DLH Reports Fiscal 2024 First Quarter Results
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Insights
The reported increase in revenue for DLH Holdings Corp. for the fiscal first quarter, rising from $72.7 million to $97.9 million, is a significant indicator of growth, largely attributed to the strategic acquisition made in December 2022. This acquisition appears to be effectively integrated, contributing positively to the top line. The rise in operating income, from $3.9 million to $6.8 million and the subsequent improvement in operating margin from 5.4% to 7.0%, suggest enhanced operational efficiency and potentially increased profitability per dollar of revenue. However, the increased interest expense, from $1.8 million to $4.7 million, due to higher debt levels and market interest rates, partially offsets these gains. This could be a concern for investors as it might indicate vulnerability to further interest rate hikes.
DLH's strategy to reduce debt, with a $5 million voluntary prepayment, is a prudent financial move that can improve the company's leverage and interest coverage ratios over time. The projected debt reduction to between $157.0 million and $153.0 million by the end of fiscal 2024 should further alleviate financial pressure and potentially enhance credit ratings. The contract backlog of $653.5 million, although lower than the previous quarter's $704.8 million, still provides a robust pipeline for future revenue, assuming conversion of backlog to billable projects. This backlog is a critical metric for investors as it provides visibility into the company's future earnings potential.
DLH's market positioning within the federal agency sector, focusing on science research and development, systems engineering and integration and digital transformation and cyber security solutions, aligns with current and future federal spending trends. Bipartisan support for innovative solutions and services in these areas suggests a favorable legislative environment for DLH's offerings. The company's emphasis on leveraging technology platforms to bid on new opportunities indicates a strategic approach to capitalize on digital transformation trends.
However, the slow release of bidding opportunities and decisions on contract awards pose a risk to growth acceleration. This is a common challenge in the government contracting sector, where procurement processes can be lengthy and unpredictable. Investors should monitor how DLH navigates these headwinds and whether its bid strategy can overcome the slower award environment. The company's resilience in the face of these challenges, as evidenced by its solid underlying results, is a positive sign for stakeholders.
From a debt management perspective, DLH's proactive debt prepayment strategy is commendable. It reflects a commitment to deleveraging and improving the balance sheet, which is crucial for maintaining financial flexibility. The expected debt reduction trajectory is an important aspect for credit analysts and debt investors, as it influences the company's risk profile and interest costs. The ability to generate $5.1 million in operating cash during the quarter is a testament to DLH's cash flow generation capabilities, which is essential for meeting debt obligations and funding operations without relying excessively on external financing.
While the company's cash position remains low at $0.1 million, the operational cash flow and debt reduction plans suggest a manageable liquidity position. However, the interest coverage ratio, a measure of how easily a company can pay interest on outstanding debt, might be tighter due to the increased interest expense. It will be crucial for DLH to maintain or improve its EBITDA levels to ensure it can comfortably service its debt in the future, especially in a potentially rising interest rate environment.
Further Debt Reduction and Strong Start to Fiscal Year
ATLANTA, Jan. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DLH Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: DLHC) (“DLH” or the “Company”), a leading provider of science research and development, systems engineering and integration, and digital transformation and cyber security solutions to federal agencies, today announced financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended December 31, 2023.
First Quarter Highlights
- First quarter revenue was
$97.9 million in fiscal 2024 versus$72.7 million in fiscal 2023, reflecting the impact from the Company's December 2022 acquisition. - Earnings were
$2.2 million , or$0.15 per diluted share, for the fiscal 2024 first quarter versus$1.5 million , or$0.11 per diluted share, for the first quarter of fiscal 2023, reflecting higher income from operations offset by increased interest expense - Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") were
$11.1 million for the fiscal 2024 first quarter as compared to$6.3 million in the fiscal 2023 first quarter. - Total debt at the end of the first quarter was
$174.4 million compared to$179.4 million at the end of the fiscal 2023 fourth quarter, reflecting$5 million of voluntary prepayments during the quarter. - Contract backlog was
$653.5 million as of December 31, 2023, versus$704.8 million at the end of the fiscal 2023 fourth quarter.
Management Discussion
"Even with the government operating under a Continuing Resolution for a prolonged period of time, DLH has successfully navigated this period of uncertainty with a high degree of customer satisfaction and solid underlying results," said Zach Parker, DLH President and Chief Executive Officer. "Revenue rose year-over-year, reflecting our strategic acquisition, while we bid on numerous new opportunities enabled by our robust technology platform. Slower-than-expected release of bidding opportunities and decisions on contract awards across multiple fronts is clearly a challenge, but we remain focused on targeting as many avenues for growth acceleration as possible within our target markets. We believe award momentum should build throughout this fiscal year, and our innovative solutions and services are expected to benefit from wide bipartisan support. In the meantime, we continue to pay down our outstanding debt using our strong cash generation. As we face some headwinds in the award environment, we are resolute in our efforts to capitalize on the exceptional performance of our employees, our technology-enabled platforms, and our robust capabilities to expand and grow our contract portfolio."
Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023
Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2024 was
Income from operations was
Interest expense was
For the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, DLH recorded a
On a non-GAAP basis, EBITDA for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was approximately
Key Financial Indicators
During the first quarter of fiscal 2024, DLH generated
As of December 31, 2023, total backlog was approximately
Conference Call and Webcast Details
DLH management will discuss first 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 tomorrow, February 1, 2024. 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 1843140.
About DLH
DLH (NASDAQ: DLHC) enhances technology, public health, and cyber security readiness missions through science, technology, cyber, and engineering solutions and services. Our experts solve some of the most complex and critical missions faced by federal customers, leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, cloud-based applications, telehealth systems, and more. With over 3,200 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 innovative solutions 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 risk that we will not realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions (including anticipated future financial performance and results); the diversion of management’s attention from normal daily operations of the business and the challenges of managing larger and more widespread operations; the inability to retain employees and customers; contract awards in connection with re-competes for present business and/or competition for new business; our ability to manage our debt obligations; 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 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, 2023, 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. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
| Three Months Ended | ||||||
| December 31, | ||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Revenue | $ | 97,850 | $ | 72,738 | ||
| Cost of operations: | ||||||
| Contract costs | 79,081 | 57,256 | ||||
| General and administrative costs | 7,697 | 7,424 | ||||
| Corporate development costs | — | 1,735 | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 4,253 | 2,402 | ||||
| Total operating costs | 91,031 | 68,817 | ||||
| Income from operations | 6,819 | 3,921 | ||||
| Interest expense | 4,658 | 1,830 | ||||
| Income before provision for income taxes | 2,161 | 2,091 | ||||
| Provision for income tax expense | 10 | 544 | ||||
| Net income | $ | 2,151 | $ | 1,547 | ||
| Net income per share - basic | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.12 | ||
| Net income per share - diluted | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.11 | ||
| Weighted average common stock outstanding | ||||||
| Basic | 14,032 | 13,306 | ||||
| Diluted | 14,796 | 14,276 | ||||
DLH HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands except par value of shares)
| December 31, 2023 | September 30, 2023 | |||||
| ASSETS | ||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||
| Cash | $ | 131 | $ | 215 | ||
| Accounts receivable | 55,577 | 59,119 | ||||
| Other current assets | 2,916 | 3,067 | ||||
| Total current assets | 58,624 | 62,401 | ||||
| Goodwill | 138,161 | 138,161 | ||||
| Intangible assets, net | 120,663 | 124,777 | ||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | 8,996 | 9,656 | ||||
| Deferred taxes, net | 3,076 | 3,070 | ||||
| Equipment and improvements, net | 1,625 | 1,590 | ||||
| Other long-term assets | 185 | 186 | ||||
| Total assets | $ | 331,330 | $ | 339,841 | ||
| LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 22,307 | $ | 29,704 | ||
| Debt obligations - current, net of deferred financing costs | 16,130 | 17,188 | ||||
| Accrued payroll | 15,703 | 13,794 | ||||
| Operating lease liabilities - current | 3,353 | 3,463 | ||||
| Other current liabilities | 564 | 638 | ||||
| Total current liabilities | 58,057 | 64,787 | ||||
| Long-term liabilities: | ||||||
| Debt obligations - long-term, net of deferred financing costs | 151,870 | 155,147 | ||||
| Operating lease liabilities - long-term | 15,042 | 15,908 | ||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 1,559 | 1,560 | ||||
| Total long-term liabilities | 168,471 | 172,615 | ||||
| Total liabilities | 226,528 | 237,402 | ||||
| Shareholders' equity: | ||||||
| Common stock, | 14 | 14 | ||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 100,186 | 99,974 | ||||
| Retained earnings | 4,602 | 2,451 | ||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 104,802 | 102,439 | ||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 331,330 | $ | 339,841 | ||
DLH HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Operating activities | ||||||||
| Net income | $ | 2,151 | $ | 1,547 | ||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 4,253 | 2,402 | ||||||
| Amortization of deferred financing costs charged to interest expense | 642 | 276 | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 620 | 552 | ||||||
| Deferred taxes, net | (6 | ) | (13 | ) | ||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts receivable | 3,542 | 780 | ||||||
| Other assets | 510 | 994 | ||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (7,397 | ) | 1,075 | |||||
| Accrued payroll | 1,909 | 347 | ||||||
| Other liabilities | (1,153 | ) | 13 | |||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 5,071 | 7,973 | ||||||
| Investing activities | ||||||||
| Business acquisition, net of cash acquired | — | (179,958 | ) | |||||
| Purchase of equipment and improvements | (174 | ) | (384 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (174 | ) | (180,342 | ) | ||||
| Financing activities | ||||||||
| Proceeds from revolving line of credit | 69,831 | — | ||||||
| Repayment of revolving line of credit | (64,026 | ) | — | |||||
| Proceeds from debt obligations | — | 200,703 | ||||||
| Repayments of debt obligations | (10,378 | ) | (19,327 | ) | ||||
| Payments of deferred financing costs | — | (7,221 | ) | |||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of options and warrants | 261 | — | ||||||
| Payment of tax obligations resulting from net exercise of stock options | (669 | ) | (650 | ) | ||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (4,981 | ) | 173,505 | |||||
| Net change in cash | (84 | ) | 1,136 | |||||
| Cash - beginning of year | 215 | 228 | ||||||
| Cash - end of year | $ | 131 | $ | 1,364 | ||||
| Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information | ||||||||
| Cash paid during the year for interest | $ | 3,972 | $ | 339 | ||||
| Cash paid during the year for income taxes | $ | — | $ | 5 | ||||
| Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activity | ||||||||
| Common stock surrendered for the exercise of stock options | $ | 244 | $ | 238 | ||||
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 income tax expense and (iii) depreciation and amortization. EBITDA as a percent of revenue is EBITDA for the measurement period divided by revenue for the same period.
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. EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, and when analyzing our performance investors should (i) evaluate adjustments in our reconciliation to the nearest GAAP financial measures and (ii) use non-GAAP measures in addition to, and not as an alternative to, measures of our operating results as defined under GAAP.
Reconciliation of GAAP net income to EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure:
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Change | |||||||||
| Net income | $ | 2,151 | $ | 1,547 | $ | 604 | ||||||
| (i) Interest expense, net | 4,658 | 1,830 | 2,828 | |||||||||
| (ii) Provision for income tax expense | 10 | 544 | (534 | ) | ||||||||
| (iii) Depreciation and amortization | 4,253 | 2,402 | 1,851 | |||||||||
| EBITDA | $ | 11,072 | $ | 6,323 | $ | 4,749 | ||||||
| Net income as a % of revenue | 2.2 | % | 2.1 | % | 0.1 | % | ||||||
| EBITDA as a % of revenue | 11.3 | % | 8.7 | % | 2.6 | % | ||||||
| Revenue | $ | 97,850 | $ | 72,738 | $ | 25,112 | ||||||
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