hsii-20220228
000106660500010666052022-02-282022-02-28


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K

 CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 28, 2022 

HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware0-2583736-2681268
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(Commission File Number)(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 4900, Chicago, Illinois
 60606-6303
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (312496-1200

N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 
Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value HSII The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR 240.12b-2).

Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐



Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On February 28, 2022, Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (“Heidrick & Struggles” or the “Company”) reported its earnings for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2021. A copy of the Company’s press release containing the information is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information furnished pursuant to this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Heidrick & Struggles under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits

The following exhibits are being furnished as part of this Report on Form 8-K:
Exhibit No.Description
99.1

104Inline XBRL for the cover page of this Current Report on Form 8-K (included as Exhibit 101)



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
(Registrant)
Dated: February 28, 2022/s/ Mark R. Harris
Name: Mark R. Harris
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



 



Document
Exhibit 99.1
https://cdn.kscope.io/7d7e579897e2959d6ac403ed86733c12-imagea.jpg
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heidrick & Struggles Achieves Over $1 Billion in Annual Net Revenue
Attains Record Profitability

Q4 Net Revenue of $286 Million Climbs 77% Year over Year and Surpasses Record Q3 Levels
Company Provides Outlook that Guides to Record Q1 2022

CHICAGO, February 28, 2022 -- Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSII) (“Heidrick & Struggles” or the “Company”), today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

Fourth Quarter Highlights:

Net revenue reached a quarterly record of $285.5 million with growth of 77% over the 4th quarter of 2020.
Operating income grew to $16.6 million, while adjusted operating income achieved $28.0 million (an increase of 119%) at a margin of 9.8%.
Net income climbed to $12.5 million and adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share were $20.8 million (an increase of 78%) and $1.02 (an increase of 73%), respectively.
Adjusted EBITDA was $36.8 million (an increase of 69%) and adjusted EBITDA margin was 12.9%.

“We are very pleased with our outstanding fourth quarter and year-end performance, which continues to build the foundation for ongoing shareholder value creation,” stated Heidrick & Struggles’ President and Chief Executive Officer, Krishnan Rajagopalan. “2021 was an exciting year of geographic expansion and industry-leading productivity in Executive Search, increased demand for our broad array of leadership, organizational effectiveness and culture shaping offerings from Heidrick Consulting, the addition of our high-growth On-Demand Talent business segment, and the initiation of a partnership for future digital innovation. Our record results demonstrate that our differentiated strategy is working.”

Mr. Rajagopalan continued, “Companies across all industries and regions know that top talent and quality work environments are business imperatives now more than ever, contributing to our momentum in to 2022. Heidrick is on its front foot moving forward.”

2021 Fourth Quarter Results

Record consolidated net revenue of $285.5 million grew by $124.6 million, or 77.4%, compared to $161.0 million in the 2020 fourth quarter. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, which negatively impacted year over year results by $1.0 million, or 60 basis points, consolidated net revenue increased $125.5 million, or 78.0%. Net revenue growth was driven by all regions in Executive Search, Heidrick Consulting, and by the addition of On-Demand Talent.

Consolidated salaries and benefits were $204.1 million compared to $120.8 million in the 2020 fourth quarter. Year over year, fixed compensation expense increased $9.7 million due to increases in base salaries and payroll taxes, and retirement and benefits, partially offset by decreases in the deferred compensation plan, and stock compensation. Variable compensation increased $73.6 million year over year due to an increase in production. Salaries and benefits expense was 71.5% of net revenue for the quarter, compared to 75.0% in the 2020 fourth quarter.

General and administrative expenses were $46.9 million compared to $25.9 million in the 2020 fourth quarter due to a one-time adjustment to the earnout payment obligation in connection with the acquisition of the Company’s On-Demand Talent business, professional fees, corporate development and internal travel, office occupancy, information technology, and intangible amortization. As a percentage of net revenue, general and administrative expenses were 16.4% compared to 16.1% in the 2020 fourth quarter.

The Company’s cost of services was $18.0 million, compared to $1.5 million in the 2020 fourth quarter, primarily due to the acquisition of On-Demand Talent and an increase in the volume of consulting engagements. Cost of services consists of third-party contractor costs related to the delivery of various services in the Company's On-Demand Talent and Heidrick Consulting operating segments.




The Company recorded a one-time earnout charge of $11.4 million in the 2021 fourth quarter associated with its On-Demand Talent business. In the 2020 fourth quarter the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $4.3 million primarily related to a reduction in the Company’s real estate footprint. Including these charges, operating income was $16.6 million, compared to $8.5 million in the 2020 fourth quarter. Operating margin was 5.8%, compared to 5.3% in the 2020 fourth quarter. Excluding these charges, adjusted operating income was $28.0 million, compared to $12.8 million in the 2020 fourth quarter. Adjusted operating margin was 9.8%, compared to 7.9% in the 2020 fourth quarter.

Net income was $12.5 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.61 with an effective tax rate of 30.3%. This compares to net income of $5.5 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.28, with an effective tax rate of 54.0%, in the 2020 fourth quarter. Excluding the previously mentioned non-recurring charges, adjusted net income was $20.8 million, compared to $11.6 million in the 2020 fourth quarter. Adjusted diluted earnings per share was $1.02, compared to $0.59 for the 2020 fourth quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 69.6% to $36.8 million compared to adjusted EBITDA of $21.7 million in the 2020 fourth quarter. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 12.9%, compared to 13.5% in the 2020 fourth quarter.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $206.6 million, compared to $96.3 million in the 2020 fourth quarter. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at December 31, 2021 was $545.2 million, compared to $336.5 million at December 31, 2020, and $348.3 million at September 30, 2021. The Company’s cash position typically builds throughout the year as employee bonuses are accrued, mostly to be paid out in the first quarter.

Executive Search net revenue increased 66.3%, or $97.0 million, to $243.4 million compared to net revenue of $146.3 million in the 2020 fourth quarter. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, which negatively impacted year over year results by $1.0 million, or 70 basis points, net revenue increased $98.0 million, or 67.0%. Net revenue increased 75.1% in the Americas (75.1% on a constant currency basis), 40.3% in Europe (42.4% on a constant currency basis), and 65.6% in Asia Pacific (67.6% on a constant currency basis). All industry practices exhibited growth over the prior year.

The Company had 365 Executive Search consultants at December 31, 2021, compared to 361 at December 31, 2020. Productivity, as measured by annualized Executive Search net revenue per consultant, was $2.7 million compared to $1.6 million in the 2020 fourth quarter. Average revenue per executive search was approximately $144,000 compared to $125,000 a year earlier. The number of confirmed searches reached a quarterly record, increasing 44.9% compared to the year-ago period.

On-Demand Talent, a new business segment which the Company acquired on April 1, 2021, generated net revenue of $23.6 million and exceeded the Company’s expectations. This increase in performance required a one-time adjustment to the earnout obligation of $11.4 million, resulting in an operating loss of $10.3 million for the quarter.

Heidrick Consulting net revenue of $18.5 million increased by $3.9 million, or 26.4%, compared to net revenue of $14.7 million in the 2020 fourth quarter. Operating loss improved to $5.3 million, or 21.1%, compared to the prior year. Heidrick Consulting continues to build momentum from collaboration within the Company and is a a critical component of the growth strategy driving Executive Search and On-Demand Talent. There was no impact from exchange rate fluctuations in the quarter for Heidrick Consulting. The Company had 69 Heidrick Consulting consultants at December 31, 2021, compared to 65 at December 31, 2020.

Fiscal 2021 Results

Consolidated net revenue was a record $1,003.0 million compared to $621.6 million in 2020, an increase of 61.4%. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, which positively impacted results by 210 basis points, or $13.3 million, consolidated net revenue increased 59.2% or $368.1 million.

Including restructuring charges of $3.8 million and $52.4 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively, and the one-time On-Demand Talent earnout charge of $11.4 million recorded in 2021, and the non-cash impairment charge of $33.0 million recorded in 2020, operating income for 2021 was $98.3 million compared to an operating loss of $35.5 million in 2020. Operating margin was 9.8% in 2021 compared to (5.7)% in 2020. Excluding charges in both years, adjusted operating income for 2021 more than doubled to $113.4 million compared to $49.8 million in the prior year, and the adjusted operating margin was 11.3% compared to 8.0% in the prior year.




Net income was $72.6 million and diluted earnings per share was $3.58, with an effective tax rate of 31.6%. This compares to a net loss of $37.7 million and diluted loss per share of $1.95 in 2020, with an effective tax rate of (20.1)%. Excluding the previously mentioned non-recurring charges, adjusted net income was $83.5 million with adjusted diluted earnings per share of $4.11, compared to $35.2 million and $1.77, respectively, in the prior year. The adjusted effective tax rate was 31.1% in 2021 compared to 34.7% in 2020.

Adjusted EBITDA for 2021 increased 89.0% to $141.3 million compared to adjusted EBITDA of $74.8 million in 2020. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 210 basis points to14.1% compared to 12.0% in 2020.

Executive Search net revenue increased 53.7% to $868.8 million compared to $565.2 million in 2020. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, which positively impacted results by 210 basis points, or $11.9 million, net revenue increased $291.7 million, or 51.6%. Net revenue increased 60.9% in the Americas (60.7% on a constant currency basis), 37.1% in Europe (30.8% on a constant currency basis), and 47.2% in Asia Pacific (42.9% on a constant currency basis). All practice groups exhibited growth over the prior year period. Productivity was $2.4 million compared to $1.5 million in 2020. The average revenue per executive search was $131,000 compared to $123,000 in 2020, while confirmations increased 44.6%.

On-Demand Talent, acquired on April 1, 2021, recorded year-to-date net revenue of $66.6 million and exceeded the Company’s expectations due to increases in large account penetration, project wins, and higher than anticipated average project size when compared to the prior year.

Heidrick Consulting net revenue increased 19.8% to $67.6 million compared to $56.4 million in 2020. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, which positively impacted results by 240 basis points, or $1.4 million, Heidrick Consulting revenue increased 17.4%, or $9.8 million. Heidrick Consulting’s results reflect continued increases in confirmation values, average client value, Executive Search referred work, and the value of confirmations due to Executive Search collaborations.

Dividend

The Board of Directors declared a 2021 fourth quarter cash dividend of $0.15 per share payable on March 18, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 4, 2022.

2022 First Quarter Outlook

The Company expects 2022 first quarter consolidated net revenue of between $270 million and $280 million, while acknowledging the continued fluidity of the COVID-19 pandemic and instability in Ukraine and Russia that may impact quarterly results. In addition, this outlook is based on the average currency rates in December 2021 and reflects, among other factors, management's assumptions for the anticipated volume of new Executive Search confirmations, Heidrick Consulting assignments, On-Demand Talent projects and the current backlog, consultant productivity, consultant retention, and the seasonality of the business.

Quarterly Webcast and Conference Call

Heidrick & Struggles will host a conference call to review its fourth quarter and 2021 results today, February 28, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. Participants may access the Company’s call and supporting slides through its website at www.heidrick.com or by dialing (866) 211-4120 or (647) 689-6618, conference ID# 1554329. 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 (Nasdaq: HSII) is a premier provider of global leadership advisory and on-demand talent solutions, serving the senior-level talent and consulting needs of the world's top organizations. In our role as trusted leadership advisors, we partner with our clients to develop future-ready leaders and organizations, bringing together our services and offerings in executive search, diversity and inclusion, leadership assessment and development, organization and team acceleration, culture shaping and on-demand, independent talent solutions. Heidrick & Struggles pioneered the profession of executive search more than 65 years ago. Today, the firm provides integrated talent and human capital solutions to help our clients change the world, one leadership team at a time. ® 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. Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation G, this earnings release contains the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure to the non-GAAP financial measure.

The non-GAAP financial measures used within this earnings release are adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, adjusted net income, adjusted basic and diluted earnings per share, adjusted effective tax rate, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, and impacts of foreign currency on current period results using prior period translation rates. These measures are presented because management uses this information to monitor and evaluate financial results and trends. Management believes this information is also useful for investors. Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures with the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are provided as schedules attached to this release.

Adjusted operating income reflects the exclusion of one-time earnout obligation adjustments, goodwill impairment, and restructuring charges.

Adjusted operating income margin refers to adjusted operating income as a percentage of net revenue in the same period.

Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share reflect the exclusion of one-time earnout obligation adjustments, goodwill impairment, and restructuring charges, net of tax.

Adjusted effective tax rate reflects the exclusion of one-time earnout obligation adjustments, goodwill impairment, and restructuring charges, net of tax.

Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, intangible amortization, equity-settled stock compensation expense, earnout accretion, one-time earnout obligation adjustments, contingent compensation related to acquisitions, restructuring charges, goodwill impairment, deferred compensation plan expenses and other non-operating income (expense).

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. 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," 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, the impacts, direct and indirect, of the COVID-19 pandemic (including the emergence of variant strains) on our business, our consultants and employees, and the overall economy; leadership changes, our ability to attract, integrate, develop, manage and retain 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; the fact that our net revenue may be affected by adverse economic conditions; our clients’ ability to restrict us from recruiting their employees; the aggressive competition we face; our heavy reliance on information management systems; 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; social, political, regulatory and legal risks in markets where we operate; any challenges to the classification of our on-demand talent as independent contractors; the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; the fact that we may not be able to align our cost structure with net revenue; unfavorable tax law changes and tax authority rulings; our ability to realize our tax losses; the timing of the establishment or reversal of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets; any impairment of our goodwill, other intangible assets and other long-lived assets; our ability to execute and integrate future acquisitions; the fact that we have anti-takeover provisions that make an acquisition of us difficult and expensive; our ability to access additional credit; and the increased cybersecurity requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and more sophisticated and targeted cyber-related attacks that could pose a risk to our systems, networks, solutions, services and data. We caution the reader that the list of factors may not be exhaustive. For more information on the factors that could affect the outcome of forward-looking statements, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, under the heading "Risk Factors" in Item 1A. We caution the reader that the list of factors may not be exhaustive. 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:
Wendy Webb, Investor Relations
wwebb@heidrick.com

Media:
Nina Chang, Vice President, Corporate Communications
nchang@heidrick.com


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
December 31,
20212020$ Change% Change
Revenue
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$285,539 $160,987 $124,552 77.4 %
Reimbursements1,654 1,200 454 37.8 %
Total revenue287,193 162,187 125,006 77.1 %
Operating expenses
Salaries and benefits204,090 120,784 83,306 69.0 %
General and administrative expenses46,873 25,860 21,013 81.3 %
Cost of services17,968 1,548 16,420 NM
Restructuring charges— 4,257 (4,257)(100.0)%
Reimbursed expenses1,654 1,200 454 37.8 %
Total operating expenses270,585 153,649 116,936 76.1 %
Operating income16,608 8,538 8,070 94.5 %
Non-operating income
Interest, net95 44 
Other, net1,203 3,467 
Net non-operating income1,298 3,511 
Income before income taxes17,906 12,049 
Provision for income taxes5,429 6,511 
Net income12,477 5,538 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(393)988 
Comprehensive income$12,084 $6,526 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic19,592 19,360 
Diluted20,301 19,865 
Earnings per common share
Basic$0.64 $0.29 
Diluted$0.61 $0.28 
Salaries and benefits as a % of net revenue71.5 %75.0 %
General and administrative expenses as a % of net revenue16.4 %16.1 %
Cost of services as a % of net revenue6.3 %1.0 %
Operating margin5.8 %5.3 %


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Segment Information
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31,
20212020$
Change
% Change
2021 Margin1
2020 Margin1
Revenue
Executive Search
Americas$168,700 $96,328 $72,372 75.1 %
Europe45,084 32,135 12,949 40.3 %
Asia Pacific29,579 17,857 11,722 65.6 %
Total Executive Search243,363 146,320 97,043 66.3 %
On-Demand Talent23,630 — 23,630 NM
Heidrick Consulting18,546 14,667 3,879 26.4 %
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)285,539 160,987 124,552 77.4 %
Reimbursements1,654 1,200 454 37.8 %
Total revenue$287,193 $162,187 $125,006 77.1 %
Operating income (loss)
Executive Search
Americas2
$42,218 $21,906 $20,312 92.7 %25.0 %22.7 %
Europe3
5,110 4,047 1,063 26.3 %11.3 %12.6 %
Asia Pacific4
4,926 (171)5,097 NM16.7 %(1.0)%
Total Executive Search52,254 25,782 26,472 102.7 %21.5 %17.6 %
On-Demand Talent5
(10,306)— (10,306)NM(43.6)%— %
Heidrick Consulting6
(5,265)(6,670)1,405 21.1 %(28.4)%(45.5)%
Total segments36,683 19,112 17,571 91.9 %12.8 %11.9 %
Global Operations Support7
(20,075)(10,574)(9,501)(89.9)%(7.0)%(6.6)%
Total operating income (loss)$16,608 $8,538 $8,070 94.5 %5.8 %5.3 %

1 Margin based on revenue before reimbursements (net revenue).
2 Includes restructuring charges of $2.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020.
3 Includes restructuring reversals of $1.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020.
4 Includes restructuring charges of $0.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020.
5 Includes a one-time earnout obligation adjustment of $11.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2021.
6 Includes restructuring charges of $0.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020.
7 Includes restructuring charges of $2.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020.




Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Year Ended
December 31,
20212020$ Change% Change
Revenue
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$1,003,001 $621,615 $381,386 61.4 %
Reimbursements5,473 7,755 (2,282)(29.4)%
Total revenue1,008,474 629,370 379,104 60.2 %
Operating expenses
Salaries and benefits717,411 450,424 266,987 59.3 %
General and administrative expenses130,749 116,982 13,767 11.8 %
Cost of services52,785 4,396 48,389 NM
Impairment charges— 32,970 (32,970)(100.0)%
Restructuring charges3,792 52,372 (48,580)(92.8)%
Reimbursed expenses5,473 7,755 (2,282)(29.4)%
Total operating expenses910,210 664,899 245,311 36.9 %
Operating income (loss)98,264 (35,529)133,793 NM
Non-operating income
Interest, net302 204 
Other, net7,463 3,927 
Net non-operating income7,765 4,131 
Income (loss) before income taxes106,029 (31,398)
Provision for income taxes33,457 6,309 
Net income (loss)72,572 (37,707)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(1,742)(407)
Comprehensive income (loss)$70,830 $(38,114)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic19,515 19,301 
Diluted20,296 19,301 
Earnings (loss) per common share
Basic$3.72 $(1.95)
Diluted$3.58 $(1.95)
Salaries and benefits as a % of net revenue71.5 %72.5 %
General and administrative expenses as a % of net revenue13.0 %18.8 %
Cost of services as a % of net revenue5.3 %0.7 %
Operating margin9.8 %(5.7)%


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Segment Information
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Year Ended Ended December 31,
20212020$
Change
% Change
2021 Margin1
2020 Margin1
Revenue
Executive Search
Americas$581,440 $361,416 $220,024 60.9 %
Europe170,312 124,243 46,069 37.1 %
Asia Pacific117,008 79,511 37,497 47.2 %
Total Executive Search868,760 565,170 303,590 53.7 %
On-Demand Talent66,636 — 66,636 NM
Heidrick Consulting67,605 56,445 11,160 19.8 %
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)1,003,001 621,615 381,386 61.4 %
Reimbursements5,473 7,755 (2,282)(29.4)%
Total revenue$1,008,474 $629,370 $379,104 60.2 %
Operating income (loss)
Executive Search
Americas2
$142,040 $62,806 $79,234 126.2 %24.4 %17.4 %
Europe3
18,424 (22,827)41,251 180.7 %10.8 %(18.4)%
Asia Pacific4
18,167 (6,724)24,891 NM15.5 %(8.5)%
Total Executive Search178,631 33,255 145,376 NM20.6 %5.9 %
On-Demand Talent5
(9,272)— (9,272)NM(13.9)%— %
Heidrick Consulting6
(16,162)(28,369)12,207 43.0 %(23.9)%(50.3)%
Total segments153,197 4,886 148,311 NM15.3 %0.8 %
Global Operations Support7
(54,933)(40,415)(14,518)(35.9)%(5.5)%(6.5)%
Total operating income (loss)$98,264 $(35,529)$133,793 NM9.8 %(5.7)%

1 Margin based on revenue before reimbursements (net revenue).
2 Includes restructuring charges of $3.9 million and $30.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
3 Includes a restructuring reversal of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and restructuring charges of $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Includes goodwill impairment charges of $24.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
4 Includes a restructuring reversal of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and restructuring charges of $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Includes goodwill impairment charges of $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
5 Includes a one-time earnout obligation adjustment of $11.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
6 Includes restructuring charges of $0.4 million and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
7 Includes a restructuring reversal of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 and restructuring charges of $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.



Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Reconciliation of Operating Income (Loss) and Adjusted Operating Income (Non-GAAP)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
2021202020212020
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$285,539 $160,987 $1,003,001 $621,615 
Operating income (loss)16,608 8,538 98,264 (35,529)
Adjustments
Earnout obligation fair value adjustments1
11,368 — 11,368 — 
Impairment charges2
— — — 32,970 
Restructuring charges3
— 4,257 3,792 52,372 
Total adjustments11,368 4,257 15,160 85,342 
Adjusted operating income$27,976 $12,795 $113,424 $49,813 
Operating margin5.8 %5.3 %9.8 %(5.7)%
Adjusted operating margin9.8 %7.9 %11.3 %8.0 %

1 The Company incurred a one-time earnout obligation adjustment of $11.4 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 in the On-Demand Talent operating segment.
2 The Company incurred goodwill impairment charges of approximately $33.0 million in the Europe and Asia Pacific operating segments for the year ended December 31, 2020.
3 The Company incurred restructuring charges of $4.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020. The Company incurred restructuring charges of $3.8 million and $52.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.



Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted Net Income (Non-GAAP)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
2021202020212020
Net income (loss)$12,477 $5,538 $72,572 $(37,707)
Adjustments
Earnout obligation fair value adjustments1
8,282 — 8,282 — 
Impairment charges, net of tax2
— — — 32,970 
Restructuring charges, net of tax3
— 6,093 2,642 39,956 
Total adjustments8,282 6,093 10,924 72,926 
Adjusted net income$20,759 $11,631 $83,496 $35,219 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic19,592 19,360 19,515 19,301 
Diluted20,301 19,865 20,296 19,893 
Earnings (loss) per common share
Basic$0.64 $0.29 $3.72 $(1.95)
Diluted$0.61 $0.28 $3.58 $(1.95)
Adjusted earnings per common share
Basic$1.06 $0.60 $4.28 $1.82 
Diluted$1.02 $0.59 $4.11 $1.77 

1 The Company incurred a one-time earnout obligation adjustment of $11.4 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2021 in the On-Demand Talent operating segment.
2 The Company incurred goodwill impairment charges of approximately $33.0 million in the Europe and Asia Pacific operating segments for the year ended December 31, 2020.
3 The Company incurred restructuring charges of $4.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020. The Company incurred restructuring charges of $3.8 million and $52.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
December 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents$545,225 $316,473 
Marketable securities— 19,999 
Accounts receivable, net133,750 88,123 
Prepaid expenses21,754 18,956 
Other current assets41,449 23,279 
Income taxes recoverable3,210 5,856 
Total current assets745,388 472,686 
Non-current assets
Property and equipment, net27,085 23,492 
Operating lease right-of-use assets72,320 92,671 
Assets designated for retirement and pension plans12,715 14,425 
Investments36,051 31,369 
Other non-current assets23,377 24,439 
Goodwill138,524 91,643 
Other intangible assets, net9,169 1,129 
Deferred income taxes42,169 35,958 
Total non-current assets361,410 315,126 
Total assets$1,106,798 $787,812 
Current liabilities
Accounts payable$20,374 $8,799 
Accrued salaries and benefits409,026 217,908 
Deferred revenue51,404 38,050 
Operating lease liabilities19,332 28,984 
Other current liabilities24,554 23,311 
Income taxes payable10,004 1,186 
Total current liabilities534,694 318,238 
Non-current liabilities
Accrued salaries and benefits73,779 56,925 
Retirement and pension plans55,593 53,496 
Operating lease liabilities65,625 86,816 
Other non-current liabilities41,087 4,735 
Total non-current liabilities236,084 201,972 
Total liabilities770,778 520,210 
Stockholders’ equity336,020 267,602 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,106,798 $787,812 


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
December 31,
20212020
Cash flows - operating activities
Net income$12,477 $5,538 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization2,984 6,018 
Deferred income taxes(5,995)(2,380)
Stock-based compensation expense4,088 3,053 
Accretion expense related to earnout payments123 — 
Gain on marketable securities— (10)
Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment(2)
Impairment charges— — 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition:
Accounts receivable48,058 32,260 
Accounts payable(3,263)(2,358)
Accrued expenses140,772 51,263 
Restructuring accrual(37)(3,810)
Deferred revenue6,330 204 
Income taxes recoverable and payable, net(3,560)7,444 
Retirement and pension plan assets and liabilities(298)490 
Prepaid expenses4,948 2,871 
Other assets and liabilities, net(10)(4,323)
Net cash provided by operating activities206,625 96,258 
Cash flows - investing activities
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired(1,549)— 
Capital expenditures(2,338)(201)
Purchases of marketable securities and investments(326)(236)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments169 47,219 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(4,044)46,782 
Cash flows - financing activities
Cash dividends paid(3,450)(3,044)
Payment of employee tax withholdings on equity transactions(50)— 
Net cash used in financing activities(3,500)(3,044)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(2,148)5,916 
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash196,933 145,912 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period348,326 170,577 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$545,259 $316,489 


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Year Ended
December 31,
20212020
Cash flows - operating activities
Net income (loss)$72,572 $(37,707)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization19,560 26,656 
Deferred income taxes(7,481)(1,680)
Stock-based compensation expense12,760 10,199 
Accretion expense related to earnout payments486 — 
Gain on marketable securities(1)(154)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment135 287 
Impairment charges— 32,970 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition:
Accounts receivable(36,819)22,644 
Accounts payable(332)451 
Accrued expenses230,177 (26,513)
Restructuring accrual(5,061)2,479 
Deferred revenue12,783 (3,688)
Income taxes recoverable and payable, net11,377 (4,016)
Retirement and pension plan assets and liabilities1,145 1,794 
Prepaid expenses(2,776)1,642 
Other assets and liabilities, net(37,124)(2,011)
Net cash provided by operating activities271,401 23,353 
Cash flows - investing activities
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired(33,518)— 
Capital expenditures(6,240)(7,322)
Purchases of marketable securities and investments(2,323)(118,904)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments20,822 158,852 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(21,259)32,626 
Cash flows - financing activities
Proceeds from line of credit— 100,000 
Payments on line of credit— (100,000)
Cash dividends paid(12,377)(12,063)
Payment of employee tax withholdings on equity transactions(3,140)(1,550)
Acquisition earnout payments— (2,789)
Net cash used in financing activities(15,517)(16,402)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(5,855)5,193 
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash228,770 44,770 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period316,489 271,719 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$545,259 $316,489 


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) and Operating Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
2021202020212020
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$285,539 $160,987 $1,003,001 $621,615 
Net income (loss)12,477 5,538 72,572 (37,707)
Interest, net(95)(44)(302)(204)
Other, net(1,203)(3,467)(7,463)(3,927)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes5,429 6,511 33,457 6,309 
Operating income (loss)16,608 8,538 98,264 (35,529)
Adjustments
Stock-based compensation expense4,014 3,038 12,325 9,679 
Depreciation1,839 1,906 7,150 8,100 
Intangible amortization1,146 153 2,898 738 
Earnout accretion123 — 486 — 
Earnout obligation fair value adjustments11,368 — 11,368 — 
Acquisition contingent consideration575 460 1,973 1,942 
Restructuring charges— 4,257 3,792 52,372 
Impairment charges— — — 32,970 
Deferred compensation plan1,108 3,388 3,057 4,495 
Total adjustments20,173 13,202 43,049 110,296 
Adjusted EBITDA$36,781 $21,740 $141,313 $74,767 
Adjusted EBITDA margin12.9 %13.5 %14.1 %12.0 %