Quarterly Revenue Exceeds High End of Outlook

All Business Segments Contribute to Top Line Growth

Financial Highlights:

  • Q4 2024 net revenue of $276.2 million increased 9% year over year and full year net revenue of $1,098.6 million increased 7% year over year
  • Adjusted EBITDA in Q4 2024 was $26.1 million with adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.5% and full year adjusted EBITDA was $111.2 million with adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.1%
  • Q4 2024 adjusted net income was $22.9 million with adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.08 and full year adjusted net income was $66.1 million with adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.12
  • Q1 2025 revenue outlook between $263 million and $273 million
  • The Board of Directors declared a $0.15 per share cash dividend

CHICAGO, March 3, 2025 /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 fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.

Heidrick & Struggles Logo (PRNewsFoto/Heidrick & Struggles) (PRNewsfoto/Heidrick & Struggles)

"We finished 2024 on a strong note, highlighted by a fourth quarter performance that exceeded our expectations," said CEO Tom Monahan. "As we move into 2025, our team is energized and focused on the significant opportunity for client impact in a complex, volatile world.  This opportunity – combined with the focus and caliber of our team – gives us great confidence that we can attain our long-term financial targets.

As we discussed at our inaugural investor day in December, we serve a large and growing market defined by urgent client needs. We've assembled a world class team and unique capabilities to meet those needs. With our iconic brand, powerful technology and valuable intellectual property, we are focused on rapidly achieving the long-term goals we shared and creating value for our clients and shareholders."

Selected Consolidated Results

(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)








Three Months Ended

December 31,


Twelve Months Ended
December 31,


2024

2023


2024

2023

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

$          276.2

$          253.2


$       1,098.6

$       1,026.9







Adjusted results (a):






Adjusted EBITDA

$            26.1

$            35.8


$          111.2

$          125.6

Adjusted EBITDA margin

9.5 %

14.1 %


10.1 %

12.2 %

Adjusted net income

$            22.9

$            14.9


$            66.1

$            60.4

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$            1.08

$            0.72


$            3.12

$            2.91







(a) Non-GAAP financial measures. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Reconciliations of Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Net Income, and Reconciliations of Operating Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA at the end of this press release for more information.

2024 Fourth Quarter Results

Consolidated net revenue increased 9.1% to $276.2 million in the 2024 fourth quarter compared to consolidated net revenue of $253.2 million in the 2023 fourth quarter (up 9.3%, or $23.5 million on a constant currency basis). The revenue increase was driven by year-over-year growth in each of the Company's lines of business — Executive Search, On-Demand Talent, and Heidrick Consulting.

2024 fourth quarter net loss was $15.0 million and diluted loss per share was $0.73 which included a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $43.3 million related to the Company's On-Demand Talent segment and an earnout fair value reduction of $0.8 million related to the Heidrick Consulting segment. Excluding these charges, 2024 fourth quarter adjusted net income increased 54.2% to $22.9 million compared to adjusted net income of $14.9 million in the 2023 fourth quarter. 2024 fourth quarter adjusted diluted earnings per share was $1.08, with an adjusted effective tax rate of 22.8% compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.72 with an effective tax rate of 40.5% in the 2023 fourth quarter. On a comparable basis, applying a 40.5% effective tax rate in the 2024 fourth quarter, adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 16.7% to $0.84 from the year-ago period.

Adjusted EBITDA was $26.1 million in the 2024 fourth quarter compared to $35.8 million in the 2023 fourth quarter, and 2024 fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA margin was 9.5% compared to 14.1% in the 2023 fourth quarter.

Fiscal 2024 Results

Consolidated net revenue increased 7.0%, or $71.7 million to $1,098.6 million compared to $1,026.9 million in 2023 (up 6.9%, or $71.4 million on a constant currency basis).

2024 net income was $8.7 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.41, which included a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $59.5 million, a restructuring charge of $6.9 million and earnout fair value adjustments of $0.4 million. This compares to 2023 net income of $54.4 million and diluted earnings per share of $2.62, which included a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $7.2 million. Excluding the charges in both periods, adjusted net income increased 9.4% to $66.1 million in 2024 compared to $60.4 million in 2023 and adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 7.2% to $3.12 in 2024 compared to $2.91 in 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA was $111.2 million compared to $125.6 million in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 10.1%, compared to 12.2% in the prior year.

Selected Executive Search Data





(Dollars in millions, except Average revenue per executive search in thousands)











Three Months Ended

December 31,


Twelve Months Ended
December 31,


2024

2023


2024

2023

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

$       202.5

$       184.0


$       818.4

$       780.0

Ending number of consultants

418

414


418

414

Consultant productivity

$           2.0

$           1.8


$           2.0

$           1.9

Average revenue per executive search

$          151

$          138


$          146

$          140

Confirmations (% increase/decrease)

0.5 %

4.0 %


0.1 %

(10.5) %







Adjusted results (a):






Adjusted EBITDA

$         50.5

$         54.7


$       202.4

$       206.7

Adjusted EBITDA margin

25.0 %

29.7 %


24.7 %

26.5 %


(a) Non-GAAP financial measures. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Reconciliations of Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Net Income, and Reconciliations of Operating Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA at the end of this press release for more information.

Executive Search net revenue was $202.5 million in the 2024 fourth quarter compared to net revenue of $184.0 million in the 2023 fourth quarter, an increase of $18.6 million, or 10.1%. The increase in revenue was driven by increases of 11.1% in the Americas (up 11.7% on a constant currency basis), 8.1% in Europe (up 7.3% on a constant currency basis), and 7.6% in Asia Pacific (up 8.0% on a constant currency basis) when compared to the prior year fourth quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA was $50.5 million in the 2024 fourth quarter compared to $54.7 million in the 2023 fourth quarter, and 2024 fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA margin was 25.0% compared to 29.7% in the 2023 fourth quarter.

Selected On-Demand Talent Data






(Dollars in millions)













Three Months Ended

December 31,


Twelve Months Ended
December 31,


2024

2023


2024

2023

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

$           42.3

$           41.1


$          168.3

$          152.5







Adjusted results (a):






Adjusted EBITDA

$            (1.2)

$             0.8


$             (2.0)

$              1.4

Adjusted EBITDA margin

(2.8) %

1.9 %


(1.2) %

0.9 %







(a) Non-GAAP financial measures. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Reconciliations of Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Net Income, and Reconciliations of Operating Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA at the end of this press release for more information.

On-Demand Talent net revenue was $42.3 million in the 2024 fourth quarter compared to net revenue of $41.1 million in the 2023 fourth quarter, an increase of $1.2 million or 3.0% (up $1.3 million, or 3.3% on a constant currency basis).

Adjusted EBITDA loss was $1.2 million in the 2024 fourth quarter compared to a gain of $0.8 million in the 2023 fourth quarter, and Adjusted EBITDA margin was (2.8%) compared to 1.9% in the 2023 fourth quarter.   

Selected Heidrick Consulting Data






(Dollars in millions)













Three Months Ended

December 31,


Twelve Months Ended
December 31,


2024

2023


2024

2023

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

$           31.3

$           28.1


$          111.9

$           94.3

Ending number of consultants

85

89


85

89







Adjusted results (a):






Adjusted EBITDA

$            (1.8)

$             1.0


$            (6.2)

$            (5.8)

Adjusted EBITDA margin

(5.7) %

3.6 %


(5.6) %

(6.2) %







(a) Non-GAAP financial measures. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures, Reconciliations of Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Net Income, and Reconciliations of Operating Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA at the end of this press release for more information.

Heidrick Consulting net revenue was $31.3 million in the 2024 fourth quarter compared to net revenue of $28.1 million in the 2023 fourth quarter, an increase of $3.2 million or 11.5% (up $3.1 million, or 11.0% on a constant currency basis).

Adjusted EBITDA loss was $1.8 million in the 2024 fourth quarter compared to a gain of $1.0 million in the 2023 fourth quarter, and Adjusted EBITDA margin was (5.7%) compared to 3.6% in the 2023 fourth quarter.

Dividend

The Board of Directors declared a 2025 first quarter cash dividend of $0.15 per share payable on March 27, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 13, 2025.  

2025 First Quarter Outlook

The Company expects 2025 first quarter consolidated net revenue of between $263 million and $273 million, which may be impacted by external factors, such as the foreign exchange and interest rate environments, foreign conflicts, inflation and macroeconomic constraints on pricing actions. In addition, this outlook is based on the average currency rates in December 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, and consultant retention along with the current backlog.

Quarterly Webcast and Conference Call

Heidrick & Struggles will host a conference call to review its fourth quarter results today, March 3, 2025, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. Participants may access the Company's call and supporting slides through its website at http://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 http://www.heidrick.com and available for up to 30 days following the investor call.  

About Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Heidrick & Struggles (Nasdaq: HSII) is the world's foremost advisor on executive leadership, driving superior client performance through premier human capital leadership advisory services. For more than 70 years, we've delivered value for our clients by leveraging unrivaled expertise to help organizations discover and enable outstanding leaders and teams. Learn more at 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 net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, and net revenue excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations (referred to as constant currency). These measures are presented because management uses this information to monitor and evaluate financial results and allocate resources. 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 net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share are net income and diluted earnings per share excluding goodwill impairment, restructuring charges and earnout fair value adjustments, net of tax.

Adjusted effective tax rate is effective tax rate excluding goodwill impairment, restructuring charges and earnout fair value adjustments, net of tax.

Adjusted EBITDA refers to net income before interest, 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.   

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 first quarter of 2025. 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; the impact from actions by the new U.S. presidential administration and Congress; 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, 2024, 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, Global Director, 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

December 31,




2024


2023


$ Change


% Change

Revenue








Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

$   276,191


$   253,162


$        23,029


9.1 %

Reimbursements

4,695


4,228


467


11.0 %

  Total revenue

280,886


257,390


23,496


9.1 %









Operating expenses








Salaries and benefits

180,298


151,036


29,262


19.4 %

General and administrative expenses

39,439


44,089


(4,650)


(10.5) %

Cost of services

30,792


30,221


571


1.9 %

Research and development

6,053


5,952


101


1.7 %

Impairment charges

43,254



43,254


NM

Reimbursed expenses

4,695


4,228


467


11.0 %

  Total operating expenses

304,531


235,526


69,005


29.3 %









Operating income (loss)

(23,645)


21,864


(45,509)


NM









Non-operating income (loss)








Interest, net

5,154


3,950





Other, net

5,689


(840)





  Net non-operating income

10,843


3,110













Income (loss) before income taxes

(12,802)


24,974













Provision for income taxes

2,174


10,119













Net income (loss)

(14,976)


14,855













Other comprehensive income, net of tax

(14,985)


7,951













Comprehensive income (loss)

$    (29,961)


$     22,806













Weighted-average common shares outstanding








Basic

20,409


20,122





Diluted

21,125


20,670













Earnings (loss) per common share








Basic

$        (0.73)


$         0.74





Diluted

$        (0.73)


$         0.72













Salaries and benefits as a % of net revenue

65.3 %


59.7 %





General and administrative expenses as a % of net revenue

14.3 %


17.4 %





Cost of services as a % of net revenue

11.1 %


11.9 %





Research and development as a % of net revenue

2.2 %


2.4 %





Operating margin

(8.6) %


8.6 %





 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Segment Information

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



Three Months Ended December 31,


2024


2023


$

Change


%
Change


2024
Margin1


2023
Margin1

Revenue












Executive Search












 Americas

$ 138,642


$ 124,778


$ 13,864


11.1 %





 Europe

40,312


37,275


3,037


8.1 %





 Asia Pacific

23,567


21,912


1,655


7.6 %





 Total Executive Search

202,521


183,965


18,556


10.1 %





 On-Demand Talent

42,342


41,096


1,246


3.0 %





 Heidrick Consulting

31,328


28,101


3,227


11.5 %





 Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

276,191


253,162


23,029


9.1 %





Reimbursements

4,695


4,228


467


11.0 %





 Total revenue

$ 280,886


$ 257,390


$ 23,496


9.1 %





























Adjusted EBITDA












Executive Search












 Americas

$   43,812


$   45,801


$  (1,989)


(4.3) %


31.6 %


36.7 %

 Europe

3,578


5,759


(2,181)


(37.9) %


8.9 %


15.5 %

 Asia Pacific

3,145


3,169


(24)


(0.8) %


13.3 %


14.5 %

  Total Executive Search

50,535


54,729


(4,194)


(7.7) %


25.0 %


29.7 %

On-Demand Talent

(1,197)


774


(1,971)


NM


(2.8) %


1.9 %

 Heidrick Consulting

(1,790)


1,025


(2,815)


NM


(5.7) %


3.6 %

 Total segments

47,548


56,528


(8,980)


(15.9) %


17.2 %


22.3 %

 Research and Development

(4,704)


(5,139)


435


8.5 %


(1.7) %


(2.0) %

 Global Operations Support

(16,700)


(15,632)


(1,068)


(6.8) %


(6.0) %


(6.2) %

 Total Adjusted EBITDA

$   26,144


$   35,757


$  (9,613)


(26.9) %


9.5 %


14.1 %



1

Margin based on revenue before reimbursements (net revenue).

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)



Twelve Months Ended

December 31,




2024


2023


$ Change


% Change

Revenue








Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

$ 1,098,573


$ 1,026,864


$        71,709


7.0 %

Reimbursements

17,103


14,318


2,785


19.5 %

  Total revenue

1,115,676


1,041,182


74,494


7.2 %









Operating expenses








Salaries and benefits

715,628


656,030


59,598


9.1 %

General and administrative expenses

166,995


156,494


10,501


6.7 %

Cost of services

118,950


109,039


9,911


9.1 %

Research and development

23,055


22,698


357


1.6 %

Impairment charges

59,478


7,246


52,232


NM

Restructuring charges

6,939



6,939


100.0 %

Reimbursed expenses

17,103


14,318


2,785


19.5 %

  Total operating expenses

1,108,148


965,825


142,323


14.7 %









Operating income

7,528


75,357


(67,829)


(90.0) %









Non-operating income








Interest, net

14,422


11,617





Other, net

8,702


1,697





  Net non-operating income

23,124


13,314













Income before income taxes

30,652


88,671













Provision for income taxes

21,924


34,261













Net income

8,728


54,410













Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

(14,174)


4,318













Comprehensive income (loss)

$       (5,446)


$      58,728













Weighted-average common shares outstanding








Basic

20,293


20,029





Diluted

21,188


20,766













Earnings per common share








Basic

$          0.43


$          2.72





Diluted

$          0.41


$          2.62













Salaries and benefits as a % of net revenue

65.1 %


63.9 %





General and administrative expenses as a % of net revenue

15.2 %


15.2 %





Cost of services as a % of net revenue

10.8 %


10.6 %





Research and development as a % of net revenue

2.1 %


2.2 %





Operating margin

0.7 %


7.3 %





 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Segment Information

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



Twelve Months Ended December 31,


2024


2023


$

Change


%

Change


2024
Margin1


2023
Margin1

Revenue












Executive Search












 Americas

$     556,944


$     522,988


$    33,956


6.5 %





 Europe

165,018


166,379


(1,361)


(0.8) %





 Asia Pacific

96,396


90,678


5,718


6.3 %





 Total Executive Search

818,358


780,045


38,313


4.9 %





 On-Demand Talent

168,325


152,506


15,819


10.4 %





 Heidrick Consulting

111,890


94,313


17,577


18.6 %





 Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

1,098,573


1,026,864


71,709


7.0 %





Reimbursements

17,103


14,318


2,785


19.5 %





 Total revenue

$  1,115,676


$  1,041,182


$    74,494


7.2 %





























Adjusted EBITDA












Executive Search












 Americas

$     174,260


$     173,358


$         902


0.5 %


31.3 %


33.1 %

 Europe

14,793


22,246


(7,453)


(33.5) %


9.0 %


13.4 %

 Asia Pacific

13,327


11,070


2,257


20.4 %


13.8 %


12.2 %

 Total Executive Search

202,380


206,674


(4,294)


(2.1) %


24.7 %


26.5 %

 On-Demand Talent

(1,984)


1,434


(3,418)


NM


(1.2) %


0.9 %

 Heidrick Consulting

(6,237)


(5,823)


(414)


(7.1) %


(5.6) %


(6.2) %

 Total segments

194,159


202,285


(8,126)


(4.0) %


17.7 %


19.7 %

 Research and Development

(19,016)


(20,535)


1,519


7.4 %


(1.7) %


(2.0) %

 Global Operations Support

(63,905)


(56,133)


(7,772)


(13.8) %


(5.8) %


(5.5) %

 Total Adjusted EBITDA

$     111,238


$     125,617


$   (14,379)


(11.4) %


10.1 %


12.2 %



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

December 31,


Twelve Months Ended

December 31,


2024


2023


2024


2023

Net income (loss)

$         (14,976)


$          14,855


$          8,728


$        54,410









Adjustments








Impairment charges, net of tax(1)

37,621



51,811


6,038

Earnout fair value adjustment, net of tax(2)

(349)



439


Restructuring charges, net of tax(3)

615



5,131


  Total adjustments

37,887



57,381


6,038









Adjusted net income

$          22,911


$          14,855


$        66,109


$        60,448









Weighted-average common shares outstanding








Basic

20,409


20,122


20,293


20,029

Diluted

21,125


20,670


21,188


20,766









Earnings (loss) per common share








Basic

$            (0.73)


$              0.74


$            0.43


$            2.72

Diluted

$            (0.73)


$              0.72


$            0.41


$            2.62









Adjusted earnings per common share








Basic

$              1.12


$              0.74


$            3.26


$            3.02

Diluted

$              1.08


$              0.72


$            3.12


$            2.91



1

The Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $43.3 million in the On-Demand Talent segment for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $58.0 million in the On-Demand Talent segment and $1.5 million in the Europe segment for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024. The Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $7.2 million in the Heidrick Consulting segment for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

2

The Company recorded a fair value adjustment to decrease the Heidrick Consulting earnout by $0.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The Company recorded a fair value adjustment to increase the On-Demand Talent earnout by $1.1 million and decrease the Heidrick Consulting earnout by $0.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024.

The Company recorded restructuring charges of $6.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024.

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



December 31,
2024


December 31,
2023





Current assets




Cash and cash equivalents

$         515,627


$         412,618

Marketable securities

47,896


65,538

Accounts receivable, net

134,331


133,128

Prepaid expenses

28,718


23,597

Other current assets

39,935


47,923

Income taxes recoverable

6,470


10,410

  Total current assets

772,977


693,214





Non-current assets




Property and equipment, net

51,685


35,752

Operating lease right-of-use assets

83,518


86,063

Assets designated for retirement and pension plans

9,976


11,105

Investments

58,290


47,287

Other non-current assets

25,500


17,071

Goodwill

137,861


202,252

Other intangible assets, net

12,483


20,842

Deferred income taxes

41,898


28,005

  Total non-current assets

421,211


448,377





Total assets

$      1,194,188


$      1,141,591





Current liabilities




Accounts payable

$           25,088


$           20,837

Accrued salaries and benefits

353,531


322,744

Deferred revenue

51,085


45,732

Operating lease liabilities

17,653


21,498

Other current liabilities

21,369


21,823

Income taxes payable

14,287


6,057

  Total current liabilities

483,013


438,691





Non-current liabilities




Accrued salaries and benefits

58,547


52,108

Retirement and pension plans

72,138


62,100

Operating lease liabilities

83,152


78,204

Other non-current liabilities

42,905


41,808

Deferred income taxes

1,616


6,402

  Total non-current liabilities

258,358


240,622





Total liabilities

741,371


679,313





Stockholders' equity

452,817


462,278





Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$      1,194,188


$      1,141,591

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)




Three Months Ended

December 31,



2024


2023

Cash flows - operating activities





Net income (loss)


$      (14,976)


$        14,855

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating
activities:





  Depreciation and amortization


5,207


5,076

  Deferred income taxes


(17,361)


12,448

  Stock-based compensation expense


2,824


3,499

  Accretion expense related to earnout payments


513


457

  Gain on marketable securities


(340)


(878)

  Loss on disposal of property and equipment


190


17

  Impairment charges


43,254


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





  Accounts receivable


47,187


59,118

  Accounts payable


17,917


1,526

  Accrued expenses


88,403


54,668

  Restructuring accrual


(484)


  Deferred revenue


5,109


3,657

  Income taxes recoverable and payable, net


11,979


(13,309)

  Retirement and pension plan assets and liabilities


(364)


796

  Prepaid expenses


(1,479)


5,004

  Other assets and liabilities, net


2,609


8,979

  Net cash provided by operating activities


190,188


155,913






Cash flows - investing activities





Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired



(11,905)

Capital expenditures


(16,668)


(3,814)

Purchases of marketable securities and investments


(48,003)


(65,518)

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments


46,237


48,183

  Net cash used in investing activities


(18,434)


(33,054)






Cash flows - financing activities





Cash dividends paid


(3,314)


(3,154)

Payment of employee tax withholdings on equity transactions


(17)


  Net cash used in financing activities


(3,331)


(3,154)






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


(16,032)


6,442






Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash


152,391


126,147

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period


363,422


286,471

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period


$      515,813


$      412,618

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)




Twelve Months Ended

December 31,



2024


2023

Cash flows - operating activities





Net income


$            8,728


$          54,410

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities:





  Depreciation and amortization


18,857


18,508

  Deferred income taxes


(19,421)


11,900

  Stock-based compensation expense


12,725


10,830

  Accretion expense related to earnout payments


1,926


1,554

  Gain on marketable securities


(2,663)


(2,918)

  Loss on disposal of property and equipment


454


209

  Impairment charges


59,478


7,246

  Changes in assets and liabilities:





  Accounts receivable


(4,520)


6,913

  Accounts payable


4,625


(131)

  Accrued expenses


47,031


(145,118)

  Restructuring accrual


2,506


  Deferred revenue


6,272


2,035

  Income taxes recoverable and payable, net


12,326


(6,692)

  Retirement and pension plan assets and liabilities


6,021


7,493

  Prepaid expenses


(5,536)


1,233

  Other assets and liabilities, net


1,622


5,736

  Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities


150,431


(26,792)






Cash flows - investing activities





Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired



(49,858)

Capital expenditures


(26,315)


(13,433)

Purchases of marketable securities and investments


(163,611)


(140,982)

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments


175,307


337,872

  Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities


(14,619)


133,599






Cash flows - financing activities





Repurchases of common stock



(904)

Cash dividends paid


(12,923)


(12,537)

Payment of employee tax withholdings on equity transactions


(3,817)


(4,141)

Acquisition earnout payments



(35,946)

  Net cash used in financing activities


(16,740)


(53,528)






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


(15,877)


3,850






Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash


103,195


57,129

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period


412,618


355,489

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period


$        515,813


$        412,618

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

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

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



Three Months Ended

December 31,


Twelve Months Ended

December 31,


2024


2023


2024


2023

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)

$    276,191


$    253,162


$  1,098,573


$  1,026,864









Net income (loss)

(14,976)


14,855


8,728


54,410

Interest, net

(5,154)


(3,950)


(14,422)


(11,617)

Other, net

(5,689)


840


(8,702)


(1,697)

Provision for income taxes

2,174


10,119


21,924


34,261

Operating income (loss)

(23,645)


21,864


7,528


75,357









Adjustments








Depreciation

3,302


2,550


10,782


9,113

Intangible amortization

1,905


2,526


8,075


9,395

Earnout accretion

513


457


1,926


1,554

Earnout fair value adjustments

(773)



438


Acquisition contingent consideration

2,595


3,223


10,815


11,934

Deferred compensation plan

(1,007)


3,823


5,257


6,132

Reorganization costs


1,314



4,886

Impairment charges

43,254



59,478


7,246

Restructuring charges



6,939


  Total adjustments

49,789


13,893


103,710


50,260









Adjusted EBITDA

$      26,144


$      35,757


$    111,238


$    125,617

Adjusted EBITDA margin

9.5 %


14.1 %


10.1 %


12.2 %

 

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

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

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



Three Months Ended December 31, 2024


Executive
Search


On-Demand
Talent


Heidrick
Consulting


Research &
Development


Global
Operations
Support


Total













Revenue before reimbursements (net
revenue)

$    202,521


$      42,342


$      31,328


$              —


$             —


$    276,191













Operating income (loss)1

49,015


(48,153)


(1,578)


(6,053)


(16,876)


(23,645)













Adjustments












Depreciation

1,352


177


229


1,365


179


3,302

Intangible amortization

15


1,519


371




1,905

Earnout accretion


428


85




513

Earnout fair value adjustments



(773)




(773)

Acquisition contingent compensation

1,122


1,578


(105)




2,595

Deferred compensation plan

(969)



(19)


(16)


(3)


(1,007)

Impairment charges


43,254





43,254

Total adjustments

1,520


46,956


(212)


1,349


176


49,789













Adjusted EBITDA

$      50,535


$       (1,197)


$       (1,790)


$       (4,704)


$     (16,700)


$      26,144

Adjusted EBITDA margin

25.0 %


(2.8) %


(5.7) %


(1.7) %


(6.0) %


9.5 %














Three Months Ended December 31, 2023


Executive
Search


On-Demand
Talent


Heidrick
Consulting


Research &
Development


Global
Operations
Support


Total













Revenue before reimbursements (net
revenue)

$    183,965


$      41,096


$      28,101


$              —


$              —


$    253,162













Operating income (loss)1

49,086


(4,616)


(852)


(5,952)


(15,802)


21,864













Adjustments












Depreciation

1,310


74


247


754


165


2,550

Intangible amortization

28


2,060


438




2,526

Earnout accretion


399


58




457

Acquisition contingent compensation

640


1,543


1,040




3,223

Deferred compensation plan

3,665



94


59


5


3,823

Reorganization costs


1,314





1,314

Total adjustments

5,643


5,390


1,877


813


170


13,893













Adjusted EBITDA

$      54,729


$           774


$        1,025


$       (5,139)


$     (15,632)


$      35,757

Adjusted EBITDA margin

29.7 %


1.9 %


3.6 %


(2.0) %


(6.2) %


14.1 %



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)



Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024


Executive
Search


On-Demand
Talent


Heidrick
Consulting


Research &
Development


Global
Operations
Support


Total













Revenue before reimbursements (net
revenue)

$    818,358


$    168,325


$    111,890


$              —


$              —


$ 1,098,573













Operating income (loss)1

187,638


(76,733)


(14,785)


(23,055)


(65,537)


7,528













Adjustments












Depreciation

4,845


600


735


3,957


645


10,782

Intangible amortization

69


6,447


1,559




8,075

Earnout accretion


1,679


247




1,926

Earnout fair value adjustments


1,125


(687)




438

Acquisition contingent compensation

996


6,597


3,222




10,815

Deferred compensation plan

5,059



105


82


11


5,257

Impairment charges

1,463


58,015





59,478

Restructuring charges

2,310


286


3,367



976


6,939

Total adjustments

14,742


74,749


8,548


4,039


1,632


103,710













Adjusted EBITDA

$    202,380


$       (1,984)


$       (6,237)


$     (19,016)


$     (63,905)


$    111,238

Adjusted EBITDA margin

24.7 %


(1.2 %)


(5.6 %)


(1.7 %)


(5.8) %


10.1 %














Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023


Executive
Search


On-Demand
Talent


Heidrick
Consulting


Research &
Development


Global
Operations
Support


Total













Revenue before reimbursements (net
revenue)

$    780,045


$    152,506


$      94,313


$              —


$              —


$ 1,026,864













Operating income (loss)1

190,009


(16,437)


(18,729)


(22,698)


(56,788)


75,357













Adjustments












Depreciation

5,238


400


754


2,073


648


9,113

Intangible amortization

173


7,797


1,425




9,395

Earnout accretion


1,381


173




1,554

Acquisition contingent compensation

3,089


5,687


3,158




11,934

Deferred compensation plan

5,885



150


90


7


6,132

Reorganization costs

2,280


2,606





4,886

Impairment charges



7,246




7,246

Total adjustments

16,665


17,871


12,906


2,163


655


50,260













Adjusted EBITDA

$    206,674


$        1,434


$       (5,823)


$     (20,535)


$     (56,133)


$    125,617

Adjusted EBITDA margin

26.5 %


0.9 %


(6.2 %)


(2.0 %)


(5.5 %)


12.2 %



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.

 

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