HURN - Huron Announces Fourth Quarter and Record Full Year 2023 Financial Results Increases Borrowing Capacity with $275 Million Term Loan and Provides 2024 Guidance

FOURTH QUARTER 2023 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Total revenues increased $25.5 million, or 8.1%, to $339.2 million in Q4 2023 from $313.7 million in Q4 2022.

• Net income was $2.8 million in Q4 2023 compared to $17.1 million in Q4 2022. Results for Q4 2023 include a non-cash unrealized loss of $19.4 million, net of tax, related to the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company ^{( [1] )} .

• Adjusted EBITDA ⁽⁷⁾ , a non-GAAP measure, increased $2.3 million, or 5.9%, to $41.4 million in Q4 2023 from $39.0 million in Q4 2022.

• Diluted earnings per share was $0.15 in Q4 2023 compared to $0.85 in Q4 2022. Results for Q4 2023 include the non-cash unrealized loss related to the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company, which had an unfavorable impact of $1.00 on diluted earnings per share in Q4 2023 ⁽¹⁾ .

• Adjusted diluted earnings per share ⁽⁷⁾ , a non-GAAP measure, increased $0.17, or 15.2%, to $1.29 in Q4 2023 from $1.12 in Q4 2022.

FULL YEAR 2023 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS AND 2024 GUIDANCE

• Total revenues increased $229.6 million, or 20.3%, to $1.36 billion for 2023 from $1.13 billion for 2022.

• Revenues within all segments increased; led by Healthcare, the company's largest segment, which increased 26.0% to $674.0 million for 2023, compared to $535.0 million for 2022.

• Net income was $62.5 million for 2023, compared to $75.6 million for 2022. Results for 2023 and 2022 include a non-cash unrealized loss of $19.4 million, net of tax, and a non-cash unrealized gain of $19.8 million, net of tax, respectively, related to the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company ⁽¹⁾ .

• Adjusted EBITDA ⁽⁷⁾ , a non-GAAP measure, increased $36.5 million, or 27.9%, to $167.3 million for 2023 from $130.8 million for 2022.

• Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues ⁽⁷⁾ , a non-GAAP measure, increased 70 basis points to 12.3% for 2023 from 11.6% for 2022.

• Diluted earnings per share was $3.19 for 2023, compared to $3.64 for 2022. Results for 2023 and 2022 included the non-cash unrealized loss and non-cash unrealized gain related to the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company, which had an unfavorable impact of $0.99 and a favorable impact of $0.96 on diluted earnings per share in 2023 and 2022, respectively ⁽¹⁾ .

• Adjusted diluted earnings per share ⁽⁷⁾ , a non-GAAP measure, increased $1.48, or 43.1%, to $4.91 for 2023 from $3.43 for 2022.

• Net cash provided by operating activities increased $49.9 million, or 58.4%, to $135.3 million for 2023, compared to $85.4 million for 2022.

• Huron returned $123.6 million to shareholders in 2023 by repurchasing 1.5 million shares of the company's common stock.

• Huron provides full year 2024 guidance, including revenue expectations in a range of $1.46 billion to $1.54 billion.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

• Huron amended its credit facility to include a $275 million term loan, which increases the company's capacity for investment and return to shareholders.

• Huron released its 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which reiterates the company's commitment to shaping a more sustainable future.

• Huron was named a “ Best Place to Work ” by Glassdoor, one of the world's largest and most influential communities for workplace conversations. Huron secured the 32nd position out of 100 on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work US Large list, including a 4.5 rating.

• Huron was named a “ Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality ” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation. Huron scored a perfect 100 on the HRC Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), which evaluates employers on corporate policies, culture and social responsibility initiatives, equal employment opportunities and benefits.

^{(1) In 2019, the Company invested $5 million in a hospital-at-home company as a strategic investment in a valued client relationship that annually produces meaningful implementation projects for Huron's Healthcare segment. As of December 31, 2023, the investment's carrying value was $7.4 million, reflecting a net unrealized gain of $2.4 million on the investment since inception. Huron's ownership percentage in this hospital-at-home company is less than 5%.}

Global professional services firm Huron (NASDAQ: HURN) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.

“Driven by strong growth across all three operating segments, we achieved record revenues and expanded our operating margins for the third consecutive year. Our fourth quarter performance was consistent with our expectations, culminating in record financial performance for the full year 2023,” said Mark Hussey , chief executive officer and president of Huron . “These results are only possible because of our incredibly talented team and their commitment to making a lasting impact on our clients and our business, while supporting one another in our highly collaborative culture.”

“Our financial performance demonstrates the foundation we have established to continue delivering on our medium-term investor objectives. Our deep industry expertise and leading market positions in healthcare and education, our expanding presence in commercial industries, and our rapidly growing portfolio of digital capabilities position us well to fulfill ongoing market demand and to meet or exceed our medium-term financial objectives for low double-digit revenue growth, increased profitability margins, and higher earnings per share,” added Hussey .

FOURTH QUARTER 2023 RESULTS

Revenues increased $25.5 million, or 8.1%, to $339.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $313.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. This revenue growth reflects continued strength in demand in the Digital capability across all segments, highlighted by 19% growth of the Digital capability within the Healthcare segment; and continued growth in the Healthcare and Education segments' Consulting and Managed Services capability.

Net income was $2.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $17.1 million for the same quarter last year. Results for the fourth quarter of 2023 include a non-cash unrealized loss of $19.4 million, net of tax, related to the decrease in fair value of the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company ⁽¹⁾ . Diluted earnings per share was $0.15 for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $0.85 for the fourth quarter of 2022. The non-cash unrealized loss related to the investment had an unfavorable impact of $1.00 on diluted earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Fourth quarter 2023 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") ⁽⁷⁾ was $12.7 million, compared to $34.5 million in the same prior year period. Results for the fourth quarter of 2023 include a non-cash unrealized pre-tax loss of $26.3 million related to the company's strategic investment in a hospital-at-home company ⁽¹⁾ .

In addition to using EBITDA to evaluate the company’s financial performance, management uses other non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude the effect of the following items (in thousands):

Adjusted EBITDA ⁽⁷⁾ increased $2.3 million, or 5.9%, to $41.4 million, or 12.2% of revenues, in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $39.0 million, or 12.4% of revenues, in the same quarter last year. Adjusted net income ⁽⁷⁾ increased $2.5 million, or 11.0%, to $25.1 million, or $1.29 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $22.6 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2022.

The number of revenue-generating professionals ⁽²⁾ increased 14.2% to 5,519 as of December 31, 2023 from 4,832 as of December 31, 2022. The utilization rate ⁽⁶⁾ of the company's Consulting capability was 76.8% during the fourth quarter 2023, compared to 80.6% during the same period last year. The utilization rate ⁽⁶⁾ for the company's Digital capability increased to 80.5% during the fourth quarter 2023, compared to 69.4% during the same period last year.

FULL YEAR 2023 RESULTS

Revenues increased $229.6 million, or 20.3%, to $1.36 billion for full year 2023, compared to $1.13 billion for full year 2022. This revenue growth was highlighted by 22.6% growth in the Consulting and Managed Services capability and 17.3% growth in the Digital capability in the aggregate across all industries; and reflects the company's focus on accelerating growth in the healthcare and education industries and growing its presence in commercial industries.

Net income was $62.5 million for full year 2023, compared to $75.6 million for full year 2022. Results for full year 2023 include a non-cash unrealized loss of $19.4 million, net of tax, related to the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company; and results for full year 2022 include a non-cash unrealized gain of $19.8 million, net of tax, related to the same investment ⁽¹⁾ . Diluted earnings per share was $3.19 for full year 2023, compared to $3.64 for full year 2022. The non-cash unrealized loss related to the investment had an unfavorable impact of $0.99 on diluted earnings per share in 2023, and the non-cash unrealized gain had a favorable impact of $0.96 on diluted earnings per share in 2022.

EBITDA ⁽⁷⁾ for full year 2023 was $129.1 million, and included a non-cash unrealized pre-tax loss of $26.3 million related to the company's investment in a hospital-at-home company. EBITDA for full year 2022 was $148.7 million and included a non-cash unrealized pre-tax gain of $27.0 million, related to the same investment in a hospital-at-home company ⁽¹⁾ .

In addition to using EBITDA to evaluate the company’s financial performance, management uses other non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude the effect of the following items (in thousands):

Adjusted EBITDA ⁽⁷⁾ increased $36.5 million, or 27.9%, to $167.3 million, or 12.3% of revenues, for full year 2023, compared to $130.8 million, or 11.6% of revenues, for full year 2022. Adjusted net income ⁽⁷⁾ increased $25.1 million, or 35.3%, to $96.2 million, or $4.91 per diluted share, for full year 2023, compared to $71.1 million, or $3.43 per diluted share, for full year 2022.

The number of revenue-generating professionals ⁽²⁾ increased 14.2% to 5,519 as of December 31, 2023 from 4,832 as of December 31, 2022. The utilization rate ⁽⁶⁾ of the company's Consulting capability increased to 76.6% for full year 2023, compared to 75.2% for full year 2022. The utilization rate ⁽⁶⁾ of the company's Digital capability increased to 75.3% for full year 2023, compared to 71.0% for full year 2022.

Additionally, in 2023, Huron repurchased 1,461,815 shares of the company's common stock for $123.6 million, representing 7.4% of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2022.

OPERATING INDUSTRIES

The company’s year-to-date 2023 revenues by operating segment as a percentage of total company revenues are as follows: Healthcare (49%); Education (32%); and Commercial (19%). Financial results by operating industry are included in the attached schedules and in Huron's forthcoming Annual Report on Form 10-K filing for the year ended December 31, 2023.

OUTLOOK FOR 2024

Based on currently available information, the company provided guidance for full year 2024 revenues before reimbursable expenses to a range of $1.46 billion to $1.54 billion. The company also anticipates adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues in a range of 12.8% to 13.3% and non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share in a range of $5.35 to $5.95.

2024 TERM LOAN

On February 26, 2024, Huron amended its senior secured credit facility to include a $275 million term loan in addition to the existing $600 million revolving credit facility, both of which mature on November 15, 2027. The amendment to include the term loan was led by Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and PNC Bank, National Association, and provides additional flexibility to support Huron's growth strategy and balanced approach to capital deployment. The proceeds from the term loan will be used to reduce borrowings under the company's revolving credit facility, which increases the company's capacity for investment.

Additional details regarding the term loan are included in Huron’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Form 8-K is available on Huron’s website at http://ir.huronconsultinggroup.com .

FOURTH QUARTER 2023 WEBCAST

The company will host a webcast to discuss its financial results today, February 27, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 4:00 p.m. Central Time. The conference call is being webcast by Notified and can be accessed from Huron's website at http://ir.huronconsultinggroup.com . A replay will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the webcast and for 90 days thereafter.

USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES ⁽⁷⁾

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

Management has provided its outlook regarding adjusted EBITDA and adjusted diluted earnings per share, both of which are non-GAAP financial measures and exclude certain charges. Management has not reconciled these non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding GAAP financial measures because guidance for the various reconciling items is not provided. Management is unable to provide guidance for these reconciling items because they cannot determine their probable significance, as certain items are outside of the company's control and cannot be reasonably predicted since these items could vary significantly from period to period. Accordingly, reconciliations to the corresponding GAAP financial measures are not available without unreasonable effort.

ABOUT HURON

Huron is a global professional services firm that collaborates with clients to put possible into practice by creating sound strategies, optimizing operations, accelerating digital transformation, and empowering businesses and their people to own their future. By embracing diverse perspectives, encouraging new ideas and challenging the status quo, we create sustainable results for the organizations we serve. Learn more at www.huronconsultinggroup.com .

Statements in this press release that are not historical in nature, including those concerning the company’s current expectations about its future results, are “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “provides,” “anticipates,” “assumes,” “can,” “will,” “meets,” “could,” “likely,” “intends,” “might,” “predicts,” “seeks,” “would,” “believes,” “estimates,” “plans,” “continues,” “goals,” “guidance,” or “outlook” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect the company's current expectations about future requirements and needs, results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation: failure to achieve expected utilization rates, billing rates, and the necessary number of revenue-generating professionals; inability to expand or adjust our service offerings in response to market demands; our dependence on renewal of client-based services; dependence on new business and retention of current clients and qualified personnel; failure to maintain third-party provider relationships and strategic alliances; inability to license technology to and from third parties; the impairment of goodwill; various factors related to income and other taxes; difficulties in successfully integrating the businesses we acquire and achieving expected benefits from such acquisitions; risks relating to privacy, information security, and related laws and standards; and a general downturn in market conditions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, among others, those described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Huron's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events, or for any other reason.