hsii-20230227
000106660500010666052023-02-272023-02-27


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 27, 2023 

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 27, 2023, Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (“Heidrick & Struggles” or the “Company”) reported its earnings for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2022. 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 27, 2023/s/ Mark R. Harris
Name: Mark R. Harris
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



 



Document

Exhibit 99.1
https://cdn.kscope.io/a332924218228d3e4abf70e6f46a5f64-image.jpg
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heidrick & Struggles Reports Fourth Quarter and 2022 Results

2022 Annual Net Revenue Surpasses 2021 Billion Dollar Milestone by 7%
Recent Atreus Acquisition Significantly Expands On-Demand Talent Business in Europe

CHICAGO, February 27, 2023 – Today Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSII) (“Heidrick & Struggles”, “Heidrick” or the “Company”) announced financial results for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2022.

Fourth Quarter Highlights:

Net revenue of $235.7 million; on a constant currency basis net revenue was $243.9 million
Operating income and Adjusted EBITDA of $19.8 million and $30.9 million, respectively; operating margin was 8.4% and Adjusted EBITDA margin was 13.1%
Net income of $16.0 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.78
Declared fourth quarter dividend of $0.15 per share
Acquired Atreus, a leading German on-demand talent business, on February 1, 2023; expands diversification strategy embarked upon in 2021 with the acquisition of BTG in the U.S.

“We are pleased with the financial, operational, and strategic progress achieved during fiscal 2022 as we reported record net revenue on top of the historic billion-dollar milestone we achieved last year,” stated Heidrick & Struggles’ President and Chief Executive Officer, Krishnan Rajagopalan. “Our strong top- and bottom-line results are a testament to our ongoing efforts to further diversify our business, as we continue to make investments for the long-term in digital product innovation and aim to set the stage for prolonged, profitable growth. The year was highlighted by our dedicated efforts to further solidify Heidrick as a leader in providing diversified solutions to our clients while advancing our strategy, with a goal to achieve a more balanced revenue profile between our search and non-search businesses. During the year, we expanded our core Executive Search business and its geographic presence; On-Demand Talent continued to grow; Heidrick Consulting improved operations and efficiencies; and, we began beta testing a new digital product, Heidrick Navigator, which is receiving positive feedback from initial client usage. Additionally, our recent acquisition of Atreus, a leading player for executive interim management in Germany, meaningfully adds to our On-Demand Talent segment.”

Rajagopalan continued, "Looking ahead to 2023, we are excited to continue advancing our differentiated strategy as we expand and evolve our business. Despite the current market slowdown and the strength of the U.S. dollar, our business in January remained on pace with the fourth quarter of 2022, and we expect to continue to operate above the heightened levels achieved during the pre-pandemic years of 2018 and 2019. We remain steadfast in our vision to transform Heidrick & Struggles into the world's premier leadership advisory firm that we believe will provide a new generation of business services, enabling companies to achieve higher performance from their executive-level talent in a fast-changing world. We believe execution of our strategy will allow us to even more fully satisfy our clients’ needs while further enhancing long-term value for our stakeholders.”

2022 Fourth Quarter Results

Consolidated net revenue of $235.7 million compared to record consolidated net revenue of $285.5 million in the 2021 fourth quarter. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, which negatively impacted results by 2.9%, or $8.2 million, consolidated net revenue decreased 14.6%, or $41.6 million from the 2021 fourth quarter.

Executive Search net revenue of $192.7 million compared to net revenue of $243.4 million in the 2021 fourth quarter due to an anticipated market slowdown. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, which negatively impacted results by 2.9%, or $7.0 million, net revenue decreased 18.0%, or $43.7 million from the 2021 fourth quarter. Net revenue decreased 22.6% in the Americas (down 22.5% on a constant currency basis), decreased 17.4% in Europe (down 6.4% on a constant currency basis), and decreased 16.0% in Asia Pacific (down 9.6% on a constant currency basis) when compared to the prior year fourth quarter. The Industrial practice group exhibited growth over the prior year.



The Company had 390 Executive Search consultants at December 31, 2022, compared to 365 at December 31, 2021. Productivity, as measured by annualized Executive Search net revenue per consultant, was $2.0 million compared to $2.7 million in the 2021 fourth quarter reflecting a higher number of consultants combined with lower revenue. Average revenue per executive search was approximately $150,000, up from $144,000 a year earlier. The number of confirmed searches decreased 24.1% compared to the year-ago period.

On-Demand Talent net revenue of $22.4 million compared to net revenue of $23.6 million in the 2021 fourth quarter reflecting trends associated with softening around potential macroeconomic conditions, which led to some delays in projects.

Heidrick Consulting net revenue of $20.7 million compared to net revenue of $18.5 million in the 2021 fourth quarter due to the higher value of longer-term engagements. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, which negatively impacted results by 5.9%, or $1.1 million, Heidrick Consulting net revenue increased 17.5%, or $3.2 million, compared to the prior year period. The Company had 70 Heidrick Consulting consultants at December 31, 2022, compared to 69 at December 31, 2021.

Consolidated salaries and benefits decreased $47.3 million, or 23.2%, to $156.8 million compared to $204.1 million in the 2021 fourth quarter. Year-over-year, fixed compensation expense increased $10.4 million due to base salaries and payroll taxes, talent acquisition and retention costs, separation, stock compensation and the deferred compensation plan. Variable compensation decreased $57.6 million due to a decrease in production. Salaries and benefits expense was 66.5% of net revenue for the quarter, compared to 71.5% in the 2021 fourth quarter.

General and administrative expenses decreased $11.4 million, or 24.3%, to $35.5 million compared to $46.9 million in the 2021 fourth quarter. The decrease was primarily due to the Company’s On-Demand Talent earnout fair-value adjustment recorded in the prior year, lower professional fees, taxes and licenses, and intangible amortization, partially offset by increases in business development travel, marketing, and office expense. As a percentage of net revenue, general and administrative expenses were 15.1% for the 2022 fourth quarter compared to 16.4% in the 2021 fourth quarter.

The Company’s Cost of Services was $17.5 million, or 7.4% of net revenue for the quarter, compared to $18.0 million, or 6.3% of net revenue in the 2021 fourth quarter. This related to both On-Demand Talent’s reduction in revenue and associated support costs and Heidrick Consulting’s project mix, where more of the projects were serviced internally.

The Company’s Research and Development (“R&D”) expenses were $6.1 million, or 2.6% of net revenues for the quarter. Due to the rapid pace of technological advances and digital disruption many of our clients are experiencing, our ability to compete successfully depends increasingly upon our ability to provide clients with timely and relevant technology-enabled products and services. As such, we are focused on developing new technologies to enhance existing products and services, and to expand the range of our offerings through R&D, licensing of intellectual property and acquisition of third-party businesses and technology. The benefits from our R&D efforts will be utilized to develop and enhance new and existing services and products across our current offerings in Executive Search, Heidrick Consulting, On-Demand Talent and for products and services in new segments that we embark upon in the future from time to time, such as our new digital product Heidrick Navigator which we are beta testing. R&D expenses consist of payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation, other employee expenses and third-party professional fees associated with the enhancement of existing products and the development of new services and products.

Operating income was $19.8 million for the quarter compared to $16.6 million in the 2021 fourth quarter. Operating income margin was 8.4% versus 5.8% in the 2021 fourth quarter. The Company recorded a fair value adjustment to increase the On-Demand Talent earnout charge by less than $0.1 million in the 2022 fourth quarter to finalize the earnout payment based on actual results. Year-ago results included a one-time earnout charge of $11.4 million associated with the Company’s On-Demand Talent business. Excluding these items in both periods, adjusted operating income in the 2022 fourth quarter was $19.9 million compared to $28.0 million in the 2021 fourth quarter and adjusted operating income margin was 8.4% compared to 9.8% in the 2021 fourth quarter.

Adjusted EBITDA was $30.9 million compared to $36.8 million in the 2021 fourth quarter. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 13.1%, compared to 12.9% in the 2021 fourth quarter. In Executive Search, Adjusted EBITDA was $56.1 million compared to $57.8 million in the prior year period. In On-Demand Talent, Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $1.4 million versus $2.1 million in the prior year period. In Heidrick Consulting, Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $2.1 million compared to a loss of $4.8 million in the prior year period.




Net income was $16.0 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.78, with an effective tax rate of 29.9%. This compares to net income of $12.5 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.61, with an effective tax rate of 30.3%, in the 2021 fourth quarter. Excluding the aforementioned fair value adjustment of the earnout in the 2022 fourth quarter and the one-time earnout charge recorded in the 2021 fourth quarter, adjusted net income was $16.1 million compared to $20.8 million in the 2021 fourth quarter and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.78 compared to $1.02 in the 2021 fourth quarter, with adjusted effective tax rates of 29.9% and 29.0%, respectively, for the 2022 fourth quarter and 2021 fourth quarter.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $160.3 million, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $206.6 million in the 2021 fourth quarter. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at December 31, 2022 was $621.6 million, compared to $545.2 million at December 31, 2021 and $456.0 million at September 30, 2022. The Company’s cash position typically builds throughout the year as employee bonuses are accrued, mostly to be paid out in the first half of the year.

Fiscal 2022 Results

Consolidated net revenue increased 7.0%, or $70.5 million, to a record $1,073.5 million compared to $1,003.0 million in 2021. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, which negatively impacted results by 3.1%, or $31.1 million, consolidated net revenue increased 10.1%, or $101.6 million, compared to the prior year.

Executive Search net revenue increased 3.8%, or $33.2 million, to $901.9 million from $868.8 million in 2021. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, which negatively impacted results by 3.1%, or $27.0 million, net revenue increased 6.9%, or $60.2 million. Net revenue increased 5.4% in the Americas, increased 3.5% in Europe (increased 15.5% on a constant currency basis), and decreased 3.6% in Asia Pacific (increased 1.9% on a constant currency basis). All industry practices exhibited growth over the prior year, except for Healthcare & Life Sciences and Financial Services. Productivity was $2.3 million, in-line with productivity reported in 2021. The average revenue per executive search was approximately $144,000 compared to $131,000 in 2021, while confirmations decreased 5.3%.

On-Demand Talent recorded net revenue of $91.3 million compared to $66.6 million in 2021. The increase in net revenue was primarily due to the timing of the acquisition of Business Talent Group in the prior year and an increase in the average project size.

Heidrick Consulting net revenue increased 18.6%, or $12.6 million, to $80.2 million from $67.6 million in 2021. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, which negatively impacted results by 5.7%, or $3.8 million, Heidrick Consulting revenue increased 24.3%, or $16.4 million.

Including fair-value adjustments made to the Company’s On-Demand Talent earnout recorded in 2022 and in 2021, operating income was $112.3 million compared to operating income of $98.3 million in 2021. The operating income margin was 10.5% compared to 9.8% in 2021. Excluding the fair value adjustments recorded in both periods and restructuring charges in 2021, adjusted operating income was $111.8 million compared to $113.4 million in 2021 and adjusted operating income margin was 10.4% compared to 11.3% in 2021.

Adjusted EBITDA was $136.7 million and adjusted EBITDA margin was 12.7%, compared to adjusted EBITDA of $141.3 million and adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.1% in 2021. In Executive Search, Adjusted EBITDA was $211.8 million compared to $199.0 million in the prior year. In On-Demand Talent, Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $0.3 million versus $4.6 million in the prior year. In Heidrick Consulting, Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $5.5 million compared to a loss of $14.0 million in the prior year.

Net income was $79.5 million and diluted earnings per share was $3.86, with an effective tax rate of 31.0%. This compares to net income of $72.6 million and diluted earnings per share of $3.58 with an effective tax rate of 31.6% in the 2021 fourth quarter. Excluding the previously mentioned fair value adjustments recorded in 2022 and 2021 and restructuring charges in 2021, adjusted net income was $79.2 million compared to $83.5 million in 2021 and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $3.84 compared to $4.11 in 2021, with adjusted effective tax rates of 31.0% and 31.1%, respectively, for the 2022 and 2021 periods.




Acquisition of Atreus

On February 1, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of Atreus Group GmbH ("Atreus") which was announced in December 2022. Atreus is one of the leading providers of executive interim management in Germany, and now becomes part of the Company’s On-Demand Talent segment. Total initial consideration is comprised of $33.5 million paid in the 2023 first quarter and an estimated subsequent payment, which the Company estimates to be between $9.0 million and $13.0 million, to be paid in 2023 upon the completion of Atreus' statutory audit for the year ended December 31, 2022, subject to customary working capital adjustments. The former owners of Atreus are also eligible to receive additional cash consideration, which the Company estimates to be between $30.0 million and $40.0 million on the acquisition date, based on the achievement of certain revenue and operating income milestones for the period from acquisition through 2025.

Dividend

The Board of Directors declared a 2022 fourth quarter cash dividend of $0.15 per share payable on March 24, 2023, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2023.

2023 First Quarter Outlook

The Company expects 2023 first quarter consolidated net revenue of between $235 million and $255 million, while acknowledging that continued fluidity in external factors such as the foreign exchange and interest rate environments, foreign conflicts, inflation and macroeconomic constraints on pricing actions may impact quarterly results. In addition, this outlook is based on the average currency rates in December 2022 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, consultant retention, and the current backlog.

Quarterly Webcast and Conference Call

Heidrick & Struggles will host a conference call to review its fourth quarter and full year results today, February 27, 2023 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 (888) 440-4091 or (646) 960-0846, conference ID# 6106012. 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.

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 consolidated and segment net revenue excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. 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 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 operating income reflects the exclusion of earnout obligation adjustments 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 earnout obligation adjustments and restructuring charges, net of tax.

Adjusted effective tax rate reflects the exclusion of earnout obligation adjustments and restructuring charges, net of tax.

Adjusted EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, intangible amortization, equity-settled stock compensation expense, earnout accretion, earnout obligation adjustments, contingent compensation related to acquisitions, deferred compensation plan income and expense, restructuring charges, 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, including statements regarding guidance for the first quarter of 2023. 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,” “goal,” “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 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; 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 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; the impacts, direct and indirect, of the COVID-19 pandemic (including the emergence of variant strains) or other highly infectious or contagious disease on our business, our consultants and employees, and the overall economy; the aggressive competition we face; the fact that our net revenue may be affected by adverse economic conditions including inflation, 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 risks of an expansion or escalation of that conflict; unfavorable tax law changes and tax authority rulings; the timing of the establishment or reversal of valuation allowance on 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 execute and integrate future acquisitions; and the fact that we have anti-takeover provisions that could



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, 2022, 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
srosenberg@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,
20222021$ Change% Change
Revenue
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$235,717 $285,539 $(49,822)(17.4)%
Reimbursements2,952 1,654 1,298 78.5 %
Total revenue238,669 287,193 (48,524)(16.9)%
Operating expenses
Salaries and benefits156,828 204,090 (47,262)(23.2)%
General and administrative expenses35,492 46,873 (11,381)(24.3)%
Cost of services17,484 17,968 (484)(2.7)%
Research and development6,067 — 6,067 100.0 %
Reimbursed expenses2,952 1,654 1,298 78.5 %
Total operating expenses218,823 270,585 (51,762)(19.1)%
Operating income19,846 16,608 3,238 19.5 %
Non-operating income (expense)
Interest, net3,673 95 
Other, net(627)1,203 
Net non-operating income3,046 1,298 
Income before income taxes22,892 17,906 
Provision for income taxes6,848 5,429 
Net income16,044 12,477 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax8,196 (393)
Comprehensive income$24,240 $12,084 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic19,861 19,592 
Diluted20,499 20,301 
Earnings per common share
Basic$0.81 $0.64 
Diluted$0.78 $0.61 
Salaries and benefits as a % of net revenue66.5 %71.5 %
General and administrative expenses as a % of net revenue15.1 %16.4 %
Cost of services as a % of net revenue7.4 %6.3 %
Research and development as a % of net revenue2.6 %— %
Operating margin8.4 %5.8 %


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Segment Information
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31,
20222021$
Change
% Change
2022 Margin1
2021 Margin1
Revenue
Executive Search
Americas$130,561 $168,700 $(38,139)(22.6)%
Europe37,258 45,084 (7,826)(17.4)%
Asia Pacific24,838 29,579 (4,741)(16.0)%
Total Executive Search192,657 243,363 (50,706)(20.8)%
On-Demand Talent22,368 23,630 (1,262)(5.3)%
Heidrick Consulting20,692 18,546 2,146 11.6 %
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)235,717 285,539 (49,822)(17.4)%
Reimbursements2,952 1,654 1,298 78.5 %
Total revenue$238,669 $287,193 $(48,524)(16.9)%
Operating income (loss)
Executive Search
Americas$40,383 $42,218 $(1,835)(4.3)%30.9 %25.0 %
Europe3,613 5,110 (1,497)(29.3)%9.7 %11.3 %
Asia Pacific5,218 4,926 292 5.9 %21.0 %16.7 %
Total Executive Search49,214 52,254 (3,040)(5.8)%25.5 %21.5 %
On-Demand Talent2
(2,154)(10,306)8,152 (79.1)%(9.6)%(43.6)%
Heidrick Consulting(2,663)(5,265)2,602 49.4 %(12.9)%(28.4)%
Total segments44,397 36,683 7,714 21.0 %18.8 %12.8 %
Research and Development(6,067)— (6,067)(100.0)%(2.6)%— %
Global Operations Support(18,484)(20,075)1,591 7.9 %(7.8)%(7.0)%
Total operating income$19,846 $16,608 $3,238 19.5 %8.4 %5.8 %


1 Margin based on revenue before reimbursements (net revenue).
2 Includes earnout fair value adjustments of less than $0.1 million and $11.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.





Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Year Ended
December 31,
20222021$ Change% Change
Revenue
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$1,073,464 $1,003,001 $70,463 7.0 %
Reimbursements10,122 5,473 4,649 84.9 %
Total revenue1,083,586 1,008,474 75,112 7.4 %
Operating expenses
Salaries and benefits737,430 717,411 20,019 2.8 %
General and administrative expenses132,678 130,749 1,929 1.5 %
Cost of services70,676 52,785 17,891 33.9 %
Research and development20,414 — 20,414 100.0 %
Restructuring charges— 3,792 (3,792)(100.0)%
Reimbursed expenses10,122 5,473 4,649 84.9 %
Total operating expenses971,320 910,210 61,110 6.7 %
Operating income112,266 98,264 14,002 14.2 %
Non-operating income (loss)
Interest, net5,337 302 
Other, net(2,367)7,463 
Net non-operating income2,970 7,765 
Income before income taxes115,236 106,029 
Provision for income taxes35,750 33,457 
Net income79,486 72,572 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(5,864)(1,742)
Comprehensive income$73,622 $70,830 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic19,758 19,515 
Diluted20,618 20,296 
Earnings per common share
Basic$4.02 $3.72 
Diluted$3.86 $3.58 
Salaries and benefits as a % of net revenue68.7 %71.5 %
General and administrative expenses as a % of net revenue12.4 %13.0 %
Cost of services as a % of net revenue6.6 %5.3 %
Research and development as a % of net revenue1.9 %— %
Operating margin10.5 %9.8 %


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Segment Information
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Year Ended December 31,
20222021$
Change
% Change
2022 Margin1
2021 Margin1
Revenue
Executive Search
Americas$612,881 $581,440 $31,441 5.4 %
Europe176,275 170,312 5,963 3.5 %
Asia Pacific112,766 117,008 (4,242)(3.6)%
Total Executive Search901,922 868,760 33,162 3.8 %
On-Demand Talent91,349 66,636 24,713 37.1 %
Heidrick Consulting80,193 67,605 12,588 18.6 %
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)1,073,464 1,003,001 70,463 7.0 %
Reimbursements10,122 5,473 4,649 84.9 %
Total revenue$1,083,586 $1,008,474 $75,112 7.4 %
Operating income (loss)
Executive Search
Americas2
$164,225 $142,040 $22,185 15.6 %26.8 %24.4 %
Europe3
19,274 18,424 850 4.6 %10.9 %10.8 %
Asia Pacific4
18,687 18,167 520 2.9 %16.6 %15.5 %
Total Executive Search202,186 178,631 23,555 13.2 %22.4 %20.6 %
On-Demand Talent5
(3,361)(9,272)5,911 NM(3.7)%(13.9)%
Heidrick Consulting6
(7,155)(16,162)9,007 55.7 %(8.9)%(23.9)%
Total segments191,670 153,197 38,473 25.1 %17.9 %15.3 %
Research and Development(20,414)— (20,414)(100.0)%(1.9)%— %
Global Operations Support7
(58,990)(54,933)(4,057)(7.4)%(5.5)%(5.5)%
Total operating income$112,266 $98,264 $14,002 (14.2)%10.5 %9.8 %


1 Margin based on revenue before reimbursements (net revenue).
2 Includes restructuring charges of $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
3 Includes restructuring reversals of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
4 Includes restructuring reversals of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
5 Includes a $0.5 million fair value adjustment to decrease the earnout obligation and an $11.4 million fair value adjustment to increase the earnout obligation for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
6 Includes restructuring charges of $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
7 Includes restructuring reversals of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.




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

Three Months Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
2022202120222021
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$235,717 $285,539 $1,073,464 $1,003,001 
Operating income19,846 16,608 112,266 98,264 
Adjustments
Earnout adjustment1
43 11,368 (464)11,368 
Restructuring charges2
— — — 3,792 
Total adjustments43 11,368 (464)15,160 
Adjusted operating income$19,889 $27,976 $111,802 $113,424 
Operating margin8.4 %5.8 %10.5 %9.8 %
Adjusted operating margin8.4 %9.8 %10.4 %11.3 %

1 The Company recorded a fair value adjustment to increase the On-Demand Talent earnout by $0.1 million and $11.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company recorded a fair value adjustment to reduce the On-Demand Talent earnout by $0.5 million and increase the On-Demand Talent earnout by $11.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
2 The Company incurred restructuring charges of $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.


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

Three Months Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
2022202120222021
Net income$16,044 $12,477 $79,486 $72,572 
Adjustments
Earnout adjustment, net of tax1
29 8,282 (320)8,282 
Restructuring charges, net of tax2
— — — 2,642 
Total adjustments29 8,282 (320)10,924 
Adjusted net income$16,073 $20,759 $79,166 $83,496 
Effective tax rate29.9 %30.3 %31.0 %31.6 %
Adjusted effective tax rate29.9 %29.0 %31.0 %31.1 %
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic19,861 19,592 19,758 19,515 
Diluted20,499 20,301 20,618 20,296 
Earnings per common share
Basic$0.81 $0.64 $4.02 $3.72 
Diluted$0.78 $0.61 $3.86 $3.58 
Adjusted earnings per common share
Basic$0.81 $1.06 $4.01 $4.28 
Diluted$0.78 $1.02 $3.84 $4.11 

1 The Company recorded a fair value adjustment to increase the On-Demand Talent earnout by $0.1 million and $11.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company recorded a fair value adjustment to reduce the On-Demand Talent earnout by $0.5 million and increase the On-Demand Talent earnout by $11.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
2 The Company incurred restructuring charges of $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
December 31,
2022
December 31,
2021
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents$355,447 $545,225 
Marketable securities266,169 — 
Accounts receivable, net126,437 133,750 
Prepaid expenses24,098 21,754 
Other current assets40,722 41,449 
Income taxes recoverable10,946 3,210 
Total current assets823,819 745,388 
Non-current assets
Property and equipment, net30,207 27,085 
Operating lease right-of-use assets71,457 72,320 
Assets designated for retirement and pension plans11,332 12,715 
Investments34,354 36,051 
Other non-current assets25,788 23,377 
Goodwill138,361 138,524 
Other intangible assets, net6,333 9,169 
Deferred income taxes33,987 42,169 
Total non-current assets351,819 361,410 
Total assets$1,175,638 $1,106,798 
Current liabilities
Accounts payable$14,613 $20,374 
Accrued salaries and benefits451,161 409,026 
Deferred revenue43,057 51,404 
Operating lease liabilities19,554 19,332 
Other current liabilities56,016 24,554 
Income taxes payable4,076 10,004 
Total current liabilities588,477 534,694 
Non-current liabilities
Accrued salaries and benefits59,467 73,779 
Retirement and pension plans48,456 55,593 
Operating lease liabilities63,299 65,625 
Other non-current liabilities5,293 41,087 
Total non-current liabilities176,515 236,084 
Total liabilities764,992 770,778 
Stockholders’ equity410,646 336,020 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,175,638 $1,106,798 


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
December 31,
20222021
Cash flows - operating activities
Net income$16,044 $12,477 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization2,779 2,984 
Deferred income taxes8,064 (5,995)
Stock-based compensation expense4,998 4,088 
Accretion expense related to earnout payments— 123 
Gain on marketable securities(2,293)— 
Loss on disposal of property and equipment16 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable69,275 48,058 
Accounts payable(2,481)(3,263)
Accrued expenses65,306 140,772 
Restructuring accrual— (37)
Deferred revenue(1,324)6,330 
Income taxes recoverable and payable, net(7,945)(3,560)
Retirement and pension plan assets and liabilities(3,955)(298)
Prepaid expenses3,787 4,948 
Other assets and liabilities, net8,065 (10)
Net cash provided by operating activities160,336 206,625 
Cash flows - investing activities
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired— (1,549)
Capital expenditures(2,958)(2,338)
Purchases of marketable securities and investments(83,727)(326)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments143 169 
Net cash used in investing activities(86,542)(4,044)
Cash flows - financing activities
Cash dividends paid(3,123)(3,450)
Payment of employee tax withholdings on equity transactions— (50)
Net cash used in financing activities(3,123)(3,500)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash9,308 (2,148)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash79,979 196,933 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period275,510 348,326 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$355,489 $545,259 


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Year Ended
December 31,
20222021
Cash flows - operating activities
Net income$79,486 $72,572 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization10,603 19,560 
Deferred income taxes7,088 (7,481)
Stock-based compensation expense16,689 12,760 
Accretion expense related to earnout payments820 486 
Gain on marketable securities(2,406)(1)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment392 135 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition:
Accounts receivable4,522 (36,819)
Accounts payable(5,731)(332)
Accrued expenses32,892 230,177 
Restructuring accrual— (5,061)
Deferred revenue(7,237)12,783 
Income taxes recoverable and payable, net(13,606)11,377 
Retirement and pension plan assets and liabilities(479)1,145 
Prepaid expenses(2,850)(2,776)
Other assets and liabilities, net(895)(37,124)
Net cash provided by operating activities119,288 271,401 
Cash flows - investing activities
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired— (33,518)
Capital expenditures(11,134)(6,240)
Purchases of marketable securities and investments(269,824)(2,323)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments1,359 20,822 
Net cash used in investing activities(279,599)(21,259)
Cash flows - financing activities
Cash dividends paid(12,466)(12,377)
Payment of employee tax withholdings on equity transactions(3,219)(3,140)
Net cash used in financing activities(15,685)(15,517)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(13,774)(5,855)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(189,770)228,770 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period545,259 316,489 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$355,489 $545,259 


Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Reconciliation of Net Income and Operating Income to Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
December 31,
Year Ended
December 31,
2022202120222021
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$235,717 $285,539 $1,073,464 $1,003,001 
Net income 16,044 12,477 79,486 72,572 
Interest, net(3,673)(95)(5,337)(302)
Other, net627 (1,203)2,367 (7,463)
Provision for income taxes6,848 5,429 35,750 33,457 
Operating income19,846 16,608 112,266 98,264 
Adjustments
Stock-based compensation expense4,971 4,014 15,775 12,325 
Depreciation1,991 1,839 7,394 7,150 
Intangible amortization788 1,146 3,209 2,898 
Earnout accretion— 123 820 486 
Earnout fair value adjustments43 11,368 (464)11,368 
Acquisition contingent consideration914 575 3,885 1,973 
Deferred compensation plan2,357 1,108 (6,232)3,057 
Restructuring charges— — — 3,792 
Total adjustments11,064 20,173 24,387 43,049 
Adjusted EBITDA$30,910 $36,781 $136,653 $141,313 
Adjusted EBITDA margin13.1 %12.9 %12.7 %14.1 %







Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted EBITDA by Line of Business (Non-GAAP)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31, 2022
Executive SearchOn-Demand TalentHeidrick ConsultingResearch & DevelopmentGlobal Operations SupportTotal
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$192,657 $22,368 $20,692 $— $— $235,717 
Operating income (loss)1
49,214 (2,154)(2,663)(6,067)(18,484)19,846 
Adjustments
Stock-based compensation2,265 229 59 2,410 4,971 
Depreciation1,434 51 132 248 126 1,991 
Intangible amortization58 630 100 — — 788 
Earnout fair value adjustments— 43 — — — 43 
Acquisition contingent compensation914 — — — — 914 
Deferred compensation plan2,264 — 61 31 2,357 
Total adjustments6,935 732 522 338 2,537 11,064 
Adjusted EBITDA$56,149 $(1,422)$(2,141)$(5,729)$(15,947)$30,910 
Adjusted EBITDA margin29.1 %(6.4)%(10.3)%(2.4)%(6.8)%13.1 %
Three Months Ended December 31, 2021
Executive SearchOn-Demand TalentHeidrick ConsultingResearch & DevelopmentGlobal Operations SupportTotal
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$243,363 $23,630 $18,546 $— $— $285,539 
Operating income (loss)1
52,254 (10,306)(5,265)— (20,075)16,608 
Adjustments
Stock-based compensation2,252 — 127 — 1,635 4,014 
Depreciation1,552 — 163 — 124 1,839 
Intangible amortization96 950 100 — — 1,146 
Earnout accretion— 123 — — — 123 
Earnout fair value adjustments— 11,368 — — — 11,368 
Acquisition contingent compensation575 — — — — 575 
Deferred compensation plan1,065 — 32 — 11 1,108 
Total adjustments5,540 12,441 422 — 1,770 20,173 
Adjusted EBITDA$57,794 $2,135 $(4,843)$— $(18,305)$36,781 
Adjusted EBITDA margin23.7 %9.0 %(26.1)%— %(6.4)%12.9 %

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 or lines of business. As such, the Company has concluded that operating income (loss) represents the most directly comparable measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP for the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA in this presentation.




Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Reconciliation of Operating Income to Adjusted EBITDA by Line of Business (Non-GAAP)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022
Executive SearchOn Demand TalentHeidrick ConsultingResearch & DevelopmentGlobal Operations SupportTotal
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$901,922 $91,349 $80,193 $— $— $1,073,464 
Operating income (loss)1
202,186 (3,361)(7,155)(20,414)(58,990)112,266 
Adjustments
Stock-based compensation5,683 28 967 206 8,891 15,775 
Depreciation5,785 150 478 524 457 7,394 
Intangible amortization290 2,519 400 — — 3,209 
Earnout accretion— 820 — — — 820 
Earnout fair value adjustments— (464)— — — (464)
Acquisition contingent compensation3,885 — — — — 3,885 
Deferred compensation plan(5,990)— (167)(75)— (6,232)
Total adjustments9,653 3,053 1,678 655 9,348 24,387 
Adjusted EBITDA$211,839 $(308)$(5,477)$(19,759)$(49,642)$136,653 
Adjusted EBITDA margin23.5 %(0.3)%(6.8)%(1.8)%(4.6)%12.7 %
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2021
Executive SearchOn-Demand TalentHeidrick ConsultingResearch & DevelopmentGlobal Operations SupportTotal
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$868,760 $66,636 $67,605 $— $— $1,003,001 
Operating income (loss)1
178,631 (9,272)(16,162)— (54,933)98,264 
Adjustments
Stock-based compensation5,285 — 638 — 6,402 12,325 
Depreciation6,044 — 645 — 461 7,150 
Intangible amortization488 2,010 400 — — 2,898 
Earnout accretion— 486 — — — 486 
Earnout fair value adjustments— 11,368 — — — 11,368 
Acquisition contingent compensation1,973 — — — — 1,973 
Deferred compensation plan2,951 — 77 — 29 3,057 
Restructuring charges3,661 — 355 — (224)3,792 
Total adjustments20,402 13,864 2,115 — 6,668 43,049 
Adjusted EBITDA$199,033 $4,592 $(14,047)$— $(48,265)$141,313 
Adjusted EBITDA margin22.9 %6.9 %(20.8)%— %(4.8)%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 or lines of business. As such, the Company has concluded that operating income (loss) represents the most directly comparable measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP for the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA in this presentation.