Hill International Reports Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results
Hill International (NYSE:HIL) reported a 7.7% increase in Consulting Fee Revenue (CFR) to $77.1 million for Q3 2021, driven by strong project execution. The net income decreased to $1.3 million ($0.02 per diluted share) from $2.1 million ($0.04 per share) in Q3 2020, largely due to foreign exchange losses. Adjusted EBITDA rose 32.8% to $6.4 million. The company updated its CFR guidance for 2021 to $305-$315 million, reflecting project deferrals. Backlog stood at $660.7 million as of September 30, 2021.
- CFR increased 7.7% to $77.1 million.
- Adjusted net income rose 55.6% to $2.8 million.
- Adjusted EBITDA increased 32.8% to $6.4 million.
- Book-to-burn ratio of 120% indicates strong new contract awards.
- Net income decreased to $1.3 million from $2.1 million.
- Revised CFR guidance lowered to $305-$315 million from $320-$330 million.
Third Quarter 2021 Overview
- Consulting Fee Revenue (“CFR”) rose
7.7% to$77.1 million from$71.5 million in the prior year period - New contract awards were
$92.6 million in the quarter, resulting in a book-to-burn ratio of120% ; new contract awards for the first nine months of 2021 totaled$274.5 million , resulting in a book-to-burn ratio of121% - Net income of
$1.3 million , or$0.02 per diluted share, compared to net income of$2.1 million , or$0.04 per diluted share in the prior year period - Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP measure) rose to
$2.8 million from$1.8 million in the prior year period - Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) rose
32.8% to$6.4 million from$4.8 million in the same period last year, resulting in an Adjusted EBITDA to CFR margin of8.3% - Cash from operations was
$6.2 million for the quarter
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hill International, Inc. (NYSE:HIL) ("Hill" or the "Company"), delivering the infrastructure of change, announced today its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 (“Q3 2021”).
“We reported strong results for the 2021 third quarter, highlighted by increased CFR and gross profit, strong new bookings, and a return to profitability," said Raouf Ghali, Hill's Chief Executive Officer. "Adjusted operating profit, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted net income rose by
"Hill's success is defined by strong project execution and a reputation for excellence. We have been engaged to support some of the world's most meaningful and challenging infrastructure projects, with wins during the third quarter including the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension in southern California, a contract with Kosovo Railways JSC (INFRAKOS) for Phase 2 of the rehabilitation and upgrade of Rail Route 10, the ongoing Capital Program at Philadelphia International Airport and the Miami-Dade County Aviation Department’s
"Our Adjusted EBITDA increased to
Q3 2021 Financial Results Overview
Hill's consulting fee revenue ("CFR") rose to
Gross profit in Q3 2021 increased by
Selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") expenses in Q3 2021 were
Operating profit for Q3 2021 was
Net income attributable to Hill in Q3 2021 was
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure (see definition and reconciliation in the table below) was
Financial Condition and Backlog
Net cash provided by operating activities in Q3 2021 was
Unrestricted cash at September 30, 2021 was
Backlog (which is a non-GAAP measure; see definition below) was
2021 Financial Guidance
Hill is updating its CFR guidance for 2021.
CFR for 2021 is expected to range between
Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) for 2021 is expected to be at the lower end of the previous guidance of
Non-GAAP Measures
The following measures below are not measures of financial performance under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and should be considered in addition to and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the related measure of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Backlog
Backlog represents the Company's estimate of the amount of uncompleted projects under contract and awards in-hand that are expected to be recognized as CFR in future periods as a component of total revenue. Hill's backlog is based upon the binding nature of the underlying contract, commitment or letter of intent, and other factors, including the economic, financial and regulatory viability of the project and the likelihood of the contract being extended, renewed or canceled. Although backlog reflects business that the Company considers to be firm, cancellations or scope adjustments may occur. It is an important indicator of future performance and is used by the Company in planning Hill's operational needs. Backlog is not a measure defined in GAAP and the Company's methodology for determining backlog may not be comparable to the methodology used by other companies in determining their backlog.
Adjusted Operating Profit (Loss)
Adjusted operating profit (loss) is operating profit (loss), adjusted to exclude non-recurring items and non-cash items including unrealized foreign currency exchange losses (gains), share-based compensation and the write-off of leasehold improvements previously included in property and equipment on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The Company believes that adjusted operating profit (loss) is useful to investors and other external users of Hill's financial statements as a measure of a company's core ongoing operations, without regard to generally non-recurring items and non-cash activity.
Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Hill
Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Hill is net income (loss) attributable to Hill, adjusted to exclude non-recurring and non-cash items including unrealized foreign currency exchange losses (gains), share-based compensation and the write-off of leasehold improvements previously included in property and equipment on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The Company believes that adjusted net income (loss) attributable to Hill is useful to investors and other external users of Hill's financial statements as a measure of a company's operating performance, without regard to generally non-recurring items and non-cash activity.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), in addition to operating profit, net income, and other GAAP measures, is a useful indicator of Hill's financial and operating performance. Investors should recognize that EBITDA might not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. The Company believes that EBITDA is useful to investors and other external users of Hill's financial statements in evaluating its operating performance because EBITDA is widely used by investors to measure a company’s operating performance without regard to items such as interest expense, taxes, and depreciation and amortization, which can vary substantially from company to company depending upon accounting methods and book value of assets, capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired.
Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA, adjusted to exclude the impact of certain items, including non-recurring, one-time costs (as presented in the table below) and non-cash items such as unrealized foreign currency exchange losses (benefit) and share-based compensation expense. The Company believes that adjusted EBITDA helps its investors and other external users of Hill’s financial statements understanding of a company’s operating performance, without regard to non-recurring and other non-cash activity.
The Company does not provide a reconciliation of its 2021 financial guidance for such non-GAAP measure to GAAP due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliation, including adjustments that could be made for non-recurring, one-time costs and other charges reflected in its reconciliation of historic numbers.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure, includes net cash provided by (used in) continuing operations, less purchases of property and equipment. Free cash flow is a useful indicator that provides additional perspective on Hill's ability to generate cash that is available to the Company for taxes and other corporate purposes. Investors should recognize that free cash flow might not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies. This measure should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, any measure of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Conference Call
Management will host a conference call on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 9:00 am ET to discuss the results and business activities. Interested parties may participate in the call by dialing:
- (866) 682-6100 (Domestic) or
- (862) 298-0702 (International)
The call will also be accessible on the “Investor Relations” section of Hill’s website at www.hillintl.com. Click on “Financial Information” and then “Conferences and Calls”.
About Hill International
Hill International, with more than 3,000 professionals and 100 offices worldwide, provides program management, project management, construction management, project management oversight, facilities management, and other consulting services to clients in a variety of market sectors. Engineering News-Record magazine recently ranked Hill as one of the largest construction management firms in the United States. For more information on Hill, please visit our website at www.hillintl.com.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements contained herein may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and it is our intent that any such statements be protected by the safe harbor created thereby. Except for historical information, the matters set forth herein including, but not limited to, any statements of belief or intent, any statements concerning our plans, strategies, and objectives for future operations are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that the expectations, estimates, and assumptions reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in our forward-looking statements are set forth in the Risk Factors section and elsewhere in the reports we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including that unfavorable global economic conditions may adversely impact our business, our backlog may not be fully realized as revenue, infrastructure legislation may not be implemented, and our expenses may be higher than anticipated. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement.
Hill International, Inc. | The Equity Group Inc. | |
Elizabeth J. Zipf, LEED AP BD+C | Devin Sullivan | |
Senior Vice President Hill International, Inc | Senior Vice President | |
One Commerce Square | (212) 836-9608 | |
2005 Market Street, 17th Floor | dsullivan@equityny.com | |
Philadelphia, PA 19103 | ||
(215) 309-7707 | Lena Cati | |
elizabethzipf@hillintl.com | Vice President | |
(212) 836-9611 | ||
lcati@equityny.com |
HILL INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
September 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
Assets | (Unaudited) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 26,293 | $ | 34,229 | ||||
Cash - restricted | 3,811 | 3,752 | ||||||
Accounts receivable, net | 115,049 | 98,186 | ||||||
Current portion of retainage receivable | 11,813 | 11,775 | ||||||
Accounts receivable - affiliates | 29,013 | 23,285 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 13,494 | 9,378 | ||||||
Income tax receivable | 1,026 | 2,298 | ||||||
Total current assets | 200,499 | 182,903 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | 8,816 | 9,443 | ||||||
Cash - restricted, net of current portion | 3,069 | 3,432 | ||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 17,908 | 13,116 | ||||||
Financing lease right-of-use assets | 692 | 288 | ||||||
Retainage receivable | 6,988 | 6,044 | ||||||
Acquired intangibles, net | 2,767 | 2,253 | ||||||
Goodwill | 44,903 | 46,397 | ||||||
Investments | 2,511 | 2,805 | ||||||
Deferred income tax assets | 3,880 | 3,698 | ||||||
Other assets | 2,268 | 1,620 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 294,301 | $ | 271,999 | ||||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
Current maturities of notes payable and long-term debt | $ | 22,780 | $ | 987 | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 80,230 | 67,797 | ||||||
Income taxes payable | 1,021 | 2,219 | ||||||
Current portion of deferred revenue | 4,339 | 3,305 | ||||||
Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 4,937 | 4,797 | ||||||
Current portion of financing lease liabilities | 202 | 70 | ||||||
Other current liabilities | 9,264 | 5,796 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 122,773 | 84,971 | ||||||
Notes payable and long-term debt, net of current maturities | 29,442 | 48,294 | ||||||
Retainage payable | 285 | 600 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | 1,299 | 1,210 | ||||||
Deferred revenue | 7,527 | 7,488 | ||||||
Non-current operating lease liabilities | 18,393 | 13,184 | ||||||
Non-current financing lease liabilities | 502 | 186 | ||||||
Other liabilities | 7,253 | 6,778 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 187,474 | 162,711 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||
Preferred stock, | — | — | ||||||
Common stock, | 6 | 6 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 216,942 | 215,010 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (81,467 | ) | (79,542 | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income | (66 | ) | 1,318 | |||||
Less treasury stock of 6,807 at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 | (29,056 | ) | (29,056 | ) | ||||
Hill International, Inc. share of equity | 106,359 | 107,736 | ||||||
Noncontrolling interests | 468 | 1,552 | ||||||
Total equity | 106,827 | 109,288 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 294,301 | $ | 271,999 | ||||
HILL INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Consulting fee revenue | $ | 77,061 | $ | 71,543 | $ | 227,158 | $ | 224,453 | ||||||||
Reimbursable expenses | 19,543 | 17,109 | 58,079 | 51,956 | ||||||||||||
Total revenue | $ | 96,604 | $ | 88,652 | $ | 285,237 | $ | 276,409 | ||||||||
Direct expenses | 64,196 | 59,998 | 194,314 | 190,078 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit | 32,408 | 28,654 | 90,923 | 86,331 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 28,121 | 25,588 | 82,906 | 80,543 | ||||||||||||
Foreign currency exchange loss (benefit) | 511 | (694 | ) | 2,751 | 3,622 | |||||||||||
Plus: Share of profit of equity method affiliates | 551 | 983 | 1,805 | 2,021 | ||||||||||||
Operating profit | $ | 4,327 | $ | 4,743 | $ | 7,071 | $ | 4,187 | ||||||||
Less: Interest and related financing fees, net | 1,226 | 1,275 | 4,077 | 3,870 | ||||||||||||
Less: Other loss, net | — | 152 | — | 3,654 | ||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) before income taxes | $ | 3,101 | $ | 3,316 | $ | 2,994 | $ | (3,337 | ) | |||||||
Income tax expense | 1,784 | 1,071 | 4,653 | 2,776 | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | $ | 1,317 | $ | 2,245 | $ | (1,659 | ) | $ | (6,113 | ) | ||||||
Less: net earnings - noncontrolling interests | 58 | 131 | 265 | 308 | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Hill International, Inc. | $ | 1,259 | $ | 2,114 | $ | (1,924 | ) | $ | (6,421 | ) | ||||||
Basic earnings (loss) per common share - Hill International, Inc. | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.11 | ) | ||||||
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding | 57,245 | 56,702 | 57,102 | 56,551 | ||||||||||||
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share - Hill International, Inc. | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.04 | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.11 | ) | ||||||
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding | 57,245 | 56,702 | 57,102 | 56,551 | ||||||||||||
HILL INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
Net loss | 1,318 | 2,245 | (1,659 | ) | (6,113 | ) | ||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in): | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 567 | 705 | 1,856 | 3,380 | ||||||||||
Recovery of bad debts | (337 | ) | (296 | ) | (2,794 | ) | (1,306 | ) | ||||||
Amortization of deferred loan fees | 174 | 173 | 568 | 521 | ||||||||||
Deferred tax expense | (263 | ) | (174 | ) | (120 | ) | 500 | |||||||
Share-based compensation | 443 | 415 | 1,814 | 1,616 | ||||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 462 | 1,207 | 3,306 | 3,163 | ||||||||||
Loss on liquidation of subsidiary | — | — | — | 4,064 | ||||||||||
Foreign currency remeasurement losses | 270 | 232 | 2,510 | 3,622 | ||||||||||
Deferred payroll tax payments | — | 2,711 | — | 2,711 | ||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | (8,426 | ) | 6,310 | (15,521 | ) | 4,686 | ||||||||
Accounts receivable - affiliate | 4,509 | (1,832 | ) | (5,728 | ) | (6,294 | ) | |||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 1,209 | 1,167 | (3,951 | ) | (2,418 | ) | ||||||||
Income taxes receivable | 43 | (266 | ) | 1,232 | 39 | |||||||||
Retainage receivable | (534 | ) | (671 | ) | (953 | ) | (416 | ) | ||||||
Other assets | 216 | (1,297 | ) | (1,926 | ) | (2,643 | ) | |||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 9,144 | (3,160 | ) | 13,181 | 1,641 | |||||||||
Income taxes payable | (826 | ) | 89 | (1,202 | ) | (1,161 | ) | |||||||
Deferred revenue | 1,010 | 2,065 | 1,482 | (2,451 | ) | |||||||||
Operating lease liabilities | (711 | ) | (1,093 | ) | (2,698 | ) | (3,259 | ) | ||||||
Other current liabilities | (1,692 | ) | (236 | ) | 3,432 | 3,426 | ||||||||
Retainage payable | 8 | (1,195 | ) | (314 | ) | (730 | ) | |||||||
Other liabilities | (418 | ) | 721 | 492 | 688 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 6,166 | 7,820 | (6,993 | ) | 3,266 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||||
Purchase of NEYO Group | 2 | — | (681 | ) | — | |||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | (110 | ) | (129 | ) | (1,197 | ) | (1,101 | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (108 | ) | (129 | ) | (1,878 | ) | (1,101 | ) | ||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from term loans | — | 26 | — | 1,291 | ||||||||||
Repayment of term loans | (280 | ) | (232 | ) | (802 | ) | (666 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from revolving loans | 13,812 | 10,290 | 29,785 | 38,486 | ||||||||||
Repayment of revolving loans | (14,590 | ) | (8,100 | ) | (25,816 | ) | (24,268 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from stock issued under employee stock purchase plan | 23 | 20 | 118 | 221 | ||||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | (1,035 | ) | 2,004 | 3,285 | 15,064 | |||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (549 | ) | 749 | (2,654 | ) | (97 | ) | |||||||
Deconsolidated cash | — | — | — | 9 | ||||||||||
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 4,474 | 10,444 | (8,240 | ) | 17,123 | |||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash — beginning of period | 41,413 | 24,982 | ||||||||||||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash — end of period | $ | 33,173 | $ | 42,105 | ||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
Interest and related financing fees paid | $ | 3,520 | $ | 2,722 | ||||
Income taxes paid | 3,830 | 2,018 | ||||||
Transfer of proceeds from shares pledged as collateral to treasury stock | — | 825 | ||||||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities | 4,897 | 5,914 | ||||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities | 8,568 | 288 | ||||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabilities | 538 | 475 |
HILL INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
(In thousands)
The following table includes a reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to its most directly comparable GAAP measure:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||
Operating profit | $ | 4,327 | $ | 4,743 | $ | 7,071 | $ | 4,187 | ||||||||
Adjustments to operating profit | ||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | 443 | 415 | 1,814 | 1,616 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss (benefit) | 342 | (760 | ) | 241 | 3,399 | |||||||||||
Write-off of leasehold improvement (1) | — | — | — | 1,582 | ||||||||||||
Non-recurring activity (2) | 782 | — | 308 | 636 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted operating profit | $ | 5,894 | $ | 4,398 | $ | 9,434 | $ | 11,420 | ||||||||
Net earnings (loss) | 1,317 | 2,245 | (1,659 | ) | (6,113 | ) | ||||||||||
Less: net earnings - noncontrolling interests | 58 | 131 | 265 | 308 | ||||||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Hill International, Inc. | $ | 1,259 | $ | 2,114 | $ | (1,924 | ) | $ | (6,421 | ) | ||||||
Adjustments to net loss attributable to Hill International, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||
Less: Interest and related financing fees, net | 1,226 | 1,275 | 4,077 | 3,870 | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 1,784 | 1,071 | 4,653 | 2,776 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense (1) | 567 | 705 | 1,856 | 3,380 | ||||||||||||
EBITDA | 4,836 | 5,165 | 8,662 | 3,605 | ||||||||||||
Adjustments to EBITDA: | ||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | 443 | 415 | 1,814 | 1,616 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss (benefit) | 342 | (760 | ) | 241 | 3,399 | |||||||||||
Brazil Office Closure | — | — | — | 4,064 | ||||||||||||
Non-recurring activity (2) | 782 | — | 308 | 636 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 6,403 | $ | 4,820 | $ | 11,025 | $ | 13,320 | ||||||||
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Hill International, Inc. | $ | 1,259 | $ | 2,114 | $ | (1,924 | ) | $ | (6,421 | ) | ||||||
Adjustments to net loss attributable to Hill International, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | 443 | 415 | 1,814 | 1,616 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss (benefit) | 342 | (760 | ) | 241 | 3,399 | |||||||||||
Write-off of leasehold improvement (1) | — | — | — | 1,582 | ||||||||||||
Brazil Office Closure | — | — | — | 4,064 | ||||||||||||
Non-recurring activity (2) | 782 | — | 308 | 636 | ||||||||||||
Adjusted net income | $ | 2,826 | $ | 1,769 | $ | 439 | $ | 4,876 | ||||||||
(1) The write-off of leasehold improvements that was incurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 as a result of the sublease of the Company's corporate headquarters as part of its cost reduction initiatives was included in depreciation and amortization expense and is reflected in SG&A in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
(2) Non-recurring activity includes the partial collection of a fully reserved receivable in Libya, net of other non-recurring activity, during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
(HIL-G)
FAQ
What were Hill International's Q3 2021 earnings results?
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