[Liv Consulting FY2026 Q2 Earnings Briefing] Sales forecast revised upward on an 86% surge in AI demand, but operating profit forecast revised downward by ¥230 million due to accelerated investment in personnel

At the earnings briefing, the company made an unusual revision to its full-year outlook, raising its revenue forecast on sharply expanding demand for AI-related consulting while lowering its operating profit forecast because of accelerated investment. CEO Seki (関) said the wave of AI demand had arrived this year and outlined a policy of bringing forward recruitment and proceeding with upfront investment.

Consolidated first-half results were revenue of ¥3.44 billion, up 19.5% year on year, EBITDA of ¥480 million, operating profit of ¥420 million and ordinary profit of ¥270 million, with profit margins declining slightly. Standalone revenue, meanwhile, was ¥2.75 billion, up 20.2% year on year, while EBITDA was ¥380 million, operating profit was ¥360 million and ordinary profit was ¥260 million, all showing solid performance.

AI-related orders increased 86% year on year, reaching 21% of the revenue mix. Demand for AI-enabled consulting expanded across a range of industries, including business development at trading companies and business transformation at human resources companies. The company positioned its strong understanding of clients' operations, based on a hands-on approach and a focus on results, as a differentiating factor.

For the full year, the company raised its revenue forecast by ¥80 million, while revising operating profit and ordinary profit by -¥230 million each. This reflects approximately ¥250 million in upfront investment from bringing forward the hiring of AI-related personnel. The number of consultants at fiscal year-end is expected to increase substantially, from 207 to 229.

The long-term growth strategy sets out a three-stage scenario for AI demand. It aims to capture the second wave of AI support for large companies while maintaining the stability of its existing hands-on operations, and anticipates expanding demand among small and medium-sized companies. The medium-term plan is scheduled to be announced in March 2027, with targets of 20% revenue CAGR and 40% operating profit CAGR.