary’s net earnings that are attributable to shares of such subsidiary not held by Korn Ferry that are included in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest for the six months ended October 31, 2025 was $1.8 million, compared to $3.2 million in the six months ended October 31, 2024.
Current wording
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest represents the portion of a subsidiary’s net earnings that are attributable to shares of such subsidiary not held by Korn Ferry that are included in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest was $0.9 million in both the three months ended January 31, 2026 and 2025.
Previous wording
Fee Revenue. Fee revenue was $1,430.3 million, an increase of $81.0 million, or 6%, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $1,349.3 million in the year-ago period. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $14.2 million, or 1%, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period. The increase in fee revenue was primarily due to higher fee revenues in Professional Search & Interim, Executive Search North America, Executive Search EMEA and Consulting.
Current wording
Fee Revenue. Fee revenue was $2,147.7 million, an increase of $129.7 million, or 6%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $2,018.0 million in the year-ago period. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $33.0 million, or 2%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period. The increase in fee revenue was primarily due to higher fee revenues in Professional Search & Interim, Executive Search North America, Executive Search EMEA and Consulting.
Previous wording
Consulting. Consulting reported fee revenue of $342.8 million, an increase of $8.2 million, or 2%, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $334.6 million in the year-ago period. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $4.2 million, or 1%, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period. The increase in fee revenue was primarily driven by a 9% increase in average bill rates in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period.
Current wording
Consulting. Consulting reported fee revenue of $509.7 million, an increase of $16.4 million, or 3%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $493.3 million in the year-ago period. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $8.9 million, or 2%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period. The increase in fee revenue was primarily driven by a 7% increase in average bill rates in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period.
Previous wording
Executive Search North America. Executive Search North America reported fee revenue of $281.8 million, an increase of $17.2 million, or 7%, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $264.6 million in the year-ago period. North America’s fee revenue increased primarily due to a 4% increase in the weighted-average fee billed per engagement (calculated using local currency) and a 3% increase in the number of engagements billed during the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period.
Current wording
Executive Search North America. Executive Search North America reported fee revenue of $427.3 million, an increase of $34.4 million, or 9%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $392.9 million in the year-ago period. North America’s fee revenue increased primarily due to a 5% increase in the weighted-average fee billed per engagement (calculated using local currency) and a 3% increase in the number of engagements billed during the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period.
Previous wording
Executive Search EMEA. Executive Search EMEA reported fee revenue of $105.7 million, an increase of $12.9 million, or 14%, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $92.8 million in the year-ago period. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $4.4 million, or 5%, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period. The increase in fee revenue was primarily due to an 11% increase in the number of engagements billed, partially offset by a 2% decrease in weighted-average fee billed per engagement (calculated using local currency) during the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period.
Current wording
Executive Search EMEA. Executive Search EMEA reported fee revenue of $161.0 million, an increase of $20.4 million, or 15%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $140.6 million in the year-ago period. Exchange rates favorably impacted fee revenue by $8.7 million, or 6%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period. The increase in fee revenue was primarily due to a 10% increase in the number of engagements billed, partially offset by a 2% decrease in weighted-average fee billed per engagement (calculated using local currency) during the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period.
Previous wording
Executive Search Asia Pacific. Executive Search Asia Pacific reported fee revenue of $48.8 million, an increase of $6.8 million, or 16%, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $42.0 million in the year-ago period. The increase in fee revenue was primarily due to a 13% increase in the number of engagements billed and a 3% increase in weighted-average fee billed per engagement (calculated using local currency) during the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period.
Current wording
Executive Search Asia Pacific. Executive Search Asia Pacific reported fee revenue of $72.9 million, an increase of $9.2 million, or 14%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $63.7 million in the year-ago period. The increase in fee revenue was primarily due to a 10% increase in the number of engagements billed and a 3% increase in weighted-average fee billed per engagement (calculated using local currency) during the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period.
Previous wording
Executive Search Latin America. Executive Search Latin America reported fee revenue of $13.9 million, a decrease of $1.3 million, or 9%, in the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to $15.2 million in the year-ago period. The decrease in fee revenue was primarily due to a 4% decrease in weighted-average fee billed per engagement (calculated using local currency) and a 4% decrease in the number of engagements billed during the six months ended October 31, 2025 compared to the year-ago period.
Current wording
Executive Search Latin America. Executive Search Latin America reported fee revenue of $21.0 million, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 5%, in the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to $22.0 million in the year-ago period. The decrease in fee revenue was primarily due to a 3% decrease in the number of engagements billed and a 2% decrease in weighted-average fee billed per engagement during the nine months ended January 31, 2026 compared to the year-ago period.
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Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•Adjusted EBITDA increased 8% year-over-year, with a margin of 17.2%.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Marketable securities consist of mutual funds and investments in commercial paper, corporate notes/bonds and U.S. Treasury and Agency securities. The primary objectives of our investment in mutual funds are to meet the obligations under certain of our deferred compensation plans, while the commercial paper, corporate notes/bonds and U.S. Treasury and Agency securities are available for general corporate purposes.