Heidrick & Struggles Posts 9% Revenue Growth in Q4 with Strong Profitability

PR Newswire


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.

“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
[email protected] 

Media:

Bianca Wilson, Global Director, Public Relations
[email protected] 

 


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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SOURCE Heidrick & Struggles