8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d)

of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 25, 2019

 

 

HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   0-25837   36-2681268

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 4900, Chicago, IL   60606-6303
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (312) 496-1200

N/A

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR 240.12b-2).

Emerging growth company  ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

 

 


Item 2.02.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On February 25, 2019, Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (“Heidrick & Struggles” or the “Company”) reported its earnings for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. A copy of the Company’s press release containing the information is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information furnished pursuant to this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Heidrick & Struggles under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act.

 

Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

The following exhibit is being furnished as part of this Report on Form 8-K:

 

99.1    Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. Press Release dated February 25, 2019.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

    HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
   

(Registrant)

Date: February 25, 2019     By:   /s/ Kamau Coar                                        
    Name:   Kamau Coar
    Title:   General Counsel
EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heidrick & Struggles Announces Strong Fourth Quarter and Record 2018 Results

Board of Directors approves 15% increase in first quarter cash dividend

CHICAGO, February 25, 2019 — Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSII), a premier provider of executive search, leadership assessment and development, organization and team effectiveness, and culture shaping services globally, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2018.

2018 Fourth Quarter Financial Achievements and Highlights

 

   

Net revenue of $185.3 million increased 9.4% compared to 2017 fourth quarter

 

   

Executive Search net revenue grew 13.2% to $168.5 million, with all three regions contributing to the increase

 

   

Highest fourth quarter operating income in 11 years of $16.7 million

 

   

Net income increased to $11.2 million and diluted EPS was $0.58 with an effective tax rate of 30.0%

 

   

Raised first quarter cash dividend 15% to $0.15 per share from $0.13 per share

2018 Financial Achievements and Highlights

 

   

Record net revenue of $716.0 million increased 15.2% compared to 2017

 

   

Executive Search net revenue of $652.9 million grew 18.3%, with all three regions contributing to the increase

 

   

Executive Search consultant productivity and average revenue per executive search reach historical highs

 

   

General and administrative expenses reduced by $6.5 million to $140.8 million, and as a percent of net revenue the lowest since 2007 at 19.7%

 

   

Operating income grew to $68.9 million and operating margin of 9.6%, both the highest since 2007

 

   

Net income of $49.3 million and diluted EPS of $2.52 were both the highest in over a decade, with an effective tax rate of 30.1%

“We achieved another strong quarter that contributed to our second consecutive year of record net revenue as we execute on our plan to drive profitable growth and operating excellence,” stated Heidrick & Struggles’ President and Chief Executive Officer, Krishnan Rajagopalan. “The launch of Heidrick Consulting in 2018 perfectly complements our Executive Search business and enhances our ability to help clients navigate volatile and fast-changing markets. Our fourth quarter and 2018 results reflect the tremendous efforts and contributions of our employees globally and I extend my sincere appreciation.”

Rajagopalan added, “The new year has started well and our outlook for the executive search and leadership advisory markets is positive. Heidrick & Struggles continues to effectively introduce new data-driven, tech-enabled platforms and offer an expanded range of executive talent and human capital solutions to help our clients accelerate their performance. Our announcement last month of an exclusive agreement with Business Talent Group (BTG), for example, allows us to offer our clients seamless access to BTG’s pool of top-tier independent professionals for specialized project-based work. Our own digital transformation—driving and leveraging our propriety IP-based solutions and data—will continue to distinguish Heidrick & Struggles in the market, as will our commitment to building and fostering a diverse talent landscape. We help our clients change the world, one leadership team at a time.”


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2018 Fourth Quarter Results

Driven by strong results in Executive Search, consolidated net revenue (revenue before reimbursements) increased 9.4%, or $15.9 million, to $185.3 million from $169.4 million in the 2017 fourth quarter. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations which negatively impacted results by $2.6 million, or 1.4%, consolidated net revenue increased 10.9% or $18.5 million. The company’s adoption of ASC 606 on January 1, 2018, increased consolidated net revenue by $2.9 million compared to the historical method of revenue recognition.

Executive Search net revenue increased 13.2% year over year, or $19.6 million, to $168.5 million from $148.9 million in the 2017 fourth quarter. All three regions contributed to this growth with net revenue increasing 20.2% in the Americas, 0.3% in Europe and 4.7% in Asia Pacific. Every industry practice also contributed, except the Financial Services practice which declined 1.0%.

There were 353 Executive Search consultants at December 31, 2018 compared to 346 at December 31, 2017 and 346 at September 30, 2018. Productivity, as measured by annualized Executive Search net revenue per consultant, was $1.9 million compared to $1.7 million in the 2017 fourth quarter. The number of confirmed searches increased 5.9% compared to the 2017 fourth quarter, and the average revenue per executive search was $142,000 compared to $132,800 in the 2017 fourth quarter.

Heidrick Consulting net revenue decreased 18.0%, or $3.7 million, to $16.8 million from $20.5 million in the 2017 fourth quarter. The decline reflects the impact of new revenue recognition accounting on enterprise license agreements, which increased deferred revenue thereby reducing net revenue in the quarter by approximately $1.1 million, as well as the company’s realignment initiatives within this segment. There were 66 Heidrick Consulting consultants at December 31, 2018 compared to 64 at December 31, 2017 and 66 at September 30, 2018.

Consolidated salaries and employee benefits expense increased 6.6%, or $8.3 million, to $133.3 million from $125.1 million in the 2017 fourth quarter. Fixed compensation expense increased $7.4 million, largely reflecting higher costs for talent acquisition and retention of consultants. Variable compensation expense increased $0.9 million, primarily reflecting higher bonus accruals for Executive Search consultant performance. Salaries and employee benefits expense improved to 72.0% of net revenue for the quarter compared to 73.8% in the 2017 fourth quarter.

General and administrative expenses declined 1.6%, or $0.6 million, to $35.3 million from $35.9 million in the 2017 fourth quarter. Savings were achieved in a number of expense categories, but lower internal travel expense and lower office occupancy costs were two of the largest drivers of the decline. As a percentage of net revenue, general and administrative expenses improved to 19.0% compared to 21.2% in the 2017 fourth quarter.

Operating income increased to $16.7 million from a loss of $18.8 million in the 2017 fourth quarter. The operating margin improved to 9.0%. Excluding impairment and restructuring charges totaling $27.2 million in the 2017 fourth quarter, adjusted operating income would have been $8.5 million and the adjusted operating margin would have been 5.0 percent. In the 2017 fourth quarter, the company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $11.6 million to write off the carrying value of the intangible assets and goodwill related to its former Leadership Consulting business, and recorded restructuring charges of $15.7 million related to strategic actions taken to reduce overall costs and improve operational efficiencies.


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Adjusted EBITDA in the 2018 fourth quarter increased $9.1 million or 68.7% to $22.2 million from $13.2 million in the 2017 fourth quarter. The Adjusted EBITDA margin was 12.0% compared to 7.8% in the 2017 fourth quarter. The improvements in operating income and Adjusted EBITDA were primarily driven by the increase in revenue from Executive Search.

Net income increased to $11.2 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.58 with an effective tax rate of 30.0% in the quarter. A net loss in the 2017 fourth quarter of $39.2 million and diluted loss per share of $2.09 reflected the impairment and restructuring charges and two tax-related charges related to the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $125.8 million, compared to $103.0 million in the 2017 fourth quarter. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2018 were $279.9 million compared to $207.5 million at December 31, 2017, and $164.2 million at September 30, 2018. The company’s cash position typically builds throughout the year as bonuses are accrued, mostly to be paid out in the first quarter.

2018 Results

Consolidated net revenue of $716.0 million increased 15.2%, or $94.6 million, from $621.4 million in 2017. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations which positively impacted results by $4.0 million, or 0.6%, consolidated net revenue increased 14.6% or $90.7 million. The company’s adoption of ASC 606 on January 1, 2018, increased consolidated net revenue in 2018 by $4.2 million compared to the historical method of revenue recognition.

Executive Search net revenue increased 18.3%, or $100.8 million, to $652.9 million from $552.0 million in 2017. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations which positively impacted results by $3.3 million, or 0.5%, consolidated net revenue increased $97.6 million or 17.7%. Net revenue increased 19.3% in the Americas, 16.0% in Europe (approximately 12.2% on a constant currency basis), and 17.7% in the Asia Pacific region (approximately 18.5% on a constant currency basis). All of the industry practices contributed to growth in 2018. Productivity was a record $1.9 million per executive search consultant compared to $1.6 million in 2017. The number of confirmed executive searches increased 11.8% and the average revenue per executive search was a record $127,300 compared to $120,300 in 2017.

Heidrick Consulting net revenue declined 9.0%, or $6.2 million, to $63.1 million, from $69.4 million in 2017. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, Heidrick Consulting revenue declined 10.0% or $6.9 million. The year-over-year decline largely reflects the impact of new revenue recognition accounting on enterprise license agreements, which increased deferred revenue compared to prior quarters, thereby reducing net revenue by approximately $3.8 million, as well as the company’s realignment initiatives within this segment.

Consolidated salaries and employee benefits expense increased 16.6%, or $72.1 million, to $506.3 million from $434.2 million in the 2017. Fixed compensation expense increased $24.9 million largely reflecting higher costs for talent acquisition and retention of consultants. Variable compensation expense increased $47.2 million, primarily reflecting higher bonus accruals for Executive Search consultant performance.


Page 4

 

Salaries and employee benefits expense was 70.7% of net revenue in 2018 compared to 69.9% in 2017. General and administrative expenses in 2018 declined 4.4%, or $6.5 million, to $140.8 million from $147.3 million in 2017. Savings were achieved in a number of expense categories, but a reduction in the use of external third-party consultants to perform client work, lower internal travel expense and lower intangible amortization due to intangible asset impairment recorded in the prior year were three of the largest drivers of the decline in G&A expense. As a percentage of net revenue, general and administrative expenses were 19.7% compared to 23.7% in 2017.

Operating income increased to $68.9 million and the operating margin improved to 9.6%. This compares to an operating loss in 2017 of $26.5 million that reflected four unusual items during the year. Absent these four items, adjusted operating income in 2007 would have been $41.4 million and the adjusted operating margin would have been 6.7%. In the 2017 first quarter, the company reached a settlement with Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”) in the United Kingdom regarding HMRC’s challenge of the tax treatment of certain contributions made to Employee Benefits Trusts (“EBT”) between 2002 and 2008. This settlement resulted in $1.5 million of salaries & employee benefits expense. In the 2017 second quarter, the company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $39.2 million to write off the carrying value of the intangible assets and goodwill related to its former Culture Shaping business. And in the 2017 fourth quarter, the company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $11.6 million related to its former Leadership Consulting business and a restructuring charge of $15.7 million.

Adjusted EBITDA increased $30.6 million or 50.9% to $90.7 million with an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 12.7%, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $60.1 million and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.7% in 2017.

Net income increased to $49.3 million and diluted earnings per share was $2.52, with an effective tax rate of 30.1%. The net loss in 2017 was $48.6 million and the diluted loss per share was $2.60, primarily reflecting the restructuring and impairment charges. Despite the loss in 2017, the company had tax expense of $19.2 million, largely driven by the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, reflecting an effective tax rate of negative 65.3 percent.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $102.9 million, compared to $67.0 million in 2017.

Dividend

The Board of Directors has declared a 2019 first quarter cash dividend increase of 15% to $0.15 per share payable on March 22, 2019 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 8, 2019. For the last 11 years, Heidrick & Struggles has paid a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per share.

2019 First Quarter Outlook

“Heidrick & Struggles is committed to investing for growth and returning excess cash to our shareholders,” said Mark Harris, Chief Financial Officer. “By generating strong adjusted free cash flow, we have the flexibility to do both. Our announcement today of an increase to the quarterly cash dividend reflects our positive outlook for the business and demonstrates the confidence we have in our ability to generate strong cash flow over the long-term. We also remain committed to a well-balanced capital allocation strategy, and have $21.7 million remaining under our current share buyback authorization.”


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The company expects 2019 first quarter consolidated net revenue of between $165 million and $175 million. This outlook is based on the average currency rates in December 2018 and reflects, among other factors, management’s assumptions for the anticipated volume of new Executive Search confirmations, Heidrick Consulting assignments, the current backlog, consultant productivity, consultant retention, and the seasonality of its business.

Impact of Adoption of ASC 606

On January 1, 2018, the company adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and applied the modified retrospective method, which involves recognizing the cumulative effect of applying the guidance at the date of initial application with no restatement of the comparative periods presented. This adoption increased consolidated net revenue in the 2018 fourth quarter by $2.9 million and increased 2018 consolidated net revenue by $4.2 million. The new guidance primarily impacts the company’s revenue recognition methodology for executive search upticks and for enterprise licenses to use its culture shaping proprietary tools, referred to as enterprise agreements. The company now estimates uptick revenue and recognizes this revenue over the life of the executive search as opposed to recognition upon the placement of a candidate. Enterprise agreements are now recognized over a longer term due to certain renewal options included in the contract. The following is a summary of the impact on fourth quarter and 2018 revenue by segment:

 

   

Executive Search—The adoption of the new revenue recognition standard increased revenue in the 2018 fourth quarter by approximately $4.0 million, reflecting a $2.6 million increase in the Americas, a $0.3 million increase in Europe, and a $1.0 million increase in Asia Pacific. For 2018, the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard increased revenue by approximately $8.0 million, reflecting a $4.1 million increase in the Americas, a $1.0 million increase in Europe, and a $3.0 million increase in Asia Pacific.

 

   

Heidrick Consulting—The adoption of the new revenue recognition standard reduced enterprise revenue by $1.1 million in the 2018 fourth quarter and by $3.8 million in 2018.

Quarterly Conference Call

Executives of Heidrick & Struggles will host a conference call to review its fourth quarter and 2018 financial results today, February 25 at 4:00 pm Central Time. Participants may access the company’s call and supporting slides through its website at www.heidrick.com. 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) serves the senior-level talent and leadership needs of the world’s top organizations as a trusted advisor across executive search, leadership assessment and development, organization and team effectiveness, and culture shaping services. Heidrick & Struggles pioneered the profession of executive search 65 years ago. Today, the firm provides integrated leadership solutions to help our clients change the world, one leadership team at a time.® www.heidrick.com


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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the financial results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”), Heidrick & Struggles presents certain non-GAAP financial measures. A “non-GAAP financial measure” is defined as a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance that excludes or includes amounts different than the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP in the statements of comprehensive income, balance sheets or statements of cash flow of the company. Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation G, this earnings release contains the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to the non-GAAP financial measure.

The non-GAAP financial measures used within this earnings release are Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted operating income and Adjusted operating margin. 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. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures with the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are provided as schedules attached to this release.

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, intangible amortization, equity- settled stock compensation expense, earnout accretion expense related to acquisitions, restructuring and impairment charges, and other non-operating income (expense).

 

   

Adjusted EBITDA margin refers to Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue in the same period.

 

   

Adjusted operating income refers to operating income excluding the expense associated with a settlement with the HMRC related to the taxation of a legacy U.K. benefit trust obligation in the 2017 first quarter, impairment charges in the 2017 second quarter, impairment charge in the 2017 fourth quarter, and restructuring charges in the 2017 fourth quarter.

 

   

Adjusted operating margin refers to Adjusted operating income (as explained above) as a percentage of net revenue in the same period.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. 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,” “projects,” “forecasts,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, forecasted or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may affect the outcome of the forward-looking statements include, among other things, leadership changes, our ability to attract, integrate, develop, manage and retain 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; the fact that our net revenue may be affected by adverse economic conditions; our clients’ ability to restrict us from recruiting their employees; the aggressive competition we face; our heavy reliance on information management systems; 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; social, political,


Page 7

 

regulatory and legal risks in markets where we operate; the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; the fact that we may not be able to align our cost structure with net revenue; unfavorable tax law changes and tax authority rulings; our ability to realize our tax losses; the timing of the establishment or reversal of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets; any impairment of our goodwill, other intangible assets and other long-lived assets; our ability to execute and integrate future acquisitions; the fact that we have anti-takeover provisions that make an acquisition of us difficult and expensive; our ability to access additional credit; and the increased cybersecurity requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and more sophisticated and targeted cyber-related attacks that could pose a risk to our systems, networks, solutions, services and data. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For more information on the factors that could affect the outcome of forward-looking statements, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, under Risk Factors in Item 1A and our quarterly filings with the SEC. We caution the reader that the list of factors may not be exhaustive. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

###

Press Release Contacts:

H&S Investors & Analysts Contact:

Julie Creed—Vice President, Real Estate & Investor Relations

+1 312 496 1774, jcreed@heidrick.com

H&S Media Contact:

Nina Chang—Vice President, Corporate Communications

+1 212 551 1634, nchang@heidrick.com

 


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
December 31,
             
     2018     2017     $ Change     % Change  

Revenue

        

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

   $ 185,305     $ 169,380     $ 15,925       9.4

Reimbursements

     5,662       4,916       746       15.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     190,967       174,296       16,671       9.6

Operating expenses

        

Salaries and employee benefits

     133,328       125,060       8,268       6.6

General and administrative expenses

     35,285       35,862       (577     -1.6

Impairment charges

     —         11,564       (11,564     -100.0

Restructuring charges

     —         15,666       (15,666     -100.0

Reimbursed expenses

     5,662       4,916       746       15.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     174,275       193,068       (18,793     -9.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     16,692       (18,772     35,464       188.9

Non-operating expense

        

Interest, net

     645       190      

Other, net

     (1,355     (507    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net non-operating expense

     (710     (317    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Income (loss) before taxes

     15,982       (19,089    

Provision for income taxes

     4,787       20,119      
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net income (loss)

     11,195       (39,208    

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     (57     2,356      
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 11,138     $ (36,852    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     18,954       18,781      
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     19,404       18,781      
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Basic net income (loss) per common share

   $ 0.59     $ (2.09    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

   $ 0.58     $ (2.09    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Salaries and employee benefits as a % of net revenue

     72.0     73.8    

General and administrative expenses as a % of net revenue

     19.0     21.2    

Operating income (loss) as a percentage of net income

     9.0     (11.1 %)     


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Segment Information

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended December 31,  
     2018     2017     $ Change     % Change     2018
Margin*
    2017
Margin*
 

Revenue

            

Executive Search

            

Americas

   $ 109,768     $ 91,351     $ 18,417       20.2    

Europe

     34,929       34,812       117       0.3    

Asia Pacific

     23,816       22,743       1,073       4.7    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total Executive Search

     168,513       148,906       19,607       13.2    

Heidrick Consulting

     16,792       20,474       (3,682     (18.0 %)     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

     185,305       169,380       15,925       9.4    

Reimbursements

     5,662       4,916       746       15.2    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total revenue

   $
 
 
190,967
 
 
  $
 
 
174,296
 
 
  $
 
 
16,671
 
 
    9.6    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Operating income (loss)

            

Executive Search

            

Americas (1)

   $ 26,892     $ 14,379     $ 12,513       87.0     24.5     15.7

Europe (2)

     (604     (4,194     3,590       85.6     (1.7 %)      (12.0 %) 

Asia Pacific (3)

     2,391       (3,429     5,820       169.7     10.0     (15.1 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Executive Search

     28,679       6,756       21,923       324.5     17.0     4.5

Heidrick Consulting (4)

     (2,631     (12,519     9,888       79.0     (15.7 %)      (61.1 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total segments

     26,048       (5,763     31,811       552.0     14.1     (3.4 %) 

Global Operations Support (5)

     (9,356     (13,009     3,653       28.1     (5.0 %)      (7.7 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating income (loss)

   $ 16,692     $ (18,772   $ 35,464       188.9     9.0     (11.1 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Margin based on revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

(1)

Operating income for the Americas includes $0.8 million of restructuring charges in 2017.

(2)

Operating loss for Europe includes $4.0 million of restructuring charges in 2017.

(3)

Operating loss for Asia Pacific includes $2.0 million of restructuring charges in 2017.

(4)

Operating loss for Heidrick Consulting includes $11.6 million of impairment charges and $3.4 million of restructuring charges in 2017.

(5)

Operating loss for Global Operations Support includes $5.5 million of restructuring charges in 2017.


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
             
     2018     2017     $ Change     % Change  

Revenue

        

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

   $ 716,023     $ 621,400     $ 94,623       15.2

Reimbursements

     19,632       18,656       976       5.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenue

     735,655       640,056       95,599       14.9

Operating expenses

        

Salaries and employee benefits

     506,349       434,219       72,130       16.6

General and administrative expenses

     140,817       147,316       (6,499     (4.4 %) 

Impairment charges

     —         50,722       (50,722     (100.0 %) 

Restructuring charges

     —         15,666       (15,666     (100.0 %) 

Reimbursed expenses

     19,632       18,656       976       5.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     666,798       666,579       219       0.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     68,857       (26,523     95,380       359.6

Non-operating income (expense)

        

Interest, net

     1,141       385      

Other, net

     494       (3,280    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net non-operating income (expense)

     1,635       (2,895    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Income (loss) before taxes

     70,492       (29,418    

Provision for income taxes

     21,197       19,217      
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Net income (loss)

     49,295       (48,635    

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     (3,164     9,993      
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 46,131     $ (38,642    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     18,917       18,735      
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     19,532       18,735      
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Basic net income (loss) per common share

   $ 2.61     $ (2.60    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

   $ 2.52     $ (2.60    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Salaries and employee benefits as a % of net revenue

     70.7     69.9    

General and administrative expenses as a % of net revenue

     19.7     23.7    

Operating income (loss) as a percentage of net income

     9.6     (4.3 %)     


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Segment Information

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2018     2017     $ Change     % Change     2018
Margin*
    2017
Margin*
 

Revenue

            

Executive Search

            

Americas

   $ 405,267     $ 339,793     $ 65,474       19.3    

Europe

     145,348       125,346       20,002       16.0    

Asia Pacific

     102,276       86,905       15,371       17.7    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

Total Executive Search

     652,891       552,044       100,847       18.3    

Heidrick Consulting

     63,132       69,356       (6,224     (9.0 %)     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

     716,023       621,400       94,623       15.2    

Reimbursements

     19,632       18,656       976       5.2    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

Total revenue

   $ 735,655     $ 640,056     $ 95,599       14.9    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

       

Operating income (loss)

            

Executive Search

            

Americas (1)

   $ 96,880     $ 75,337     $ 21,543       28.6     23.9     22.2

Europe (2)

     5,849       13       5,836       NM       4.0     0.0

Asia Pacific (3)

     15,999       537       15,462       NM       15.6     0.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Executive Search

     118,728       75,887       42,841       56.5     18.2     13.7

Heidrick Consulting (4)

     (13,619     (62,368     48,749       78.2     (21.6 %)      (89.9 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total segments

     105,109       13,519       91,590       NM       14.7     2.2

Global Operations Support (5)

     (36,252     (40,042     3,790       9.5     (5.1 %)      (6.4 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating income (loss)

   $ 68,857     $ (26,523   $ 95,380       NM       9.6     (4.3 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Margin based on revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

(1)

Operating income for the Americas includes $0.8 million of restructuring charges in 2017.

(2)

Operating income for Europe includes $4.0 million of restructuring charges in 2017.

(3)

Operating income for Asia Pacific includes $2.0 million of restructuring charges in 2017.

(4)

Operating loss for Heidrick Consulting includes $50.7 million of impairment charges and $3.4 million of restructuring charges in 2017.

(5)

Operating loss for Global Operations Support includes $5.5 million of restructuring charges in 2017.


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

 

     December 31,
2018
     December 31,
2017
 
     (Unaudited)         

Current assets

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 279,906      $ 207,534  

Accounts receivable, net

     114,977        98,700  

Prepaid expenses

     22,766        22,003  

Other current assets

     29,598        11,620  

Income taxes recoverable

     3,620        3,933  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     450,867        343,790  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current assets

     

Property and equipment, net

     33,871        39,514  

Assets designated for retirement and pension plans

     15,035        17,130  

Investments

     19,442        21,319  

Other non-current assets

     22,276        8,999  

Goodwill

     122,092        118,892  

Other intangible assets, net

     2,216        2,158  

Deferred income taxes

     34,830        35,402  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

     249,762        243,414  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 700,629      $ 587,204  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current liabilities

     

Accounts payable

   $ 9,166      $ 9,824  

Accrued salaries and employee benefits

     227,653        177,426  

Deferred revenue, net

     40,673        31,272  

Other current liabilities

     33,219        40,346  

Income taxes payable

     8,240        6,924  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     318,951        265,792  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

     

Accrued salaries and employee benefits

     57,234        40,308  

Retirement and pension plans

     39,865        44,802  

Other non-current liabilities

     17,423        23,597  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

     114,522        108,707  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

     267,156        212,705  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 700,629      $ 587,204  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
     2018     2017  

Cash flows—operating activities

    

Net income (loss)

   $ 11,195     $ (39,208

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     2,964       3,504  

Deferred income taxes

     (3,058     13,650  

Stock-based compensation expense

     2,184       1,020  

Accretion expense related to earnout payments

     322       202  

Impairment charges

     —         11,564  

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:

    

Accounts receivable

     43,298       30,721  

Accounts payable

     235       1,425  

Accrued expenses

     67,692       56,373  

Restructuring accrual

     (784     13,025  

Deferred revenue

     (2,084     (4,051

Income taxes payable, net

     2,760       3,425  

Retirement and pension assets and liabilities

     (473     267  

Prepaid expenses

     2,523       2,428  

Other assets and liabilities, net

     (987     8,626  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     125,787       102,971  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows—investing activities

    

Acquisition of business

     36       —    

Capital expenditures

     (1,021     (861

Purchases of available for sale investments

     (155     (152

Proceeds from sale of available for sale investments

     105       133  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (1,035     (880
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows—financing activities

    

Debt issuance costs

     (981     —    

Cash dividends paid

     (2,608     (2,435

Acquisition earnout payments

     (3,592     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (7,181     (2,435
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

     (2,123     2,168  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

     115,448       101,824  

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period

     164,814       106,338  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period

   $ 280,262     $ 208,162  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2018     2017  

Cash flows—operating activities

    

Net income (loss)

   $ 49,295     $ (48,635

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     12,522       14,774  

Deferred income taxes

     (3,496     (1,690

Stock-based compensation expense

     8,947       4,935  

Accretion expense related to earnout payments

     1,285       1,038  

Impairment charges

     —         50,722  

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:

    

Accounts receivable

     (16,759     (1,882

Accounts payable

     (526     1,474  

Accrued expenses

     71,526       18,330  

Restructuring accrual

     (11,617     13,025  

Deferred revenue

     (1,899     2,010  

Income taxes payable, net

     757       3,381  

Retirement and pension assets and liabilities

     (1,492     3,065  

Prepaid expenses

     (893     797  

Other assets and liabilities, net

     (4,748     5,626  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     102,902       66,970  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows—investing activities

    

Acquisition of business

     (3,083     (364

Capital expenditures

     (5,960     (14,022

Purchases of available for sale investments

     (2,201     (2,269

Proceeds from sale of available for sale investments

     2,995       1,404  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (8,249     (15,251
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows—financing activities

    

Proceeds from line of credit

     20,000       40,000  

Payments on line of credit

     (20,000     (40,000

Debt issuance costs

     (981     —    

Cash dividends paid

     (10,181     (10,111

Payment of employee tax withholdings on equity transactions

     (2,234     (2,392

Acquisition earnout payments

     (3,592     (4,557

Net cash used in financing activities

     (16,988     (17,060
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

     (5,565     7,933  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

     72,100       42,592  

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period

     208,162       165,570  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period

   $ 280,262     $ 208,162  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) and Operating Income (Loss) (GAAP) to Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2018     2017     2018     2017  

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

   $ 185,305     $ 169,380     $ 716,023     $ 621,400  

Net income (loss)

     11,195       (39,208     49,295       (48,635

Interest, net

     (645     (190     (1,141     (385

Other, net

     1,355       507       (494     3,280  

Provision for income taxes

     4,787       20,119       21,197       19,217  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

     16,692       (18,772     68,857       (26,523

Adjustments

        

Salaries and employee benefits

        

Stock-based compensation expense

     2,630       1,020       8,385       4,597  

General and administrative expenses

        

Depreciation

     2,688       3,038       11,025       10,417  

Intangible amortization

     276       466       1,496       4,357  

Earnout accretion

     (43     202       920       854  

Impairment charges

     —         11,564       —         50,722  

Restructuring charges

     —         15,666         15,666  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total adjustments

     5,551       31,956       21,826       86,613  

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 22,243     $ 13,184     $ 90,683     $ 60,090  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin

     12.0     7.8     12.7     9.7


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Reconciliation of Operating Income (Loss) and Adjusted Operating Income (Non-GAAP)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2017     2017  

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

   $ 169,380     $ 621,400  

Operating income (loss)

     (18,772     (26,523

Adjustments

    

U.K. EBT settlement (1)

     —         1,501  

Impairment charges (2)

     11,564       50,722  

Restructuring charges (3)

     15,666       15,666  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total adjustments

     27,230       67,889  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted operating income

   $ 8,458     $ 41,366  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss) as a % of net revenue

     -11.1     -4.3

Adjusted operating income as a % of net revenue

     5.0     6.7


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Net Income (Non-GAAP)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three
Months
Ended
December 31,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2017     2017  

Net income (loss)

   $ (39,208   $ (48,635

Adjustments

    

U.K. EBT settlement (1)

     —         3,880  

Impairment charges (2)

     11,564       50,722  

Restructuring charges (3)

     15,666       15,666  

Tax effect on above adjustments

     (8,977     (24,491

2017 Tax Reform Act (4)

     23,732       23,732  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total adjustments

     41,985       69,509  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted net income

   $ 2,777     $ 20,874  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     18,781       18,735  

Dilutive common shares

     344       406  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     19,125       19,141  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic net income (loss) per common share

   $ (2.09   $ (2.60

Diluted net income (loss) per common share

   $ (2.09   $ (2.60

Adjusted basic net income per common share

   $ 0.15     $ 1.11  

Adjusted diluted net income per common share

   $ 0.15     $ 1.09  

Explanation of Non-GAAP adjustments

 

(1)

On March 31, 2017, the Company reached a settlement with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (“HMRC”) in the United Kingdom regarding HMRC’s challenge of the tax treatment of certain of the Company’s contributions in the United Kingdom to an Employee Benefits Trust between 2002 and 2008. The Company has recorded $1.5 million related to the Pay as You Earn tax and Class 1 National Insurance Contributions and the respective beneficiary reimbursements as a component of Salaries and employee benefits in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2017. Inheritance tax and interest expense of $2.4 million incurred as a result of the settlement is recorded as a component of Other, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2017.

(2)

Includes $11.6 million of goodwill and intangible asset impairment related to our Leadership Consulting operating segment for the three months ended December 31, 2017. Includes $11.6 million and $39.2 million of goodwill and intangible asset impairment related to our Leadership Consulting and Culture Shaping operating segments, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2017. In 2018, the Company completed its integration of its Leadership Consulting and Culture Shaping businesses into one combined service offering, Heidrick Consulting.

(3)

In 2017, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $15.7 million in connection with initiatives to reduce overall costs and improve operational efficiencies. These charges consist of $13.1 million of employee-related costs, including severance associated with reductions in our workforce, $2.3 million of other professional and consulting fees and $0.3 million of expenses associated with closing three office locations.

(4)

Represents the impact of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” enacted on December 22, 2017.