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CHICAGO, Apr 26, 2011 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) --
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII), the leadership advisory firm providing executive search and leadership consulting services worldwide, today announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2011.
Consolidated net revenue of $115.6 million increased 1.7 percent from $113.7 million in the 2010 first quarter. Year over year, net revenue increased 10.4 percent in the Americas, declined 16.0 percent in Europe (approximately 17 percent on a constant currency basis), and increased 5.3 percent in Asia Pacific (declined approximately 2 percent on a constant currency basis). Net revenue from Leadership Consulting Services increased 12.4 percent to $8.4 million and represented 7.3 percent of consolidated net revenue in the quarter.
The number of executive search and leadership consulting consultants at March 31, 2011 was 372, compared to 367 at March 31, 2010, and 347 at December 31, 2010. Productivity, as measured by annualized net revenue per consultant, was $1.3 million, compared to $1.2 million in the 2010 first quarter and $1.5 million in the 2010 fourth quarter. The number of executive search confirmations in the quarter decreased 1.6 percent compared to the 2010 first quarter, but increased 5.4 percent compared to the 2010 fourth quarter. The average revenue per executive search was $101,200 compared to $98,400 in the 2010 first quarter and $112,600 in the 2010 fourth quarter.
Consolidated salaries and employee benefits increased 6.3 percent to $88.4 million, from $83.1 million in the comparable quarter of 2010. The increase reflects higher fixed compensation expense including higher base compensation and payroll taxes associated with an 8.7 percent increase in employee headcount and merit salary increases, an increase in deferred cash compensation, the amortization of special recognition awards issued in the 2010 second quarter, and severance expense, partially offset by a decline in stock-based compensation expense. Salaries and employee benefits were 76.4 percent of net revenue for the quarter, compared to 73.1 percent in the 2010 first quarter.
Consolidated general and administrative expenses increased 4.1 percent to $31.3 million from $30.1 million in the 2010 first quarter. The largest components of the increase relate to the continued investment in developing the company's proprietary search system and the outsourcing of a portion of its information technology function. As a percentage of net revenue, consolidated general and administrative expenses were 27.1 percent, compared to 26.5 percent in the 2010 first quarter.
The operating loss in the quarter was $4.1 million compared to an operating loss of $3.8 million in the 2010 first quarter.
The net loss was $2.5 million and the net loss per share was $0.14, based upon an effective tax benefit rate in the quarter of 26.3 percent. In the 2010 first quarter, the net loss was $1.5 million and the net loss per share was $0.09, which reflected an effective tax benefit rate of 55.8 percent.
Net cash used in operating activities in the quarter was $80.2 million, compared to $32.2 million in the 2010 first quarter. Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2011 were $92.6 million compared to $81.2 million at March 31, 2010, and $181.1 million at December 31, 2010.
Chief Executive Officer L. Kevin Kelly said, "March confirmations were not as strong as we had projected, especially in the Financial Services practice, and this resulted in lower than anticipated revenue and operating margin in the first quarter. However, we are encouraged by April confirmations, which will be better than March, and do not believe that our first quarter results are indicative of what we believe is achievable in 2011. We expect confirmations to continue to improve as our new hires become more productive and market conditions improve. We remain committed to our goals for reducing general & administrative expenses and are encouraged by the first quarter decline of $3.8 million compared to the 2010 fourth quarter."
Regional Review
$ in millions 1Q 11 1Q 10 Change 4Q 10 Change
--------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Americas
Net revenue $ 63.5 $ 57.5 $ 6.0 $ 66.5 $ (3.0)
Operating
income $ 7.6 $ 4.4 $ 3.2 $ 10.2 $ (2.6)
Consultants 170 165 5 157 13
Europe
Net revenue $ 27.6 $ 32.8 $ (5.2) $ 34.9 $ (7.3)
Operating
income (loss) $ (2.1) $ (4.0) $ 1.9 $ 4.3 $ (6.4)
Consultants 125 123 2 116 9
Asia Pacific
Net revenue $ 24.6 $ 23.4 $ 1.2 $ 25.8 $ (1.3)
Operating
income $ 2.5 $ 3.3 $ (0.8) $ 6.3 $ (3.8)
Consultants 77 79 (2) 74 3
Global Operations
Support $ (12.2) $ (7.5) $ 4.7 $ (11.5) $ 0.7
--------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Total operating
income (loss) $ (4.1) $ (3.8) $ (0.3) $ 9.3 $ (13.4)
--------- -------- -------- --------- ---------
Totals and subtotals may not equal the sum of individual line items
due to rounding.
The Americas reported a 10.4 percent year-over-year increase in first quarter net revenue driven by strong growth in the Industrial and Global Technology & Services practices. First quarter operating income increased 73.8 percent year-over-year, and the operating margin was 12.0 percent.
Europe's first quarter year-over-year net revenue decline of 16.0 percent (approximately 17 percent on a constant currency basis) reflected weakness in the Financial Services Practice as well as the turnover of consultants in the second and third quarters of 2010 and new hires who are not yet fully productive. The operating loss was $2.1 million compared to an operating loss of $4.0 million in the 2010 first quarter. The 2010 first quarter operating loss of $4.0 million included $4.2 million of special charges.
The Asia Pacific region reported a 5.3 percent year-over-year increase in first quarter net revenue (approximately 2 percent decline on a constant currency basis). Revenue increases in the Industrial, Consumer Markets, Life Sciences, Education & Social Enterprise and Global Technology & Services practices, as well as Leadership Consulting, were all but offset by a decline in the Financial Services practice. Operating income declined 23.5 percent and the operating margin was 10.3 percent.
Expenses related to Global Operations Support of $12.2 million increased from $7.5 million in the 2010 first quarter. The increase reflects professional services fees, severance, and search and corporate support previously provided primarily through the regions.
2011 Outlook
The company expects that 2011 second quarter net revenue will be between $126 million and $136 million and that the operating margin will be between 4 and 8 percent. The company is forecasting that 2011 net revenue and operating margin will be within its previously disclosed ranges of $515 million to $545 million for net revenue and 6 percent to 10 percent for operating margin. Net income and earnings per share in 2011 are expected to reflect a full-year effective tax rate of between 42 percent and 50 percent, but will be impacted by country-level results and tax planning initiatives.
Quarterly Conference Call
Executives of Heidrick & Struggles will host a conference call to review the first quarter 2011 results today, April 26, at 9:00 am Central Time. Participants may access the company's call and supporting slides through the internet at www.heidrick.com. For those unable to participate on the live call, a webcast and copy of the slides will be archived at www.heidrick.com and available for up to 30 days following the investor call.
About Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., (Nasdaq:HSII) is the leadership advisory firm providing executive search and leadership consulting services, including succession planning, executive assessment, talent retention management, executive development, transition consulting for newly appointed executives, and M&A human capital integration consulting. For almost 60 years, we have focused on quality service and built strong leadership teams through our relationships with clients and individuals worldwide. Today, Heidrick & Struggles leadership experts operate from principal business centers around the world. For more information about Heidrick & Struggles, please visit www.heidrick.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements. 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," "projects," "forecasts," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed, forecasted or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that may affect the outcome of the forward-looking statements include, among other things: our ability to attract and retain qualified executive search consultants; our ability to develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with our clients; further declines in the global economy and our ability to execute successfully through business cycles; the timing, speed or robustness of any future economic recovery; social or political instability in markets where we operate; the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; price competition; the ability to forecast, on a quarterly basis, variable compensation accruals that ultimately are determined based on the achievement of annual results; our ability to realize our tax losses; the timing of the establishment or reversal of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets; the mix of profit and loss by country; an impairment of our goodwill and other intangible assets; delays in the development and/or implementation of new or improved technology and systems; and the ability to align our cost structure and headcount with net revenue. Our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission also include information on factors that may affect the outcome of forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
----------------------
%
2011 2010 $ Change Change
---------- ---------- -------- -------
Revenue:
Revenue before reimbursements
(net revenue) $ 115,622 $ 113,668 $ 1,954 1.7%
Reimbursements 5,257 4,686 571
---------- ---------- -------- 12.2%
Total revenue 120,879 118,354 2,525 2.1%
Operating expenses:
Salaries and employee benefits 88,381 83,130 5,251 6.3%
General and administrative
expenses 31,329 30,096 1,233 4.1%
Other charges -- 4,218 (4,218) -100.0%
Reimbursed expenses 5,257 4,686 571
---------- ---------- -------- 12.2%
Total operating expenses 124,967 122,130 2,837
---------- ---------- -------- 2.3%
Operating loss (4,088) (3,776) (312) -8.3%
Non-operating income:
Interest income, net 295 228
Other, net 460 54
---------- ----------
Net non-operating income 755 282
Loss before income taxes (3,333) (3,494)
Benefit from income taxes (875) (1,948)
---------- ----------
Net loss $ (2,458) $ (1,546)
========== ==========
Basic weighted average common
shares outstanding 17,627 17,186
Diluted weighted average common
shares outstanding 17,627 17,186
Basic loss per common share $ (0.14) $ (0.09)
Diluted loss per common share $ (0.14) $ (0.09)
Salaries and employee benefits
as a percentage of net revenue 76.4% 73.1%
General and administrative
expense as a percentage of net
revenue 27.1% 26.5%
Operating loss as a percentage
of net revenue -3.5% -3.3%
Effective tax benefit rate 26.3% 55.8%
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Segment Information
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
--------------------------------------------------------
2011 2010
% Margin Margin
2011 2010 $ Change Change * *
---------- ---------- -------- ------ ------ ------
Revenue:
Americas $ 63,477 $ 57,514 $ 5,963 10.4%
Europe 27,566 32,803 (5,237) -16.0%
Asia Pacific 24,579 23,351 1,228
---------- ---------- -------- 5.3%
Revenue before
reimbursements
(net revenue) 115,622 113,668 1,954 1.7%
Reimbursements 5,257 4,686 571
---------- ---------- -------- 12.2%
Total revenue $ 120,879 $ 118,354 $ 2,525
========== ========== ======== 2.1%
Operating income
(loss):
Americas $ 7,648 $ 4,400 $ 3,248 73.8% 12.0% 7.7%
Europe (2,057) (3,990) 1,933 48.4%
Asia Pacific 2,542 3,321 (779)
---------- ---------- -------- -23.5% 10.3% 14.2%
Total regions 8,133 3,731 4,402 118.0% 7.0% 3.3%
Global Operations
Support (12,221) (7,507) (4,714)
---------- ---------- -------- -62.8%
Operating loss $ (4,088) $ (3,776) $ (312)
========== ========== ======== -8.3%
`
* Margin based on revenue before reimbursements (net revenue).
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
December
March 31, 31,
2011 2010
----------- ----------
(Unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 92,602 $ 181,124
Restricted cash 397 393
Accounts receivable, net 94,520 83,360
Other receivables 7,434 7,724
Prepaid expenses 18,429 15,323
Other current assets 1,572 1,871
Income taxes recoverable 15,561 11,912
Deferred income taxes 10,765 10,759
----------- ----------
Total current assets 241,280 312,466
----------- ----------
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment,
net 37,884 34,406
Restricted cash 2,545 1,609
Assets designated for
retirement and pension
plans 25,069 23,647
Investments 11,495 11,021
Other non-current assets 9,602 8,593
Goodwill 112,591 109,888
Other intangible assets,
net 6,310 6,480
Deferred income taxes 35,954 36,917
----------- ----------
Total non-current assets 241,450 232,561
----------- ----------
Total assets $ 482,730 $ 545,027
----------- ----------
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 11,601 $ 8,408
Accrued salaries and
employee benefits 68,860 124,969
Other current liabilities 34,682 34,064
Income taxes payable 2,794 3,208
Deferred income taxes 1,807 1,807
----------- ----------
Total current
liabilities 119,744 172,456
----------- ----------
Non-current liabilities:
Retirement and pension
plans 33,218 30,907
Other non-current
liabilities 38,791 47,015
Deferred income taxes 99 107
----------- ----------
Total non-current
liabilities 72,108 78,029
----------- ----------
Stockholders' equity 290,878 294,542
----------- ----------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity $ 482,730 $ 545,027
----------- ----------
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
----------------------
2011 2010
---------- ----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $ (2,458) $ (1,546)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 2,105 4,293
Deferred income taxes 657 611
Net realized losses on investments 490 420
Stock-based compensation expense 1,738 3,414
Cash paid for restructuring charges (481) (1,255)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade and other receivables (9,500) (19,836)
Accounts payable 2,696 (206)
Accrued expenses (66,869) (12,973)
Income taxes payable, net (3,980) (3,504)
Prepayments (2,688) (1,325)
Other assets and liabilities, net (1,950) (317)
---------- ----------
Net cash used in operating
activities (80,240) (32,224)
---------- ----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Restricted cash (872) 140
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash
acquired -- (554)
Capital expenditures (4,427) (2,867)
---------- ----------
Net cash used in investing
activities (5,299) (3,281)
---------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid (2,572) (2,706)
Payment of employee tax withholdings on
equity transactions (2,218) (4,128)
---------- ----------
Net cash used in financing
activities (4,790) (6,834)
---------- ----------
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on
cash and cash equivalents 1,807 480
---------- ----------
Net decrease in cash and cash
equivalents (88,522) (41,859)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of period 181,124 123,030
---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period $ 92,602 $ 81,171
========== ==========
This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com
SOURCE: Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
CONTACT: Investors & Analysts:
Julie Creed, Vice President, Investor Relations
& Real Estate:
+1 312 496 1774 or jcreed@heidrick.com
Media:
Wendi Taylor Nations, Senior Vice President,
Chief Marketing Officer:
+1 312 496 1810 or wtaylornations@heidrick.com