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FTI Consulting Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

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FTI Consulting reported third-quarter 2020 revenues of $622.2 million, a 4.9% increase from $593.1 million year-on-year. However, EPS fell 15.1% to $1.35 due to a special charge of $7.1 million. Adjusted EPS was $1.54, down 5.5% from last year. The company revised its full-year guidance, expecting revenues between $2.42 billion and $2.47 billion, lower than the previous range. Key growth was seen in Corporate Finance & Restructuring, while segments like Forensic and Litigation Consulting faced declines.

Positive
  • Revenue growth of 4.9% year-over-year.
  • Corporate Finance & Restructuring segment revenues increased 23.4%.
Negative
  • EPS declined 15.1% to $1.35.
  • Adjusted EPS decreased 5.5% to $1.54.
  • Full-year revenue guidance reduced to $2.42 billion - $2.47 billion.
  • Third Quarter 2020 Revenues of $622.2 Million, Up 4.9% Compared to $593.1 Million in Prior Year Quarter
  • Third Quarter 2020 EPS of $1.35, Down 15.1% Compared to $1.59 in Prior Year Quarter; Third Quarter 2020 Adjusted EPS of $1.54, Down 5.5% Compared to $1.63 in Prior Year Quarter
  • Company Revises 2020 Guidance

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today released financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

Third quarter 2020 revenues of $622.2 million increased $29.1 million, or 4.9%, compared to revenues of $593.1 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding the estimated positive impact from foreign currency translation ("FX"), revenues increased $23.3 million, or 3.9%, compared to the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was driven by higher demand in the Corporate Finance & Restructuring and Economic Consulting business segments, which was partially offset by lower demand in the Forensic and Litigation Consulting and Strategic Communications business segments, as well as a decline in pass-through revenues compared to the prior year quarter. Net income of $50.2 million compared to $60.4 million in the prior year quarter. Net income included a special charge of $7.1 million and FX remeasurement losses, which were partially offset by a lower effective tax rate compared to the prior year quarter. The third quarter special charge of $7.1 million included $4.7 million of lease abandonment and other relocation costs related to the Company’s New York City office consolidation and $2.4 million of severance and employee-related costs in the Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment. Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes the special charge, of $90.9 million, or 14.6% of revenues, compared to $92.3 million, or 15.6% of revenues, in the prior year quarter. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA was due to higher compensation, primarily related to a 15.8% increase in billable headcount, which was partially offset by higher revenues and a decline in selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses compared to the prior year quarter.

Third quarter 2020 fully diluted earnings per share ("EPS") of $1.35 compared to $1.59 in the prior year quarter. Third quarter 2020 EPS included the $7.1 million special charge, which reduced EPS by $0.14. Third quarter 2020 EPS also included $2.3 million of non-cash interest expense related to the Company's 2.0% convertible senior notes due 2023 ("2023 Convertible Notes"), which decreased EPS by $0.05. Third quarter 2019 EPS included $2.2 million of non-cash interest expense related to the Company's 2023 Convertible Notes, which decreased EPS by $0.04. Third quarter 2020 Adjusted EPS of $1.54, which excludes the special charge and non-cash interest expense, compared to Adjusted EPS of $1.63 in the prior year quarter.

Steven H. Gunby, President and Chief Executive Officer of FTI Consulting, commented, “Our growth in the face of COVID-19, in the face of all the challenges it has created for our clients and for our teams working to deliver for them, is a powerful testament to the strength of this company, its relevance to clients facing major issues, and the dedication and resilience of our more than 6,200 employees across the globe.”

Cash Position and Capital Allocation
Net cash provided by operating activities of $111.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 compared to $131.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The year-over-year decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was largely due to an increase in compensation, primarily related to headcount growth, and higher income taxes paid, which was partially offset by lower non-compensation-related operating expenses and slightly higher cash collections compared to the prior year quarter.

Cash and cash equivalents of $304.7 million at September 30, 2020 compared to $258.5 million at September 30, 2019 and $304.2 million at June 30, 2020. Total debt, net of cash, of $36.6 million at September 30, 2020 compared to $57.8 million at September 30, 2019 and $47.0 million at June 30, 2020. The sequential decrease in total debt, net of cash, was primarily due to net cash provided by operating activities which exceeded cash used for share repurchases and acquisitions.

During the quarter, the Company repurchased 749,315 shares of its common stock at an average price per share of $110.57 for a total cost of $82.9 million. As of September 30, 2020, approximately $182.4 million remained available for stock repurchases under the Company’s stock repurchase authorization.

Third Quarter 2020 Segment Results

Corporate Finance & Restructuring
Revenues in the Corporate Finance & Restructuring segment increased $44.9 million, or 23.4%, to $236.6 million in the quarter compared to $191.7 million in the prior year quarter. Acquisition-related revenues contributed $8.5 million, or 4.4% of the increase, compared to the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher demand and higher realized bill rates for restructuring services compared to the prior year quarter. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $56.2 million, or 23.8% of segment revenues, compared to $48.1 million, or 25.1% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was due to higher revenues, which was partially offset by higher compensation, primarily related to a 36.6% increase in billable headcount and higher variable compensation compared to the prior year quarter.

Forensic and Litigation Consulting
Revenues in the Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment decreased $23.5 million, or 16.5%, to $119.1 million in the quarter compared to $142.7 million in the prior year quarter. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to lower demand for disputes and investigations services. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $13.6 million, or 11.4% of segment revenues, compared to $27.0 million, or 18.9% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The decrease in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was primarily due to lower revenues with lower utilization, which was partially offset by a decline in SG&A expenses compared to the prior year quarter.

Economic Consulting
Revenues in the Economic Consulting segment increased $13.3 million, or 9.4%, to $155.0 million in the quarter compared to $141.7 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding the estimated positive impact from FX, revenues increased $11.4 million, or 8.1%, compared to the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher demand and realized bill rates for merger and acquisition ("M&A")-related antitrust services, which was partially offset by lower realized bill rates for non-M&A-related antitrust services. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $25.7 million, or 16.6% of segment revenues, compared to $19.4 million, or 13.7% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was due to higher revenues, which was partially offset by higher compensation, primarily related to a 15.2% increase in billable headcount and higher variable compensation compared to the prior year quarter.

Technology
Revenues in the Technology segment increased $1.5 million, or 2.6%, to $58.6 million in the quarter compared to $57.1 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher demand for global cross-border investigation and litigation services. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $11.9 million, or 20.4% of segment revenues, compared to $12.3 million, or 21.5% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Segment EBITDA declined compared to the prior year quarter as the increase in revenues was more than offset by higher compensation, primarily related to a 13.2% increase in billable headcount.

Strategic Communications
Revenues in the Strategic Communications segment decreased $7.0 million, or 11.7%, to $53.0 million in the quarter compared to $60.0 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding the estimated positive impact from FX, revenues decreased $8.2 million, or 13.7%, compared to the prior year quarter. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to lower demand for corporate reputation and financial communications services and a $2.3 million decline in pass-through revenues. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $8.4 million, or 15.9% of segment revenues, compared to $12.6 million, or 21.1% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The decrease in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was primarily due to lower revenues compared to the prior year quarter.

2020 Guidance
The Company is revising its full year 2020 guidance. The Company now estimates that 2020 revenues will range between $2.42 billion and $2.47 billion. This compares to the previous revenue range of $2.45 billion to $2.55 billion. The Company now estimates that 2020 EPS will range between $4.93 and $5.43. This compares to the previous EPS range of $5.32 to $5.82. This range is inclusive of the third quarter special charge of $0.14 per share and an estimated full year non-cash interest expense of $0.18 per share related to the Company's 2023 Convertible Notes. The Company now estimates that 2020 Adjusted EPS will range between $5.25 and $5.75. This compares to the previous Adjusted EPS range of $5.50 to $6.00.

Third Quarter 2020 Conference Call
FTI Consulting will host a conference call for analysts and investors to discuss third quarter 2020 financial results at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, October 29, 2020. The call can be accessed live and will be available for replay over the internet for 90 days by logging onto the Company’s investor relations website here.

About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. With more than 6,200 employees located in 28 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and make the most of opportunities. The Company generated $2.35 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2019. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In the accompanying analysis of financial information, we sometimes use information derived from consolidated and segment financial information that may not be presented in our financial statements or prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). Certain of these measures are considered "non-GAAP financial measures" under the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules. Specifically, we have referred to the following non-GAAP financial measures:

  • Total Segment Operating Income
  • Adjusted EBITDA
  • Total Adjusted Segment EBITDA
  • Adjusted EBITDA Margin
  • Adjusted Net Income
  • Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share
  • Free Cash Flow

We have included the definition of Segment Operating Income and Adjusted Segment EBITDA, which are GAAP financial measures, below in order to more fully define the components of certain non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release. We define Segment Operating Income as a segment’s share of consolidated operating income. We define Total Segment Operating Income, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as the total of Segment Operating Income for all segments, which excludes unallocated corporate expenses. We use Segment Operating Income for the purpose of calculating Adjusted Segment EBITDA. We define Adjusted Segment EBITDA as a segment’s share of consolidated operating income before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, remeasurement of acquisition-related contingent consideration, special charges and goodwill impairment charges. We use Adjusted Segment EBITDA as a basis to internally evaluate the financial performance of our segments because we believe it reflects current core operating performance and provides an indicator of the segment’s ability to generate cash. We define Adjusted EBITDA Margin, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues.

We define Total Adjusted Segment EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as the total of Adjusted Segment EBITDA for all segments, which excludes unallocated corporate expenses. We define Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as consolidated net income before income tax provision, other non-operating income (expense), depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, remeasurement of acquisition-related contingent consideration, special charges, goodwill impairment charges, gain or loss on sale of a business and losses on early extinguishment of debt. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with our GAAP financial results and GAAP financial measures, provide management and investors with a more complete understanding of our operating results, including underlying trends. In addition, EBITDA is a common alternative measure of operating performance used by many of our competitors. It is used by investors, financial analysts, rating agencies and others to value and compare the financial performance of companies in our industry. Therefore, we also believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, considered along with corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide management and investors with additional information for comparison of our operating results with the operating results of other companies.

We define Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share ("Adjusted EPS"), which are non-GAAP financial measures, as net income and earnings per diluted share ("EPS"), respectively, excluding the impact of remeasurement of acquisition-related contingent consideration, special charges, goodwill impairment charges, losses on early extinguishment of debt, non-cash interest expense on convertible notes and the gain or loss on sale of a business. We use Adjusted Net Income for the purpose of calculating Adjusted EPS. Management uses Adjusted EPS to assess total Company operating performance on a consistent basis. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with our GAAP financial results and GAAP financial measures, provide management and investors with an additional understanding of our business operating results, including underlying trends.

We define Free Cash Flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as net cash provided by operating activities less cash payments for purchases of property and equipment. We believe this non-GAAP financial measure, when considered together with our GAAP financial results, provides management and investors with an additional understanding of the Company’s ability to generate cash for ongoing business operations and other capital deployment.

Non-GAAP financial measures are not defined in the same manner by all companies and may not be comparable with other similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for or superior to, the information contained in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the financial tables accompanying this press release.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which involve uncertainties and risks. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues, future results and performance, expectations, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions, share repurchases and other matters, business trends and other information that is not historical, including statements regarding estimates of our future financial results. When used in this press release, words such as "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "plans," "intends," "believes," "forecasts" and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, estimates of our future financial results, are based upon our expectations at the time we make them and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith, and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs and estimates will be achieved, and the Company's actual results may differ materially from our expectations, beliefs and estimates. Further, unaudited quarterly results are subject to normal year-end adjustments. The Company has experienced fluctuating revenues, operating income and cash flows in prior periods and expects that this will occur from time to time in the future. Other factors that could cause such differences include declines in demand for, or changes in, the mix of services and products that we offer; the mix of the geographic locations where our clients are located or where services are performed; fluctuations in the price per share of our common stock; adverse financial, real estate or other market and general economic conditions; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related events that are beyond our control, which could affect our segments, practices and the geographic regions in which we conduct business differently and adversely; and other future events, which could impact each of our segments, practices and the geographic regions in which we conduct business differently and could be outside of our control; the pace and timing of the consummation and integration of future acquisitions; the Company’s ability to realize cost savings and efficiencies; competitive and general economic conditions; retention of staff and clients; new laws and regulations or changes thereto; and other risks described under the heading "Item 1A, Risk Factors" in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2020 and the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on April 30, 2020, including the risks set forth under "Risks Related to Our Reportable Segments" and "Risks Related to Our Operations," and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform such statements to actual results or events and do not intend to do so.

FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW


FTI CONSULTING, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

  September 30, December 31,
  2020 2019
  (Unaudited)  
Assets    
Current assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $304,658   $369,373  
Accounts receivable:    
Billed receivables 603,832   540,584  
Unbilled receivables 482,586   418,288  
Allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services (323,658)  (265,500) 
Accounts receivable, net 762,760   693,372  
Current portion of notes receivable 34,089   35,106  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 74,223   80,810  
Total current assets 1,175,730   1,178,661  
Property and equipment, net 95,544   93,672  
Operating lease assets 153,818   159,777  
Goodwill 1,223,764   1,202,767  
Other intangible assets, net 43,652   38,432  
Notes receivable, net 66,078   69,033  
Other assets 35,812   40,800  
Total assets $2,794,398   $2,783,142  
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity    
Current liabilities    
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other $164,493   $158,936  
Accrued compensation 397,147   416,903  
Billings in excess of services provided 46,621   36,698  
Total current liabilities 608,261   612,537  
Long-term debt, net 308,454   275,609  
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities 161,976   176,378  
Deferred income taxes 150,572   151,352  
Other liabilities 90,638   78,124  
Total liabilities 1,319,901   1,294,000  
Stockholders' equity    
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; shares authorized — 5,000; none outstanding      
Common stock, $0.01 par value; shares authorized — 75,000; shares issued and outstanding — 36,028 (2020) and 37,390 (2019) 360   374  
Additional paid-in capital 46,642   216,162  
Retained earnings 1,568,546   1,413,453  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (141,051)  (140,847) 
Total stockholders' equity 1,474,497   1,489,142  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $2,794,398   $2,783,142  


FTI CONSULTING, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)

 Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 2020 2019
 (Unaudited)
Revenues$622,249   $593,106  
Operating expenses   
Direct cost of revenues417,179   380,892  
Selling, general and administrative expenses122,102   127,951  
Special charges7,103     
Amortization of other intangible assets2,795   2,125  
 549,179   510,968  
Operating income73,070   82,138  
Other income (expense)   
Interest income and other(3,340)  2,973  
Interest expense(5,151)  (4,832) 
 (8,491)  (1,859) 
Income before income tax provision64,579   80,279  
Income tax provision14,407   19,857  
Net income$50,172   $60,422  
Earnings per common share ― basic$1.41   $1.65  
Weighted average common shares outstanding ― basic35,639   36,617  
Earnings per common share ― diluted$1.35   $1.59  
Weighted average common shares outstanding ― diluted37,086   37,938  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax expense of $0$21,330   $(16,633) 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax21,330   (16,633) 
Comprehensive income$71,502   $43,789  


FTI CONSULTING, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands, except per share data)

 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
 2020 2019
 (Unaudited)
Revenues$1,834,694   $1,750,499  
Operating expenses   
Direct cost of revenues1,232,437   1,116,224  
Selling, general and administrative expenses375,989   371,042  
Special charges7,103     
Amortization of other intangible assets7,440   5,838  
 1,622,969   1,493,104  
Operating income211,725   257,395  
Other income (expense)   
Interest income and other3,879   5,741  
Interest expense(15,169)  (14,371) 
 (11,290)  (8,630) 
Income before income tax provision200,435   248,765  
Income tax provision45,342   61,100  
Net income$155,093   $187,665  
Earnings per common share ― basic$4.30   $5.09  
Weighted average common shares outstanding ― basic36,073   36,851  
Earnings per common share ― diluted$4.11   $4.92  
Weighted average common shares outstanding ― diluted37,708   38,107  
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax   
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax expense of $0$(204)  $(16,225) 
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax(204 { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "name": "FTI Consulting Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results FAQs", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What were FTI Consulting's revenues for Q3 2020?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "FTI Consulting reported revenues of $622.2 million for Q3 2020." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did FTI Consulting's EPS change in Q3 2020?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "FTI Consulting's EPS decreased by 15.1% to $1.35 in Q3 2020." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the revised revenue guidance for FTI Consulting in 2020?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The revised revenue guidance for FTI Consulting is between $2.42 billion and $2.47 billion." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What contributed to the revenue increase for FTI Consulting in Q3 2020?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The revenue increase was driven by higher demand in the Corporate Finance & Restructuring and Economic Consulting segments." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What were the segment results for FTI Consulting in Q3 2020?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Corporate Finance & Restructuring grew by 23.4%, while Forensic and Litigation Consulting saw a 16.5% decline." } } ] }

FAQ

What were FTI Consulting's revenues for Q3 2020?

FTI Consulting reported revenues of $622.2 million for Q3 2020.

How did FTI Consulting's EPS change in Q3 2020?

FTI Consulting's EPS decreased by 15.1% to $1.35 in Q3 2020.

What is the revised revenue guidance for FTI Consulting in 2020?

The revised revenue guidance for FTI Consulting is between $2.42 billion and $2.47 billion.

What contributed to the revenue increase for FTI Consulting in Q3 2020?

The revenue increase was driven by higher demand in the Corporate Finance & Restructuring and Economic Consulting segments.

What were the segment results for FTI Consulting in Q3 2020?

Corporate Finance & Restructuring grew by 23.4%, while Forensic and Litigation Consulting saw a 16.5% decline.

FTI Consulting, Inc.

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