Heidrick & Struggles Reports First Quarter 2024 Results
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. reported strong first quarter 2024 results with a quarterly revenue of $265 million, an 11% year-over-year growth, and a diluted EPS of $0.67. The company declared a $0.15 per share cash dividend. Despite the acquisition of Atreus and businessfourzero, consolidated net revenue was $265.2 million, up 11% from the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA was $25.9 million, with a margin of 9.8%. Net income was $14.0 million. CEO Tom Monahan highlighted double-digit revenue growth and solid margin performance. The company aims to leverage its assets to create more value for clients, people, and shareholders.
Strong first quarter results with a quarterly revenue of $265 million, representing an 11% year-over-year growth.
Declared a cash dividend of $0.15 per share, showing commitment to shareholders.
Adjusted EBITDA of $25.9 million with a margin of 9.8%, indicating strong profitability.
Net income of $14.0 million and diluted EPS of $0.67, showcasing financial stability.
Successful revenue growth in On-Demand Talent, Heidrick Consulting, and Executive Search in the Americas and Europe.
Effective tax rate of 38.8% due to non-deductibility of earnout expense associated with acquisitions may impact future profitability.
Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 9.8% from 10.7% in the previous year.
Decrease in Executive Search in Asia Pacific may raise concerns about market saturation in certain regions.
Loss in Adjusted EBITDA for On-Demand Talent and Heidrick Consulting sectors could indicate operational challenges.
Insights
The inclusion of two acquisitions, Atreus Group GmbH and businessfourzero, has bolstered Heidrick & Struggles' net revenue, driving an 11% year-over-year growth. While increased revenue denotes a positive trajectory, it's important to parse out organic growth versus growth via acquisitions. The reported top line growth, aligned with the management's upper guidance range and solid margin performance underline efficient operational leverage. However, the Adjusted EBITDA margin decrease from
The executive search segment exhibits resilience in the Americas and Europe, countered by a slight decline in the Asia Pacific region. The increases in average revenue per executive search and annualized net revenue per consultant signify enhanced consultant productivity and potentially better pricing power. However, a decline in search confirmations suggests a potential softening in demand.
The On-Demand Talent and Heidrick Consulting divisions have seen substantial growth, yet the profitability of these segments needs to be monitored closely as both are currently reporting losses. The increase in general and administrative expenses, particularly from investments in business development and office occupancy costs, indicates an expansionary phase but could also pressure margins if not scaled appropriately with revenue growth.
From a cash flow perspective, the significant use of cash in operating activities compared to the prior year merits attention, even if it follows seasonal patterns of bonus payouts. Heidrick & Struggles' ability to maintain a healthy cash and marketable securities balance provides a cushion for further strategic maneuvers.
The dividend declaration represents a commitment to shareholder returns, reinforcing a positive sentiment amidst growth investments. Lastly, the provided Q2 outlook suggests cautious optimism, but awareness of external market factors including exchange rates and macroeconomic conditions is important for a nuanced forecast.
In examining the broader executive search and consulting market, Heidrick & Struggles' reported growth aligns with market trends of increased demand for leadership and talent solutions. The firm's strategic acquisitions of Atreus and businessfourzero are a reflection of a growing industry emphasis on diversified talent services to drive growth, particularly within consulting and on-demand talent solutions.
The increasing need for leadership assessment and development engagements, as reported, is indicative of a shift in business priorities towards building effective leadership teams and could presage increased demand for such services. This aligns with current industry dynamics where companies invest heavily in human capital to navigate complex business environments.
However, the Asia Pacific region's decline in executive search revenue and Heidrick Consulting's losses, despite increased revenues, suggest regional and segment-specific challenges that could impact the firm's future performance. As businesses grapple with economic uncertainty, the consulting and executive search sectors may experience variable demand impacted by cost-containment measures.
Quarterly Revenue of
Maintains Strong Profitability with Diluted EPS of
Declares
First Quarter Highlights:
- Net revenue of
increased$265.2 million 11% year over year - Adjusted EBITDA of
$25.9 million - Adjusted EBITDA margin was
9.8% - Net income was
and diluted earnings per share was$14.0 million $0.67
"During the first quarter we generated double-digit top line growth achieving the high end of our guidance range with solid margin performance," stated CEO Tom Monahan. "For the clients we serve, more than ever before, driving great corporate performance requires discovering, accessing, evaluating and enabling exceptional leadership. During my first two months as CEO, I have come to fully appreciate the vast market opportunity we have in front of us given the vital and expanding nature of the client needs we address, and our inherent strengths including our strong collection of intellectual property and people, trust in the Heidrick brand and our deep relationships at the c-suite and board levels."
"Looking ahead, it is clear we need to more consistently and forcefully use these tremendous assets to create value for our clients, people and shareholders. Together with our leadership team, I am tightly focused on empowering our highly talented people to effectively meet client needs through clearer offer strategies, an intense focus on organic service innovation and even more robust technology."
2024 First Quarter Results
Consolidated net revenue of
Adjusted EBITDA was
Net income was
Executive Search net revenue of
The Company had 424 Executive Search consultants at March 31, 2024, compared to 432 at March 31, 2023. Productivity, as measured by annualized Executive Search net revenue per consultant, was
On-Demand Talent net revenue of
Heidrick Consulting net revenue of
Consolidated salaries and benefits increased
General and administrative expenses increased
The Company's cost of services was
The Company's research and development expenses were
Net cash used in operating activities was
Dividend
The Board of Directors declared a 2024 first quarter cash dividend of
2024 Second Quarter Outlook
The Company expects 2024 second quarter consolidated net revenue of between
Quarterly Webcast and Conference Call
Heidrick & Struggles will host a conference call to review its first quarter results today, May 6, 2024 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. Participants may access the Company's call and supporting slides through its website at www.heidrick.com or by dialing (800) 715-9871 or (646) 307-1963, conference ID# 4805686. For those unable to participate on the live call, a webcast and copy of the slides will be archived at www.heidrick.com and available for up to 30 days following the investor call.
About Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Heidrick & Struggles (Nasdaq: HSII) is a premier provider of global leadership advisory and on-demand talent solutions, serving the senior-level talent and consulting needs of the world's top organizations. In our role as trusted leadership advisors, we partner with our clients to develop future-ready leaders and organizations, bringing together our services and offerings in executive search, diversity and inclusion, leadership assessment and development, organization and team acceleration, culture shaping and on-demand, independent talent solutions. Heidrick & Struggles pioneered the profession of executive search more than 70 years ago. Today, the firm provides integrated talent and human capital solutions to help our clients change the world, one leadership team at a time. ® www.heidrick.com
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the financial results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in
Non-GAAP financial measures used within this earnings release are Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, and consolidated net revenue excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations (referred to as on a constant currency basis). These measures are presented because management uses this information to monitor and evaluate financial results and trends. Management believes this information is also useful for investors to evaluate the comparability of financial information presented. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are provided as schedules attached to this release.
Adjusted EBITDA refers to net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted, to the extent they occur, for earnout accretion, earnout fair value adjustments, contingent compensation, deferred compensation plan income or expense, certain reorganization costs, impairment charges and restructuring charges.
Adjusted EBITDA margin refers to Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue in the same period.
The Company evaluates its results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation is a non-GAAP financial measure, which excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company believes providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding its results of operations, consistent with how it evaluates its performance. The Company calculates constant currency percentages by converting its financial results in a local currency for a period using the average exchange rate for the prior period to which it is comparing. This calculation may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding guidance for the second quarter of 2024. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industry in which we operate and management's beliefs and assumptions. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "outlook," "projects," "forecasts," "aim" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, rely on a number of assumptions, and involve certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, many of which are beyond our control. Factors that may cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from what is expressed, forecasted or implied in the forward-looking statements include, among other things, our ability to attract, integrate, develop, manage, retain and motivate qualified consultants and senior leaders; our ability to prevent our consultants from taking our clients with them to another firm; our ability to maintain our professional reputation and brand name; our clients' ability to restrict us from recruiting their employees; our heavy reliance on information management systems; risks arising from our implementation of new technology and intellectual property to deliver new products and services to our clients; our dependence on third parties for the execution of certain critical functions; the fact that we face the risk of liability in the services we perform; the fact that data security, data privacy and data protection laws and other evolving regulations and cross-border data transfer restrictions may limit the use of our services and adversely affect our business; any challenges to the classification of our on-demand talent as independent contractors; the fact that increased cybersecurity requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and more sophisticated and targeted cyber-related attacks could pose a risk to our systems, networks, solutions, services and data; the fact that our net revenue may be affected by adverse macroeconomic or labor market conditions, including impacts of inflation and effects of geopolitical instability; the aggressive competition we face; the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; our ability to access additional credit; social, political, regulatory, legal and economic risks in markets where we operate, including the impact of the ongoing war in
Contacts:
Investors & Analysts:
Suzanne Rosenberg, Vice President, Investor Relations
srosenberg@heidrick.com
Media:
Bianca Wilson, Director, Public Relations
bwilson@heidrick.com
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) | |||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
2024 | 2023 | $ Change | % Change | ||||
Revenue | |||||||
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue) | $ 265,197 | $ 239,317 | $ 25,880 | 10.8 % | |||
Reimbursements | 3,901 | 2,802 | 1,099 | 39.2 % | |||
Total revenue | 269,098 | 242,119 | 26,979 | 11.1 % | |||
Operating expenses | |||||||
Salaries and benefits | 174,413 | 158,859 | 15,554 | 9.8 % | |||
General and administrative expenses | 41,363 | 34,327 | 7,036 | 20.5 % | |||
Cost of services | 27,432 | 22,832 | 4,600 | 20.1 % | |||
Research and development | 5,715 | 5,528 | 187 | 3.4 % | |||
Reimbursed expenses | 3,901 | 2,802 | 1,099 | 39.2 % | |||
Total operating expenses | 252,824 | 224,348 | 28,476 | 12.7 % | |||
Operating income | 16,274 | 17,771 | (1,497) | (8.4) % | |||
Non-operating income | |||||||
Interest, net | 4,086 | 3,249 | |||||
Other, net | 2,571 | 1,809 | |||||
Net non-operating income | 6,657 | 5,058 | |||||
Income before income taxes | 22,931 | 22,829 | |||||
Provision for income taxes | 8,899 | 7,243 | |||||
Net income | 14,032 | 15,586 | |||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | (4,091) | 443 | |||||
Comprehensive income | $ 9,941 | $ 16,029 | |||||
Weighted-average common shares outstanding | |||||||
Basic | 20,144 | 19,904 | |||||
Diluted | 21,040 | 20,569 | |||||
Earnings per common share | |||||||
Basic | $ 0.70 | $ 0.78 | |||||
Diluted | $ 0.67 | $ 0.76 | |||||
Salaries and benefits as a % of net revenue | 65.8 % | 66.4 % | |||||
General and administrative expenses as a % of net revenue | 15.6 % | 14.3 % | |||||
Cost of services as a % of net revenue | 10.3 % | 9.5 % | |||||
Research and development as a % of net revenue | 2.2 % | 2.3 % | |||||
Operating income margin | 6.1 % | 7.4 % |
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. Segment Information (In thousands) (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||||||
2024 | 2023 | $ Change | % | 2024 Margin1 | 2023 Margin1 | ||||||
Revenue | |||||||||||
Executive Search | |||||||||||
$ 136,679 | $ 127,327 | $ 9,352 | 7.3 % | ||||||||
41,481 | 38,931 | 2,550 | 6.6 % | ||||||||
23,321 | 24,229 | (908) | (3.7) % | ||||||||
Total Executive Search | 201,481 | 190,487 | 10,994 | 5.8 % | |||||||
On-Demand Talent | 37,857 | 31,117 | 6,740 | 21.7 % | |||||||
Heidrick Consulting | 25,859 | 17,713 | 8,146 | 46.0 % | |||||||
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue) | 265,197 | 239,317 | 25,880 | 10.8 % | |||||||
Reimbursements | 3,901 | 2,802 | 1,099 | 39.2 % | |||||||
Total revenue | $ 269,098 | $ 242,119 | $ 26,979 | 11.1 % | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | |||||||||||
Executive Search | |||||||||||
$ 41,871 | $ 42,124 | $ (253) | (0.6) % | 30.6 % | 33.1 % | ||||||
3,353 | 2,081 | 1,272 | 61.1 % | 8.1 % | 5.3 % | ||||||
3,195 | 3,567 | (372) | (10.4) % | 13.7 % | 14.7 % | ||||||
Total Executive Search | 48,419 | 47,772 | 647 | 1.4 % | 24.0 % | 25.1 % | |||||
On-Demand Talent | (921) | (1,347) | 426 | 31.6 % | (2.4) % | (4.3) % | |||||
Heidrick Consulting | (2,027) | (2,795) | 768 | 27.5 % | (7.8) % | (15.8) % | |||||
Total segments | 45,471 | 43,630 | 1,841 | 4.2 % | 17.1 % | 18.2 % | |||||
Research and Development | (4,925) | (5,251) | 326 | 6.2 % | (1.9) % | (2.2) % | |||||
Global Operations Support | (14,678) | (12,752) | (1,926) | (15.1) % | (5.5) % | (5.3) % | |||||
Total Adjusted EBITDA | $ 25,868 | $ 25,627 | $ 241 | 0.9 % | 9.8 % | 10.7 % | |||||
1 Margin based on revenue before reimbursements (net revenue). |
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (In thousands) (Unaudited) | |||
March 31, | December 31, | ||
Current assets | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 252,831 | $ 412,618 | |
Marketable securities | — | 65,538 | |
Accounts receivable, net | 172,953 | 133,128 | |
Prepaid expenses | 31,426 | 23,597 | |
Other current assets | 48,865 | 47,923 | |
Income taxes recoverable | 5,957 | 10,410 | |
Total current assets | 512,032 | 693,214 | |
Non-current assets | |||
Property and equipment, net | 40,452 | 35,752 | |
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 85,053 | 86,063 | |
Assets designated for retirement and pension plans | 10,854 | 11,105 | |
Investments | 54,835 | 47,287 | |
Other non-current assets | 16,680 | 17,071 | |
Goodwill | 200,089 | 202,252 | |
Other intangible assets, net | 18,305 | 20,842 | |
Deferred income taxes | 27,170 | 28,005 | |
Total non-current assets | 453,438 | 448,377 | |
Total assets | $ 965,470 | $ 1,141,591 | |
Current liabilities | |||
Accounts payable | $ 19,776 | $ 20,837 | |
Accrued salaries and benefits | 133,735 | 322,744 | |
Deferred revenue | 47,377 | 45,732 | |
Operating lease liabilities | 20,351 | 21,498 | |
Other current liabilities | 24,449 | 21,823 | |
Income taxes payable | 6,190 | 6,057 | |
Total current liabilities | 251,878 | 438,691 | |
Non-current liabilities | |||
Accrued salaries and benefits | 50,263 | 52,108 | |
Retirement and pension plans | 69,572 | 62,100 | |
Operating lease liabilities | 78,050 | 78,204 | |
Other non-current liabilities | 41,152 | 41,808 | |
Deferred income taxes | 5,770 | 6,402 | |
Total non-current liabilities | 244,807 | 240,622 | |
Total liabilities | 496,685 | 679,313 | |
Stockholders' equity | 468,785 | 462,278 | |
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ 965,470 | $ 1,141,591 |
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (In thousands) (Unaudited) | ||||
Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||
2024 | 2023 | |||
Cash flows - operating activities | ||||
Net income | $ 14,032 | $ 15,586 | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 4,790 | 3,873 | ||
Deferred income taxes | (87) | 6,669 | ||
Stock-based compensation expense | 2,644 | 1,853 | ||
Accretion expense related to earnout payments | 466 | 191 | ||
Gain on marketable securities | (539) | (1,645) | ||
Loss on disposal of property and equipment | 14 | 130 | ||
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition: | ||||
Accounts receivable | (41,125) | (24,332) | ||
Accounts payable | (2,069) | (1,137) | ||
Accrued expenses | (182,590) | (325,975) | ||
Deferred revenue | 1,951 | 147 | ||
Income taxes recoverable and payable, net | 4,723 | (3,083) | ||
Retirement and pension plan assets and liabilities | 5,453 | 6,070 | ||
Prepaid expenses | (7,991) | (7,135) | ||
Other assets and liabilities, net | (3,096) | (8,243) | ||
Net cash used in operating activities | (203,424) | (337,031) | ||
Cash flows - investing activities | ||||
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired | — | (29,907) | ||
Capital expenditures | (6,173) | (3,808) | ||
Purchases of marketable securities and investments | (5,400) | (6,172) | ||
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments | 66,285 | 267,965 | ||
Net cash provided by investing activities | 54,712 | 228,078 | ||
Cash flows - financing activities | ||||
Cash dividends paid | (3,216) | (3,112) | ||
Payment of employee tax withholdings on equity transactions | (2,862) | (4,141) | ||
Acquisition earnout payments | — | (35,946) | ||
Net cash used in financing activities | (6,078) | (43,199) | ||
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (4,997) | 1,396 | ||
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (159,787) | (150,756) | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 412,618 | 355,489 | ||
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ 252,831 | $ 204,733 |
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) (In thousands) (Unaudited) | |||
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
2024 | 2023 | ||
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue) | $ 265,197 | $ 239,317 | |
Net income | 14,032 | 15,586 | |
Interest, net | (4,086) | (3,249) | |
Other, net | (2,571) | (1,809) | |
Provision for income taxes | 8,899 | 7,243 | |
Operating income | 16,274 | 17,771 | |
Adjustments | |||
Depreciation | 2,493 | 2,004 | |
Intangible amortization | 2,297 | 1,869 | |
Earnout accretion | 466 | 191 | |
Acquisition contingent consideration | 1,988 | 1,659 | |
Deferred compensation plan | 2,350 | 2,133 | |
Total adjustments | 9,594 | 7,856 | |
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 25,868 | $ 25,627 | |
Adjusted EBITDA margin | 9.8 % | 10.7 % |
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) (In thousands) (Unaudited) | |||||||||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||
Executive | On-Demand | Heidrick | Research & | Global | Total | ||||||
Revenue before reimbursements (net | $ 201,481 | $ 37,857 | $ 25,859 | $ — | $ — | $ 265,197 | |||||
Operating income (loss)1 | 45,532 | (4,849) | (3,842) | (5,715) | (14,852) | 16,274 | |||||
Adjustments | |||||||||||
Depreciation | 1,241 | 131 | 197 | 754 | 170 | 2,493 | |||||
Intangible amortization | 17 | 1,835 | 445 | — | — | 2,297 | |||||
Earnout accretion | — | 406 | 60 | — | — | 466 | |||||
Acquisition contingent compensation | (630) | 1,556 | 1,062 | — | — | 1,988 | |||||
Deferred compensation plan | 2,259 | — | 51 | 36 | 4 | 2,350 | |||||
Total adjustments | 2,887 | 3,928 | 1,815 | 790 | 174 | 9,594 | |||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 48,419 | $ (921) | $ (2,027) | $ (4,925) | $ (14,678) | $ 25,868 | |||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin | 24.0 % | (2.4 %) | (7.8 %) | (1.9 %) | (5.5) % | 9.8 % | |||||
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 | |||||||||||
Executive | On-Demand | Heidrick | Research & | Global | Total | ||||||
Revenue before reimbursements (net | $ 190,487 | $ 31,117 | $ 17,713 | $ — | $ — | $ 239,317 | |||||
Operating income (loss)1 | 43,693 | (4,364) | (3,116) | (5,528) | (12,914) | 17,771 | |||||
Adjustments | |||||||||||
Depreciation | 1,343 | 85 | 168 | 248 | 160 | 2,004 | |||||
Intangible amortization | 52 | 1,717 | 100 | — | — | 1,869 | |||||
Earnout accretion | — | 191 | — | — | — | 191 | |||||
Acquisition contingent compensation | 635 | 1,024 | — | — | — | 1,659 | |||||
Deferred compensation plan | 2,049 | — | 53 | 29 | 2 | 2,133 | |||||
Total adjustments | 4,079 | 3,017 | 321 | 277 | 162 | 7,856 | |||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 47,772 | $ (1,347) | $ (2,795) | $ (5,251) | $ (12,752) | $ 25,627 | |||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin | 25.1 % | (4.3 %) | (15.8 %) | (2.2 %) | (5.3 %) | 10.7 % | |||||
1 The Company does not allocate interest income or expense, other income or expense, and the provision for income taxes to the Company's reportable operating segments. |
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