News

Huron Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Financial Results, and Provides 2020 Guidance

February 25, 2020

FOURTH QUARTER 2019 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Revenues increased $26.8 million, or 13.1%, to $232.3 million in Q4 2019 from $205.5 million in Q4 2018.
  • Net income from continuing operations increased $11.3 million to $14.4 million in Q4 2019 from $3.1 million in Q4 2018.
  • Adjusted EBITDA(6), a non-GAAP measure, increased $1.5 million, or 5.4%, to $29.4 million in Q4 2019 from $27.9 million in Q4 2018.
  • Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased $0.49 to $0.63 in Q4 2019 from $0.14 in Q4 2018.
  • Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations(6), a non-GAAP measure, increased $0.13, or 19.7%, to $0.79 in Q4 2019 from $0.66 in Q4 2018.

FULL YEAR 2019 HIGHLIGHTS AND 2020 GUIDANCE

  • Revenues increased $81.6 million, or 10.3%, to $876.8 million for full year 2019 from $795.1 million for full year 2018.
  • Net income from continuing operations increased $28.0 million to $42.0 million for full year 2019 from $13.9 million for full year 2018.
  • Adjusted EBITDA(6), a non-GAAP measure, increased $14.4 million, or 15.8%, to $105.4 million for full year 2019 from $91.0 million for full year 2018.
  • Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased $1.24 to $1.87 for full year 2019 from $0.63 for full year 2018.
  • Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations(6), a non-GAAP measure, increased $0.66, or 31.7%, to $2.74 for full year 2019 from $2.08 for full year 2018.
  • Huron provides full year 2020 guidance, including revenue expectations in a range of $900.0 million to $940.0 million.

 

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 25, 2020-- Global professional services firm Huron (NASDAQ: HURN) today announced financial results from continuing operations for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019.

“Led by strong growth across all three operating segments, revenues grew 13%, all organic, over the prior year quarter,” said James H. Roth, chief executive officer of Huron. “We have cultivated a unique portfolio of capabilities to help clients accelerate operational, digital and cultural transformation, and we are pleased with the way our offerings are resonating in our markets. Building on this recent momentum, we believe we are well-positioned to achieve sustainable organic growth and improved profitability over time.”

FOURTH QUARTER 2019 RESULTS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Revenues increased $26.8 million, or 13.1%, to $232.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to $205.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2018.

Net income from continuing operations increased $11.3 million to $14.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to $3.1 million for the same quarter last year, primarily driven by positive performance in all segments and a decrease in litigation and other losses, net. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased $0.49 to $0.63 for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to $0.14 for the fourth quarter of 2018.

Fourth quarter 2019 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”)(6) increased $5.4 million, or 22.9%, to $29.1 million from $23.7 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
December 31,

 

2019

 

2018

Amortization of intangible assets

$

 

4,757

 

 

$

 

5,723

 

Restructuring charges (gains)

$

 

(301

)

 

$

 

992

 

Litigation and other losses, net

$

 

375

 

 

$

 

2,971

 

Transaction-related expenses

$

 

67

 

 

$

 

 

Non-cash interest on convertible notes

$

 

 

 

$

 

2,095

 

Gain on sale of business

$

 

 

 

$

 

(56

)

Tax effect of adjustments

$

 

(1,291

)

 

$

 

(2,378

)

Tax expense related to the enactment of Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017

$

 

 

 

$

 

2,364

 

Foreign currency transaction losses, net

$

 

124

 

 

$

 

279

 

Adjusted EBITDA(6) increased $1.5 million, or 5.4%, to $29.4 million, or 12.6% of revenues, in the fourth quarter of 2019, from $27.9 million, or 13.6% of revenues, in the same quarter last year. Adjusted net income from continuing operations(6) increased $3.2 million to $18.0 million, or $0.79 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2019, from $14.8 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2018.

The average number of full-time billable consultants(1) increased 15.5% to 2,582 in the fourth quarter of 2019 from 2,236 in the same quarter last year. Full-time billable consultant utilization rate(2) was 75.0% during the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to 79.7% during the same period last year. Average billing rate per hour for full-time billable consultants(3) was $223 for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to $215 for the fourth quarter of 2018. The average number of full-time equivalent professionals(5) was 337 in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to 285 for the same period in 2018.

FULL YEAR 2019 RESULTS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Revenues increased $81.6 million, or 10.3%, to $876.8 million for full year 2019, compared to $795.1 million for full year 2018.

Net income from continuing operations increased $28.0 million to $42.0 million for full year 2019, compared to $13.9 million for full year 2018, primarily driven by positive performance in the Healthcare and Education segments and a decrease in depreciation and amortization. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased $1.24 to $1.87 for full year 2019 compared to $0.63 for full year 2018.

EBITDA(6) increased $18.8 million, or 22.7%, to $101.9 million for full year 2019, from $83.1 million for full year 2018.

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):

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

2019

 

2018

Amortization of intangible assets

$

 

17,793

 

 

$

 

23,955

 

Restructuring charges

$

 

1,855

 

 

$

 

3,657

 

Litigation and other gains, net

$

 

(1,196

)

 

$

 

(2,019

)

Transaction-related expenses

$

 

2,680

 

 

$

 

 

Non-cash interest on convertible notes

$

 

6,436

 

 

$

 

8,232

 

Loss on sale of business

$

 

 

 

$

 

5,807

 

Tax effect of adjustments

$

 

(7,200

)

 

$

 

(9,487

)

Tax expense related to the enactment of Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017

$

 

 

 

$

 

1,749

 

Tax benefit related to "check-the-box" election

$

 

(736

)

 

$

 

 

Foreign currency transaction losses, net

$

 

160

 

 

$

 

475

 

Adjusted EBITDA(6) increased $14.4 million, or 15.8%, to $105.4 million, or 12.0% of revenues, for full year 2019, from $91.0 million, or 11.4% of revenues, for full year 2018. Adjusted net income from continuing operations(6) increased $15.8 million to $61.6 million, or $2.74 per diluted share, for full year 2019, from $45.8 million, or $2.08 per diluted share, for full year 2018.

The average number of full-time billable consultants(1) increased 12.1% to 2,427 in 2019 from 2,165 in 2018. Full-time billable consultant utilization rate(2) was 76.1% during 2019, compared to 77.5% during 2018. Average billing rate per hour for full-time billable consultants(3) was $211 for full year 2019, compared to $209 for full year 2018. The average number of full-time equivalent professionals(5) was 305 in 2019, compared to 280 in 2018.

OPERATING SEGMENTS

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

The company’s full year 2019 revenues by operating segment as a percentage of total company revenues are as follows: Healthcare (46%); Business Advisory (29%); and Education (25%). Financial results by segment are included in the attached schedules and in Huron's forthcoming Annual Report on Form 10-K filing for the year ended December 31, 2019.

OUTLOOK FOR 2020

Based on currently available information, the company provided guidance for full year 2020 of revenues before reimbursable expenses in a range of $900.0 million to $940.0 million. The company anticipates adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues in a range of 12.0% to 12.8% and non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share to increase 1% to 12% over 2019.

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

FOURTH QUARTER 2019 WEBCAST

The company will host a webcast to discuss its financial results today, February 25, 2020, 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(6)

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: 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 forthcoming Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, 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

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Revenues and reimbursable expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

$

232,269

 

 

$

205,454

 

 

$

876,757

 

 

$

795,125

 

Reimbursable expenses

22,930

 

 

23,226

 

 

88,717

 

 

82,874

 

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses

255,199

 

 

228,680

 

 

965,474

 

 

877,999

 

Direct costs and reimbursable expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct costs

153,160

 

 

132,581

 

 

575,602

 

 

521,537

 

Amortization of intangible assets and software development costs

1,925

 

 

1,052

 

 

5,375

 

 

4,247

 

Reimbursable expenses

22,799

 

 

23,213

 

 

88,696

 

 

82,923

 

Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses

177,884

 

 

156,846

 

 

669,673

 

 

608,707

 

Operating expenses and other losses (gains), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

51,662

 

 

42,502

 

 

203,071

 

 

180,983

 

Restructuring charges

(301

)

 

992

 

 

1,855

 

 

3,657

 

Litigation and other losses (gains), net

375

 

 

2,971

 

 

(1,196

)

 

(2,019

)

Depreciation and amortization

7,080

 

 

8,294

 

 

28,365

 

 

34,575

 

Total operating expenses and other losses (gains), net

58,816

 

 

54,759

 

 

232,095

 

 

217,196

 

Operating income

18,499

 

 

17,075

 

 

63,706

 

 

52,096

 

Other income (expense), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net of interest income

(2,492

)

 

(4,377

)

 

(15,648

)

 

(19,013

)

Other income (expense), net

1,603

 

 

(2,731

)

 

4,433

 

 

(7,862

)

Total other expense, net

(889

)

 

(7,108

)

 

(11,215

)

 

(26,875

)

Income from continuing operations before taxes

17,610

 

 

9,967

 

 

52,491

 

 

25,221

 

Income tax expense

3,256

 

 

6,912

 

 

10,512

 

 

11,277

 

Net income from continuing operations

14,354

 

 

3,055

 

 

41,979

 

 

13,944

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

(41

)

 

6

 

 

(236

)

 

(298

)

Net income

$

14,313

 

 

$

3,061

 

 

$

41,743

 

 

$

13,646

 

Net earnings per basic share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

$

0.65

 

 

$

0.14

 

 

$

1.91

 

 

$

0.64

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

 

 

(0.01

)

 

(0.01

)

Net income

$

0.65

 

 

$

0.14

 

 

$

1.90

 

 

$

0.63

 

Net earnings per diluted share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income from continuing operations

$

0.63

 

 

$

0.14

 

 

$

1.87

 

 

$

0.63

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

 

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.01

)

Net income

$

0.63

 

 

$

0.14

 

 

$

1.85

 

 

$

0.62

 

Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

22,051

 

 

21,774

 

 

21,993

 

 

21,706

 

Diluted

22,676

 

 

22,294

 

 

22,507

 

 

22,058

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

14,313

 

 

$

3,061

 

 

$

41,743

 

 

$

13,646

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

772

 

 

(315

)

 

99

 

 

(1,814

)

Unrealized gain (loss) on investment, net of tax

(8,442

)

 

3,299

 

 

(702

)

 

7,772

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax

42

 

 

(654

)

 

(956

)

 

167

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

(7,628

)

 

2,330

 

 

(1,559

)

 

6,125

 

Comprehensive income

$

6,685

 

 

$

5,391

 

 

$

40,184

 

 

$

19,771

 

 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

December 31,
2019

 

December 31,
2018

Assets

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

11,604

 

 

$

33,107

 

Receivables from clients, net

116,571

 

 

109,677

 

Unbilled services, net

79,937

 

 

69,613

 

Income tax receivable

2,376

 

 

6,612

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

14,248

 

 

13,922

 

Total current assets

224,736

 

 

232,931

 

Property and equipment, net

38,413

 

 

40,374

 

Deferred income taxes, net

1,145

 

 

2,153

 

Long-term investments

54,541

 

 

50,429

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

54,954

 

 

 

Other non-current assets

52,177

 

 

30,525

 

Intangible assets, net

31,625

 

 

47,857

 

Goodwill

646,680

 

 

645,263

 

Total assets

$

1,104,271

 

 

$

1,049,532

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

7,944

 

 

$

10,020

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

18,554

 

 

17,207

 

Accrued payroll and related benefits

141,605

 

 

109,825

 

Accrued contingent consideration for business acquisitions

 

 

9,991

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

529

 

 

243,132

 

Current maturities of operating lease liabilities

7,469

 

 

 

Deferred revenues

28,443

 

 

28,130

 

Total current liabilities

204,544

 

 

418,305

 

Non-current liabilities:

 

 

 

Deferred compensation and other liabilities

28,635

 

 

20,875

 

Accrued contingent consideration for business acquisitions, net of current portion

 

 

1,450

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

208,324

 

 

53,853

 

Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion

69,233

 

 

 

Deferred lease incentives

 

 

13,693

 

Deferred income taxes, net

8,070

 

 

732

 

Total non-current liabilities

314,262

 

 

90,603

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 25,144,764 and 25,114,739 shares issued

at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

247

 

 

244

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 2,425,430 and 2,568,288 shares at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively

(128,348

)

 

(124,794

)

Additional paid-in capital

460,781

 

 

452,573

 

Retained earnings

237,849

 

 

196,106

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

14,936

 

 

16,495

 

Total stockholders’ equity

585,465

 

 

540,624

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

1,104,271

 

 

$

1,049,532

 

 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

2019

 

2018

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

Net income

$

41,743

 

 

$

13,646

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

34,405

 

 

39,311

 

Non-cash lease expense

8,397

 

 

 

Share-based compensation

24,213

 

 

18,818

 

Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs

8,264

 

 

10,313

 

Allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services

250

 

 

657

 

Deferred income taxes

8,795

 

 

10,717

 

Loss on sale of business

 

 

5,807

 

Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities

(1,506

)

 

381

 

Other, net

16

 

 

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestiture:

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in receivables from clients, net

(10,123

)

 

(10,509

)

(Increase) decrease in unbilled services, net

(10,269

)

 

(11,094

)

(Increase) decrease in current income tax receivable / payable, net

4,442

 

 

(2,607

)

(Increase) decrease in other assets

(144

)

 

(1,361

)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities

(6,884

)

 

(8,212

)

Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and related benefits

30,339

 

 

35,481

 

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues

282

 

 

310

 

Net cash provided by operating activities:

132,220

 

 

101,658

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment, net

(13,240

)

 

(8,936

)

Investment in life insurance policies

(4,703

)

 

(2,037

)

Purchases of businesses

(2,500

)

 

(215

)

Purchase of investment securities

(5,000

)

 

 

Capitalization of internally developed software costs

(10,312

)

 

(6,069

)

Proceeds from note receivable

 

 

1,040

 

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

753

 

 

 

Divestiture of business

 

 

(2,345

)

Net cash used in investing activities

(35,002

)

 

(18,562

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

1,244

 

 

937

 

Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings

(5,382

)

 

(3,187

)

Share repurchases

(12,985

)

 

 

Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility

347,000

 

 

204,300

 

Repayments of borrowings under credit facility

(192,515

)

 

(259,801

)

Repayment of convertible notes

(250,000

)

 

 

Payments for debt issuance costs

(1,524

)

 

(1,385

)

Payments for contingent consideration liabilities

(4,674

)

 

(7,554

)

Net cash used in financing activities

(118,836

)

 

(66,690

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

115

 

 

(208

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(21,503

)

 

16,198

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

33,107

 

 

16,909

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

$

11,604

 

 

$

33,107

 

 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Percent

Increase

(Decrease)

Segment and Consolidated Operating Results (in thousands):

 

2019

 

2018

 

Healthcare:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

103,600

 

 

$

92,951

 

 

11.5

%

Operating income

 

$

31,666

 

 

$

29,897

 

 

5.9

%

Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues

 

30.6

%

 

32.2

%

 

 

Business Advisory:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

68,906

 

 

$

65,395

 

 

5.4

%

Operating income

 

$

16,698

 

 

$

15,594

 

 

7.1

%

Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues

 

24.2

%

 

23.8

%

 

 

Education:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

59,763

 

 

$

47,108

 

 

26.9

%

Operating income

 

$

12,506

 

 

$

10,549

 

 

18.6

%

Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues

 

20.9

%

 

22.4

%

 

 

Total Company:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

232,269

 

 

$

205,454

 

 

13.1

%

Reimbursable expenses

 

22,930

 

 

23,226

 

 

(1.3

)%

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses

 

$

255,199

 

 

$

228,680

 

 

11.6

%

Statements of Operations reconciliation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment operating income

 

$

60,870

 

 

$

56,040

 

 

8.6

%

Items not allocated at the segment level:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other operating expenses

 

34,916

 

 

27,700

 

 

26.1

%

Litigation and other losses, net

 

375

 

 

2,971

 

 

(87.4

)%

Depreciation and amortization

 

7,080

 

 

8,294

 

 

(14.6

)%

Total operating income

 

18,499

 

 

17,075

 

 

8.3

%

Other expense, net

 

(889

)

 

(7,108

)

 

(87.5

)%

Income from continuing operations before taxes

 

$

17,610

 

 

$

9,967

 

 

76.7

%

Other Operating Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of full-time billable consultants (at period end) (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

890

 

 

813

 

 

9.5

%

Business Advisory

 

930

 

 

813

 

 

14.4

%

Education

 

756

 

 

621

 

 

21.7

%

Total

 

2,576

 

 

2,247

 

 

14.6

%

Average number of full-time billable consultants (for the period) (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

889

 

 

821

 

 

 

Business Advisory

 

941

 

 

796

 

 

 

Education

 

752

 

 

619

 

 

 

Total

 

2,582

 

 

2,236

 

 

 

 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

Other Operating Data (continued):

 

2019

 

2018

Full-time billable consultant utilization rate (2):

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

76.5

%

 

81.9

%

Business Advisory

 

71.9

%

 

80.3

%

Education

 

77.1

%

 

76.2

%

Total

 

75.0

%

 

79.7

%

Full-time billable consultant average billing rate per hour (3):

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

$

251

 

 

$

220

 

Business Advisory (4)

 

$

218

 

 

$

224

 

Education

 

$

197

 

 

$

198

 

Total (4)

 

$

223

 

 

$

215

 

Revenue per full-time billable consultant (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

$

84

 

 

$

77

 

Business Advisory

 

$

70

 

 

$

79

 

Education

 

$

69

 

 

$

68

 

Total

 

$

74

 

 

$

75

 

Average number of full-time equivalents (for the period) (5):

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

263

 

 

231

 

Business Advisory

 

15

 

 

20

 

Education

 

59

 

 

34

 

Total

 

337

 

 

285

 

Revenue per full-time equivalent (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

$

111

 

 

$

127

 

Business Advisory

 

$

187

 

 

$

131

 

Education

 

$

141

 

 

$

156

 

Total

 

$

120

 

 

$

131

 

 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

Percent

Increase

(Decrease)

Segment and Consolidated Operating Results (in thousands):

 

2019

 

2018

 

Healthcare:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

399,221

 

 

$

364,763

 

 

9.4

%

Operating income

 

$

125,724

 

 

$

108,060

 

 

16.3

%

Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues

 

31.5

%

 

29.6

%

 

 

Business Advisory:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

252,508

 

 

$

236,185

 

 

6.9

%

Operating income

 

$

49,695

 

 

$

50,625

 

 

(1.8

)%

Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues

 

19.7

%

 

21.4

%

 

 

Education:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

225,028

 

 

$

194,177

 

 

15.9

%

Operating income

 

$

55,741

 

 

$

48,243

 

 

15.5

%

Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues

 

24.8

%

 

24.8

%

 

 

Total Company:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

876,757

 

 

$

795,125

 

 

10.3

%

Reimbursable expenses

 

88,717

 

 

82,874

 

 

7.1

%

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses

 

$

965,474

 

 

$

877,999

 

 

10.0

%

Statements of Operations reconciliation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment operating income

 

$

231,160

 

 

$

206,928

 

 

11.7

%

Items not allocated at the segment level:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other operating expenses

 

140,285

 

 

122,276

 

 

14.7

%

Litigation and other gains, net

 

(1,196

)

 

(2,019

)

 

(40.8

)%

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

28,365

 

 

34,575

 

 

(18.0

)%

Total operating income

 

63,706

 

 

52,096

 

 

22.3

%

Other expense, net

 

(11,215

)

 

(26,875

)

 

(58.3

)%

Income from continuing operations before taxes

 

$

52,491

 

 

$

25,221

 

 

108.1

%

Other Operating Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of full-time billable consultants (at period end) (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

890

 

 

813

 

 

9.5

%

Business Advisory

 

930

 

 

813

 

 

14.4

%

Education

 

756

 

 

621

 

 

21.7

%

Total

 

2,576

 

 

2,247

 

 

14.6

%

Average number of full-time billable consultants (for the period) (1):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

849

 

 

807

 

 

 

Business Advisory

 

892

 

 

769

 

 

 

Education

 

686

 

 

589

 

 

 

Total

 

2,427

 

 

2,165

 

 

 

 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

Other Operating Data (continued):

 

2019

 

2018

Full-time billable consultant utilization rate (2):

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

79.4

%

 

81.7

%

Business Advisory

 

72.5

%

 

73.8

%

Education

 

76.8

%

 

76.6

%

Total

 

76.1

%

 

77.5

%

Full-time billable consultant average billing rate per hour (3):

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

$

231

 

 

$

209

 

Business Advisory (4)

 

$

201

 

 

$

215

 

Education

 

$

199

 

 

$

202

 

Total (4)

 

$

211

 

 

$

209

 

Revenue per full-time billable consultant (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

$

331

 

 

$

307

 

Business Advisory

 

$

273

 

 

$

293

 

Education

 

$

285

 

 

$

289

 

Total

 

$

297

 

 

$

297

 

Average number of full-time equivalents (for the period) (5):

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

244

 

 

219

 

Business Advisory

 

14

 

 

22

 

Education

 

47

 

 

39

 

Total

 

305

 

 

280

 

Revenue per full-time equivalent (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

$

485

 

 

$

536

 

Business Advisory

 

$

655

 

 

$

484

 

Education

 

$

617

 

 

$

601

 

Total

 

$

513

 

 

$

541

 

(1)

 

Consists of full-time professionals who provide consulting services and generate revenues based on the number of hours worked.

(2)

 

Utilization rate for full-time billable consultants is calculated by dividing the number of hours full-time billable consultants worked on client assignments during a period by the total available working hours for these consultants during the same period, assuming a forty-hour work week, less paid holidays and vacation days.

(3)

 

Average billing rate per hour for full-time billable consultants is calculated by dividing revenues for a period by the number of hours worked on client assignments during the same period.

(4)

 

The Business Advisory segment includes operations of Huron Eurasia India. Absent the impact of Huron Eurasia India, the average billing rate per hour for the Business Advisory segment would have been $254 and $257 for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively; and $228 and $246 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Absent the impact of Huron Eurasia India, Huron's consolidated average billing rate per hour would have been $235 and $226 for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively; and $220 and $218 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

(5)

 

Consists of coaches and their support staff within the Culture and Organizational Excellence solution, consultants who work variable schedules as needed by clients, employees who provide managed services in our Healthcare segment, and full-time employees who provide software support and maintenance services to clients.

   

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

TO ADJUSTED EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (6)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Revenues

$

232,269

 

 

$

205,454

 

 

$

876,757

 

 

$

795,125

 

Net income from continuing operations

$

14,354

 

 

$

3,055

 

 

$

41,979

 

 

$

13,944

 

Add back:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

3,256

 

 

6,912

 

 

10,512

 

 

11,277

 

Interest expense, net of interest income

2,492

 

 

4,377

 

 

15,648

 

 

19,013

 

Depreciation and amortization

9,005

 

 

9,346

 

 

33,740

 

 

38,822

 

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) (6)

29,107

 

 

23,690

 

 

101,879

 

 

83,056

 

Add back:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring charges (gains)

(301

)

 

992

 

 

1,855

 

 

3,657

 

Litigation and other losses (gains), net

375

 

 

2,971

 

 

(1,196

)

 

(2,019

)

Loss (gain) on sale of business

 

 

(56

)

 

 

 

5,807

 

Transaction-related expenses

67

 

 

 

 

2,680

 

 

 

Foreign currency transaction losses, net

124

 

 

279

 

 

160

 

 

475

 

Adjusted EBITDA (6)

$

29,372

 

 

$

27,876

 

 

$

105,378

 

 

$

90,976

 

Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues (6)

12.6

%

 

13.6

%

 

12.0

%

 

11.4

%

 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (6)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended
December 31,

 

Twelve Months Ended
December 31,

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Net income from continuing operations

$

14,354

 

 

$

3,055

 

 

$

41,979

 

 

$

13,944

 

Weighted average shares - diluted

22,676

 

 

22,294

 

 

22,507

 

 

22,058

 

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

$

0.63

 

 

$

0.14

 

 

$

1.87

 

 

$

0.63

 

Add back:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of intangible assets

4,757

 

 

5,723

 

 

17,793

 

 

23,955

 

Restructuring charges (gains)

(301

)

 

992

 

 

1,855

 

 

3,657

 

Litigation and other losses (gains), net

375

 

 

2,971

 

 

(1,196

)

 

(2,019

)

Transaction-related expenses

67

 

 

 

 

2,680

 

 

 

Non-cash interest on convertible notes

 

 

2,095

 

 

6,436

 

 

8,232

 

Loss (gain) on sale of business

 

 

(56

)

 

 

 

5,807

 

Tax effect of adjustments

(1,291

)

 

(2,378

)

 

(7,200

)

 

(9,487

)

Tax expense related to the enactment of Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017

 

 

2,364

 

 

 

 

1,749

 

Tax benefit related to "check-the-box" election

 

 

 

 

(736

)

 

 

Total adjustments, net of tax

3,607

 

 

11,711

 

 

19,632

 

 

31,894

 

Adjusted net income from continuing operations (6)

$

17,961

 

 

$

14,766

 

 

$

61,611

 

 

$

45,838

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (6)

$

0.79

 

 

$

0.66

 

 

$

2.74

 

 

$

2.08

 

(6)

 

In evaluating the company’s financial performance and outlook, management uses earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“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 the company's 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.

 

MEDIA CONTACT
Allie Bovis
312-212-6714
abovis@huronconsultinggroup.com

INVESTOR CONTACT
John D. Kelly
312-583-8722
investor@huronconsultinggroup.com

Source: Huron

MEDIA CONTACT
Allie Bovis
312-212-6714
abovis@huronconsultinggroup.com

INVESTOR CONTACT
John D. Kelly
312-583-8722
investor@huronconsultinggroup.com

Investor Contact
John Kelly
Media Contact
Allie Bovis