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Heidrick & Struggles Reports Second Quarter 2024 Results

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Delivers Strong Revenue Performance with Robust Profitability

Restructuring for Accelerated Growth Implemented in the Quarter

Declares $0.15 Per Share Cash Dividend

CHICAGO, July 29, 2024  /PRNewswire/ — Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSII) (“Heidrick & Struggles”, “Heidrick” or the “Company”), a premier provider of global leadership advisory and on-demand talent solutions, today announced financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Second Quarter Highlights:

Net revenue grew to $278.6 million driven by all businessesAdjusted EBITDA was $28.8 millionAdjusted EBITDA margin was 10.3%

“Our team delivered a strong second quarter. In a very complex operating environment, clients continue to need help engaging, assessing and enabling critical leadership talent – and our world-class colleagues met those needs with energy and creativity. This work helped propel our second quarter revenue beyond the high end of our outlook range while generating a double-digit EBITDA margin,” stated CEO Tom Monahan.

“Even as we continued to deliver value to clients, we also made important changes to our leadership team and staffing levels. As a result, we enter the second half of the year with more targeted solutions and better alignment of our organization with client needs. Going forward, we are tightly focused on accelerating returns from our recent investment cycle and on creating unmatched value for clients, colleagues and investors.”

2024 Second Quarter Results

Consolidated net revenue of $278.6 million compared to $271.2 million in the 2023 second quarter. The Company experienced revenue growth in On-Demand Talent, Heidrick Consulting, and Executive Search in the Americas and Asia Pacific, partially offset by a decrease in Executive Search in Europe. 

Adjusted EBITDA was $28.8 million compared to $34.9 million in the 2023 second quarter. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 10.3%, compared to 12.9% in the 2023 second quarter. In Executive Search, Adjusted EBITDA was $52.7 million compared to $53.2 million in the prior year period. In On-Demand Talent, Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $1.6 million versus a gain of $2.6 million in the prior year period. In Heidrick Consulting, Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $1.4 million compared to a loss of $1.7 million in the prior year period.

In the 2024 second quarter, the company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $16.2 million primarily related to the Company’s On-Demand Talent segment, a $6.9 million restructuring charge and a $1.2 million earnout fair value adjustment. In the 2023 second quarter, the Company recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $7.2 million associated with the Company’s Heidrick Consulting segment.

Including these unusual charges in the 2024 second quarter, net loss was $5.2 million and diluted loss per share was $0.25. Excluding these unusual charges in both the 2024 and 2023 second quarters, adjusted net income was $14.1 million and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.67, with an adjusted effective tax rate of 40.9%, in the 2024 second quarter. This compares to adjusted net income of $15.0 million and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.73, with an adjusted effective tax rate of 37.7% in the 2023 second quarter.

Executive Search net revenue of $210.0 million increased 1.5% compared to net revenue of $206.8 million in the 2023 second quarter. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, which negatively impacted results by 0.4%, or $0.9 million, net revenue increased 2.0%, or $4.1 million from the 2023 second quarter. Net revenue increased 6.1% in the Americas (up 6.3% on a constant currency basis), decreased 12.0% in Europe (down 11.7% on a constant currency basis), and increased 0.7% in Asia Pacific (up 3.3% on a constant currency basis) when compared to the prior year second quarter. All practice groups, except for Consumer and Industrial, exhibited growth over the prior year period. 

The Company had 415 Executive Search consultants at June 30, 2024, compared to 423 at June 30, 2023. Productivity, as measured by annualized Executive Search net revenue per consultant, was $2.0 million compared to $1.9 million in the 2023 second quarter, reflecting a lower number of consultants combined with higher revenue. Average revenue per executive search was approximately $151,000 compared to $146,000 in the prior year period. The number of search confirmations decreased 1.6% compared to the year-ago period.

On-Demand Talent net revenue of $41.9 million increased 6.8% compared to net revenue of $39.2 million in the 2023 second quarter. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, which negatively impacted results by $0.2 million, or 0.5%, net revenue increased 7.3%, or $2.9 million from the 2023 second quarter.

Heidrick Consulting net revenue of $26.8 million increased 6.2% compared to net revenue of $25.2 million in the 2023 second quarter. The Company had 85 Heidrick Consulting consultants at June 30, 2024, compared to 89 at June 30, 2023. 

Consolidated salaries and benefits decreased $1.0 million to $177.9 million compared to $178.9 million in the 2023 second quarter. Year-over-year, fixed compensation expense decreased $3.0 million due to decreases in separation expense, talent acquisition and retention costs, retirement and benefits expenses, and expenses related to the deferred compensation plan, partially offset by increases in stock compensation, and base salaries and payroll taxes. Variable compensation increased $1.9 million due to an increase in consultant production. Salaries and benefits expense was 63.8% of net revenue for the quarter, compared to 66.0% in the 2023 second quarter.

General and administrative expenses increased $5.9 million, or 14.7%, to $46.5 million compared to $40.5 million in the 2023 second quarter. The increase was due to the 2024 Global Conference, earnout fair value adjustments, professional fees, office occupancy, hiring fees, IT, and marketing, partially offset by decreases in intangible amortization, travel and entertainment, and the use of external third-party consultants. As a percentage of net revenue, general and administrative expenses were 16.7% for the 2024 second quarter compared to 14.9% in the 2023 second quarter.

The Company’s cost of services was $29.7 million, or 10.7% of net revenue for the quarter, compared to $25.3 million, or 9.3% of net revenue in the 2023 second quarter. This primarily related to an increase in the volume of On-Demand Talent and Heidrick Consulting projects.

The Company’s research and development expenses were $5.6 million, or 2.0%, of net revenue for the quarter compared to $5.7 million, or 2.1%, of net revenue for the second quarter 2023.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $62.5 million compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $46.9 million in the 2023 second quarter. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at June 30, 2024 was $296.9 million compared to $239.0 million at June 30, 2023 and $478.2 million at December 31, 2023. The Company’s cash position typically builds throughout the year as employee bonuses are accrued, mostly to be paid out in the first half of the year following the year in which they are earned.

Dividend

The Board of Directors declared a 2024 second quarter cash dividend of $0.15 per share payable on August 22, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 9, 2024. 

2024 Third Quarter Outlook

The Company expects 2024 third quarter consolidated net revenue of between $260 million and $280 million, while acknowledging that continued fluidity in external factors, such as the foreign exchange and interest rate environments, foreign conflicts, inflation and macroeconomic constraints on pricing actions, may impact quarterly results. In addition, this outlook is based on the average currency rates in June 2024 and reflects, among other factors, management’s assumptions for the anticipated volume of new Executive Search confirmations, On-Demand Talent projects, and Heidrick Consulting assignments, consultant productivity, consultant retention, and the seasonality of the business along with the current backlog.

Quarterly Webcast and Conference Call

Heidrick & Struggles will host a conference call to review its second quarter results today, July 29, 2024 at 5:30 pm Eastern Time. Participants may access the Company’s call and supporting slides through its website at www.heidrick.com or by dialing (800) 715-9871 or (646) 307-1963, conference ID# 4805686. 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) is a premier provider of global leadership advisory and on-demand talent solutions, serving the senior-level talent and consulting needs of the world’s top organizations. In our role as trusted leadership advisors, we partner with our clients to develop future-ready leaders and organizations, bringing together our services and offerings in executive search, diversity and inclusion, leadership assessment and development, organization and team acceleration, culture shaping and on-demand, independent talent solutions. Heidrick & Struggles pioneered the profession of executive search more than 70 years ago. Today, the firm provides integrated talent and human capital solutions to help our clients change the world, one leadership team at a time. ® www.heidrick.com 

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.

Non-GAAP financial measures used within this earnings release are Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, and consolidated net revenue excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations (referred to as on a constant currency basis). 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 to evaluate the comparability of financial information presented. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are provided as schedules attached to this release.

Adjusted EBITDA refers to net income before interest, other income or expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted, to the extent they occur, for earnout accretion, earnout fair value adjustments, contingent compensation, deferred compensation plan income or expense, certain reorganization costs, impairment charges and restructuring charges.

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

Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share reflect the exclusion of goodwill impairment, restructuring charges and earnout fair value adjustments, net of tax.

Adjusted effective tax rate reflects the exclusion of goodwill impairment, restructuring charges and earnout fair value adjustments, net of tax.

The Company evaluates its results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation is a non-GAAP financial measure, which excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company believes providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding its results of operations, consistent with how it evaluates its performance. The Company calculates constant currency percentages by converting its financial results in a local currency for a period using the average exchange rate for the prior period to which it is comparing. This calculation may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding guidance for the third quarter of 2024. 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,” “outlook,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “aim” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, rely on a number of assumptions, and involve certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, many of which are beyond our control. Factors that may cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from what is expressed, forecasted or implied in the forward-looking statements include, among other things, our ability to attract, integrate, develop, manage, retain and motivate 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; our clients’ ability to restrict us from recruiting their employees; our heavy reliance on information management systems; risks arising from our implementation of new technology and intellectual property to deliver new products and services to our clients; our dependence on third parties for the execution of certain critical functions; 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; any challenges to the classification of our on-demand talent as independent contractors; the fact that increased cybersecurity requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and more sophisticated and targeted cyber-related attacks could pose a risk to our systems, networks, solutions, services and data; the fact that our net revenue may be affected by adverse macroeconomic or labor market conditions, including impacts of inflation and effects of geopolitical instability; the aggressive competition we face; the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; our ability to access additional credit; social, political, regulatory, legal and economic risks in markets where we operate, including the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the conflict in Israel and the Gaza strip, the risks of an expansion or escalation of those conflicts and our ability to quickly and completely recover from any disruption to our business; unfavorable tax law changes and tax authority rulings; our ability to realize the benefit of our net deferred tax assets; the fact that we may not be able to align our cost structure with net revenue; any impairment of our goodwill, other intangible assets and other long-lived assets; our ability to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over our financial reporting and produce accurate and timely financial statements; our ability to execute and integrate future acquisitions; and the fact that we have anti-takeover provisions that make an acquisition of us difficult and expensive. We caution the reader that the list of factors may not be exhaustive. For more information on these risks, uncertainties and other factors, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

Investors & Analysts:
Suzanne Rosenberg, Vice President, Investor Relations
srosenberg@heidrick.com 

Media:
Bianca Wilson, Director of Public Relations
bwilson@heidrick.com 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

June 30,

2024

2023

$ Change

% Change

Revenue

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

$   278,626

$   271,225

$          7,401

2.7 %

Reimbursements

4,251

2,552

1,699

66.6 %

Total revenue

282,877

273,777

9,100

3.3 %

Operating expenses

Salaries and benefits

177,892

178,916

(1,024)

(0.6) %

General and administrative expenses

46,453

40,514

5,939

14.7 %

Cost of services

29,696

25,306

4,390

17.3 %

Research and development

5,605

5,658

(53)

(0.9) %

Impairment charges

16,224

7,246

8,978

123.9 %

Restructuring charges

6,939

6,939

100.0 %

Reimbursed expenses

4,251

2,552

1,699

66.6 %

Total operating expenses

287,060

260,192

26,868

10.3 %

Operating income (loss)

(4,183)

13,585

(17,768)

(130.8) %

Non-operating income

Interest, net

2,612

1,913

Other, net

997

1,377

Net non-operating income

3,609

3,290

Income (loss) before income taxes

(574)

16,875

Provision for income taxes

4,583

7,893

Net income (loss)

(5,157)

8,982

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

(2,094)

(75)

Comprehensive income (loss)

$     (7,251)

$       8,907

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

Basic

20,259

20,010

Diluted

20,259

20,637

Earnings (loss) per common share

Basic

$       (0.25)

$        0.45

Diluted

$       (0.25)

$        0.44

Salaries and benefits as a % of net revenue

63.8 %

66.0 %

General and administrative expenses as a % of net revenue

16.7 %

14.9 %

Cost of services as a % of net revenue

10.7 %

9.3 %

Research and development as a % of net revenue

2.0 %

2.1 %

Operating margin

(1.5) %

5.0 %

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Segment Information

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30,

2024

2023

$

Change

% Change

2024
Margin1

2023
Margin1

Revenue

Executive Search

Americas

$ 147,078

$ 138,563

$   8,515

6.1 %

Europe

40,082

45,567

(5,485)

(12.0) %

Asia Pacific

22,807

22,649

158

0.7 %

Total Executive Search

209,967

206,779

3,188

1.5 %

On-Demand Talent

41,895

39,240

2,655

6.8 %

Heidrick Consulting

26,764

25,206

1,558

6.2 %

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

278,626

271,225

7,401

2.7 %

Reimbursements

4,251

2,552

1,699

66.6 %

Total revenue

$ 282,877

$ 273,777

$   9,100

3.3 %

Adjusted EBITDA

Executive Search

Americas

$ 48,112

$ 46,079

$   2,033

4.4 %

32.7 %

33.3 %

Europe

2,840

5,456

(2,616)

(47.9) %

7.1 %

12.0 %

Asia Pacific

1,740

1,630

110

6.7 %

7.6 %

7.2 %

Total Executive Search

52,692

53,165

(473)

(0.9) %

25.1 %

25.7 %

On-Demand Talent

(1,629)

2,587

(4,216)

(163.0) %

(3.9) %

6.6 %

Heidrick Consulting

(1,395)

(1,662)

267

16.1 %

(5.2) %

(6.6) %

Total segments

49,668

54,090

(4,422)

(8.2) %

17.8 %

19.9 %

Research and Development

(4,781)

(5,218)

437

8.4 %

(1.7) %

(1.9) %

Global Operations Support

(16,076)

(13,988)

(2,088)

(14.9) %

(5.8) %

(5.2) %

Total operating income

$ 28,811

$ 34,884

$  (6,073)

(17.4) %

10.3 %

12.9 %

1   Margin based on revenue before reimbursements (net revenue).

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2024

2023

$ Change

% Change

Revenue

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

$   543,823

$   510,542

$        33,281

6.5 %

Reimbursements

8,152

5,354

2,798

52.3 %

Total revenue

551,975

515,896

36,079

7.0 %

Operating expenses

Salaries and benefits

352,305

337,775

14,530

4.3 %

General and administrative expenses

87,816

74,841

12,975

17.3 %

Cost of services

57,128

48,138

8,990

18.7 %

Research and development

11,320

11,186

134

1.2 %

Impairment charges

16,224

7,246

8,978

123.9 %

Restructuring charges

6,939

6,939

100.0 %

Reimbursed expenses

8,152

5,354

2,798

52.3 %

Total operating expenses

539,884

484,540

55,344

11.4 %

Operating income

12,091

31,356

(19,265)

(61.4) %

Non-operating income

Interest, net

6,698

5,162

Other, net

3,568

3,186

Net non-operating income

10,266

8,348

Income before income taxes

22,357

39,704

Provision for income taxes

13,482

15,136

Net income

8,875

24,568

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

(6,185)

368

Comprehensive income

$       2,690

$     24,936

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

Basic

20,202

19,958

Diluted

21,061

20,701

Earnings per common share

Basic

$        0.44

$        1.23

Diluted

$        0.42

$        1.19

Salaries and benefits as a % of net revenue

64.8 %

66.2 %

General and administrative expenses as a % of net revenue

16.1 %

14.7 %

Cost of services as a % of net revenue

10.5 %

9.4 %

Research and development as a % of net revenue

2.1 %

2.2 %

Operating margin

2.2 %

6.1 %

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Segment Information

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30,

2024

2023

$

Change

%

Change

2024
Margin1

2023
Margin1

Revenue

Executive Search

Americas

$   283,757

$   265,890

$    17,867

6.7 %

Europe

81,563

84,498

(2,935)

(3.5) %

Asia Pacific

46,128

46,878

(750)

(1.6) %

Total Executive Search

411,448

397,266

14,182

3.6 %

On-Demand Talent

79,752

70,357

9,395

13.4 %

Heidrick Consulting

52,623

42,919

9,704

22.6 %

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

543,823

510,542

33,281

6.5 %

Reimbursements

8,152

5,354

2,798

52.3 %

Total revenue

$   551,975

$   515,896

$    36,079

7.0 %

Adjusted EBITDA

Executive Search

Americas

$     89,983

$     88,203

$     1,780

2.0 %

31.7 %

33.2 %

Europe

6,193

7,537

(1,344)

(17.8) %

7.6 %

8.9 %

Asia Pacific

4,935

5,197

(262)

(5.0) %

10.7 %

11.1 %

Total Executive Search

101,111

100,937

174

0.2 %

24.6 %

25.4 %

On-Demand Talent

(2,550)

1,240

(3,790)

NM

(3.2) %

1.8 %

Heidrick Consulting

(3,422)

(4,457)

1,035

23.2 %

(6.5) %

(10.4) %

Total segments

95,139

97,720

(2,581)

(2.6) %

17.5 %

19.1 %

Research and Development

(9,706)

(10,469)

763

7.3 %

(1.8) %

(2.1) %

Global Operations Support

(30,754)

(26,740)

(4,014)

(15.0) %

(5.7) %

(5.2) %

Total Adjusted EBITDA

$     54,679

$     60,511

$    (5,832)

(9.6) %

10.1 %

11.9 %

1   Margin based on revenue before reimbursements (net revenue).

 

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

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net income (loss)

$          (5,157)

$            8,982

$          8,875

$        24,568

Adjustments

Impairment charges, net of tax1

14,190

6,038

14,190

6,038

Earnout fair value adjustment, net of tax2

749

749

Restructuring charges, net of tax3

4,291

4,291

Total adjustments

19,230

6,038

19,230

6,038

Adjusted net income

$          14,073

$          15,020

$        28,105

$        30,606

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

Basic

20,259

20,010

20,202

19,958

Diluted

20,865

20,637

21,061

20,701

Earnings per common share

Basic

$            (0.25)

$              0.45

$           0.44

$           1.23

Diluted

$            (0.25)

$              0.44

$           0.42

$           1.19

Adjusted earnings per common share

Basic

$              0.69

$              0.75

$           1.39

$           1.53

Diluted

$              0.67

$              0.73

$           1.33

$           1.48

1 The Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $14.8 million in the On-Demand Talent segment and $1.5 million in the Europe segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. The Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $7.2 million in the Heidrick Consulting segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.

2  The Company recorded a fair value adjustment to increase the On-Demand Talent earnout by $1.1 million and increase the  Heidrick Consulting earnout by $0.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024.

3  The Company recorded restructuring charges of $6.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024.

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

June 30,
2024

December 31,
2023

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$         189,922

$         412,618

Marketable securities

106,963

65,538

Accounts receivable, net

187,113

133,128

Prepaid expenses

28,016

23,597

Other current assets

43,745

47,923

Income taxes recoverable

7,660

10,410

Total current assets

563,419

693,214

Non-current assets

Property and equipment, net

48,434

35,752

Operating lease right-of-use assets

82,114

86,063

Assets designated for retirement and pension plans

10,779

11,105

Investments

55,927

47,287

Other non-current assets

26,875

17,071

Goodwill

183,150

202,252

Other intangible assets, net

16,411

20,842

Deferred income taxes

29,216

28,005

Total non-current assets

452,906

448,377

Total assets

$      1,016,325

$      1,141,591

Current liabilities

Accounts payable

$           19,515

$           20,837

Accrued salaries and benefits

190,225

322,744

Deferred revenue

44,679

45,732

Operating lease liabilities

18,044

21,498

Other current liabilities

25,693

21,823

Income taxes payable

8,593

6,057

Total current liabilities

306,749

438,691

Non-current liabilities

Accrued salaries and benefits

51,404

52,108

Retirement and pension plans

70,855

62,100

Operating lease liabilities

78,120

78,204

Other non-current liabilities

42,562

41,808

Deferred income taxes

5,703

6,402

Total non-current liabilities

248,644

240,622

Total liabilities

555,393

679,313

Stockholders’ equity

460,932

462,278

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$      1,016,325

$      1,141,591

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

June 30,

2024

2023

Cash flows – operating activities

Net income

$        (5,157)

$          8,982

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

Depreciation and amortization

3,910

4,819

Deferred income taxes

(2,246)

(223)

Stock-based compensation expense

3,465

1,919

Accretion expense related to earnout payments

469

451

Gain on marketable securities

(441)

(49)

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

247

1

Impairment charges

16,224

7,246

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

Accounts receivable

(14,717)

(35,658)

Accounts payable

(255)

(1,777)

Accrued expenses

57,843

52,164

Restructuring accrual

4,386

Deferred revenue

(2,624)

396

Income taxes recoverable and payable, net

645

495

Retirement and pension plan assets and liabilities

347

333

Prepaid expenses

3,339

4,500

Other assets and liabilities, net

(2,913)

3,341

Net cash provided by operating activities

62,522

46,940

Cash flows – investing activities

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired

(5,842)

Capital expenditures

(10,365)

(3,006)

Purchases of marketable securities and investments

(109,862)

(21,511)

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments

289

153

Net cash used in investing activities

(119,938)

(30,206)

Cash flows – financing activities

Repurchases of common stock

(904)

Cash dividends paid

(3,182)

(3,122)

Payment of employee tax withholdings on equity transactions

(885)

Net cash used in financing activities

(4,067)

(4,026)

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

(1,426)

376

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

(62,909)

13,084

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

252,831

204,733

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$      189,922

$      217,817

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2024

2023

Cash flows – operating activities

Net income

$            8,875

$          24,568

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

Depreciation and amortization

8,700

8,692

Deferred income taxes

(2,333)

6,446

Stock-based compensation expense

6,109

3,772

Accretion expense related to earnout payments

935

642

Gain on marketable securities

(980)

(1,694)

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

261

131

Impairment charges

16,224

7,246

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

(55,842)

(59,990)

Accounts payable

(2,324)

(2,914)

Accrued expenses

(124,747)

(273,811)

Restructuring accrual

4,386

Deferred revenue

(673)

543

Income taxes recoverable and payable, net

5,368

(2,588)

Retirement and pension plan assets and liabilities

5,800

6,403

Prepaid expenses

(4,652)

(2,635)

Other assets and liabilities, net

(6,009)

(4,902)

Net cash used in operating activities

(140,902)

(290,091)

Cash flows – investing activities

Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired

(35,749)

Capital expenditures

(16,538)

(6,814)

Purchases of marketable securities and investments

(115,262)

(27,683)

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments

66,574

268,118

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

(65,226)

197,872

Cash flows – financing activities

Repurchases of common stock

(904)

Cash dividends paid

(6,398)

(6,234)

Payment of employee tax withholdings on equity transactions

(3,747)

(4,141)

Acquisition earnout payments

(35,946)

Net cash used in financing activities

(10,145)

(47,225)

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

(6,423)

1,772

Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

(222,696)

(137,672)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

412,618

355,489

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$        189,922

$        217,817

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

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

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

June 30,

Six Months Ended

June 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

$    278,626

$    271,225

$    543,823

$    510,542

Net income (loss)

(5,157)

8,982

8,875

24,568

Interest, net

(2,612)

(1,913)

(6,698)

(5,162)

Other, net

(997)

(1,377)

(3,568)

(3,186)

Provision for income taxes

4,583

7,893

13,482

15,136

Operating income (loss)

(4,183)

13,585

12,091

31,356

Adjustments

Depreciation

1,990

2,172

4,483

4,176

Intangible amortization

1,920

2,647

4,217

4,516

Earnout accretion

469

451

935

642

Earnout fair value adjustments

1,211

1,211

Acquisition contingent consideration

3,285

3,784

5,273

5,443

Deferred compensation plan

956

1,603

3,306

3,736

Reorganization costs

3,396

3,396

Impairment charges

16,224

7,246

16,224

7,246

Restructuring charges

6,939

6,939

Total adjustments

32,994

21,299

42,588

29,155

Adjusted EBITDA

$      28,811

$      34,884

$      54,679

$      60,511

Adjusted EBITDA margin

10.3 %

12.9 %

10.1 %

11.9 %

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted EBITDA by Line of Business (Non-GAAP)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30, 2024

Executive Search

On-Demand Talent

Heidrick Consulting

Research & Development

Global
Operations Support

Total

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

$    209,967

$      41,895

$      26,764

$         —

$         —

$    278,626

Operating income (loss)1

46,821

(21,695)

(6,530)

(5,605)

(17,174)

(4,183)

Adjustments

Depreciation

863

117

82

809

119

1,990

Intangible amortization

20

1,533

367

1,920

Earnout accretion

409

60

469

Earnout fair value adjustments

1,125

86

1,211

Acquisition contingent compensation

295

1,835

1,155

3,285

Deferred compensation plan

920

18

15

3

956

Impairment charges

1,463

14,761

16,224

Restructuring charges

2,310

286

3,367

976

6,939

Total adjustments

5,871

20,066

5,135

824

1,098

32,994

Adjusted EBITDA

$      52,692

$       (1,629)

$       (1,395)

$       (4,781)

$     (16,076)

$      28,811

Adjusted EBITDA margin

25.1 %

(3.9) %

(5.2) %

(1.7) %

(5.8) %

10.3 %

Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

Executive Search

On-Demand Talent

Heidrick Consulting

Research & Development

Global
Operations Support

Total

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

$    206,779

$      39,240

$      25,206

$              —

$              —

$    271,225

Operating income (loss)1

46,940

(2,862)

(10,686)

(5,658)

(14,149)

13,585

Adjustments

Depreciation

1,297

116

183

416

160

2,172

Intangible amortization

53

2,151

443

2,647

Earnout accretion

394

57

451

Acquisition contingent compensation

1,165

1,561

1,058

3,784

Deferred compensation plan

1,541

37

24

1

1,603

Reorganization costs

2,169

1,227

3,396

Impairment charges

7,246

7,246

Total adjustments

6,225

5,449

9,024

440

161

21,299

Adjusted EBITDA

$      53,165

$        2,587

$       (1,662)

$       (5,218)

$     (13,988)

$      34,884

Adjusted EBITDA margin

25.7 %

6.6 %

(6.6 %)

(1.9) %

(5.2) %

12.9 %

1 The Company does not allocate interest income or expense, other income or expense, and the provision for income taxes to the Company’s reportable operating segments. As such, the Company has concluded that operating income (loss) represents the most directly comparable measure of financial performance presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA in this presentation.

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

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

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2024

Executive Search

On-Demand Talent

Heidrick Consulting

Research & Development

Global
Operations
Support

Total

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

$    411,448

$      79,752

$      52,623

$         —

$         —

$    543,823

Operating income (loss)1

92,353

(26,544)

(10,372)

(11,320)

(32,026)

12,091

Adjustments

Depreciation

2,104

248

279

1,563

289

4,483

Intangible amortization

37

3,368

812

4,217

Earnout accretion

815

120

935

Earnout fair value adjustments

1,125

86

1,211

Acquisition contingent compensation

(335)

3,391

2,217

5,273

Deferred compensation plan

3,179

69

51

7

3,306

Impairment charges

1,463

14,761

16,224

Restructuring charges

2,310

286

3,367

976

6,939

Total adjustments

8,758

23,994

6,950

1,614

1,272

42,588

Adjusted EBITDA

$    101,111

$       (2,550)

$       (3,422)

$       (9,706)

$     (30,754)

$      54,679

Adjusted EBITDA margin

24.6 %

(3.2 %)

(6.5 %)

(1.8 %)

(5.7) %

10.1 %

Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

Executive Search

On-Demand Talent

Heidrick Consulting

Research & Development

Global
Operations Support

Total

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

$    397,266

$      70,357

$      42,919

$              —

$              —

$    510,542

Operating income (loss)1

90,633

(7,226)

(13,802)

(11,186)

(27,063)

31,356

Adjustments

Depreciation

2,640

201

351

664

320

4,176

Intangible amortization

105

3,868

543

4,516

Earnout accretion

585

57

642

Acquisition contingent compensation

1,800

2,585

1,058

5,443

Deferred compensation plan

3,590

90

53

3

3,736

Reorganization costs

2,169

1,227

3,396

Impairment charges

7,246

7,246

Total adjustments

10,304

8,466

9,345

717

323

29,155

Adjusted EBITDA

$    100,937

$        1,240

$       (4,457)

$     (10,469)

$     (26,740)

$      60,511

Adjusted EBITDA margin

25.4 %

1.8 %

(10.4 %)

(2.1 %)

(5.2 %)

11.9 %

1 The Company does not allocate interest income or expense, other income or expense, and the provision for income taxes to the Company’s reportable operating segments. As such, the Company has concluded that operating income (loss) represents the most directly comparable measure of financial performance presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA in this presentation.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/heidrick–struggles-reports-second-quarter-2024-results-302208923.html

SOURCE Heidrick & Struggles

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In 75 years, China has become increasingly prominent in driving global development: Global Times editorial

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BEIJING, Sept. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China is a momentous occasion, not only for the over 1.4 billion Chinese people but also with global significance and historical importance. 

Over these 75 years, the journey of Chinese modernization has profoundly transformed China and influenced the world, truly realizing that “our work will be written in the annals of human history.” 

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Amid a changing international landscape, China has steadfastly maintained an independent and peaceful foreign policy, upholding international fairness and justice. As China increasingly approaches global center stage, it continues to make new and greater contributions to the cause of peace and development for humanity.

Seventy-five years ago, when this ancient nation in the East opened a new chapter in its history, the world was just beginning to recover from the devastation of two wars. From a struggling agricultural country, China has evolved into the world’s second-largest economy, the world’s leading manufacturing power, the top trader of goods, and the holder of the largest foreign exchange reserves. This historical elevation in national strength matches China’s significant contributions to global development. 

From 1979 to 2023, China’s average annual contribution to global economic growth reached 24.8 percent, with an average of over 30 percent from 2013 to 2023. For 12 consecutive years, China’s outbound direct investment in foreign countries has ranked among the top three globally, holding over 10 percent of the global share for eight years. China’s “new three items” – electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and solar cells – are facilitating the globe to accelerate their green and low-carbon transitions, while its infrastructure projects span over 190 countries and regions worldwide. Today, averagely speaking, China engages in approximately 80 million yuan ($11.4 million) worth of trade with the world every minute, invests approximately 112 million yuan abroad every hour, and attracts about 3.377 billion yuan in foreign investment daily. The development of China is intricately linked with global progress, achieving mutual success, and driving the world toward greater progress and prosperity.

A great nation with over 5,000-year-old civilization stands majestically in the East, as over 1.4 billion people stride forward on the path to modernization. Such a vast scale itself is one of the main powerful driving forces for the progress of the entire world and human society. The practices of Chinese modernization teaches us that development is the key to solving all problems. China has proposed the Global Development Initiative to support the development and revitalization of countries in the Global South. By the end of 2023, China’s direct investment in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative had exceeded $300 billion. Chinese companies have built the first ultra-high voltage direct current transmission line in the Americas, the first electrified railway, the first digital mine, and numerous infrastructure and livelihood projects in Africa, making an indelible contribution to global infrastructure construction.

From “seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China” to “seek peace even if you have to go as far as China,” peace is a valuable public good that China offers to a turbulent world. Over the past 75 years, China has never initiated any war or conflict and has never occupied an inch of another country’s territory. In the face of numerous international security challenges, China has proposed the Global Security Initiative. It has mediated the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, facilitated a historic reconciliation among Palestinian factions, and promoted a political resolution to the crisis in Ukraine. Today, China has become the second-largest contributor to the UN regular budget, the second-largest contributor to peacekeeping operations, and the largest troop-contributing country among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. China has always been committed to promoting world peace and development.

To leave behind achievements worthy of being engraved in world history, a nation and its people must not only be judged by their material accomplishments but also by the amount of spiritual wealth they have contributed. The latter often holds more profound significance than the former. 

In today’s world, where the destinies of nations are closely intertwined, China has proposed the Global Civilization Initiative, advocating cultural exchanges that transcend estrangement, mutual learning that transcends clashes, and coexistence that transcends feelings of superiority. It addresses significant questions, such as how different civilizations can coexist and where human civilization is headed, offering Chinese wisdom and solutions to promote cultural exchanges and the advancement of human civilization.

Over the past 75 years, China has demonstrated an uncommon empathy in the political arena of major powers throughout human history. From proposing the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, emphasizing equality and non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, to the new era’s initiatives like jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, building a community with a shared future for mankind, and the promotion of solidarity and cooperation among the Global South, China has advocated that the sovereignty of all countries are equal regardless of size on global arena while showing respect and support for the development of other countries. 

China has provided the worldview of “shared future” and the methodology of “jointly building and win-win cooperation” for all mankind. This is rare in the history of human civilization and is urgently needed in today’s world. 

The 75-year journey through challenges has underscored the invaluable role China plays in global peace, development and progress. The modernization China has promoted, which embodies justice, openness, mutual benefit, people-first policies, diversity, inclusiveness, eco-friendliness, and peace and security, will only become more significant and valuable to the world as time progresses.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-75-years-china-has-become-increasingly-prominent-in-driving-global-development-global-times-editorial-302261976.html

SOURCE Global Times

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Xinhua Silk Road: Research project on sustainable development of agriculture and animal husbandry launched with support from Chinese dairy giant Mengniu

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BEIJING, Sept. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — With support from Mengniu public welfare foundation set up by Chinese dairy giant Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (Group) Co., Ltd., China Economic Information Service recently established a research group to carry out studies on how the ecological protection compensation mechanism and the mechanism for realizing the value of ecological products can promote sustainable development of agriculture and animal husbandry.

The research group will first sort out relevant policies and theories on the topic.

Field visits and research then will be conducted in key regions of agriculture and animal husbandry development nationwide. The research group will identify prominent problems that arise in local practices where the two mechanisms are adopted to boost sustainable development of agriculture and animal husbandry and analyze specific causes. The group will also create hypotheses about combining the ecological protection compensation mechanism and the ecological product value realization mechanism to propel agriculture and animal husbandry sustainability.

Finally, the researchers will compile a report based on research results and put forward suggestions.

Founded in 2022, the Mengniu public welfare foundation carry out public welfare and charity activities mainly related to emergency and disaster relief, rural revitalization, nutrition empowerment, and ecological protection.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/342397.html

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xinhua-silk-road-research-project-on-sustainable-development-of-agriculture-and-animal-husbandry-launched-with-support-from-chinese-dairy-giant-mengniu-302262001.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road

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Global Times: Chinese youth increasingly embrace, share millennia-old cultural traditions

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BEIJING, Sept. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Li Ziyao, a young Chinese student studying in Boston, the US, recently completed Black Myth: Wukong, a game playing based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.

He was excited that this game, rich in traditional cultural elements, has become a sensation in America too. As he observed his American classmates discussing the Monkey King, the architectural styles, and Chinese history, a strong sense of pride surged within him.

“I am witnessing firsthand how Chinese culture is being spread and understood globally in a novel and modern way,” Li told the Global Times.

Culture plays a vital role in inspiring national spirit, maintaining identity, and promoting both economic and personal development.

China’s achievements over the past 75 years are closely tied to its millennia-old culture and cultural confidence. Generations of young people with strong values and ethics worked to develop Chinese culture and present it to the world. 

Chinese civilization has thrived along with the open expression of young people. They relish and discuss with foreign friends China’s traditional culture, allowing it to resonate with international audiences. 

In ancient times, Chinese ancestors sailed the seas along the historical Maritime Silk Road, spreading Chinese culture toward the rest of the world.

Today, young people, especially Generation Z, are using unique ways to share Chinese culture with the world.

Set new trend

Li mentioned that one of the American Twitch streamers he follows, Zack, also known as Asmongold, a content creator with over 2.9 million YouTube subscribers, once commented that Chinese mythology has a natural freshness for Western players, sparking their desire to explore the unknown.

The cultural elements carried by Black Myth: Wukong are also reflected in its music. The game incorporates traditional Chinese melodies from the 1986 hit TV series Journey to the West soundtrack, including the iconic track Celestial Symphony in key scenes.

“Hearing Celestial Symphony evokes me an indescribable feeling of nostalgia. One of my American classmates told me that the music made him feel as if he were immersed in a world filled with the charm of ancient Eastern culture,” Li noted.

With the international success of Celestial Symphony, Li has noticed that many of his classmates have expressed their desire to learn traditional Chinese musical instruments, especially pipa, which embodies unique Chinese aesthetics.

In a recent interview, US musician Lauv commented on the beauty of pipa, while interacting with young pipa player Liu Jialiang, also known as Marsix.

During the interview, Marsix used pipa to perform Lauv’s breakout hit I Like Me Better. Lauv, who is also known as Ari Staprans Leff, is followed by more than 1 million fans on the platform known as X. 

The instrument’s sound, representing Chinese aesthetics, stunned the Western singer and left him with a look of amazement. Marsix’s performance has also revealed how the 2,000-year-old instrument remains versatile in playing global pop music. 

“I was thrilled to share our traditional music culture again,” the young player told the Global Times. He also emphasized that his journey with pipa has always been about “fusion.”

Since 2022, Marsix has been posting remixed pipa music that blends traditional Chinese melodies with Western genres like jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music. 

Through his fusion of traditional Chinese music, Marsix has captured the attention of international fans. On YouTube, netizens commented on Marsix’s performance, saying “the Chinese ‘guitar’ would set a new trend.” 

“I think the traditional instrument is a tool for us young Chinese musicians to express our open-mindedness to world music,” Marsix noted. 

Confident in his cultural roots, the young Chinese musician has also inspired many young fans in China to rediscover the beauty of traditional Chinese music. Marsix told the Global Times that most of his fans are in their 20s, and he hopes to guide them on a journey of rediscovering Chinese culture.

“In the past, the word ‘pipa’ would evoke images of classical performers, but now it represents a trendy instrument played by performers of all ages and genders. Young Chinese musicians are using their creativity to revive the tradition,” Zhu Xiao, a Chinese folk music fan and cucurbit flute player, told the Global Times. 

Dressed in confidence

For many in Generation Z, wearing Hanfu – traditional Chinese dress – is just like playing pipa as a way to reconnect with the cultural root and also a way to express cultural confidence.

Driven by strong curiosity about the world, Chinese storyboard artist Lei Yumeng, better known as Mi Lei, travels between reality and fantasy in her storyboard work. Nearly every piece of work she posts on social media becomes a hit. So far, the Chinese artist has more than 8 million followers on different platforms.

Lei’s love for Chinese culture extends to her admiration for Hanfu. She told the Global Times that through her paintings of Hanfu from various dynasties, she can explore the aesthetics and auspicious intentions of ancient Chinese people, as reflected in the clothing’s patterns and embroidery.

Lei’s embrace of Chinese cultural heritage has been recognized internationally, with her videos on platforms like Instagram earning praise for showcasing traditional clothing. This global appreciation has been a reminder of the richness of her motherland’s unique cultural roots, which she said she “has initially taken for granted.”

Lei said her work in animation and storytelling is a celebration of China’s cultural legacy, a legacy she is “proud to share with the world.”

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-chinese-youth-increasingly-embrace-share-millennia-old-cultural-traditions-302262003.html

SOURCE Global Times

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