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Sep 30, 2020

Heidrick & Struggles Q3 2020 Earnings Report

Heidrick & Struggles' Q3 2020 results were announced, revealing a sequential revenue growth that exceeded expectations and a bolstered balance sheet with no outstanding debt.

Key Takeaways

Heidrick & Struggles reported a net revenue of $143.5 million for Q3 2020, compared to $182.2 million in Q3 2019. The company experienced an operating loss of $38.2 million due to a restructuring charge, but adjusted operating income was $9.9 million. Despite the challenges, the company maintains a cash dividend of $0.15 per share and sees strengthening business trends.

Restructuring charge of $48.1 million led to an operating loss of $38.2 million, but is expected to yield $30 million to $40 million in annual cost savings.

Adjusted operating income reached $9.9 million with an adjusted operating margin of 6.9%, a sequential increase of 70 basis points.

Net revenue was $143.5 million, a decrease from $182.2 million in Q3 2019, primarily due to the pandemic's impact.

Net loss amounted to $26.2 million, including restructuring charges; however, adjusted net income was $7.7 million, with adjusted diluted earnings per share at $0.39.

Total Revenue
$144M
Previous year: $182M
-21.2%
EPS
$0.39
Previous year: $0.7
-44.3%
Executive Search
$1.4M
Previous year: $1.8M
-22.2%
Adjusted EBITDA
$15.9M
Previous year: $23.9M
-33.5%
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
11%
Previous year: 13.1%
-16.0%
Gross Profit
$40.6M
Previous year: $56M
-27.5%
Cash and Equivalents
$171M
Previous year: $176M
-3.3%
Free Cash Flow
$49.3M
Previous year: $156M
-68.5%
Total Assets
$713M
Previous year: $777M
-8.2%

Heidrick & Struggles

Heidrick & Struggles

Heidrick & Struggles Revenue by Segment

Heidrick & Struggles Revenue by Geographic Location

Forward Guidance

The Company expects 2020 fourth quarter consolidated net revenue of between $140 million and $150 million, while acknowledging the continued fluidity of the COVID-19 pandemic that will continue to impact quarterly results.

Positive Outlook

  • Based on average currency rates in September 2020
  • Management's assumptions for the anticipated volume of new Executive Search confirmations
  • Heidrick Consulting assignments
  • The current backlog
  • Consultant productivity

Challenges Ahead

  • Continued fluidity of the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Seasonality of the business
  • Consultant retention
  • Volume of new Executive Search confirmations
  • Heidrick Consulting assignments

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income