Huron Announces First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Huron (NASDAQ: HURN) reported Q1 2021 revenues of $203.2 million, down from $222.6 million in Q1 2020. Net income improved to $5.4 million from a net loss of $42.3 million a year prior, with diluted EPS at $0.24 compared to a loss of $1.94. Despite a strong recovery in healthcare and education sectors, the ongoing impact of COVID-19 remains a concern. The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to $850-$900 million and plans for adjusted EBITDA of 10.8%-11.8%. Huron hired 300 professionals in healthcare to bolster services.

Positive

• Net income increased to $5.4 million from a loss of $42.3 million year-over-year.
• Diluted EPS improved to $0.24 compared to a loss of $1.94 in Q1 2020.
• Raised full-year revenue guidance to $850-$900 million.
• Adjusted EBITDA projected at 10.8% to 11.8% of revenues.
• Sales pipeline growth noted in healthcare and education segments.

Negative

• Revenues decreased by $19.4 million compared to Q1 2020.
• Adjusted net income declined to $7.8 million from $9.8 million year-over-year.
• Billable consultant utilization rate fell to 68.8% from 72.9% in Q1 2020.

Global professional services firm Huron (NASDAQ: HURN) today announced financial results from continuing operations for the first quarter ended March 31, 2021.

“Our first quarter financial results were in line with our expectations as we saw signs of recovery in our healthcare and education businesses and continued momentum in the business advisory segment. Increases in our sales pipeline and the pace of signings in our healthcare and education businesses, in particular, give us confidence to raise and narrow our full year guidance,” said James H. Roth, chief executive officer, Huron. “We continue to invest in our business to achieve our strategic growth objectives, including managed services, technology and analytics. The disruption facing our clients and primary end markets is substantial, stemming from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the rapidly evolving competitive landscape, and we believe this disruption creates significant opportunities for long-term growth for Huron.”

COVID-19 IMPACT

The worldwide spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has created significant volatility, uncertainty and disruption to the global economy. The company continues to closely monitor the impact of the pandemic on all aspects of its business, including how it will impact its clients, employees and business partners. In 2020, some clients reprioritized and delayed projects as a result of the pandemic. This negatively impacted demand for certain services, primarily in the company's Healthcare and Education segments. Conversely, the pandemic strengthened demand for cloud-based technology and analytics solutions and certain services provided to organizations in transition within the company's Business Advisory segment.

In most of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, the pandemic continued to negatively impact sales and elongate the sales cycle for new opportunities for certain services, particularly within the company's Healthcare and Education segments. Given the uncertainties around the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company continues to remain cautious about revenue growth for the first half of 2021 compared to the first half of 2020, which is contemplated in the 2021 guidance provided.

FIRST QUARTER 2021 RESULTS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Revenues were $203.2 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $222.6 million for the first quarter of 2020.

Net income from continuing operations was $5.4 million for the first quarter of 2021 compared to net loss from continuing operations of $42.3 million for the same quarter last year. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.24 for the first quarter of 2021 compared to diluted loss per share from continuing operations of $1.94 for the first quarter of 2020. Results for the first three months of 2020 reflect non-cash pretax charges totaling $59.8 million to reduce the carrying value of goodwill in the company's Strategy and Innovation and Life Sciences reporting units within the Business Advisory segment.

First quarter 2021 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA")⁽⁷⁾ was $15.2 million compared to loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $43.7 million in the same prior year period.

In addition to using EBITDA to evaluate the company’s financial performance, management uses other non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude the effect of the following items (in thousands):

				Three Months Ended March 31,
				2021				2020
Amortization of intangible assets				$	2,399			$	3,209
Restructuring and other charges				$	628			$	2,458
Litigation and other losses (gains)				$	42			$	(150	)
Goodwill impairment charges				$	—			$	59,816
Loss on sale of business				$	—			$	102
Transaction-related expenses				$	170			$	—
Tax effect of adjustments				$	(858	)		$	(13,409	)
Foreign currency transaction losses, net				$	403			$	520

Adjusted EBITDA⁽⁷⁾ was $16.5 million, or 8.1% of revenues, in the first quarter of 2021, compared to $19.0 million, or 8.5% of revenues, in the same prior year period. Adjusted net income from continuing operations⁽⁷⁾ was $7.8 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $9.8 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, for the same prior year period.

The average number of billable consultants⁽²⁾ increased 1.5% to 2,633 in the first quarter of 2021 from 2,595 in the same quarter last year. Billable consultant utilization rate⁽³⁾ was 68.8% during the first quarter of 2021 compared to 72.9% during the same period last year. Average billing rate per hour for our billable consultants⁽⁴⁾ was $205 for the first quarter of 2021 compared to $204 for the same prior year period. The average number of full-time equivalent professionals⁽⁶⁾ was 328 in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 358 for the same period in 2020.

Healthcare Group Hiring

On April 5, 2021, Huron hired approximately 300 full-time equivalent professionals within its Healthcare operating segment. These additional professionals will expand the company's capacity to provide revenue cycle billing, collections, insurance verification and charge integrity services to its healthcare clients. These professionals will serve new and existing clients in our Healthcare managed services solution, including serving under a short-term contract with an existing client which we entered into in connection with this group hire. The hiring of these professionals is not significant to the company's consolidated financial statements.

OPERATING SEGMENTS

Huron’s results reflect a portfolio of service offerings focused on helping clients address complex business challenges.

The company’s first quarter 2021 revenues by operating segment as a percentage of total company revenues are as follows: Healthcare (39%); Business Advisory (36%); and Education (25%). Financial results by segment are included in the attached schedules and in Huron's forthcoming Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filing for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

OUTLOOK FOR 2021

Based on currently available information, the company is updating guidance for full year 2021 revenues before reimbursable expenses in a range of $850.0 million to $900.0 million. The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues in a range of 10.8% to 11.8% and non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share in a range of $2.35 to $2.75.

Management will provide a more detailed discussion of its outlook during the company's earnings conference call webcast.

FIRST QUARTER 2021 WEBCAST

The company will host a webcast to discuss its financial results today, May 4, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (4:00 p.m. Central Time). The conference call is being webcast by NASDAQ and can be accessed from Huron's website at http://ir.huronconsultinggroup.com. A replay will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the webcast and for 90 days thereafter.

USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES⁽⁷⁾

In evaluating the company’s financial performance and outlook, management uses EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, adjusted net income from continuing operations, and adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, which are non-GAAP measures. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to gain an understanding of the company's comparative operating performance (when comparing such results with previous periods or forecasts). These non-GAAP financial measures are used by management in their financial and operating decision making because management believes they reflect the company's ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures when publicly providing their business outlook, for internal management purposes, and as a basis for evaluating potential acquisitions and dispositions. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating Huron’s current operating performance and future prospects in the same manner as management does, if they so choose, and in comparing in a consistent manner Huron’s current financial results with Huron’s past financial results. Investors should recognize that these non-GAAP measures might not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. These measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, any measure of performance, cash flows or liquidity prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Management has provided its outlook regarding adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share, both of which are non-GAAP financial measures and exclude certain charges. Management has not reconciled these non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding GAAP financial measures because guidance for the various reconciling items are not provided. Management is unable to provide guidance for these reconciling items because we cannot determine their probable significance, as certain items are outside of the company's control and cannot be reasonably predicted since these items could vary significantly from period to period. Accordingly, reconciliations to the corresponding GAAP financial measures are not available without unreasonable effort.

ABOUT HURON

Huron is a global consultancy that collaborates with clients to drive strategic growth, ignite innovation and navigate constant change. Through a combination of strategy, expertise and creativity, we help clients accelerate operational, digital and cultural transformation, enabling the change they need to own their future. By embracing diverse perspectives, encouraging new ideas and challenging the status quo, we create sustainable results for the organizations we serve. Learn more at www.huronconsultinggroup.com.

Statements in this press release that are not historical in nature, including those concerning the company’s current expectations about its future results, are “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “provides,” “anticipates,” “assumes,” “can,” “will,” “meets,” “could,” “likely,” “intends,” “might,” “predicts,” “seeks,” “would,” “believes,” “estimates,” “plans,” “continues,” “guidance,” or “outlook” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect the company's current expectations about future requirements and needs, results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, our clients and client demand for our services, and our ability to sell and provide services, including the measures taken by governmental authorities and businesses in response to the pandemic, which may cause or contribute to other risks and uncertainties that we face; failure to achieve expected utilization rates, billing rates and the number of revenue-generating professionals; inability to expand or adjust our service offerings in response to market demands; our dependence on renewal of client-based services; dependence on new business and retention of current clients and qualified personnel; failure to maintain third-party provider relationships and strategic alliances; inability to license technology to and from third parties; the impairment of goodwill; various factors related to income and other taxes; difficulties in successfully integrating the businesses we acquire and achieving expected benefits from such acquisitions; risks relating to privacy, information security, and related laws and standards; and a general downturn in market conditions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, among others, those described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Huron's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events, or for any other reason.

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2021				2020
Revenues and reimbursable expenses:
Revenues		$	203,213			$	222,619
Reimbursable expenses		1,934				19,303
Total revenues and reimbursable expenses		205,147				241,922
Direct costs and reimbursable expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses):
Direct costs		148,115				156,248
Amortization of intangible assets and software development costs		925				1,301
Reimbursable expenses		2,003				19,389
Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses		151,043				176,938
Operating expenses and other losses (gains), net:
Selling, general and administrative expenses		39,766				43,446
Restructuring charges		628				1,609
Litigation and other losses (gains)		42				(150		)
Depreciation and amortization		5,428				6,114
Goodwill impairment charges		—				59,816
Total operating expenses and other losses (gains), net		45,864				110,835
Operating income (loss)		8,240				(45,851		)
Other income (expense), net:
Interest expense, net of interest income		(1,719		)		(2,341		)
Other income (expense), net		420				(5,296		)
Total other expense, net		(1,299		)		(7,637		)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes		6,941				(53,488		)
Income tax expense (benefit)		1,536				(11,215		)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations		5,405				(42,273		)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		—				(35		)
Net income (loss)		$	5,405			$	(42,308	)
Net earnings (loss) per basic share:
Net income (loss) from continuing operations		$	0.25			$	(1.94	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		—				—
Net income (loss)		$	0.25			$	(1.94	)
Net earnings (loss) per diluted share:
Net income (loss) from continuing operations		$	0.24			$	(1.94	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax		—				—
Net income (loss)		$	0.24			$	(1.94	)
Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings (loss) per share:
Basic		21,932				21,827
Diluted		22,341				21,827
Comprehensive income:
Net income (loss)		$	5,405			$	(42,308	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax		400				(779		)
Unrealized loss on investment, net of tax		(4,648		)		(258		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax		1,429				(1,685		)
Other comprehensive loss		(2,819		)		(2,722		)
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	2,586			$	(45,030	)

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
		March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	21,623			$	67,177
Receivables from clients, net		87,146				87,687
Unbilled services, net		77,080				53,959
Income tax receivable		4,403				5,121
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		14,964				16,569
Total current assets		205,216				230,513
Property and equipment, net		29,710				29,093
Deferred income taxes, net		5,303				4,191
Long-term investments		64,703				71,030
Operating lease right-of-use assets		38,207				39,360
Other non-current assets		62,819				62,068
Intangible assets, net		21,232				20,483
Goodwill		597,552				594,237
Total assets		$	1,024,742			$	1,050,975
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	8,156			$	648
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		16,302				14,874
Accrued payroll and related benefits		56,811				133,830
Current maturities of long-term debt		548				499
Current maturities of operating lease liabilities		9,671				8,771
Deferred revenues		18,686				28,247
Total current liabilities		110,174				186,869
Non-current liabilities:
Deferred compensation and other liabilities		43,947				45,361
Accrued contingent consideration for business acquisitions		1,812				1,770
Long-term debt, net of current portion		267,642				202,780
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion		59,730				61,825
Deferred income taxes, net		434				428
Total non-current liabilities		373,565				312,164
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 25,294,954 and 25,346,916 shares issued at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively		247				246
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,422,227 and 2,584,119 shares at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively		(134,611		)		(129,886		)
Additional paid-in capital		445,711				454,512
Retained earnings		219,414				214,009
Accumulated other comprehensive income		10,242				13,061
Total stockholders’ equity		541,003				551,942
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	1,024,742			$	1,050,975

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2021				2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)		$	5,405			$	(42,308	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		6,567				7,415
Non-cash lease expense		1,693				1,938
Share-based compensation		5,625				8,504
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs		198				198
Goodwill impairment charges		—				59,816
Allowances for doubtful accounts		—				21
Deferred income taxes		—				(14,016		)
Loss on sale of business		—				102
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities		42				—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisition and divestiture:
(Increase) decrease in receivables from clients, net		1,178				11,698
(Increase) decrease in unbilled services, net		(23,086		)		(9,138		)
(Increase) decrease in current income tax receivable / payable, net		573				2,332
(Increase) decrease in other assets		327				4,304
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities		2,566				(3,708		)
Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and related benefits		(74,273		)		(84,910		)
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues		(9,569		)		1,606
Net cash used in operating activities		(82,754		)		(56,146		)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment, net		(637		)		(1,001		)
Purchases of investment securities		—				(13,000		)
Investment in life insurance policies		—				(1,472		)
Purchases of businesses		(6,000		)		—
Capitalization of internally developed software costs		(1,400		)		(2,922		)
Net cash used in investing activities		(8,037		)		(18,395		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		174				468
Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings		(8,503		)		(7,133		)
Share repurchases		(11,454		)		(22,115		)
Proceeds from bank borrowings		89,000				281,000
Repayments of bank borrowings		(24,135		)		(38,131		)
Net cash provided by financing activities		45,082				214,089
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		155				(143		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(45,554		)		139,405
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period		67,177				11,604
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period		$	21,623			$	151,009

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended March 31,								Percent Increase (Decrease)
Segment and Consolidated Operating Results (in thousands):		2021				2020
Healthcare:
Revenues		$	79,722			$	95,578			(16.6)%
Operating income		$	20,484			$	24,050			(14.8)%
Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues		25.7		%		25.2		%
Business Advisory:
Revenues		$	72,867			$	64,905			12.3%
Operating income		$	13,077			$	9,842			32.9%
Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues

FAQ

What were Huron's Q1 2021 revenues?

Huron reported Q1 2021 revenues of $203.2 million.

How did Huron's net income change in Q1 2021?

Net income improved to $5.4 million in Q1 2021, compared to a net loss of $42.3 million in Q1 2020.

What guidance did Huron provide for 2021?

Huron raised its full-year revenue guidance to a range of $850 million to $900 million.

What was Huron's diluted earnings per share in Q1 2021?

Diluted EPS for Q1 2021 was $0.24, compared to a loss of $1.94 in the same quarter last year.

What impact did COVID-19 have on Huron's business in Q1 2021?

COVID-19 continued to affect Huron, elongating sales cycles in healthcare and education segments.