Huron Announces Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results and 2017 Guidance

THIRD QUARTER 2017 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Revenues were $176.4 million in Q3 2017 compared to $183.4 million in Q3 2016.
  • Net income from continuing operations was $4.1 million in Q3 2017 compared to $12.3 million in Q3 2016.
  • Adjusted EBITDA(6), a non-GAAP measure, was $21.5 million in Q3 2017 compared to $37.5 million in Q3 2016.
  • Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.19 in Q3 2017 compared to $0.57 in Q3 2016.
  • Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations(6), a non-GAAP measure, was $0.43 in Q3 2017 compared to $0.92 in Q3 2016.

2017 GUIDANCE AND YEAR-TO-DATE 2017 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Huron narrows full year 2017 revenue guidance to a range of $733.0 million to $743.0 million.
  • Revenues were $546.6 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $548.1 million for the same period in 2016.
  • Net loss from continuing operations for the first nine months of 2017, which includes a non-cash pretax goodwill impairment charge of $209.6 million related to the company's Healthcare segment recorded in the second quarter, was $141.2 million, compared to net income from continuing operations of $35.3 million for the same period in 2016.
  • Adjusted EBITDA(6) was $73.1 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $105.8 million for the same period in 2016.
  • Diluted loss per share from continuing operations was $6.59 for the first nine months of 2017 compared to diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $1.65 for the first nine months of 2016.
  • Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations(6) was $1.47 for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $2.63 for the first nine months of 2016.

CHICAGO--()--Global professional services firm Huron (NASDAQ: HURN) today announced financial results from continuing operations for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2017.

"Led by solid growth in the Education and Business Advisory segments, Huron's third quarter results were in line with our full-year expectations," said James H. Roth, chief executive officer and president of Huron. "The decline in Healthcare segment revenue moderated while utilization continued to improve during the quarter.”

We remain focused on broadening our client base and enhancing the array of services that we offer to the market in response to the complexity in our clients’ operating environment,” added Roth.

THIRD QUARTER 2017 RESULTS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Revenues were $176.4 million for the third quarter of 2017 compared to $183.4 million for the third quarter of 2016. Third quarter 2017 revenues included $13.4 million from Huron's 2017 acquisitions of Innosight Holdings, LLC (Innosight) and Pope Woodhead and Associates Limited (Pope Woodhead) and an incremental $1.7 million of revenue due to the full quarter impact of the company's acquisition of Healthcare Services Management, Inc. (HSM Consulting), which was completed mid-third quarter 2016. Third quarter 2017 revenues also included revenues from Huron's 2017 acquisition of the international assets of ADI Strategies which has since been fully integrated into the Business Advisory segment.

Net income from continuing operations was $4.1 million for the third quarter of 2017 compared to $12.3 million for the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.19 for the third quarter of 2017, compared to $0.57 for the third quarter of 2016.

Third quarter 2017 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA")(6) was $19.6 million, compared to $35.9 million in the same quarter last year.

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
September 30,
2017   2016
Amortization of intangible assets $ 8,834 $ 8,771
Restructuring charges $ 1,347 $ 1,049
Other losses, net $ 880 $ 494
Non-cash interest on convertible notes $ 1,974 $ 1,883
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net $ (385 ) $ 84
Tax effect $ (5,100 ) $ (4,794 )
Tax benefit related to "check-the-box" election $ (2,748 ) $
 

The company has excluded the effect of a $2.7 million tax benefit, recorded in the third quarter of 2017, from recognizing a previously unrecognized tax benefit from a "check-the-box" election made in 2014 to treat one of the company's wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Adjusted EBITDA(6) was $21.5 million, or 12.2% of revenues, in the third quarter of 2017, compared to $37.5 million, or 20.4% of revenues, in the same quarter last year. Adjusted net income from continuing operations(6) was $9.3 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2017, compared to $19.7 million, or $0.92 per diluted share, for the same period in 2016.

The average number of full-time billable consultants(2) increased 4.4% to 2,047 in the third quarter of 2017 compared to 1,961 in the same quarter last year. Full-time billable consultant utilization rate(3) was 75.0% during the third quarter of 2017 compared to 73.9% during the same period last year. Average billing rate per hour for full-time billable consultants(4) was $197 for the third quarter of 2017 compared to $207 for the third quarter of 2016. The average number of full-time equivalent professionals(5) was 275 in the third quarter of 2017 compared to 269 for the same period in 2016.

YEAR-TO-DATE 2017 RESULTS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Revenues were $546.6 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $548.1 million for the first nine months of 2016. Revenues for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2017 included $34.1 million from Huron's 2017 acquisitions of Innosight and Pope Woodhead, and $13.9 million of incremental revenues due to the full period impact of the acquisitions of MyRounding Solutions, LLC, and HSM Consulting, which were completed in Feb. 2016 and Aug. 2016, respectively. Revenues for the first nine months of 2017 also included a full period impact of Huron's acquisition of the U.S. assets of ADI Strategies and revenues from the acquisition of the international assets of ADI Strategies. These acquisitions were completed in May 2016 and Apr. 2017, respectively, and have been fully integrated into the Business Advisory segment.

Net loss from continuing operations was $141.2 million for the first nine months of 2017 compared to net income from continuing operations of $35.3 million for the same period last year. Results for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2017 reflect a non-cash pretax charge of $209.6 million recorded in the second quarter to reduce the carrying value of goodwill in the company's Healthcare segment. The impairment charge is non-cash in nature and does not affect the company's liquidity or debt covenants. Diluted loss per share from continuing operations was $6.59 for the first nine months of 2017, compared to diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $1.65 for the same prior year period.

Loss before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization(6) for the first nine months of 2017 was $140.2 million, compared to EBITDA of $101.4 million in the comparable period last year.

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):

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017   2016
Amortization of intangible assets $ 26,432 $ 24,369
Restructuring charges $ 5,295 $ 4,129
Other losses (gains), net $ (222 ) $ 494
Goodwill impairment charge $ 209,600 $
Non-cash interest on convertible notes $ 5,853 $ 5,582
Gain on sale of business $ (931 ) $
Foreign currency transaction gains, net $ (449 ) $ (270 )
Tax effect $ (70,362 ) $ (13,588 )
Tax benefit related to "check-the-box" election $ (2,748 ) $
 

The company has excluded the effect of a $2.7 million tax benefit, recorded in the third quarter of 2017, from recognizing a previously unrecognized tax benefit from our "check-the-box" election made in 2014 to treat one of the company's wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Adjusted EBITDA(6) was $73.1 million, or 13.4% of revenues, in the first nine months of 2017, compared to $105.8 million, or 19.3% of revenues, in the same period last year. Adjusted net income from continuing operations(6) was $31.7 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2017, compared to $56.3 million, or $2.63 per diluted share, for the same period in 2016.

The average number of full-time billable consultants(2) increased 6.2% to 2,012 in the first nine months of 2017 compared to 1,895 in the same period last year. Full-time billable consultant utilization rate(3) was 74.7% during the first nine months of 2017 compared to 75.3% during the same period last year. Average billing rate per hour for full-time billable consultants(4) was $202 for the first nine months of 2017 compared to $212 for the same period last year. The average number of full-time equivalent professionals(5) was 272 in the first nine months of 2017 compared to 257 for the same period in 2016.

OPERATING SEGMENTS

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

The company’s year-to-date 2017 revenues by operating segment as a percentage of total company revenues are as follows: Healthcare (48%); Education (23%); and Business Advisory (29%). Financial results by segment are included in the attached schedules and in Huron's forthcoming Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filing for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2017.

OUTLOOK FOR 2017(8)

Based on currently available information, the company narrowed its full year 2017 revenue guidance to a range of $733.0 million to $743.0 million. The company also anticipates a net loss in a range of $132.0 million to $130.0 million, loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization in a range of $112.0 million to $108.0 million, and GAAP diluted loss per share in a range of $6.15 to $6.05, all of which reflect the pretax non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $209.6 million recorded in the second quarter of 2017. The company also narrowed its guidance for full year 2017 adjusted EBITDA to a range of $102.0 million to $106.0 million. The company reaffirmed its previously released guidance for full year 2017 non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share in a range of $2.20 to $2.30.

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

THIRD QUARTER 2017 WEBCAST

The company will host a webcast to discuss its financial results today, Nov. 1, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (4:00 p.m. Central Time). The conference call is being webcast by NASDAQ and can be accessed at Huron's website at http://ir.huronconsultinggroup.com. A replay will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the webcast and for 90 days thereafter.

USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES(6)

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

ABOUT HURON

Huron is a global professional services firm committed to achieving sustainable results in partnership with its clients. The company brings depth of expertise in strategy, technology, operations, advisory services and analytics to drive lasting and measurable results in the healthcare, higher education, life sciences and commercial sectors. Through focus, passion and collaboration, Huron provides guidance to support organizations as they contend with the change transforming their industries and businesses. 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 requirements and needs, 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,” or “outlook” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect the company's current expectations about future requirements and needs, results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation: failure to achieve expected utilization rates, billing rates and the number of revenue-generating professionals; inability to expand or adjust our service offerings in response to market demands; our dependence on renewal of client-based services; dependence on new business and retention of current clients and qualified personnel; failure to maintain third-party provider relationships and strategic alliances; inability to license technology to and from third parties; the impairment of goodwill; various factors related to income and other taxes; difficulties in successfully integrating the businesses we acquire and achieving expected benefits from such acquisitions; risks relating to privacy, information security, and related laws and standards; and a general downturn in market conditions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, among others, those described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Huron's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and under Part II, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in Huron's forthcoming Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events, or for any other reason.

 
 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

     
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017   2016 2017   2016
Revenues and reimbursable expenses:
Revenues $ 176,376 $ 183,400 $ 546,643 $ 548,148
Reimbursable expenses 17,982   19,093   55,862   54,636  
Total revenues and reimbursable expenses 194,358 202,493 602,505 602,784
Direct costs and reimbursable expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses):
Direct costs 113,775 108,354 343,185 323,310
Amortization of intangible assets and software development costs 2,657 4,052 8,388 11,278
Reimbursable expenses 18,079   18,956   55,901   54,747  
Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses 134,511   131,362   407,474   389,335  
Operating expenses and other losses (gains), net:
Selling, general and administrative expenses 41,576 38,256 132,137 119,937
Restructuring charges 1,347 1,049 5,295 4,129
Other losses (gains), net 880 494 (222 ) 494
Depreciation and amortization 9,946 8,092 28,549 23,064
Goodwill impairment charge     209,600    
Total operating expenses and other losses (gains), net 53,749   47,891   375,359   147,624  
Operating income (loss) 6,098 23,240 (180,328 ) 65,825
Other income (expense), net:
Interest expense, net of interest income (4,880 ) (4,176 ) (13,811 ) (12,270 )
Other income, net 930   489   3,204   1,236  
Total other expense, net (3,950 ) (3,687 ) (10,607 ) (11,034 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense 2,148 19,553 (190,935 ) 54,791
Income tax expense (benefit) (1,984 ) 7,265   (49,740 ) 19,498  
Net income (loss) from continuing operations 4,132 12,288 (141,195 ) 35,293
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 238   4   690   (1,830 )
Net income (loss) $ 4,370   $ 12,292   $ (140,505 ) $ 33,463  
Net earnings (loss) per basic share:
Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.19 $ 0.58 $ (6.59 ) $ 1.67
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 0.01     0.03   (0.08 )
Net income (loss) $ 0.20   $ 0.58   $ (6.56 ) $ 1.59  
Net earnings (loss) per diluted share:
Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.19 $ 0.57 $ (6.59 ) $ 1.65
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 0.01     0.03   (0.09 )
Net income (loss) $ 0.20   $ 0.57   $ (6.56 ) $ 1.56  
Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share:
Basic 21,505 21,076 21,413 21,084
Diluted 21,622 21,445 21,413 21,427
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss) $ 4,370 $ 12,292 $ (140,505 ) $ 33,463
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax 609 50 1,835 52
Unrealized loss on investment, net of tax (2,200 ) (2,038 ) (1,669 ) (1,163 )
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax 23   121   (4 ) (27 )
Other comprehensive income (loss) (1,568 ) (1,867 ) 162   (1,138 )
Comprehensive income (loss) $ 2,802   $ 10,425   $ (140,343 ) $ 32,325  
 
 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

     
September 30,
2017
December 31,
2016
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,660 $ 17,027
Receivables from clients, net 94,025 94,246
Unbilled services, net 65,432 51,290
Income tax receivable 4,018 4,211
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 15,106   13,308  
Total current assets 187,241 180,082
Property and equipment, net 47,075 32,434
Deferred income taxes, net 15,159
Long-term investment 31,937 34,675
Other non-current assets 26,149 24,814
Intangible assets, net 80,861 81,348
Goodwill 689,375   799,862  
Total assets $ 1,077,797   $ 1,153,215  
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 10,259 $ 7,273
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 22,846 19,788
Accrued payroll and related benefits 62,451 82,669
Accrued contingent consideration for business acquisitions 7,743 1,985
Deferred revenues 25,495   24,053  
Total current liabilities 128,794 135,768
Non-current liabilities:
Deferred compensation and other liabilities 20,336 24,171
Accrued contingent consideration for business acquisitions, net of current portion 14,726 6,842
Long-term debt, net of current portion 374,328 292,065
Deferred lease incentives 15,236 10,703
Deferred income taxes, net   35,633  
Total non-current liabilities 424,626 369,414
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 24,560,468 and 24,126,118 shares issued at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively 241 235
Treasury stock, at cost, 2,428,971 and 2,408,343 shares at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively (121,395 ) (113,195 )
Additional paid-in capital 431,211 405,895
Retained earnings 210,543 351,483
Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,777   3,615  
Total stockholders’ equity 524,377   648,033  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 1,077,797   $ 1,153,215  
 
 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017   2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ (140,505 ) $ 33,463
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 37,881 34,344
Share-based compensation 11,711 13,145
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs 7,604 7,171
Goodwill impairment charge 209,600
Allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services 3,812 7,107
Deferred income taxes (51,062 ) 4,980
Gain on sale of business (931 )
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities (222 ) 494
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
(Increase) decrease in receivables from clients 9,025 9,442
(Increase) decrease in unbilled services (12,251 ) (21,492 )
(Increase) decrease in current income tax receivable / payable, net (32 ) (3,039 )
(Increase) decrease in other assets (1,802 ) 12,669
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,850 (2,860 )
Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and related benefits (21,928 ) (17,707 )
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues (318 ) 2,028  
Net cash provided by operating activities 52,432   79,745  
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment, net (20,139 ) (9,372 )
Investment in life insurance policies (1,826 ) (1,890 )
Distributions from life insurance policies 2,889
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired (106,915 ) (69,133 )
Capitalization of internally developed software costs (938 ) (838 )
Proceeds from note receivable 177
Proceeds from sale of business 1,499    
Net cash used in investing activities (125,253 ) (81,233 )
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 123
Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings (4,450 ) (4,837 )
Share repurchases (55,265 )
Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility 241,000 168,000
Repayments of debt (170,082 ) (156,000 )
Payments for debt issuance costs (395 )
Payment of contingent consideration liabilities (1,811 )  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 64,262   (47,979 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 192 133
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (8,367 ) (49,334 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 17,027   58,437  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period $ 8,660   $ 9,103  
 
 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA

(Unaudited)

     
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Percent

Increase

(Decrease)

Segment and Consolidated Operating Results (in thousands): 2017   2016
Healthcare:
Revenues $ 79,582 $ 103,425 (23.1 )%
Operating income $ 25,778 $ 38,824 (33.6 )%
Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues 32.4 % 37.5 %
Education:
Revenues $ 41,422 $ 38,621 7.3 %
Operating income $ 7,762 $ 10,896 (28.8 )%
Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues 18.7 % 28.2 %
Business Advisory:
Revenues $ 55,372 $ 41,354 33.9 %
Operating income $ 12,832 $ 8,608 49.1 %
Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues 23.2 % 20.8 %
Total Company:
Revenues $ 176,376 $ 183,400 (3.8 )%
Reimbursable expenses 17,982   19,093   (5.8 )%
Total revenues and reimbursable expenses $ 194,358   $ 202,493   (4.0 )%
Statements of Operations reconciliation:
Segment operating income $ 46,372 $ 58,328 (20.5 )%
Items not allocated at the segment level:
Other operating expenses 29,448 26,502 11.1 %
Other losses, net 880 494 78.1 %
Depreciation and amortization 9,946   8,092   22.9 %
Total operating income 6,098 23,240 (73.8 )%
Other expense, net 3,950   3,687   7.1 %
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense $ 2,148   $ 19,553   (89.0 )%
Other Operating Data:
Number of full-time billable consultants (at period end) (2):
Healthcare 761 1,010 (24.7 )%
Education 536 466 15.0 %
Business Advisory 830   545   52.3 %
Total 2,127 2,021 5.2 %
Average number of full-time billable consultants (for the period) (2):
Healthcare 741 984
Education 527 447
Business Advisory 779   530  
Total 2,047 1,961
 
 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

   
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Other Operating Data (continued): 2017   2016
Full-time billable consultant utilization rate (3):
Healthcare 80.3 % 77.0 %
Education 70.9 % 68.0 %
Business Advisory 72.9 % 73.5 %
Total 75.0 % 73.9 %
Full-time billable consultant average billing rate per hour (4):
Healthcare $ 190 $ 203
Education $ 210 $ 220
Business Advisory $ 197 $ 203
Total $ 197 $ 207
Revenue per full-time billable consultant (in thousands):
Healthcare $ 69 $ 73
Education $ 69 $ 72
Business Advisory $ 67 $ 72
Total $ 68 $ 72
Average number of full-time equivalents (for the period) (5):
Healthcare 214 204
Education 35 40
Business Advisory 26   25  
Total 275 269
Revenue per full-time equivalent (in thousands):
Healthcare $ 134 $ 156
Education $ 138 $ 158
Business Advisory $ 108 $ 126
Total $ 132 $ 154
 
 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

     
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Percent

Increase

(Decrease)

Segment and Consolidated Operating Results (in thousands): 2017   2016
Healthcare:
Revenues $ 261,261 $ 323,531 (19.2 )%
Operating income $ 83,580 $ 119,229 (29.9 )%
Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues 32.0 % 36.9 %
Education:
Revenues $ 127,629 $ 111,816 14.1 %
Operating income $ 31,772 $ 31,474 0.9 %
Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues 24.9 % 28.1 %
Business Advisory:
Revenues $ 157,753 $ 112,801 39.9 %
Operating income $ 34,890 $ 23,275 49.9 %
Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues 22.1 % 20.6 %
Total Company:
Revenues $ 546,643 $ 548,148 (0.3 )%
Reimbursable expenses 55,862   54,636   2.2 %
Total revenues and reimbursable expenses $ 602,505   $ 602,784   %
Statements of Operations reconciliation:
Segment operating income $ 150,242 $ 173,978 (13.6 )%
Items not allocated at the segment level:
Other operating expenses 92,643 84,595 9.5 %
Other losses (gains), net (222 ) 494 N/M
Depreciation and amortization expense 28,549 23,064 23.8 %
Goodwill impairment charge (1) 209,600     N/M
Total operating income (loss) (180,328 ) 65,825 N/M
Other expense, net 10,607   11,034   (3.9 )%
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense $ (190,935 ) $ 54,791   N/M
Other Operating Data:
Number of full-time billable consultants (at period end) (2):
Healthcare 761 1,010 (24.7 )%
Education 536 466 15.0 %
Business Advisory 830   545   52.3 %
Total 2,127 2,021 5.2 %
Average number of full-time billable consultants (for the period) (2):
Healthcare 805 1,005
Education 497 425
Business Advisory 710   465  
Total 2,012 1,895
 
 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Other Operating Data (continued): 2017   2016
Full-time billable consultant utilization rate (3):
Healthcare 76.6 % 78.6 %
Education 73.6 % 71.2 %
Business Advisory 73.4 % 72.4 %
Total 74.7 % 75.3 %
Full-time billable consultant average billing rate per hour (4):
Healthcare $ 200 $ 209
Education $ 215 $ 217
Business Advisory $ 195 $ 216
Total $ 202 $ 212
Revenue per full-time billable consultant (in thousands):
Healthcare $ 211 $ 231
Education $ 226 $ 224
Business Advisory $ 212 $ 229
Total $ 215 $ 229
Average number of full-time equivalents (for the period) (5):
Healthcare 215 201
Education 36 37
Business Advisory 21   19  
Total 272 257
Revenue per full-time equivalent (in thousands):
Healthcare $ 427 $ 456
Education $ 419 $ 436
Business Advisory $ 342 $ 335
Total $ 420 $ 444

__________

(1)   The non-cash goodwill impairment charge is not allocated at the segment level because the underlying goodwill asset is reflective of Huron's corporate investment in the segments. Huron does not include the impact of goodwill impairment charges in its evaluation of segment performance.
 
(2) Consists of full-time professionals who provide consulting services and generate revenues based on the number of hours worked.
 
(3) Utilization rate for full-time billable consultants is calculated by dividing the number of hours all full-time billable consultants worked on client assignments during a period by the total available working hours for all of these consultants during the same period, assuming a forty-hour work week, less paid holidays and vacation days.
 
(4) Average billing rate per hour for full-time billable consultants is calculated by dividing revenues for a period by the number of hours worked on client assignments during the same period.
 
(5) Consists of cultural transformation consultants within the Studer Group solution, which include coaches and their support staff, consultants who work variable schedules as needed by clients, and full-time employees who provide software support and maintenance services to clients.
 
N/M - Not Meaningful
 
 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

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

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

     
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017   2016 2017   2016
Revenues $ 176,376   $ 183,400   $ 546,643   $ 548,148  
Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 4,132 $ 12,288 $ (141,195 ) $ 35,293
Add back:
Income tax expense (benefit) (1,984 ) 7,265 (49,740 ) 19,498
Interest expense, net of interest income 4,880 4,176 13,811 12,270
Depreciation and amortization 12,603   12,144   36,937   34,342  
Earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) (6) 19,631 35,873 (140,187 ) 101,403
Add back:
Restructuring charges 1,347 1,049 5,295 4,129
Other losses (gains), net 880 494 (222 ) 494
Goodwill impairment charge 209,600
Gain on sale of business (931 )
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net (385 ) 84   (449 ) (270 )
Adjusted EBITDA (6) $ 21,473   $ 37,500   $ 73,106   $ 105,756  
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues (6) 12.2 % 20.4 % 13.4 % 19.3 %
 
 

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (6)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

     
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017   2016 2017   2016
Net income (loss) from continuing operations $ 4,132   $ 12,288   $ (141,195 ) $ 35,293  
Weighted average shares – diluted 21,622 21,445 21,413 21,427
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations $ 0.19   $ 0.57   $ (6.59 ) $ 1.65  
Add back:
Amortization of intangible assets 8,834 8,771 26,432 24,369
Restructuring charges 1,347 1,049 5,295 4,129
Other losses (gains), net 880 494 (222 ) 494
Goodwill impairment charge 209,600
Non-cash interest on convertible notes 1,974 1,883 5,853 5,582
Gain on sale of business (931 )
Tax effect (5,100 ) (4,794 ) (70,362 ) (13,588 )
Tax benefit related to "check-the-box" election (2,748 )   (2,748 )  
Total adjustments, net of tax 5,187   7,403   172,917   20,986  
Adjusted net income from continuing operations (6) $ 9,319   $ 19,691   $ 31,722   $ 56,279  
Adjusted weighted average shares - diluted (7) 21,622 21,445 21,585 21,427
Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (6) $ 0.43   $ 0.92   $ 1.47   $ 2.63  

____________

(6)   In evaluating the company’s financial performance and outlook, management uses earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, adjusted net income (loss) from continuing operations, and adjusted diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations, which are non-GAAP measures. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to gain an understanding of the company's comparative operating performance (when comparing such results with previous periods or forecasts). These non-GAAP financial measures are used by management in their financial and operating decision making because management believes they reflect the company's ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures when publicly providing the company's business outlook, for internal management purposes, and as a basis for evaluating potential acquisitions and dispositions. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating Huron’s current operating performance and future prospects in the same manner as management does, if they so choose, and in comparing in a consistent manner Huron’s current financial results with Huron’s past financial results. Investors should recognize that these non-GAAP measures might not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. These measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, any measure of performance, cash flows or liquidity prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
 
(7) As the company reported a net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding equals the basic weighted average shares outstanding for that period. The non-GAAP adjustments described above resulted in adjusted net income from continuing operations for those periods. Therefore, dilutive common stock equivalents have been included in the calculation of adjusted diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
 
 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES FOR FULL YEAR 2017 OUTLOOK

RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS

TO ADJUSTED EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (8)

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

   
Year Ending
December 31, 2017
Guidance Range
Low   High
Projected revenues - GAAP $ 733.0   $ 743.0  
Projected net loss - GAAP $ (132.0 ) $ (130.0 )
Add back:
Income tax benefit (47.0 ) (45.0 )
Interest expense, net of interest income 18.0 18.0
Depreciation and amortization 49.0   49.0  
Projected loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) (8) (112.0 ) (108.0 )
Add back:
Restructuring charges 6.0 6.0
Other gains, net (1.0 ) (1.0 )
Goodwill impairment charge 210.0 210.0
Gain on sale of business and foreign currency transaction gains, net (1.0 ) (1.0 )
Projected adjusted EBITDA (8) $ 102.0   $ 106.0  
Projected adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of projected revenues (8) 13.9 % 14.2 %
 
 

RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS

TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME (8)

(In millions, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

         
Year Ending
December 31, 2017
Guidance Range
Low   High
Projected net loss - GAAP $ (132.0 ) $ (130.0 )
Projected diluted loss per share - GAAP $ (6.15 ) $ (6.05 )
Add back:
Amortization of intangible assets 35.0 35.0
Restructuring charges 6.0 6.0
Other gains, net (1.0 ) (1.0 )
Goodwill impairment charge 210.0 210.0
Non-cash interest on convertible notes 8.0 8.0
Gain on sale of business (1.0 ) (1.0 )
Tax effect (74.5 ) (74.5 )
Tax benefit related to "check-the-box" election (3.0 ) (3.0 )
Total adjustments, net of tax 179.5   179.5  
Projected adjusted net income (8) $ 47.5   $ 49.5  
Projected adjusted diluted earnings per share (8) $ 2.20   $ 2.30  

__________

(8)   In evaluating the company’s outlook, management uses projected EBITDA, projected adjusted EBITDA, projected adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, projected adjusted net income, and projected adjusted diluted earnings per share, which are non-GAAP measures. Management believes that the use of such measures, as supplements to projected net loss and projected diluted loss per share, and other GAAP measures, are useful indicators for investors. These useful indicators can help readers gain a meaningful understanding of the company’s core operating results and future prospects without the effect of non-cash or other one-time items. 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.

Contacts

Huron
MEDIA CONTACT
Sarah McHugh, 312-880-2624
smchugh@huronconsultinggroup.com
or
INVESTOR CONTACT
John D. Kelly, 312-583-8722
investor@huronconsultinggroup.com

Contacts

Huron
MEDIA CONTACT
Sarah McHugh, 312-880-2624
smchugh@huronconsultinggroup.com
or
INVESTOR CONTACT
John D. Kelly, 312-583-8722
investor@huronconsultinggroup.com