Adjusted EBITDA and EPS Beat Midpoint
Adjusted EPS of $1.31 and adjusted EBITDA of $103 million in Q1 2026 both exceeded the midpoint of guidance; adjusted EBITDA was up 1% versus $102M in Q1 2025.
Progress on Margin Recovery
Total gross profit improved to $302 million in Q1 (down 3% YoY), a meaningful improvement from a 21% decline in Q4 2025; gross profit per worksite employee was $332/month, slightly above forecast.
Benefit-Cost Trend Improving
Benefit cost per covered employee rose 5% YoY (an improvement versus ~9% through 2025), aided by favorable client mix, plan design changes and a new UnitedHealthcare contract expected to smooth quarterly earnings.
Operating Expense Control
Total operating expenses decreased 1% to $240 million in Q1; excluding a $9 million restructuring charge (primarily severance), operating expenses declined 5% YoY.
HRScale Rollout and Pipeline
HRScale beta clients onboarded (payrolls/invoices processed in April); signed commitments for nearly 6,000 worksite employees to onboard in next six months and a growing pipeline targeting mid-market (150–5,000 emp.)—positioned as a growth catalyst.
Capital Return and Liquidity
Q1 capital returned via $23 million in dividends and repurchase of 171,000 shares for $4 million; ended quarter with $36 million adjusted cash and approximately $330 million available to borrow under credit facility.
Technology and AI Initiatives
Investments in AI agents and AI-assisted HR experts underway (internal deployments driving productivity); HR360 agent releases planned to improve client/employee experiences and conversational reporting to deliver real-time insights.
Maintained Full-Year Adjusted EBITDA Guidance
Company reiterated full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance of $170 million to $230 million despite revised unit outlook, citing margin recovery progress and operating expense improvements.