DLH Reports Fiscal 2022 Fourth Quarter Results

Rhea-AI Summary

DLH Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: DLHC) reported its financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter ending September 30, 2022, revealing a 3% year-over-year revenue increase to $67.2 million and $395.2 million for the full fiscal year, boosted by FEMA contracts. Earnings per share rose to $0.24 in Q4 and $1.64 for the year. Debt was reduced to $22.0 million from $46.8 million. The company maintains a substantial contract backlog of $482.5 million, positioning it well for future growth amid ongoing demand for its services.

Positive

• Q4 revenue increased by 3% year-over-year to $67.2 million.
• Full fiscal year revenue rose to $395.2 million from $246.1 million.
• Earnings per diluted share increased from $0.21 to $0.24 in Q4.
• Fiscal year earnings per diluted share rose from $0.75 to $1.64.
• Debt reduced significantly from $46.8 million to $22.0 million.
• Contract backlog stands at $482.5 million.

Negative

• Contract backlog decreased from $651.5 million to $482.5 million.
• Increased compliance costs and investments in human capital.

Revenue of $67.2 Million for Quarter, $395.2 Million for Fiscal Year; Debt Reduced to $22.0 Million

ATLANTA, Dec. 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DLH Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: DLHC) (“DLH” or the “Company”), a leading provider of innovative healthcare services and solutions to federal agencies, today announced financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter ended September 30, 2022.

Highlights

• Fourth quarter revenue increased to $67.2 million in fiscal 2022 from $65.2 million in fiscal 2021, reflecting growth of 3% year-over-year
• For the full fiscal year, revenue rose to $395.2 million from $246.1 million, reflecting the previously announced short term FEMA contracts to support Alaska, which contributed $125.8 million to revenue in the fiscal year
• Excluding these short-term contracts, revenue grew to $269.4 million, an increase of 10% over the prior year, reflecting volume growth on existing contracts
• Earnings were $3.4 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the fiscal 2022 fourth quarter versus $2.9 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021
• Earnings for the full year were $23.3 million, or $1.64 per diluted share for fiscal 2022 as compared to earnings for fiscal 2021 of $10.1 million, or $0.75 per diluted share.
• Excluding the FEMA contracts, earnings on a non-GAAP basis for the full fiscal year were $14.1 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, versus $10.0 million, or $0.74 per diluted share, for fiscal 2021
• The Company's secured term loan was reduced from $46.8 million to $22.0 million during the fiscal year
• Contract backlog was $482.5 million as of September 30, 2022 versus $651.5 million at the end of the prior fiscal year, with approximately $85 million of the latter related to the FEMA contracts

Management Discussion
“Fiscal 2022 was a year that, once again, demonstrated the strength of our people, the ability of our platform to deliver excellent results and the agility of the Company's advanced technological capabilities, driving us to record performance and positioning us well for the quarters to come," said DLH President and Chief Executive Officer Zach Parker. "We begin fiscal 2023 with a healthy backlog of $482.5 million representing our diverse programs across numerous agencies in the markets we serve. In addition, we further paid down debt, leaving the Company with a solid balance sheet and the financial flexibility to fund business growth initiatives and invest in our people. As we look towards the future, I’d like to thank our employees for a standout year as you continue to support critical efforts and programs that support our nation. Given the longstanding demand for our services, broad bipartisan support in Congress, and our innovative, data-driven solutions, we remain optimistic about the quarters to come.”

Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
Revenue for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 was $67.2 million versus $65.2 million in the prior-year period. The 3% increase year-over-year reflects continued growth across the Company's existing contracts.

Income from operations was $4.7 million for the quarter versus $4.0 million in the prior-year period and, as a percent of revenue, the Company reported an operating margin of 7.0% in fiscal 2022 fourth quarter versus 6.2% in same period in fiscal 2021. Income from operations increased due to higher revenue and improved program mix, offset by investments in the human capital and business development functions and increased compliance costs.

Interest expense was $0.5 million in the fiscal fourth quarter of 2022 versus $0.8 million in the prior-year period, reflecting the decrease of debt outstanding. Income before provision for income taxes was $4.2 million this year versus $3.2 million in fiscal 2021, representing 6.3% and 5.0% of revenue, respectively, for each period.

For the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, DLH recorded a $0.8 million and $0.3 million provision for income taxes. The Company reported net income of approximately $3.4 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 versus $2.9 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. As a percent of revenue, net income was 5.1% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 versus 4.4% for the prior year period.

On a non-GAAP basis, EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was approximately $6.6 million versus $6.0 million in the prior-year period, or 9.8% and 9.3% of revenue, respectively.

Key Financial Indicators
For the 2022 fiscal year, DLH produced $1.2 million in operating cash, reflecting the impact of the $22.3 million deferred revenue on the previously-completed FEMA contracts, for which there were advance payments in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. The overall increase in accounts receivable versus the prior-year period reflects normal fluctuations in the timing of customer payments and growth in the overall business volume.

As of September 30, 2022, the Company had cash of $0.2 million and debt outstanding under its credit facilities of $22.0 million versus cash of $24.1 million and debt outstanding of $46.8 million as of September 30, 2021.

At September 30, 2022, total backlog was approximately $482.5 million, including funded backlog of approximately $98.9 million, and unfunded backlog of $383.5 million.

Conference Call and Webcast Details
DLH management will discuss fourth quarter results and provide a general business update, including current competitive conditions and strategies, during a conference call beginning at 10:00 AM Eastern Time today, December 5, 2022. Interested parties may listen to the conference call by dialing 888-347-5290 or 412-317-5256. Presentation materials will also be posted on the Investor Relations section of the DLH website prior to the commencement of the conference call.

A digital recording of the conference call will be available for replay two hours after the completion of the call and can be accessed on the DLH Investor Relations website or by dialing 877-344-7529 and entering the conference ID 3802471.

About DLH

DLH (NASDAQ:DLHC) delivers improved health and readiness solutions for federal programs through research, development, and innovative care processes. The Company’s experts in public health, performance evaluation, and health operations solve the complex problems faced by civilian and military customers alike, leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, cloud-based applications, telehealth systems, and more. With over 2,400 employees dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion,” DLH brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to public health to improve the lives of millions. For more information, visit www.DLHcorp.com.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events or DLH`s future financial performance. Any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances or that are not statements of historical fact (including without limitation statements to the effect that the Company or its management “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions) should be considered forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or DLH’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, among others, statements regarding estimates of future revenues, operating income, earnings and cash flow. These statements reflect our belief and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Our actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements made in this release due to a variety of factors, including: the impact of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), including the measures to reduce its spread, and its impact on the economy and demand for our services, are uncertain, cannot be predicted, and may precipitate or exacerbate other risks and uncertainties; the risk that we will not realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions; the challenges of managing larger and more widespread operations; contract awards in connection with re-competes for present business and/or competition for new business; compliance with bank financial and other covenants; changes in client budgetary priorities; government contract procurement (such as bid and award protests, small business set asides, loss of work due to organizational conflicts of interest, etc.) and termination risks; the ability to successfully integrate the operations of acquisitions; the impact of inflation and higher interest rates; and other risks described in our SEC filings. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, as well as subsequent reports filed thereafter. The forward-looking statements contained herein are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry and business.

Such forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and may become outdated over time. The Company does not assume any responsibility for updating forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

CONTACTS:

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Contact: Chris Witty

Phone: 646-438-9385

Email: cwitty@darrowir.com

TABLES TO FOLLOW

DLH HOLDINGS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)

		Three Months Ended						Twelve Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
			2022			2021			2022			2021
Revenue		$	67,233		$	65,182		$	395,173		$	246,094
Cost of Operations:
Contract costs			51,701			51,522			322,886			194,614
General and administrative costs			8,551			6,532			30,730			25,054
Corporate development costs			364			1,088			614			1,088
Depreciation and amortization			1,926			2,010			7,665			8,115
Total operating costs			62,542			61,152			361,895			228,871
Income from operations			4,691			4,030			33,278			17,223
Interest expense			477			808			2,215			3,784
Income before provision for income taxes			4,214			3,222			31,063			13,439
Provision for income taxes			772			339			7,775			3,294
Net income		$	3,442		$	2,883		$	23,288		$	10,145
Net income per share - basic		$	0.27		$	0.23		$	1.82		$	0.81
Net income per share - diluted		$	0.24		$	0.21		$	1.64		$	0.75
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic			12,980			12,607			12,830			12,549
Diluted			14,307			13,654			14,179			13,597

DLH HOLDINGS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands except par value of shares)

		September 30, 2022			September 30, 2021
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash		$	228		$	24,051
Accounts receivable			40,496			33,447
Other current assets			2,878			4,265
Total current assets			43,602			61,763
Equipment and improvements, net			1,704			1,912
Operating lease right-of-use assets			16,851			19,919
Goodwill			65,643			65,643
Intangible assets, net			40,884			47,469
Other long-term assets			328			464
Total assets		$	169,012		$	197,170
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Operating lease liabilities - current		$	2,235		$	2,261
Accrued payroll			9,444			9,125
Deferred revenue			—			22,273
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			26,862			32,717
Total current liabilities			38,541			66,376
Long-term liabilities:
Deferred taxes, net			1,534			1,176
Operating lease liabilities - long-term			16,461			19,374
Debt obligations - long-term, net of deferred financing costs			20,416			44,636
Total long-term liabilities			38,411			65,186
Total liabilities			76,952			131,562
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 40,000 shares; issued and outstanding 13,047 and 12,714 at September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively			13			13
Additional paid-in capital			91,057			87,893
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)			990			(22,298	)
Total shareholders’ equity			92,060			65,608
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		$	169,012		$	197,170

 

DLH HOLDINGS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)

		Twelve Months Ended
		September 30,
			2022				2021
Operating activities
Net income		$	23,288			$	10,145
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			7,665				8,115
Amortization of deferred financing costs charged to interest expense			664				792
Stock-based compensation expense			2,608				1,660
Deferred taxes, net			358				1,213
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable			(7,049	)			(906	)
Other current assets			1,387				(766	)
Accrued payroll			319				(1,486	)
Deferred revenue			(22,273	)			22,273
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			(5,855	)			4,139
Other long-term assets and liabilities			131				486
Net cash provided by operating activities			1,243				45,665
Investing activities
Business acquisition adjustment			—				59
Purchase of equipment and improvements			(872	)			(103	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(872	)			(44	)
Financing activities
Proceeds from debt obligations			17,000				30,950
Repayments of debt obligations			(41,750	)			(54,200	)
Payments of deferred financing costs			—				(43	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of options and warrants			837				366
Payment of tax obligations resulting from net exercise of stock options			(281	)			—
Net cash used in financing activities			(24,194	)			(22,927	)
Net change in cash			(23,823	)			22,694
Cash - beginning of period			24,051				1,357
Cash - end of period		$	228			$	24,051
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the period for interest		$	1,528			$	2,941
Cash paid during the period for income taxes		$	9,282			$	936
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activity
Common stock surrendered for the exercise of stock options		$	256			$	—
Cancellation of common stock		$	—			$	68

Revenue Metrics

		Twelve Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,
		2022			2021
Market Mix:
Human Services and Solutions		42	%		15	%
Defense and Veteran Health Solutions		40	%		57	%
Public Health/Life Sciences		18	%		28	%
Contract Mix:
Time and Materials		78	%		75	%
Cost Reimbursable		12	%		20	%
Firm Fixed Price		10	%		5	%
Prime vs Sub:
Prime		93	%		87	%
Subcontractor		7	%		13	%

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company uses EBITDA and EBITDA as a percent of revenue as supplemental non-GAAP measures of performance. We define EBITDA as net income excluding (i) interest expense, (ii) provision for or benefit from income taxes and (iii) depreciation and amortization. EBITDA as a percent of revenue is EBITDA for the measurement period divided by revenue for the same period.

The Company is presenting additional non-GAAP measures to describe the impact from two short-term FEMA task orders on its financial performance for the three and twelve months periods ended September 30, 2022. The measures presented are revenue, operating income, net income, diluted earnings per share, and EBITDA for our enterprise contract portfolio less the respective performance on the FEMA task orders. These resulting measures present the remaining contract portfolio's quarterly financial performance compared to results delivered in the prior year period. Definitions of these additional non-GAAP measures are set forth in the footnotes to the reconciliation table below.

These non-GAAP measures of performance are used by management to conduct and evaluate its business during its review of operating results for the periods presented. Management and the Company's Board utilize these non-GAAP measures to make decisions about the use of the Company's resources, analyze performance between periods, develop internal projections and measure management performance. We believe that these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors in evaluating the Company's ongoing operating and financial results and understanding how such results compare with the Company's historical performance.

GAAP net income to EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure (in thousands):

		Three Months Ended												Twelve Months Ended
		September 30,												September 30,
			2022				2021			Change					2022				2021			Change
Net income		$	3,442			$	2,883			$	559			$	23,288			$	10,145			$	13,143
(i) Interest expense			477				808				(331	)			2,215				3,784				(1,569	)
(ii) Provision for income taxes			772				339				433				7,775				3,294				4,481
(iii) Depreciation and amortization			1,926				2,010				(84	)			7,665				8,115				(450	)
EBITDA		$	6,617			$	6,040			$	577			$	40,943			$	25,338			$	15,605
Net income as a % of revenue			5.1	%			4.4	%			0.7	%			5.9	%			4.1	%			1.8	%
EBITDA as a % of revenue			9.8	%			9.3	%			0.5	%			10.4	%			10.3	%			0.1	%
Revenue		$	67,233			$	65,182			$	2,051			$	395,173			$	246,094			$	149,079

GAAP revenue, operating income, net income, diluted earnings per share, and non-GAAP EBITDA reported for the year ended September 30, 2022 to the same metrics for our contract portfolio less the FEMA task orders (in thousands):

		Twelve Months Ended
		September 30,
			2022			2021		Change
Revenue (a)
Total enterprise		$	395,173		$	246,094		$	149,079
Less: FEMA task orders to support Alaska			125,773			1,727			124,046
Remaining contract portfolio		$	269,400		$	244,367		$	25,033
Operating income (b)
Total enterprise		$	33,278		$	17,223		$	16,055
Less: FEMA task orders to support Alaska			12,479			117			12,362
Remaining contract portfolio		$	20,799		$	17,106		$	3,693
Net income (c)
Total enterprise		$	23,288		$	10,145		$	13,143
Less: FEMA task orders to support Alaska			9,235			117			9,118
Remaining contract portfolio		$	14,053		$	10,028		$	4,025
Diluted earnings per share (d)
Total enterprise		$	1.64		$	0.75		$	0.89
Less: FEMA task orders to support Alaska			0.65			0.01			0.64
Remaining contract portfolio		$	0.99		$	0.74		$	0.25
EBITDA (e)
Total enterprise		$	40,943		$	25,338		$	15,605
Less: FEMA task orders to support Alaska			12,479			117			12,362
Remaining contract portfolio		$	28,464		$	25,221		$	3,243

(a): Revenue for the Company’s remaining contract portfolio less the FEMA task orders represents our consolidated revenues less the revenues generated from the FEMA task orders.

(b): Operating income attributable to the remaining contract portfolio less the FEMA task orders represents the Company’s consolidated operating income, determined in accordance with GAAP, less the operating income derived from the FEMA task orders. Similarly, for the year ended September 30, 2022 operating income for the FEMA task orders is derived by subtracting from the revenue attributable to the tasks orders of $125.8 million the following amounts associated with such task orders: contract costs $112.1 million and general & administrative costs of $1.2 million.

(c): Net income attributable to the remaining contract portfolio less the FEMA task orders represents the Company’s consolidated net income, determined in accordance with GAAP, less the net income derived from the FEMA task orders. For the year ended September 30, 2022 net income for the FEMA task orders is derived by subtracting from the revenue attributable to the tasks orders of $125.8 million the following amounts associated with such task orders: contract costs of $112.1 million, general & administrative costs of $1.2 million, and provision for income taxes of $3.2 million.

(d): Diluted earnings per share (diluted EPS) for the FEMA task orders is calculated using the net income attributable to such task orders as opposed to GAAP net income. Diluted EPS for the remaining contract portfolio (total contract portfolio excluding the FEMA task orders) is calculated by subtracting the diluted EPS for the FEMA task orders from the Company's total diluted EPS.

(e): EBITDA attributable to the FEMA task orders of $12.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2022, is arrived at through the same calculation as operating income as there are not any depreciation and amortization costs attributable to the FEMA task orders. EBITDA for the remaining contract portfolio is calculated by subtracting the EBITDA attributable to the FEMA task orders from the Company’s total EBITDA.

FAQ

What were DLHC's earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022?

DLH Holdings Corp. reported earnings of $3.4 million, or $0.24 per diluted share for the fourth quarter.

How much did DLHC's revenue increase in fiscal 2022?

DLHC's revenue for fiscal 2022 increased to $395.2 million from $246.1 million.

What is DLHC's current debt status?

DLH Holdings Corp. reduced its debt to $22.0 million from $46.8 million during fiscal 2022.

What is the contract backlog for DLHC as of September 30, 2022?

As of September 30, 2022, DLH's contract backlog was $482.5 million.

How did DLHC perform financially in the previous fiscal year?

In fiscal 2021, DLHC earned $10.1 million, or $0.75 per diluted share, compared to $23.3 million and $1.64 per diluted share in fiscal 2022.