HURN Huron Consulting Group Inc

FOURTH QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Revenues before reimbursable expenses increased $49.2 million, or 14.5%, to a record $388.4 million in Q4 2024 from $339.2 million in Q4 2023.
• Net income increased $31.2 million to $34.0 million in Q4 2024, compared to $2.8 million in Q4 2023. Results for Q4 2023 include a non-cash unrealized loss of $19.4 million, net of tax, related to the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company.
• Adjusted EBITDA(10), a non-GAAP measure, increased $15.4 million, or 37.3%, to $56.8 million in Q4 2024 from $41.4 million in Q4 2023.
• Diluted earnings per share increased $1.69, to $1.84 in Q4 2024, compared to $0.15 in Q4 2023. Results for Q4 2023 include the non-cash unrealized loss related to the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company, which had an unfavorable impact of $1.00 on diluted earnings per share in Q4 2023.
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share(10), a non-GAAP measure, increased $0.61, or 47.3%, to $1.90 in Q4 2024 from $1.29 in Q4 2023.
• Net cash provided by operating activities increased $59.2 million, or 73.7%, to a record $139.6 million in Q4 2024, compared to $80.4 million in Q4 2023.

FULL YEAR 2024 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS AND 2025 GUIDANCE

• Revenues before reimbursable expenses increased $124.0 million, or 9.1%, to a record $1.49 billion for 2024 from $1.36 billion for 2023.
• Net income increased $54.1 million, or 86.7%, to $116.6 million for 2024, compared to $62.5 million for 2023. Results for 2024 include an $11.1 million litigation settlement gain, net of tax, related to a completed legal matter in which Huron was the plaintiff. Results for 2023 include a non-cash unrealized loss of $19.4 million, net of tax, related to the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company.
• Adjusted EBITDA(10), a non-GAAP measure, increased $33.8 million, or 20.2%, to $201.2 million for 2024 from $167.3 million for 2023.
• Diluted earnings per share increased $3.08, or 96.6%, to a record $6.27 for 2024, compared to $3.19 for 2023. Results for 2024 include the litigation settlement gain related to the completed legal matter in which Huron was the plaintiff, which had a favorable impact of $0.60 on diluted earnings per share for the period. Results for 2023 include the non-cash unrealized loss related to the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company, which had an unfavorable impact of $0.99.
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share(10), a non-GAAP measure, increased $1.56, or 31.8%, to a record $6.47 for 2024 from $4.91 for 2023.
• Net cash provided by operating activities increased $66.1 million, or 48.8%, to a record $201.3 million for 2024, compared to $135.3 million for 2023.
• Huron returned $122.2 million to shareholders by repurchasing 1.2 million shares of the company's common stock in 2024, representing 6.6% of the company's common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2023.
• Huron provides full year 2025 guidance, including revenues before reimbursable expenses in a range of $1.58 billion to $1.66 billion.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

• Huron will host an Investor Day on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 with members of Huron’s leadership team to provide an update on the company’s strategy and financial goals.
• Huron was named a “Best Place to Work” by Glassdoor, one of the world's largest and most influential communities for workplace conversations, for a 2nd consecutive year.
• Huron was named a “Best Place to Work for Supporting Family Caregiving” by U.S. News & World Report. Huron was recognized as one of the 80 best publicly traded companies across 29 industries to help employees and job seekers make decisions about workplaces that best support their responsibility of caring for loved ones.

Global professional services firm Huron (NASDAQ: HURN) today announced financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

“The fourth quarter of 2024 produced record revenues before reimbursable expenses (RBR) as our growth rate accelerated, reflecting strong performance across all three operating segments. We also drove strong margin expansion over the prior year period,” said Mark Hussey, chief executive officer and president of Huron. “2024 was another strong year for Huron, consistent with the financial goals we established at our 2022 Investor Day. Full year RBR achieved a record high and was our fourth year of consecutive growth, delivering 9% growth over the prior year. We also expanded our margins, while generating record diluted earnings per share and cash flows. It is only because of our highly talented and dedicated team and our clients that these results were possible.”

“Building on our recent momentum, we believe that the primary end markets in which we compete will continue to create growth opportunities for our broad portfolio of offerings. Our integrated growth strategy focused on combining our broad portfolio of offerings with our leading market positions in healthcare and education, our expanding presence in commercial industries, and our rapidly growing digital capabilities position us well to respond to ongoing market demand and continue to create sustainable value for our shareholders,” added Hussey.

FOURTH QUARTER 2024 RESULTS

Revenues before reimbursable expenses increased $49.2 million, or 14.5%, to a record $388.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $339.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. This revenue growth was highlighted by 19.0% growth in the Consulting and Managed Services capability and 8.6% growth in the Digital capability in the aggregate across all industries; and reflects the company's focus on accelerating its growth in the healthcare and education industries and growing its presence in commercial industries.

Net income increased $31.2 million to $34.0 million, or 8.5% of total revenues, for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $2.8 million, or 0.8% of total revenues, for the same quarter last year. Results for Q4 2023 include a non-cash unrealized loss of $19.4 million, net of tax, related to the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company. Diluted earnings per share increased $1.69, to $1.84 for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $0.15 for the fourth quarter of 2023. The non-cash unrealized loss related to the investment had an unfavorable impact of $1.00 on diluted earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Fourth quarter 2024 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”)(10) increased $46.2 million to $58.9 million, compared to $12.7 million in the same prior year period. Results for the fourth quarter of 2023 include the non-cash unrealized pre-tax loss of $26.3 million related to the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company.

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,

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Amortization of intangible assets

$

1,600

 

 

$

2,017

 

Restructuring charges

$

2,383

 

 

$

2,165

 

Other losses (gains), net

$

326

 

 

$

(242

)

Transaction-related expenses

$

545

 

 

$

55

 

Unrealized loss on preferred stock investment

$

—

 

 

$

26,262

 

Gain on sale of business

$

(3,597

)

 

$

—

 

Tax effect of adjustments

$

(57

)

 

$

(8,018

)

Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net

$

(1,790

)

 

$

440

 

Adjusted EBITDA(10) increased $15.4 million, or 37.3%, to $56.8 million, or 14.6% of revenues before reimbursable expenses(10), in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $41.4 million, or 12.2% of revenues before reimbursable expenses(10), in the same quarter last year. Adjusted net income(10) increased $10.1 million, or 40.4%, to $35.2 million, or $1.90 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to $25.1 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2023.

The number of revenue-generating professionals(1), excluding Managed Services professionals, increased 5.0% to 4,694 as of December 31, 2024 from 4,469 as of December 31, 2023. The utilization rate(9) of the company's Consulting capability was 77.2% during the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 76.8% during the same period last year. The utilization rate(9) for the company's Digital capability was 77.7% during the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 80.5% during the same period last year. The number of Managed Services professionals increased 45.7% to 1,530 as of December 31, 2024 from 1,050 as of December 31, 2023.

FULL YEAR 2024 RESULTS

Revenues before reimbursable expenses increased $124.0 million, or 9.1%, to a record $1.49 billion for full year 2024, compared to $1.36 billion for full year 2023. The increase in revenues before reimbursable expenses was driven by continued strength in demand for both the company's Consulting and Managed Services capability and Digital capability within the Healthcare and Education segments, and reflects the company's focus on accelerating growth in the healthcare and education industries. These increases in demand were partially offset by a decrease in demand for Commercial's Digital and Consulting and Managed Services capabilities.

Net income increased $54.1 million, or 86.7%, to $116.6 million, or 7.7% of total revenues, for full year 2024, compared to $62.5 million, or 4.5% of total revenues, in the same prior year period. Results for full year 2024 include an $11.1 million litigation settlement gain, net of tax, related to a completed legal matter in which Huron was the plaintiff; and results for full year 2023 include a non-cash unrealized loss of $19.4 million, net of tax, related to the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company. Diluted earnings per share increased $3.08, or 96.6%, to a record $6.27 for full year 2024, compared to $3.19 in the same prior year period. The litigation settlement gain recognized in the second quarter of 2024 had a favorable impact of $0.60 on diluted earnings per share for in 2024. The non-cash unrealized loss related to the investment had an unfavorable impact of $0.99 on diluted earnings per share in 2023.

EBITDA(10) for full year 2024 increased $75.9 million, or 58.8%, to $205.0 million, compared to $129.1 million in the same prior year period. Results for full year 2024 include the pre-tax $15.0 million litigation settlement gain related to the completed legal matter in which Huron was the plaintiff. Results for full year 2023 include the non-cash unrealized pre-tax loss of $26.3 million related to the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company.

In addition to using EBITDA(10) 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,

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Amortization of intangible assets

$

6,517

 

 

$

8,219

 

Restructuring charges

$

9,913

 

 

$

11,550

 

2024 litigation settlement gain(11)

$

(11,701

)

 

$

—

 

Other losses (gains), net

$

804

 

 

$

(444

)

Transaction-related expenses

$

2,861

 

 

$

357

 

Unrealized loss on preferred stock investment

$

—

 

 

$

26,262

 

Gain on sale of business

$

(3,597

)

 

$

—

 

Tax effect of adjustments

$

(977

)

 

$

(12,175

)

Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net

$

(2,138

)

 

$

476

 

Adjusted EBITDA(10) increased $33.8 million, or 20.2%, to $201.2 million, or 13.5% of revenues before reimbursable expenses(10), for full year 2024, compared to $167.3 million, or 12.3% of revenues before reimbursable expenses(10), in the same prior year period. Adjusted net income(10) increased $24.2 million, or 25.1%, to $120.4 million, or a record of $6.47 per diluted share, for full year 2024, compared to $96.2 million, or $4.91 per diluted share, for the same prior year period.

The number of revenue-generating professionals(1), excluding Managed Services professionals, increased 5.0% to 4,694 as of December 31, 2024 from 4,469 as of December 31, 2023. The utilization rate(9) of the company's Consulting capability was 73.6% for full year 2024, compared to 76.6% during the same period last year. The utilization rate(9) for the company's Digital capability increased to 76.0% for full year 2024, compared to 75.3% during the same period last year. The number of Managed Services professionals increased 45.7% to 1,530 as of December 31, 2024 from 1,050 as of December 31, 2023.

Additionally, Huron returned $122.2 million to shareholders in 2024 through repurchases of 1,218,434 shares of the company's common stock, representing 6.6% of the company's common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2023.

OPERATING INDUSTRIES

The company’s full year 2024 revenues before reimbursable expenses by operating segment as a percentage of total company revenues before reimbursable expenses are as follows: Healthcare (51%); Education (32%); and Commercial (17%). Financial results by operating industry are included in the attached schedules and in Huron's forthcoming Annual Report on Form 10-K filing for the year ended December 31, 2024.

OUTLOOK FOR 2025

Based on currently available information, the company provided guidance for full year 2025 revenues before reimbursable expenses in a range of $1.58 billion to $1.66 billion. The company also anticipates adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues before reimbursable expenses(10) in a range of 14.0% to 14.5%, and adjusted diluted earnings per share(10) guidance in a range of $6.80 to $7.60.

FOURTH QUARTER 2024 WEBCAST

The company will host a webcast to discuss its financial results today, February 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 4:00 p.m. Central Time. The conference call is being webcast by Notified 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.

INVESTOR DAY

Huron will host an Investor Day on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (8:00 a.m. Central Time). Interested parties attending in person must register for the event on Huron's investor relations website at http://ir.huronconsultinggroup.com prior to March 18, 2025. In-person participation is open to institutional investors and analysts.

Chief executive officer and president, C. Mark Hussey, chief financial officer, John D. Kelly, and other members of Huron’s leadership team will provide an update on the company’s strategy and financial goals. In addition to management’s prepared remarks, there will be a question-and-answer (“Q&A”) session.

After the conclusion of the event, a transcript and replay of the video webcast, including the Q&A session, will be available on Huron's investor relations website at http://ir.huronconsultinggroup.com for one year.

USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES(10)

In evaluating the company’s financial performance and outlook, management uses EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues before reimbursable expenses, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share, 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 as a percentage of revenues before reimbursable expenses and 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 is not provided. Management is unable to provide guidance for these reconciling items because they 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 professional services firm that partners with clients to put possible into practice by creating sound strategies, optimizing operations, accelerating digital transformation, and empowering businesses 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,” “goals,” “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 necessary 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 or volatility 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, 2024 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.

Please note that information contained in any referenced website is not incorporated by reference in this press release or considered to be part of this document. Such website references are intended to be inactive textual references only.

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues before reimbursable expenses

$

388,421

 

 

$

339,228

 

 

$

1,486,085

 

 

$

1,362,060

 

Reimbursable expenses

 

10,893

 

 

 

10,777

 

 

 

35,720

 

 

 

36,695

 

Total revenues

 

399,314

 

 

 

350,005

 

 

 

1,521,805

 

 

 

1,398,755

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below)

 

260,320

 

 

 

234,342

 

 

 

1,010,077

 

 

 

942,697

 

Reimbursable expenses

 

10,569

 

 

 

10,524

 

 

 

35,715

 

 

 

36,766

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

72,170

 

 

 

67,075

 

 

 

286,655

 

 

 

257,932

 

Other losses (gains), net

 

326

 

 

 

(242

)

 

 

(14,196

)

 

 

(444

)

Restructuring charges

 

2,383

 

 

 

2,165

 

 

 

9,913

 

 

 

11,550

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

6,496

 

 

 

6,285

 

 

 

24,822

 

 

 

24,906

 

Total operating expenses

 

352,264

 

 

 

320,149

 

 

 

1,352,986

 

 

 

1,273,407

 

Operating income

 

47,050

 

 

 

29,856

 

 

 

168,819

 

 

 

125,348

 

Other income (expense), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net of interest income

 

(5,453

)

 

 

(4,427

)

 

 

(25,347

)

 

 

(19,573

)

Other income (expense), net

 

5,183

 

 

 

(23,661

)

 

 

10,544

 

 

 

(21,880

)

Total other expense, net

 

(270

)

 

 

(28,088

)

 

 

(14,803

)

 

 

(41,453

)

Income before taxes

 

46,780

 

 

 

1,768

 

 

 

154,016

 

 

 

83,895

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

12,791

 

 

 

(1,064

)

 

 

37,390

 

 

 

21,416

 

Net income

$

33,989

 

 

$

2,832

 

 

$

116,626

 

 

$

62,479

 

Earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per basic share

$

1.92

 

 

$

0.15

 

 

$

6.52

 

 

$

3.32

 

Net income per diluted share

$

1.84

 

 

$

0.15

 

 

$

6.27

 

 

$

3.19

 

Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

17,743

 

 

 

18,510

 

 

 

17,894

 

 

 

18,832

 

Diluted

 

18,522

 

 

 

19,389

 

 

 

18,613

 

 

 

19,601

 

Comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

33,989

 

 

$

2,832

 

 

$

116,626

 

 

$

62,479

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

 

(3,288

)

 

 

795

 

 

 

(3,391

)

 

 

512

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on investment, net of tax

 

4,031

 

 

 

4,735

 

 

 

(4,177

)

 

 

7,811

 

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

 

1,397

 

 

 

(3,381

)

 

 

(3,373

)

 

 

(3,615

)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

2,140

 

 

 

2,149

 

 

 

(10,941

)

 

 

4,708

 

Comprehensive income

$

36,129

 

 

$

4,981

 

 

$

105,685

 

 

$

67,187

 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

December 31, 2024

 

December 31, 2023

Assets

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

21,911

 

 

$

12,149

 

Receivables from clients, net

 

197,771

 

 

 

162,566

 

Unbilled services, net

 

160,017

 

 

 

190,869

 

Income tax receivable

 

1,355

 

 

 

6,385

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

28,063

 

 

 

28,491

 

Total current assets

 

409,117

 

 

 

400,460

 

Property and equipment, net

 

21,678

 

 

 

23,728

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

2,546

 

 

 

2,288

 

Long-term investments

 

69,712

 

 

 

75,414

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

 

19,176

 

 

 

24,131

 

Other non-current assets

 

116,569

 

 

 

92,336

 

Intangible assets, net

 

26,076

 

 

 

18,074

 

Goodwill

 

678,743

 

 

 

625,711

 

Total assets

$

1,343,617

 

 

$

1,262,142

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

11,539

 

 

$

10,074

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

 

26,768

 

 

 

33,087

 

Accrued payroll and related benefits

 

247,579

 

 

 

225,921

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

13,750

 

 

 

—

 

Current maturities of operating lease liabilities

 

12,315

 

 

 

11,032

 

Deferred revenues

 

26,869

 

 

 

22,461

 

Total current liabilities

 

338,820

 

 

 

302,575

 

Non-current liabilities:

 

 

 

Deferred compensation and other liabilities

 

42,481

 

 

 

35,665

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

342,857

 

 

 

324,000

 

Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion

 

29,686

 

 

 

38,850

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

28,446

 

 

 

28,160

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

443,470

 

 

 

426,675

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 20,780,928 and 21,316,441 shares issued, respectively

 

208

 

 

 

212

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 3,065,633 and 2,852,296 shares, respectively

 

(160,093

)

 

 

(142,136

)

Additional paid-in capital

 

177,673

 

 

 

236,962

 

Retained earnings

 

531,653

 

 

 

415,027

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

11,886

 

 

 

22,827

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

561,327

 

 

 

532,892

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

1,343,617

 

 

$

1,262,142

 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

Net income

$

116,626

 

 

$

62,479

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

25,300

 

 

 

24,938

 

Non-cash lease expense

 

6,065

 

 

 

6,321

 

Lease-related impairment charges

 

3,513

 

 

 

6,248

 

Share-based compensation

 

45,074

 

 

 

45,697

 

Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs

 

1,078

 

 

 

769

 

Allowances for doubtful accounts

 

3,073

 

 

 

421

 

Deferred income taxes

 

2,613

 

 

 

(6,182

)

Gain on sale of property and equipment

 

(101

)

 

 

(64

)

Gain on sale of business, excluding transaction costs

 

(4,309

)

 

 

—

 

Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities

 

(533

)

 

 

(490

)

Change in fair value of preferred stock investment

 

—

 

 

 

26,262

 

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

 

 

 

(Increase) decrease in receivables from clients, net

 

(30,496

)

 

 

(15,046

)

(Increase) decrease in unbilled services, net

 

31,123

 

 

 

(49,051

)

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

 

5,412

 

 

 

(5,139

)

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

(8,153

)

 

 

(6,535

)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities

 

(12,228

)

 

 

(6,948

)

Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and related benefits

 

16,370

 

 

 

51,022

 

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues

 

892

 

 

 

560

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

201,319

 

 

 

135,262

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(8,651

)

 

 

(9,444

)

Investments in life insurance policies

 

(2,594

)

 

 

(3,074

)

Distributions from life insurance policies

 

—

 

 

 

2,956

 

Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired

 

(49,503

)

 

 

(1,613

)

Capitalization of internally developed software costs

 

(23,932

)

 

 

(25,742

)

Proceeds from note receivable

 

154

 

 

 

154

 

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

102

 

 

 

111

 

Proceeds from divestiture of business

 

4,675

 

 

 

—

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(79,749

)

 

 

(36,652

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

Proceeds from exercises of stock options

 

1,832

 

 

 

2,524

 

Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings

 

(22,085

)

 

 

(10,536

)

Share repurchases

 

(123,006

)

 

 

(122,757

)

Proceeds from bank borrowings

 

743,500

 

 

 

354,000

 

Repayments of bank borrowings

 

(709,813

)

 

 

(320,000

)

Payments for debt issuance costs

 

(1,446

)

 

 

(58

)

Deferred payments on business acquisition

 

(617

)

 

 

(1,500

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(111,635

)

 

 

(98,327

)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

(173

)

 

 

32

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

9,762

 

 

 

315

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

 

12,149

 

 

 

11,834

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

$

21,911

 

 

$

12,149

 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

Percent Increase (Decrease)

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

 

Percent Increase (Decrease)

Segment and Consolidated Operating Results (in thousands):

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

Healthcare:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues before reimbursable expenses

 

$

202,287

 

 

$

171,995

 

 

17.6

%

 

$

756,263

 

 

$

673,989

 

 

12.2

%

Operating income

 

$

61,337

 

 

$

44,606

 

 

37.5

%

 

$

208,928

 

 

$

172,900

 

 

20.8

%

Segment operating margin

 

 

30.3

%

 

 

25.9

%

 

 

 

 

27.6

%

 

 

25.7

%

 

 

Education:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues before reimbursable expenses

 

$

118,837

 

 

$

103,779

 

 

14.5

%

 

$

474,221

 

 

$

429,663

 

 

10.4

%

Operating income

 

$

26,615

 

 

$

21,986

 

 

21.1

%

 

$

108,521

 

 

$

99,098

 

 

9.5

%

Segment operating margin

 

 

22.4

%

 

 

21.2

%

 

 

 

 

22.9

%

 

 

23.1

%

 

 

Commercial:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues before reimbursable expenses

 

$

67,297

 

 

$

63,454

 

 

6.1

%

 

$

255,601

 

 

$

258,408

 

 

(1.1

)%

Operating income

 

$

12,000

 

 

$

14,231

 

 

(15.7

)%

 

$

51,198

 

 

$

54,202

 

 

(5.5

)%

Segment operating margin

 

 

17.8

%

 

 

22.4

%

 

 

 

 

20.0

%

 

 

21.0

%

 

 

Total Huron:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues before reimbursable expenses

 

$

388,421

 

 

$

339,228

 

 

14.5

%

 

$

1,486,085

 

 

$

1,362,060

 

 

9.1

%

Reimbursable expenses

 

 

10,893

 

 

 

10,777

 

 

1.1

%

 

 

35,720

 

 

 

36,695

 

 

(2.7

)%

Total revenues

 

$

399,314

 

 

$

350,005

 

 

14.1

%

 

$

1,521,805

 

 

$

1,398,755

 

 

8.8

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items not allocated at the segment level:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unallocated corporate expenses

 

 

47,794

 

 

 

45,441

 

 

5.2

%

 

 

191,180

 

 

 

175,206

 

 

9.1

%

Other gains, net

 

 

56

 

 

 

(242

)

 

(123.1

)%

 

 

(14,466

)

 

 

(444

)

 

N/M

 

Restructuring charges

 

 

1,389

 

 

 

1,323

 

 

5.0

%

 

 

7,590

 

 

 

8,204

 

 

(7.5

)%

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

3,663

 

 

 

4,445

 

 

(17.6

)%

 

 

15,524

 

 

 

17,886

 

 

(13.2

)%

Operating income

 

 

47,050

 

 

 

29,856

 

 

57.6

%

 

 

168,819

 

 

 

125,348

 

 

34.7

%

Other expense, net

 

 

(270

)

 

 

(28,088

)

 

(99.0

)%

 

 

(14,803

)

 

 

(41,453

)

 

(64.3

)%

Income before taxes

 

$

46,780

 

 

$

1,768

 

 

N/M

 

 

$

154,016

 

 

$

83,895

 

 

83.6

%

Other Operating Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of revenue-generating professionals by segment (at period end)(1)(2):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

 

1,218

 

 

 

1,126

 

 

8.2

%

 

 

1,218

 

 

 

1,126

 

 

8.2

%

Education

 

 

1,141

 

 

 

1,080

 

 

5.6

%

 

 

1,141

 

 

 

1,080

 

 

5.6

%

Commercial(3)

 

 

2,335

 

 

 

2,263

 

 

3.2

%

 

 

2,335

 

 

 

2,263

 

 

3.2

%

Total (excluding Managed Services)

 

 

4,694

 

 

 

4,469

 

 

5.0

%

 

 

4,694

 

 

 

4,469

 

 

5.0

%

Managed Services(4)

 

 

1,530

 

 

 

1,050

 

 

45.7

%

 

 

1,530

 

 

 

1,050

 

 

45.7

%

Total

 

 

6,224

 

 

 

5,519

 

 

12.8

%

 

 

6,224

 

 

 

5,519

 

 

12.8

%

Revenues before reimbursable expenses by capability:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consulting and Managed Services(5)(6)

 

$

229,444

 

 

$

192,883

 

 

19.0

%

 

$

863,859

 

 

$

782,020

 

 

10.5

%

Digital

 

 

158,977

 

 

 

146,345

 

 

8.6

%

 

 

622,226

 

 

 

580,040

 

 

7.3

%

Total

 

$

388,421

 

 

$

339,228

 

 

14.5

%

 

$

1,486,085

 

 

$

1,362,060

 

 

9.1

%

Number of revenue-generating professionals by capability (at period end)(1)(7):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consulting(5)(8)

 

 

1,729

 

 

 

1,598

 

 

8.2

%

 

 

1,729

 

 

 

1,598

 

 

8.2

%

Managed Services(5)(8)

 

 

1,530

 

 

 

1,050

 

 

45.7

%

 

 

1,530

 

 

 

1,050

 

 

45.7

%

Digital

 

 

2,965

 

 

 

2,871

 

 

3.3

%

 

 

2,965

 

 

 

2,871

 

 

3.3

%

Total

 

 

6,224

 

 

 

5,519

 

 

12.8

%

 

 

6,224

 

 

 

5,519

 

 

12.8

%

Utilization rate by capability(9):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consulting

 

 

77.2

%

 

 

76.8

%

 

 

 

 

73.6

%

 

 

76.6

%

 

 

Digital

 

 

77.7

%

 

 

80.5

%

 

 

 

 

76.0

%

 

 

75.3

%

 

 

(1)

Consists of our full-time consultants who generate revenues based on the number of hours worked; full-time equivalents, which consists of coaches and their support staff within the culture and organizational excellence solution, consultants who work variable schedules as needed by clients, and full-time employees who provide software support and maintenance services to clients; and our Managed Services professionals who provide revenue cycle management and research administration managed services and outsourcing at our healthcare, education and research-focused clients.

 

(2)

During the first quarter of 2024, we reclassified certain revenue-generating professionals within our Digital capability from our Healthcare and Education segments to our Commercial segment as these professionals are able to provide services across all of our industries. This reclassification did not impact the total Digital capability headcount for any period. The prior period headcount has been revised for consistent presentation.

 

(3)

The majority of our revenue-generating professionals within our Commercial segment can provide services across all of our industries, including healthcare and education, and the related costs of these professionals are allocated to each of the segments.

 

(4)

We have separately presented the total number of revenue-generating professionals within our Managed Services capabilities of our Healthcare and Education segments. Our Healthcare Managed Services professionals provide revenue cycle billing, collections, insurance verification and change integrity services to clients. Our Education Managed Services professionals provide research administration managed services and outsourcing at our education and research-focused clients. See footnote 8 below for additional information on the number of Managed Services professionals within our Healthcare and Education segments.

 

(5)

During the first quarter of 2024, we reclassified one of the offerings within Education's Consulting capability to Education's Managed Services capability. This reclassification did not impact the aggregate revenues before reimbursable expenses for any period, and the prior period Education Managed Services capability revenues before reimbursable expenses and headcount in the following footnotes have been revised for consistent presentation.

 

(6)

Managed Services capability revenues before reimbursable expenses within our Healthcare segment was $24.0 million and $16.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively; and $77.5 million and $70.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

 

Managed Services capability revenues before reimbursable expenses within our Education segment was $7.4 million and $7.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively; and $28.2 million and $29.6 million for the years December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

(7)

During the fourth quarter of 2024, we revised the presentation of our revenue-generating professionals by capability to separately present our revenue-generating professionals in our Consulting capability from our revenue-generating professionals in our Managed Services capability. This change in presentation did not impact the headcount by capability for any period, and the prior period headcount has been revised for consistent presentation.

 

(8)

The number of Managed Services professionals within our Healthcare segment was 1,420 and 924 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

 

The number of Managed Services professionals within our Education segment was 110 and 126 as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

(9)

Utilization rate is calculated by dividing the number of hours our billable consultants worked on client assignments during a period by the total available working hours for these billable consultants during the same period. Available working hours are determined by the standard hours worked by each billable consultant, adjusted for part-time hours, and U.S. standard work weeks. Available working hours exclude local country holidays and vacation days. Utilization rates are presented for our revenue-generating professionals who primarily bill on an hourly basis. We have not presented utilization rates for our Managed Services professionals as most of the revenues generated by these employees are not billed on an hourly basis.

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME

TO ADJUSTED EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION(10)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

December 31,

 

Twelve Months Ended

December 31,

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Revenues before reimbursable expenses

$

388,421

 

 

$

339,228

 

 

$

1,486,085

 

 

$

1,362,060

 

Reimbursable expenses

 

10,893

 

 

 

10,777

 

 

 

35,720

 

 

 

36,695

 

Total revenues

$

399,314

 

 

$

350,005

 

 

$

1,521,805

 

 

$

1,398,755

 

Net income

$

33,989

 

 

$

2,832

 

 

$

116,626

 

 

$

62,479

 

Net income as a percentage of total revenues

 

8.5

%

 

 

0.8

%

 

 

7.7

%

 

 

4.5

%

Add back:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

12,791

 

 

 

(1,064

)

 

 

37,390

 

 

 

21,416

 

Interest expense, net of interest income

 

5,453

 

 

 

4,427

 

 

 

25,347

 

 

 

19,573

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

6,696

 

 

 

6,489

 

 

 

25,663

 

 

 

25,672

 

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)(10)

 

58,929

 

 

 

12,684

 

 

 

205,026

 

 

 

129,140

 

Add back:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restructuring charges

 

2,383

 

 

 

2,165

 

 

 

9,913

 

 

 

11,550

 

2024 litigation settlement gain(11)

 

—

 

 

 

—

 

 

 

(11,701

)

 

 

—

 

Other losses (gains), net

 

326

 

 

 

(242

)

 

 

804

 

 

 

(444

)

Transaction-related expenses

 

545

 

 

 

55

 

 

 

2,861

 

 

 

357

 

Unrealized loss (gain) on preferred stock investment

 

—

 

 

 

26,262

 

 

 

—

 

 

 

26,262

 

Gain on sale of business

 

(3,597

)

 

 

—

 

 

 

(3,597

)

 

 

—

 

Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net

 

(1,790

)

 

 

440

 

 

 

(2,138

)

 

 

476

 

Adjusted EBITDA(10)

$

56,796

 

 

$

41,364

 

 

$

201,168

 

 

$

167,341

 

Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues before reimbursable expenses(10)

 

14.6

%

 

 

12.2

%

 

 

13.5

%

 

 

12.3

%

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME(10)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended December 31,

 

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

 

 

2024

 

 

 

2023

 

Net income

$

33,989

 

 

$

2,832

 

 

$

116,626

 

 

$

62,479

 

Weighted average shares - diluted

 

18,522

 

 

 

19,389

 

 

 

18,613

 

 

 

19,601

 

Diluted earnings per share

$

1.84

 

 

$

0.15

 

 

$

6.27

 

 

$

3.19

 

Add back:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

1,600

 

 

 

2,017

 

 

 

6,517

 

 

 

8,219

 

Restructuring charges

 

2,383

 

 

 

2,165

 

 

 

9,913

 

 

 

11,550

 

2024 litigation settlement gain(11)

 

—

 

 

 

—

 

 

 

(11,701

)

 

 

—

 

Other losses (gains), net

 

326

 

 

 

(242

)

 

 

804

 

 

 

(444

)

Transaction-related expenses

 

545

 

 

 

55

 

 

 

2,861

 

 

 

357

 

Unrealized loss on preferred stock investment

 

—

 

 

 

26,262

 

 

 

—

 

 

 

26,262

 

Gain on sale of business

 

(3,597

)

 

 

—

 

 

 

(3,597

)

 

 

—

 

Tax effect of adjustments

 

(57

)

 

 

(8,018

)

 

 

(977

)

 

 

(12,175

)

Total adjustments, net of tax

 

1,200

 

 

 

22,239

 

 

 

3,820

 

 

 

33,769

 

Adjusted net income(10)

$

35,189

 

 

$

25,071

 

 

$

120,446

 

 

$

96,248

 

Adjusted weighted average shares - diluted

 

18,522

 

 

 

19,389

 

 

 

18,613

 

 

 

19,601

 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share(10)

$

1.90

 

 

$

1.29

 

 

$

6.47

 

 

$

4.91

 

(10)

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 before reimbursable expenses, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share, 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.

 

(11)

The non-GAAP financial measures for the year ended December 31, 2024 include an adjustment for the 2024 litigation settlement gain. In the second quarter of 2024, the company settled a litigation matter in which Huron was the plaintiff for $15.0 million, on a pre-tax basis. This $15.0 million settlement gain was recorded as a component of other gains, net on the consolidated statement of operations. The company has excluded from the non-GAAP measures $11.7 million, which is the value of the settlement gain that exceeds the third-party legal costs incurred during 2024 specific to this litigation matter, as this net gain is not indicative of the ongoing performance of Huron's business. Of the $3.3 million third-party legal costs incurred for this matter in 2024, $2.7 million was incurred in the first quarter and $0.6 million was incurred in the second quarter. Third-party legal expenses are recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses on the statement of operations. Third-party legal costs incurred for this litigation matter during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 were $1.9 million and $4.0 million, respectively.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250225576320/en/

MEDIA CONTACT Allie Bovis abovis@hcg.com

INVESTOR CONTACT John D. Kelly investor@hcg.com