Korn Ferry Posts Sixth Straight Quarter of Revenue Growth but Weak Q2 Guidance Sends Stock Down 4%

Korn Ferry reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 results on September 9, 2026, posting fee revenue of $756.5 million and total revenue of $764.6 million, beating consensus estimates by roughly $26.9 million. Adjusted diluted earnings per share came in at $1.43, topping expectations by $0.07, while GAAP diluted EPS was $1.32. The quarter marked the company's sixth consecutive period of top-line growth, with revenue up approximately 7% year over year and EBITDA margins holding steady at around 17%.

Despite the earnings beat, shares fell roughly 4% after the company issued second-quarter adjusted EPS and fee revenue guidance that came in below analyst consensus. The combination of strong current results and a softer near-term outlook drove the mixed market reaction.

Korn Ferry also highlighted the completion of its combination with AMS, which is expected to strengthen its RPO segment and unlock approximately $40 million in synergies. Management pointed to resilient executive search demand and improving labor market trends as supports for continued growth, with at least one analyst maintaining a Buy rating and a $90 price target implying roughly 10% upside.