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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

OR

     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______ to _______

Commission File Number: 0-25837
HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware 36-2681268
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
233 South Wacker Drive-Suite 4900
Chicago, Illinois
60606-6303
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(312) 496-1200
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each ClassTrading SymbolName of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par valueHSIIThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer," “smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer 
¨
  Accelerated filer 
Non-Accelerated filer 
¨
  Smaller reporting company 
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. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

As of November 1, 2024, there were 20,409,259 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding.



HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
 
  PAGE
PART I.
Item 1.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
PART II.
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 6.




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
September 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
 (Unaudited) 
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents$363,422 $412,618 
Marketable securities46,005 65,538 
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $8,651 and $6,954, respectively
186,252 133,128 
Prepaid expenses27,682 23,597 
Other current assets48,928 47,923 
Income taxes recoverable10,795 10,410 
Total current assets683,084 693,214 
Non-current assets
Property and equipment, net53,508 35,752 
Operating lease right-of-use assets83,262 86,063 
Assets designated for retirement and pension plans11,203 11,105 
Investments59,089 47,287 
Other non-current assets25,507 17,071 
Goodwill185,400 202,252 
Other intangible assets, net15,110 20,842 
Deferred income taxes29,617 28,005 
Total non-current assets462,696 448,377 
Total assets$1,145,780 $1,141,591 
Current liabilities
Accounts payable$21,517 $20,837 
Accrued salaries and benefits277,498 322,744 
Deferred revenue47,106 45,732 
Operating lease liabilities18,985 21,498 
Other current liabilities23,394 21,823 
Income taxes payable6,891 6,057 
Total current liabilities395,391 438,691 
Non-current liabilities
Accrued salaries and benefits55,338 52,108 
Retirement and pension plans75,048 62,100 
Operating lease liabilities84,623 78,204 
Other non-current liabilities46,158 41,808 
Deferred income taxes5,937 6,402 
Total non-current liabilities267,104 240,622 
Total liabilities662,495 679,313 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023
  
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 20,414,339 and 20,127,872 shares issued, 20,409,259 and 20,122,792 shares outstanding at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively
204 201 
Treasury stock at cost, 5,080 shares at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023
(110)(110)
Additional paid in capital258,086 251,988 
Retained earnings224,165 210,070 
Accumulated other comprehensive income940 129 
Total stockholders’ equity483,285 462,278 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,145,780 $1,141,591 
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.
1



HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2024202320242023
Revenue
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$278,559 $263,160 $822,382 $773,702 
Reimbursements4,256 4,736 12,408 10,090 
Total revenue282,815 267,896 834,790 783,792 
Operating expenses
Salaries and benefits183,025 167,219 535,330 504,994 
General and administrative expenses39,740 37,564 127,556 112,405 
Cost of services31,030 30,680 88,158 78,818 
Research and development5,682 5,560 17,002 16,746 
Impairment charges  16,224 7,246 
Restructuring charges  6,939  
Reimbursed expenses4,256 4,736 12,408 10,090 
Total operating expenses263,733 245,759 803,617 730,299 
Operating income19,082 22,137 31,173 53,493 
Non-operating income (expense)
Interest, net2,570 2,505 9,268 7,667 
Other, net(555)(649)3,013 2,537 
Net non-operating income2,015 1,856 12,281 10,204 
Income before income taxes21,097 23,993 43,454 63,697 
Provision for income taxes6,268 9,006 19,750 24,142 
Net income14,829 14,987 23,704 39,555 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment6,977 (4,015)816 (3,701)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale investments19 14 (5)68 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax6,996 (4,001)811 (3,633)
Comprehensive income$21,825 $10,986 $24,515 $35,922 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic20,357 20,076 20,254 19,998 
Diluted21,024 20,553 21,144 20,716 
Earnings per common share
Basic$0.73 $0.75 $1.17 $1.98 
Diluted$0.71 $0.73 $1.12 $1.91 
Cash dividends paid per share$0.15 $0.15 $0.45 $0.45 

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

2



HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   Additional
Paid in
Capital
Retained EarningsAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Total
Common StockTreasury Stock
SharesAmountSharesAmount
Balance at December 31, 202320,127 $201 5 $(110)$251,988 $210,070 $129 $462,278 
Net income— — — — — 14,032 — 14,032 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax— — — — — — (4,091)(4,091)
Common and treasury stock transactions:
Stock-based compensation— — — — 2,644 — — 2,644 
Vesting of equity awards, net of tax withholding127 1 — — (2,863)— — (2,862)
Cash dividends declared ($0.15 per share)
— — — — — (3,018)— (3,018)
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units— — — — — (198)— (198)
Balance at March 31, 202420,254 $202 5 $(110)$251,769 $220,886 $(3,962)$468,785 
Net loss— — — — — (5,157)— (5,157)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax— — — — — — (2,094)(2,094)
Common and treasury stock transactions:
Stock-based compensation— — — — 3,465 — — 3,465 
Issuance of common stock13 — — — — — — — 
Vesting of equity awards, net of tax withholding55 1 — — (886)— — (885)
Cash dividends declared ($0.15 per share)
— — — — — (3,039)— (3,039)
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units— — — — — (143)— (143)
Balance at June 30, 202420,322 $203 5 $(110)$254,348 $212,547 $(6,056)$460,932 
Net income— — — — — 14,829 — 14,829 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — — — — — 6,996 6,996 
Common and treasury stock transactions:
Stock-based compensation— — — — 3,792 — — 3,792 
Vesting of equity awards, net of tax withholding92 1 — — (54)— — (53)
Cash dividends declared ($0.15 per share)
— — — — — (3,057)— (3,057)
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units— — — — — (154)— (154)
Balance at September 30, 202420,414 $204 5 $(110)$258,086 $224,165 $940 $483,285 

3



HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   Additional
Paid in
Capital
Retained EarningsAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Total
Common StockTreasury Stock
SharesAmountSharesAmount
Balance at December 31, 202219,866 $199 5 $(191)$246,630 $168,197 $(4,189)$410,646 
Net income— — — — — 15,586 — 15,586 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax— — — — — — 443 443 
Common and treasury stock transactions:
Stock-based compensation— — — — 1,853 — — 1,853 
Vesting of equity awards, net of tax withholding172 1 — — (4,142)— — (4,141)
Clawback of equity awards— — 5 (163)— — — (163)
Cash dividends declared ($0.15 per share)
— — — — — (3,006)— (3,006)
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units— — — — — (106)— (106)
Balance at March 31, 202320,038 $200 10 $(354)$244,341 $180,671 $(3,746)$421,112 
Net income— — — — — 8,982 — 8,982 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax— — — — — — (75)(75)
Common and treasury stock transactions:
Stock-based compensation— — — — 2,324 — — 2,324 
Repurchase of common stock— — 36 (904)— — — (904)
Re-issuance of treasury stock— — (16)439 (439)— —  
Cash dividends declared ($0.15 per share)
— — — — — (3,003)— (3,003)
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units— — — — — (119)— (119)
Balance at June 30, 202320,038 $200 30 $(819)$246,226 $186,531 $(3,821)$428,317 
Net income— — — — — 14,987 — 14,987 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax— — — — — — (4,001)(4,001)
Common and treasury stock transactions:
Stock-based compensation— — — — 3,154 — — 3,154 
Vesting of equity awards89 1 — — (1)— —  
Clawback of equity awards— — 5 (144)— — — (144)
Re-issuance of treasury stock— — (30)853 (869)— — (16)
Cash dividends declared ($0.15 per share)
— — — — — (3,014)— (3,014)
Dividend equivalents on restricted stock units— — — — — (135)— (135)
Balance at September 30, 202320,127 $201 5 $(110)$248,510 $198,369 $(7,822)$439,148 

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.




4



HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 20242023
Cash flows - operating activities
Net income$23,704 $39,555 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization13,650 13,432 
Deferred income taxes(2,060)(548)
Stock-based compensation expense9,901 7,331 
Accretion expense related to earnout payments1,413 1,097 
Gain on marketable securities(2,323)(2,040)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment264 192 
Impairment charges16,224 7,246 
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable(51,707)(52,205)
Accounts payable(13,292)(1,657)
Accrued expenses(41,372)(197,698)
Restructuring accrual2,990  
Deferred revenue1,163 (1,622)
Income taxes recoverable and payable, net347 6,617 
Retirement and pension plan assets and liabilities6,385 6,697 
Prepaid expenses(4,057)(3,771)
Other assets and liabilities, net(987)(3,243)
Net cash used in operating activities(39,757)(180,617)
Cash flows - investing activities
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (37,953)
Capital expenditures(9,647)(9,619)
Purchases of marketable securities and investments(115,608)(75,464)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments129,070 289,689 
Net cash provided by investing activities3,815 166,653 
Cash flows - financing activities
Repurchases of common stock (904)
Cash dividends paid(9,609)(9,383)
Payment of employee tax withholdings on equity transactions(3,800)(4,141)
Acquisition earnout payments (37,984)
Net cash used in financing activities(13,409)(52,412)
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash155 (2,642)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(49,196)(69,018)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period412,618 355,489 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period$363,422 $286,471 

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

5



HEIDRICK & STRUGGLES INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(All tables in thousands, except per share figures and percentages)
(Unaudited) 

1.    Basis of Presentation of Interim Financial Information

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions include revenue recognition, income taxes, interim effective tax rates and the assessment of goodwill, other intangible assets and long-lived assets for impairment. Estimates are subject to a degree of uncertainty and actual results could differ from these estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to fairly present the financial position of the Company at September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, and its cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, have been included and are of a normal, recurring nature except as otherwise disclosed. These financial statements and notes are to be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on March 4, 2024.

2.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

A complete listing of the Company’s significant accounting policies is discussed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Revenue Recognition

See Note 3, Revenue.

Cost of Services

Cost of services consists of contractor costs related to the delivery of various services in the Company's On-Demand Talent and Heidrick Consulting operating segments.

Research and Development

Research and development expense consists of payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation, other employee expenses and third-party professional fees associated with new product development.

Marketable Securities

The Company’s marketable securities consist of available-for-sale debt securities with original maturities exceeding three months.

6



Restricted Cash

The following table provides a reconciliation of the cash and cash equivalents between the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as of September 30, 2024, and 2023, and December 31, 2023, and 2022:
September 30,December 31,
2024202320232022
Cash and cash equivalents$363,422 $286,429 $412,618 $355,447 
Restricted cash included within other non-current assets 42  42 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash$363,422 $286,471 $412,618 $355,489 

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by weighted average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the determination of diluted earnings per share in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2024202320242023
Net income$14,829 $14,987 $23,704 $39,555 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic20,357 20,076 20,254 19,998 
Effect of dilutive securities:
Restricted stock units458 381 619 575 
Performance stock units209 96 271 143 
Diluted21,024 20,553 21,144 20,716 
Basic earnings per share$0.73 $0.75 $1.17 $1.98 
Diluted earnings per share$0.71 $0.73 $1.12 $1.91 

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in Operating lease right-of-use assets, Current liabilities - Operating lease liabilities and Non-current liabilities - Operating lease liabilities in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company does not have any leases that meet the finance lease criteria.

Right-of-use assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized on the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date is used in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease right-of-use asset also includes any lease payments made in advance and any accrued rent expense balances. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. For office leases, the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. For equipment leases, such as vehicles and office equipment, the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components separately.

7



Goodwill

Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price of acquired businesses and the related fair value of the net assets acquired, which is accounted for by the acquisition method of accounting. The Company performs assessments of the carrying value of its goodwill at least annually and whenever events occur or circumstances indicate that a carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. These circumstances include a significant change in business climate, attrition of key personnel, changes in financial condition or results of operations, prolonged decline in the Company’s stock price and market capitalization, competition, and other factors.

The goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company operates five reporting units: Americas, Europe (which includes Africa), Asia Pacific (which includes the Middle East), On-Demand Talent and Heidrick Consulting. The fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units is determined using a discounted cash flow methodology. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value; however, the loss recognized is not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

As a result of certain triggering events, including reduced forecasted results and the inclusion of goodwill in a reporting unit with a preexisting fair value shortfall, the Company performed interim goodwill impairment evaluations during the three months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respecitively, when the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of at least one of its reporting units was less than its respective carrying amount.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions to evaluate the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes on each reporting unit. During the impairment evaluation process, the Company used a discounted cash flow methodology to estimate the fair value of each of its reporting units. The discounted cash flow approach is dependent on a number of factors, including estimates of future market growth and trends, forecasted revenue and costs, capital investments, appropriate discount rates, certain assumptions to allocate shared costs, assets and liabilities, historical and projected performance of the reporting unit, and the macroeconomic conditions affecting each of the Company’s reporting units. The assumptions used in the determination of fair value were (1) a forecast of growth in the near and long term; (2) the discount rate; (3) working capital investments; (4) macroeconomic conditions; and (5) other factors. As part of the goodwill impairment evaluation, the Company performed a reconciliation of its market capitalization to the aggregated estimated fair value of all reporting units, including consideration of a control premium.

Based on the results of the 2024 impairment evaluation, the Company determined that the goodwill within the On-Demand Talent and Europe reporting units were impaired, which resulted in impairment charges of $14.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Based on the results of the 2023 impairment evaluation, the Company determined that the goodwill within the Heidrick Consulting reporting unit was impaired, which resulted in an impairment charge of $7.2 million. The impairment charges are recorded within Impairment charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023 and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023. The impairments were non-cash in nature and did not affect the Company's current liquidity, cash flows, borrowing capability or operations; nor did they impact the debt covenants under the Company's credit agreement.

Recently Issued Financial Accounting Standards

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures." The standard is intended to expand the disclosure requirements for income taxes, specifically related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” The standard is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements for public business entities primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker and included within each reported measure of segment profit (referred to as the “significant expense principle”). This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements.
8




In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The guidance was intended to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. This guidance is effective March 12, 2020, and the Company may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2024. The new guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial statements.

3.    Revenue

Executive Search

Revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied by transferring a good or service to a client. Generally, each executive search contract contains one performance obligation which is the process of identifying potentially qualified candidates for a specific client position. In most contracts, the transaction price includes both fixed and variable consideration. Fixed consideration is comprised of a retainer, equal to approximately one-third of the estimated first year compensation for the position to be filled, and indirect expenses, equal to a specified percentage of the retainer, as defined in the contract. The Company generally bills clients for the retainer and indirect expenses in one-third increments over a three-month period commencing in the month of a client’s acceptance of the contract. If actual compensation of a placed candidate exceeds the original compensation estimate, the Company is often authorized to bill the client for one-third of the excess compensation. The Company refers to this additional billing as uptick revenue. In most contracts, variable consideration is comprised of uptick revenue and direct expenses. The Company bills its clients for uptick revenue upon completion of the executive search, and direct expenses are billed as incurred.

The Company estimates uptick revenue at contract inception, based on a portfolio approach, utilizing the expected value method based on a historical analysis of uptick revenue realized in the Company’s geographic regions and industry practices, and initially records a contract’s uptick revenue in an amount that is probable not to result in a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized when the actual amount of uptick revenue for the contract is known. Differences between the estimated and actual amounts of variable consideration are recorded when known. The Company does not estimate revenue for direct expenses as it is not materially different than recognizing revenue as direct expenses are incurred.

Revenue from executive search engagement performance obligations is recognized over time as clients simultaneously receive and consume the benefits provided by the Company's performance.  Revenue from executive search engagements is recognized over the expected average period of performance, in proportion to the estimated personnel time incurred to fulfill the obligations under the executive search contract. Revenue is generally recognized over a period of approximately six months.

The Company's executive search contracts contain a replacement guarantee which provides for an additional search to be completed, free of charge except for expense reimbursements, should the candidate presented by the Company be hired by the client and subsequently terminated by the client for performance reasons within a specified period of time. The replacement guarantee is an assurance warranty, which is not a performance obligation under the terms of the executive search contract, as the Company does not provide any services under the terms of the guarantee that transfer benefits to the client in excess of assuring that the identified candidate complies with the agreed-upon specifications. The Company accounts for the replacement guarantee under the relevant warranty guidance in Accounting Standards Codification 460 - Guarantees.

On-Demand Talent

The Company enters into contracts with clients that outline the general terms and conditions of the assignment to provide on-demand consultants for various types of consulting projects, which consultants may be independent contractors or temporary employees. The consideration the Company expects to receive under each contract is dependent on the time-based fees specified in the contract. Revenue from on-demand engagement performance obligations is recognized over time as clients simultaneously receive and consume the benefits provided by the Company's performance. The Company has applied the practical expedient to recognize revenue for these services in the amount to which the Company has a right to invoice the client, as this amount corresponds directly with the value provided to the client for the performance completed to date. For transactions where a third-party contractor is involved in providing the services to the client, the Company reports the revenue and the related direct costs on a gross basis as it has determined that it is the principal in the transaction. The Company is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide consulting services to its clients and the Company has discretion in establishing
9



the prices charged to clients for the consulting services and is able to contractually obligate the independent service provider to deliver services and deliverables that the Company has agreed to provide to its clients.

Heidrick Consulting

Revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied by transferring a good or service to a client. Heidrick Consulting enters into contracts with clients that outline the general terms and conditions of the assignment to provide succession planning, executive assessment, top team and board effectiveness and culture shaping programs. The consideration the Company expects to receive under each contract is generally fixed. Most of the Company's consulting contracts contain one performance obligation, which is the overall process of providing the consulting service requested by the client. The majority of the Company's consulting revenue is recognized over time utilizing input methods. Revenue recognition over time for the majority of the Company's consulting engagements is measured by total cost or time incurred as a percentage of the total estimated cost or time on the consulting engagement.
Contract Balances

Contract assets and liabilities are reported in a net position on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. Contract assets and liabilities are classified as current due to the nature of the Company's contracts, which are completed within one year. Contract assets are included within Other current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Unbilled receivables: Unbilled receivables represents contract assets from revenue recognized over time in excess of the amount billed to the client and the amount billed to the client is solely dependent upon the passage of time. This amount includes revenue recognized in excess of billed Executive Search retainers, Heidrick Consulting fees, and On-Demand Talent fees.

Contract assets: Contract assets represent revenue recognized over time in excess of the amount billed to the client, and the amount billed to the client is not solely subject to the passage of time. This amount primarily includes revenue recognized for upticks and contingent placement fees in executive search contracts.

Deferred revenue: Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue, which is equal to billings in excess of revenue recognized.

The following table outlines the changes in the contract asset and liability balances from December 31, 2023, to September 30, 2024:
September 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Change
Contract assets
Unbilled receivables, net$23,455 $15,318 $8,137 
Contract assets17,636 16,774 862 
Total contract assets
41,091 32,092 8,999 
Contract liabilities
Deferred revenue$47,106 $45,732 $1,374 

Contract assets were recorded within Current Assets - Other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at both September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company recognized revenue of $39.7 million that was included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the period. The amount of revenue recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, from performance obligations partially satisfied in previous periods as a result of changes in the estimates of variable consideration was $22.7 million.

Each of the Company's contracts has an expected duration of one year or less. Accordingly, the Company has elected to utilize the available practical expedient related to the disclosure of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations under its contracts. The Company has also elected the available practical expedients related to adjusting for the effects of a significant financing component and the capitalization of contract acquisition costs. The Company charges and
10



collects from its clients sales tax and value added taxes as required by certain jurisdictions. The Company has made an accounting policy election to exclude these items from the transaction price in its contracts.

4.    Credit Losses

The Company is exposed to credit losses primarily through the provision of its executive search, consulting, and on-demand talent services. The Company’s expected credit loss allowance methodology for accounts receivable is developed using historical collection experience, current and future economic and market conditions and a review of the current status of clients' trade accounts receivables. Due to the short-term nature of such receivables, the estimate of the amount of accounts receivable that may not be collected is primarily based on historical loss-rate experience. When required, the Company adjusts the loss-rate methodology to account for current conditions and reasonable and supportable expectations of future economic and market conditions. The Company generally assesses future economic conditions for a period of sixty to ninety days, which corresponds with the contractual life of its accounts receivables. Additionally, specific allowance amounts are established to record the appropriate provision for clients that have a higher probability of default. The Company’s monitoring activities include timely account reconciliation, dispute resolution, payment confirmation, consideration of clients' financial condition and macroeconomic conditions. Balances are written off when determined to be uncollectible.

The activity in the allowance for credit losses on the Company's trade receivables is as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2023
$6,954 
Provision for credit losses6,419 
Write-offs(4,760)
Foreign currency translation38 
Balance at September 30, 2024
$8,651 
There were no investments with unrealized losses at September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023.

5.    Property and Equipment, net

The components of the Company’s property and equipment are as follows:
September 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Leasehold improvements$54,864 $45,050 
Office furniture, fixtures and equipment16,014 14,775 
Computer equipment and software45,719 38,798 
Property and equipment, gross116,597 98,623 
Accumulated depreciation(63,089)(62,871)
Property and equipment, net$53,508 $35,752 

Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, was $3.0 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, and 2023, was $7.5 million and $6.6 million, respectively.

6.    Leases

The Company's lease portfolio is comprised of operating leases for office space and equipment. The majority of the Company's leases include both lease and non-lease components, which the Company accounts for differently depending on the underlying class of asset. Certain of the Company's leases include one or more options to renew or terminate the lease at the Company's discretion. Generally, the renewal and termination options are not included in the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities as they are not reasonably certain of exercise. The Company regularly evaluates the renewal and termination options and, when they are reasonably certain of exercise, includes the renewal or termination option in the lease term.

As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, the Company utilizes an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date of the lease in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company has a centrally managed treasury function and, therefore, a portfolio approach is applied in determining the incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow on a fully collateralized basis over a similar term in an amount equal to the total lease payments in a similar economic environment.
11




As of September 30, 2024, office leases have remaining lease terms that range from less than one year to 11.4 years, some of which also include options to extend or terminate the lease. Most office leases contain both fixed and variable lease payments. Variable lease costs consist primarily of rent escalations based on an established index or rate and taxes, insurance, and common area or other maintenance costs, which are paid based on actual costs incurred by the lessor. The Company has elected to utilize the available practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for office leases.

As of September 30, 2024, equipment leases, which are comprised of vehicle and office equipment leases, have remaining terms that range from less than one year to 4.8 years, some of which also include options to extend or terminate the lease. The Company's equipment leases do not contain variable lease payments. The Company separates the lease and non-lease components for its equipment leases. Equipment leases do not comprise a significant portion of the Company's lease portfolio.

Lease cost components included within Operating expenses - General and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income were as follows:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2024202320242023
Operating lease cost$5,311 $4,751 $17,667 $13,843 
Variable lease cost2,334 $2,213 7,359 7,200 
Total lease cost$7,645 $6,964 $25,026 $21,043 

Supplemental cash flow information related to the Company's operating leases is as follows for the nine months ended September 30:
20242023
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$16,718 $14,923 
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases$16,080 $7,944 

The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for operating leases as of September 30, are as follows:
20242023
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases7.5 years6.2 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases5.15 %3.77 %

The future maturities of the Company's operating lease liabilities as of September 30, 2024, for the years ended December 31, are as follows:
Operating Lease Maturity
2024$4,478 
202518,969 
202617,863 
202717,668 
202813,612 
Thereafter55,014 
Total lease payments127,604 
Less: Interest23,996 
Present value of lease liabilities$103,608 

12



7.    Financial Instruments and Fair Value

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

The Company's investments in marketable debt securities, which consist of U.S. Treasury bills, are classified and accounted for as available-for-sale. The Company classifies its marketable debt securities as either short-term or long-term based on each instrument's underlying contractual maturity date. Unrealized gains and losses on marketable debt securities classified as available-for-sale are recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets until realized.

The Company's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities by significant investment category are as follows:
Amortized CostUnrealized GainsFair ValueCash and Cash EquivalentsMarketable Securities
Balance at September 30, 2024
Cash$192,641 $ 
Level 1(1):
Money market funds27,921  
U.S. Treasury securities$188,828 $38 $188,866 142,860 46,005 
Total Level 1188,828 38 188,866 170,781 46,005 
Total$188,828 $38 $188,866 $363,422 $46,005 

Amortized CostUnrealized GainsFair ValueCash and Cash EquivalentsMarketable Securities
Balance at December 31, 2023
Cash$221,980 $ 
Level 1(1):
Money market funds13,906  
U.S. Treasury securities$242,228 $42 $242,270 176,732 65,538 
Total Level 1242,228 42 242,270 190,638 65,538 
Total$242,228 $42 $242,270 $412,618 $65,538 

(1)Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Investments, Assets Designated for Retirement and Pension Plans and Associated Liabilities

The Company has a U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan that consists primarily of U.S. marketable securities and mutual funds. The aggregate cost basis for these investments was $43.2 million and $37.2 million as of September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively.

The Company also maintains a pension plan for certain current and former employees in Germany. The pensions are individually fixed Euro amounts that vary depending on the function and the eligible years of service of the employee. The Company’s investment strategy is to support its pension obligations through reinsurance contracts. The BaFin—German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority—supervises the insurance companies and the reinsurance contracts. The BaFin requires each reinsurance contract to guarantee a fixed minimum return. The Company’s pension benefits are fully reinsured by group insurance contracts with ERGO Lebensversicherung AG, and the group insurance contracts are measured in accordance with BaFin guidelines (including mortality tables and discount rates) which are considered Level 2 inputs.

13



The following tables provide a summary of the fair value measurements for each major category of investments, assets designated for retirement and pension plans and associated liabilities measured at fair value:
Balance Sheet Classification
Current AssetsNon-Current AssetsCurrent LiabilitiesNon-current Liabilities
Fair ValueOther Current AssetsAssets Designated for Retirement and Pension PlansInvestmentsOther Current LiabilitiesRetirement and Pension Plans
Balance at September 30, 2024
Measured on a recurring basis:
Level 1(1):
U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan$59,089 $ $ $59,089 $ $ 
Level 2(2):
Retirement and pension plan assets12,503 1,300 11,203    
Pension benefit obligation(14,543)   (1,300)(13,243)
Total Level 2(2,040)1,300 11,203  (1,300)(13,243)
Total$57,049 $1,300 $11,203 $59,089 $(1,300)$(13,243)


Balance Sheet Classification
Current AssetsNon-Current AssetsCurrent LiabilitiesNon-current Liabilities
Fair ValueOther Current AssetsAssets Designated for Retirement and Pension PlansInvestmentsOther Current LiabilitiesRetirement and Pension Plans
Balance at December 31, 2023
Measured on a recurring basis:
Level 1(1):
U.S. non-qualified deferred compensation plan$47,287 $ $ $47,287 $ $ 
Level 2(2):
Retirement and pension plan assets12,394 1,289 11,105    
Pension benefit obligation(14,416)   (1,289)(13,127)
Total Level 2(2,022)1,289 11,105  (1,289)(13,127)
Total$45,265 $1,289 $11,105 $47,287 $(1,289)$(13,127)

(1)Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
(2)Level 2 – Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

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Contingent Consideration and Compensation

The former owners of certain of the Company's acquired businesses are eligible to receive additional cash consideration based on the attainment of certain operating metrics in the periods subsequent to acquisition. Contingent consideration and compensation are valued using significant inputs that are not observable in the market, which are defined as Level 3 inputs pursuant to fair value measurement accounting. The Company determines the fair value of contingent consideration and compensation using a variation of the income approach, known as the real options method. The significant unobservable inputs utilized in the real options method include (1) revenue forecasts; (2) operating expense forecasts; (3) the discount rate; and (4) volatility.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of Level 3 liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024:
EarnoutContingent Compensation
Balance at December 31, 2023
$(38,601)$(18,878)
Earnout accretion(1,413) 
Compensation expense (8,220)
Fair value adjustment(1,211) 
Payments 4,821 
Foreign currency translation(607)166 
Balance at September 30, 2024
$(41,832)$(22,111)

Earnout accruals of $41.8 million and $38.6 million were recorded within Non-current liabilities - Other non-current liabilities as of September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively. Contingent compensation accruals of $4.3 million and $6.0 million are recorded within Current liabilities - Accrued salaries and benefits as of September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively, and contingent compensation accruals of $17.8 million and $12.9 million are recorded within Non-current liabilities - Accrued salaries and benefits as of September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price of acquired businesses and the related fair value of the net assets acquired, which is accounted for by the acquisition method of accounting. The Company performs assessments of the carrying value of goodwill at least annually and whenever events occur or circumstances indicate that a carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, an interim goodwill impairment evaluation was conducted to determine the fair value of the Company's reporting units. As a result of this evaluation, the Company recorded impairment charges in the On-Demand Talent and Europe reporting units of $14.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The fair value of the reporting units is valued using significant inputs that are not observable in the market which are defined as Level 3 inputs pursuant to fair value measurement accounting. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting units using discounted cash flow models.

Other Investments

The Company holds an equity investment that does not have a readily determinable fair value for which the Company uses the measurement alternative prescribed in FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 321, Investments-Equity Securities. As of September 30, 2024, the Company held the equity investment under the measurement alternative of $11.0 million which are presented in Other non-current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. There were no impairments or changes resulting from observable transactions for these investments in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and no adjustments have been made to the carrying values as of September 30, 2024. There were no equity investments as of December 31, 2023.


15



8.    Acquisitions

On February 1, 2023, the Company acquired Atreus Group GmbH ("Atreus"), a leading provider of executive interim management in Germany. The Company paid $33.4 million in the first quarter of 2023, with a subsequent purchase price adjustment payment of $12.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The former owners of Atreus are eligible to receive additional cash consideration, which the Company estimated on the acquisition date to be between $30.0 million and $40.0 million, to be paid in 2026 based on the achievement of certain revenue and operating income milestones for the period from the acquisition date through 2025. When estimating the present value of future cash consideration, the Company accrued an estimated $32.0 million as of the acquisition date for the earnout liability. The Company recorded $11.3 million for customer relationships, $5.4 million for software, $2.5 million for a trade name and $62.4 million of goodwill. Goodwill is primarily related to the acquired workforce and strategic fit and is not deductible for tax purposes.

On April 1, 2023, the Company acquired businessfourzero, a next generation consultancy specializing in developing and implementing purpose-driven change. In connection with the acquisition, the Company paid $9.5 million in the second quarter of 2023 with a subsequent purchase price adjustment payment of $2.2 million paid in the third quarter of 2023. The former owners of businessfourzero are eligible to receive additional cash consideration, which the Company estimated on the acquisition date to be between $4.0 million and $8.0 million, to be paid in 2026 based on the achievement of certain revenue and operating income metrics for the period from the acquisition date through 2025. When estimating the present value of future cash consideration, the Company accrued an estimated $4.3 million as of the acquisition date for the earnout liability. The Company recorded $3.5 million for customer relationships, $0.5 million for a trade name, and $7.1 million of goodwill. The goodwill is primarily related to the acquired workforce and strategic fit.

9.    Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The Company's goodwill by segment (for the segments that had recorded goodwill) is as follows:
September 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Executive Search
Americas$91,323 $91,740 
Europe1,463 1,494 
Total Executive Search92,786 93,234 
On-Demand Talent108,838 109,018 
Heidrick Consulting7,246 7,246 
Goodwill, gross208,870 209,498 
Accumulated impairment(23,470)(7,246)
Total goodwill$185,400 $202,252 

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment (for the segments that had recorded goodwill) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, are as follows:
Executive SearchOn-Demand TalentHeidrick Consulting
AmericasEuropeTotal
Goodwill$91,740 $1,494 $109,018 $7,246 $209,498 
Accumulated impairment losses   (7,246)(7,246)
Balance at December 31, 2023
91,740 1,494 109,018  202,252 
Impairment (1,463)(14,761) (16,224)
Foreign currency translation(417)(31)(180) (628)
Goodwill91,323 1,463 108,838 7,246 208,870 
Accumulated impairment losses (1,463)(14,761)(7,246)(23,470)
Balance at September 30, 2024
$91,323 $ $94,077 $ $185,400 


16



During the three months ended June 30, 2024, as a result of the Company's mid-year forecasting process, it was determined that a reduction in the On-Demand Talent reporting unit forecast was required. Due to the reduction in the forecasted results for the reporting unit, in addition to the 6% passing margin in the most recent impairment analysis conducted as of October 31, 2023, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying value. As a result, the Company identified a triggering event and performed an interim goodwill impairment evaluation during the three months ended June 30, 2024.

During the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company acquired businessfourzero and recorded approximately $7.1 million of goodwill in the Heidrick Consulting reporting unit. Due to the inclusion of goodwill in a reporting unit with a pre-existing fair value shortfall, the Company evaluated the recent and anticipated future financial performance of the Heidrick Consulting reporting unit and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying value. As a result, the Company identified a triggering event and performed an interim goodwill impairment evaluation during the three months ended June 30, 2023.
Determining the fair value of a reporting unit is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions to evaluate the impact of operating and macroeconomic changes on each reporting unit. During the impairment evaluation process, the Company used a discounted cash flow methodology to estimate the fair value of each of its reporting units. The discounted cash flow approach is dependent on a number of factors, including estimates of future market growth and trends, forecasted revenue and costs, capital investments, appropriate discount rates, certain assumptions to allocate shared costs, assets and liabilities, historical and projected performance of the reporting unit, and the macroeconomic conditions affecting each of the Company’s reporting units. The assumptions used in the determination of fair value were (1) a forecast of growth in the near and long term; (2) the discount rate; (3) working capital investments; (4) macroeconomic conditions; and (5) other factors. As part of the goodwill impairment evaluation, the Company performed a reconciliation of its market capitalization to the aggregated estimated fair value of all reporting units, including consideration of a control premium.

Based on the results of the 2024 impairment evaluation, the Company determined that the goodwill within the On-Demand Talent and Europe reporting units were impaired, which resulted in impairment charges of $14.8 million and $1.5 million, respectively, during the three months ended June 30, 2024. Based on the results of the 2023 impairment evaluation, the Company determined that the goodwill within the Heidrick Consulting reporting unit was impaired, which resulted in an impairment charge of $7.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2023. The impairment charges are recorded within Impairment charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023. The impairments were non-cash in nature and they did not affect the Company's current liquidity, cash flows, borrowing capability or operations; nor did they impact the debt covenants under the Company's credit agreement.

Other Intangible Assets, net

The Company’s other intangible assets, net by segment, are as follows:
September 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Executive Search
Americas$7 $22 
Europe54 95 
Total Executive Search61 117 
On-Demand Talent12,789 17,689 
Heidrick Consulting2,260 3,036 
Total other intangible assets, net$15,110 $20,842 
17




The carrying amount of amortizable intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization are as follows:
 Weighted
Average
Life (Years)
September 30, 2024December 31, 2023
 Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying AmountGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying Amount
Client relationships10.3$26,637 $(15,153)$11,484 $26,195 $(11,443)$14,752 
Trade name3.05,083 (3,932)1,151 5,067 (3,069)1,998 
Software3.08,678 (6,203)2,475 8,629 (4,537)4,092 
Total intangible assets8.6$40,398 $(25,288)$15,110 $39,891 $(19,049)$20,842 

Intangible asset amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, was $2.0 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Intangible asset amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, was $6.2 million and $6.9 million, respectively.

The Company's estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets as of September 30, 2024, for the following years ended December 31, is as follows:
2024$1,877 
20256,051 
20262,561 
20271,555 
2028909 
Thereafter2,157 
Total$15,110 

10.    Other Current and Non-current Assets and Liabilities

The components of other current assets are as follows:
September 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Contract assets$41,091 $32,092 
Other7,837 15,831 
Total other current assets$48,928 $47,923 

The components of other non-current liabilities are as follows:
September 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
Earnout liability$41,832 $38,601 
Other4,326 3,207 
Total other non-current liabilities$46,158 $41,808 

11.    Line of Credit

On February 24, 2023, the Company entered into the Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2018 (the “Credit Agreement” and, as amended by the First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2021, and the Second Amendment, the "Amended Credit Agreement") by and among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. The Second Amendment changed the interest rate benchmark, from LIBOR to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). At the Company's option, borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement will bear interest at one-, three- or six-month term SOFR, or an alternate base rate as set forth in the Amended Credit Agreement, in each case plus an applicable margin. Additionally, the Amended Credit Agreement provides the Company with a committed unsecured revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount of $200 million, increased in the Second Amendment from $175 million as set forth in the original version of the Credit Agreement, which includes a sublimit of $25 million for letters of credit and a sublimit of $10 million for swingline loans, with a $75 million expansion feature. The Amended Credit Agreement matures on July 13, 2026.

18



Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, permitted acquisitions, restricted payments and for other general corporate purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries. The obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries.

As of September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding borrowings. As of such dates, the Company was in compliance with the financial and other covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement and no event of default existed.
 
12.    Stock-Based Compensation and Common Stock

On May 23, 2024, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment and restatement of the Company's Fourth Amended and Restated 2012 Heidrick & Struggles GlobalShare Program (as so amended and restated, the "Fifth A&R Program") to increase the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the plan by 649,000 shares, among other things. The Fifth A&R Program provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance stock units, and other stock-based compensation awards that are valued based upon the grant date fair value of the awards. These awards may be granted to directors, selected employees and independent contractors.

As of September 30, 2024, 4,804,464 awards have been issued under the Fifth A&R Program, including 883,558 forfeited awards, and 920,911 shares remain available for future awards assuming performance stock units vest at maximum levels. The Fifth A&R Program provides that no awards can be granted after the first annual meeting of the Company's stockholders to occur on or after May 23, 2034.

The Company measures its stock-based compensation costs based on the grant date fair value of the awards and recognizes these costs over the requisite service period.     

A summary of information with respect to stock-based compensation is as follows:
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2024202320242023
Salaries and benefits (1)$5,262 $2,934 $11,132 $6,337 
General and administrative expenses202 203 1,252 1,013 
Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation included in net income1,506 864 3,413 2,024 

(1) Includes $1.7 million and less than $0.1 million of expense related to cash-settled restricted stock units for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively, and $2.5 million and $0.1 million of expense related to cash-settled restricted stock units for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units granted to employees are subject to ratable vesting over a three-year or four-year period dependent upon the terms of the individual grant. Compensation expense related to service-based restricted stock units is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

Non-employee members of the Board of Directors may elect to receive restricted stock units or shares of common stock annually pursuant to the Fifth A&R Program as part of their annual compensation. Based on their respective elections, the Company issued 22,126 and 23,620 restricted stock units for services provided by the non-employee directors during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Restricted stock units issued to non-employee directors remain unvested until the respective non-employee directors retire from the Board of Directors.

Restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, is as follows:
Number of
Restricted
Stock Units
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2023
686,741 $30.33 
Granted352,251 33.86 
Vested and converted to common stock(286,371)30.76 
Forfeited(43,302)31.63 
Outstanding on September 30, 2024
709,319 $31.83 

As of September 30, 2024, there was $9.9 million of pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 2.3 years.

Performance Stock Units

The Company grants performance stock units to certain of its senior executives. The majority of performance stock units are subject to cliff vesting at the end of a three-year period. The vesting will vary between 0% and 200% based on the attainment of certain performance and market conditions over the three-year vesting period. Half of the award is based on the achievement of adjusted operating margin or Adjusted EBITDA margin thresholds and half of the award is based on the Company's total shareholder return, relative to a peer group. The fair value of the awards subject to total shareholder return metrics is determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model. A Monte Carlo simulation model uses stock price volatility and other variables to estimate the probability of satisfying the performance conditions and the resulting fair value of the award. The performance stock units are expensed on a straight-line basis over the three-year vesting period.

Certain of the Company's senior executives are granted performance stock units that are subject to ratable vesting over a four-year period. The vesting will vary between 0% and 100% of the shares subject to the performance stock units based on the attainment of specified stock price hurdles over the vesting period. The fair value of the awards subject to such stock price hurdles is determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model. The performance stock units are expensed on a straight-line basis over the derived service period, which ranges from one to four-years.

Performance stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, is as follows:
Number of
Performance
Stock Units
Weighted-
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Outstanding on December 31, 2023
239,625 $41.91 
Granted273,536 32.64 
Vested and converted to common stock(104,154)44.18 
Forfeited(55,931)41.17 
Outstanding on September 30, 2024
353,076 $34.17 

As of September 30, 2024, there was $7.4 million of pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested performance stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 2.4 years.

Phantom Stock Units

Phantom stock units are grants of phantom stock with respect to shares of the Company's common stock that are settled in cash and are subject to various restrictions, including restrictions on transferability, vesting and forfeiture provisions. Shares of phantom stock that do not vest for any reason will be forfeited by the recipient and will revert to the Company.

Phantom stock units are subject to vesting over a three-year or four-year period, and such vesting is subject to certain other conditions, including continued service to the Company. As a result of the cash-settlement feature of the awards, the Company classifies the awards as liability awards, which are measured at fair value at each reporting date and the vested portion of the award is recognized as a liability to the extent that the service condition is deemed probable. The fair value of the phantom stock awards on the balance sheet date is determined using the closing share price of the Company's common stock on that date.

The Company recorded phantom stock-based compensation expense of $1.7 million and less than $0.1 million related to cash-settled restricted stock units for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively, and $2.5 million and $0.1 million of expense related to cash-settled restricted stock units for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

Phantom stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, is as follows:
Number of
Phantom
Stock Units
Outstanding on December 31, 2023
187,301 
Granted33,247 
Vested(87,538)
Forfeited(1,833)
Outstanding on September 30, 2024
131,177 

As of September 30, 2024, there was $1.5 million of pre-tax unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested phantom stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 2.3 years.

Common Stock

Non-employee members of the Board of Directors may elect to receive restricted stock units or shares of common stock annually pursuant to the Fifth A&R Program as part of their annual compensation, which is typically issued in the second quarter each year. The Company issued 12,564 and 16,134 shares of common stock for services provided by the non-employee directors during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

On February 11, 2008, the Company's Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase shares of the Company's common stock with an aggregate purchase price of up to $50.0 million (the "Repurchase Authorization"). From time to time and as business conditions warrant, the Company may purchase shares of its common stock on the open market or in negotiated or block trades. No time limit has been set for completion of this program. There were no repurchases of common stock during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2024. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company purchased 36,000 shares of common stock for $0.9 million. Prior to 2023, the most recent purchase of the Company's shares of common stock occurred during the year ended December 31, 2012. As of September 30, 2024, the Company has purchased 1,074,670 shares of its common stock pursuant to the Repurchase Authorization for a total of $29.2 million and $20.8 million remains available for future purchases under the Repurchase Authorization.
 
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13. Restructuring

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company implemented a restructuring plan (the "2024 Plan") to optimize future growth and profitability through a workforce reduction. The Company did not incur any such charges related to the implementation of the 2024 Plan during the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, by type of charge and reportable segment are as follows:

Executive Search
AmericasEuropeAsia PacificOn-Demand TalentHeidrick ConsultingGlobal Operations SupportTotal
Employee related$1,277 $876 $157 $286 $3,367 $976 $6,939 


Changes in the restructuring accrual for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were as follows:
Accrual balance at December 31, 2023$ 
Restructuring charges6,939 
Cash payments(3,960)
Non-cash write-offs46 
Exchange rate fluctuations(33)
Accrual balance at September 30, 2024$2,992 
Restructuring accruals are recorded within current Accrued salaries and benefits in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2024.

14.    Income Taxes

The Company reported income before taxes of $21.1 million and an income tax provision of $6.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The Company reported income before taxes of $24.0 million and an income tax provision of $9.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, were 29.7% and 37.5%, respectively. The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, were impacted by the mix of income and the tax effect on discrete items.

The Company reported income before taxes of $43.5 million and an income tax provision of $19.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company reported income before taxes of $63.7 million and an income tax provision of $24.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, were 45.5% and 37.9%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was impacted by the tax effect on goodwill impairment, the mix of income and the tax effect on discrete items. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was impacted by the mix of income and the tax effect on discrete items.

15.    Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, are as follows:
Available-
for-
Sale
Securities
Foreign
Currency
Translation
PensionAOCI
Balance at December 31, 2023
$42 $647 $(560)$129 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification, net of tax(5)816  811 
Balance at September 30, 2024
$37 $1,463 $(560)$940 

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16.    Segment Information

The Company has five operating segments. The Executive Search business operates in the Americas, Europe (which includes Africa) and Asia Pacific (which includes the Middle East), and the Heidrick Consulting and On-Demand Talent businesses operate globally.

In 2023, the Company changed its measure of segment profitability from operating income to Adjusted EBITDA. The following tables include Adjusted EBITDA, which is the measure of segment profitability reported to the chief operating decision maker for purposes of allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. For segment purposes, reimbursements of out-of-pocket expenses classified as revenue and other operating income are reported separately and, therefore, are not included in the results of each segment. The Company believes that analyzing trends in revenue before reimbursements (net revenue), analyzing operating expenses as a percentage of net revenue, and analyzing Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin more appropriately reflect its core operations.

The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the chief operating decision maker’s review of (1) net revenue and (2) Adjusted EBITDA, which is defined as net income before interest, other income or expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted, to the extent they occur, for earnout accretion, earnout fair value adjustments, contingent compensation, deferred compensation plan income or expense, certain reorganization costs, impairment charges and restructuring charges. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue in the same period.

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2024202320242023
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$278,559 $263,160 $822,382 $773,702 
Net income14,829 14,987 23,704 39,555 
Interest, net(2,570)(2,505)(9,268)(7,667)
Other, net555 649 (3,013)(2,537)
Provision for income taxes6,268 9,006 19,750 24,142 
Operating income19,082 22,137 31,173 53,493 
Adjustments
Depreciation2,997 2,387 7,480 6,563 
Intangible amortization1,953 2,353 6,170 6,869 
Earnout accretion478 455 1,413 1,097 
Earnout fair value adjustments  1,211  
Acquisition contingent consideration2,947 3,268 8,220 8,711 
Deferred compensation plan2,958 (1,427)6,264 2,309 
Reorganization costs 176  3,572 
Impairment charges  16,224 7,246 
Restructuring charges  6,939  
Total adjustments11,333 7,212 53,921 36,367 
Adjusted EBITDA$30,415 $29,349 $85,094 $89,860 
Adjusted EBITDA margin10.9 %11.2 %10.3 %11.6 %

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Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA by segment are as follows:
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2024202320242023
Revenue
Executive Search
Americas$134,545 $132,320 $418,302 $398,210 
Europe 43,143 44,606 124,706 129,104 
Asia Pacific26,701 21,888 72,829 68,766 
Total Executive Search204,389 198,814 615,837 596,080 
On-Demand Talent46,231 41,053 125,983 111,410 
Heidrick Consulting27,939 23,293 80,562 66,212 
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)278,559 263,160 822,382 773,702 
Reimbursements4,256 4,736 12,408 10,090 
Total revenue$282,815 $267,896 $834,790 $783,792 

 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2024202320242023
Adjusted EBITDA
Executive Search
Americas$40,465 $39,354 $130,448 $127,557 
Europe5,022 8,950 11,215 16,487 
Asia Pacific5,247 2,704 10,182 7,901 
Total Executive Search50,734 51,008 151,845 151,945 
On-Demand Talent1,763 (580)(787)660 
Heidrick Consulting(1,025)(2,391)(4,447)(6,848)
Total segment Adjusted EBITDA51,472 48,037 146,611 145,757 
Research and Development(4,606)(4,927)(14,312)(15,396)
Global Operations Support(16,451)(13,761)(47,205)(40,501)
Total Adjusted EBITDA$30,415 $29,349 $85,094 $89,860 

17.    Guarantees

The Company has utilized letters of credit to support certain obligations, primarily for its office lease agreements. The letters of credit were made to secure the respective agreements and are for the terms of the agreements, which extend through 2033. For each letter of credit issued, the Company would have to use cash to fulfill the obligation if there is a default on a payment. The maximum amount of undiscounted payments the Company would be required to make in the event of default on all outstanding letters of credit is approximately $4.9 million as of September 30, 2024. The Company has not accrued for these arrangements as no event of default exists or is expected to exist.
 
18.    Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

The Company has contingent liabilities from various pending claims and litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of the Company’s business, some of which involve claims for damages that are substantial in amount. Some of these matters are covered in part by insurance. Based upon information currently available, the Company believes the ultimate resolution of such claims and litigation will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as well as other sections of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including expectations regarding the Company's One Heidrick strategy and associated investment initiatives. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts or guarantees of future performance, but instead represent only our beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside our control. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “outlook,” “projects,” “forecasts,” "aim," and similar expressions. These statements include statements other than historical information or statements of current condition and may relate to our future plans and objectives and results. By identifying these statements for you in this manner, we are alerting you to the possibility that our actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in these forward-looking statements.

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, retain and motivate 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 fact that increased cybersecurity requirements, vulnerabilities, threats and more sophisticated and targeted cyber-related attacks could pose a risk to our systems, networks, solutions, services and data; the fact that our net revenue may be affected by adverse macroeconomic or labor market conditions, including impacts of inflation and effects of geopolitical instability; the aggressive competition we face; 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, the conflict in Israel and Hamas, the regional conflict in the Middles East, the risks of an expansion or escalation of those conflicts and our ability to quickly and completely recover from any disruption to our business; unfavorable tax law changes and tax authority rulings; our ability to realize the benefit of our net 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 maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over our financial reporting and produce accurate and timely financial statements; our ability to execute and integrate future acquisitions; and the fact that we have anti-takeover provisions that 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 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, 2023, under the heading "Risk Factors" in Item 1A, and any subsequent Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). We caution the reader that the list of factors may not be exhaustive. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Executive Overview

Our Business. Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") is a human capital leadership advisory firm providing executive search, consulting and on-demand talent services to businesses and business leaders worldwide to help them to improve the effectiveness of their leadership teams. We provide our services to a broad range of clients through the expertise of approximately 500 consultants located in major cities around the world. The Company and its predecessors have been leadership advisors for more than 70 years.

Our service offerings include the following:

Executive Search. We partner with our clients, respected organizations across the globe, to help them build and sustain the best leadership teams in the world, with a specialized focus on the placement of top-level senior executives. Through our unique relationship-based, data-driven approach, we help our clients find the right leaders, set them up for success, and accelerate their and their team’s performance.

We believe focusing on top-level senior executives provides the opportunity for several competitive advantages including access to and influence with key decision makers, increased potential for recurring search and consulting engagements, higher
23



fees per search engagement, enhanced brand visibility, and a leveraged global footprint. Working at the top of client organizations also facilitates the attraction and retention of high-caliber consultants who desire to serve top industry executives and their leadership needs. Our executive search services derive revenue through the fees generated for each search engagement, which generally are based on the annual compensation for the placed executive. We provide our executive search services primarily on a retained basis.

We employ a global approach to executive search built on better insights, more data and faster decision making facilitated by the use of our Heidrick Leadership Framework and Heidrick Connect. Our Heidrick Leadership Framework allows clients to holistically evaluate a candidate's pivotal experience and expertise, leadership capabilities, agility and potential, and culture fit and impact, thereby allowing our clients to find the right person for the role. We supplement our Heidrick Leadership Framework through a series of additional online tools including our Leadership Accelerator, Leadership Signature and Culture Signature assessments. Heidrick Connect, a completely digital, always available client experience portal, allows our clients to access talent insights for each engagement, including the Heidrick Leadership Framework and other internally developed assessment tools. In response to working remotely, our Executive Search teams employed Heidrick Connect to operate effectively and efficiently while engaging virtually with our clients. Additionally, we have introduced upgrades to Heidrick Connect, resulting in greater flexibility, increased productivity and the ability to deliver more insights to our clients.

The executive search industry consists of several thousand executive search firms worldwide. Executive search firms are generally separated into two broad categories: retained search and contingency search. Retained executive search firms fulfill their clients’ senior leadership needs by identifying potentially qualified candidates and assisting clients in evaluating and assessing these candidates. Retained executive search firms generally are compensated for their services regardless of whether the client employs a candidate identified by the search firm and are generally retained on an exclusive basis. Typically, retained executive search firms are paid a retainer for their services equal to approximately one-third of the estimated first year compensation for the position to be filled. In addition, if the actual compensation of a placed candidate exceeds the estimated compensation, executive search firms often are authorized to bill the client for one-third of the excess. In contrast, contingency search firms are compensated only upon successfully placing a recommended candidate.

We are a retained executive search firm. Our search process typically consists of the following steps:

Analyzing the client’s business needs in order to understand its organizational structure, relationships and culture, advising the client as to the required set of skills and experiences for the position, and identifying with the client the other characteristics desired of the successful candidate;

Selecting, contacting, interviewing and evaluating candidates on the basis of experience and potential cultural fit with the client organization;

Presenting confidential written reports on the candidates who potentially fit the position specification;

Scheduling a mutually convenient meeting between the client and each candidate;

Completing reference checks on the final candidate selected by the client; and

Assisting the client in structuring compensation packages and supporting the successful candidate’s integration into the client team.

On-Demand Talent. Our on-demand talent services provide clients seamless on-demand access to top independent talent, including professionals with deep industry and functional expertise for interim leadership roles and critical, project-based initiatives. Our unique model delivers the right independent talent on demand by blending proprietary data and technology with a dedicated Talent Solutions team.

Heidrick Consulting. We partner with organizations through Heidrick Consulting to unlock the power of their people. Our tools and experts use data and technology designed to bring science to the art of human capital development and organizational design. Our services allow our clients to accelerate their strategies and the effectiveness of individual leaders, teams and organizations as a whole.

Heidrick Consulting offers our clients impactful approaches to human capital development through a myriad of solutions, ranging from leadership assessment and development, team and organization acceleration, digital acceleration and innovation, diversity and inclusion advisory services, and culture shaping. Applying our deep understanding of the behaviors and attributes of leaders across many of the world’s premier companies, we guide our clients as they build a thriving culture of future-ready
24



leadership. These premium services and offerings, which complement our Executive Search expertise, significantly contribute to our ability to deliver a full-service human capital consulting solution to our clients.

Our consulting services generate revenue primarily through the professional fees generated for each engagement which are generally based on the size of the project and scope of services. Our Heidrick Consulting teams have pivoted to create new digital solutions for Leadership Assessments, Team Acceleration, and Organization and Culture Acceleration that can be delivered virtually.

We also remain focused on expanding our revenue streams beyond our executive search business through the investment in the diversification of our product offerings, namely our One Heidrick strategy, and soon to include Heidrick Digital. Through these diversified solutions, we intend to meet our clients' growing talent and human capital needs by providing a more comprehensive suite of offerings.

Key Performance Indicators

We manage and assess our performance through various means, with primary financial and operational measures including net revenue, Adjusted EBITDA (defined below; non-GAAP) and Adjusted EBITDA margin (defined below; non-GAAP). These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, any measure of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP (defined below). Executive Search and Heidrick Consulting performance is also measured using consultant headcount. Specific to Executive Search, confirmed search (confirmation) trends, consultant productivity and average revenue per search are used to measure performance. Productivity is as measured by annualized Executive Search net revenue per consultant.

Revenue is driven by market conditions and a combination of the number of executive search engagements, consulting projects, on-demand projects and the average revenue per search or project. With the exception of compensation expense and cost of sales, incremental increases in revenue do not necessarily result in proportionate increases in costs, particularly operating and administrative expenses, thus creating the potential to improve Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin.

The number of consultants, confirmation trends, number of searches or projects completed, productivity levels and the average revenue per search or project will vary from quarter to quarter, affecting net revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin.

The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the chief operating decision maker’s review of (1) net revenue and (2) Adjusted EBITDA, which is defined as net income before interest, other income or expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted, to the extent they occur, for earnout accretion, earnout fair value adjustments, contingent compensation, deferred compensation plan income or expense, certain reorganization costs, impairment charges and restructuring charges. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue in the same period.

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin and total Executive Search Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP financial measures and have limitations as analytical tools. They should not be viewed as a substitute for financial information determined in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP. In addition, they may not necessarily be comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.

We believe the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provides meaningful supplemental information and, when presented together with financial measures that have been determined in accordance with GAAP, a more complete understanding of our ongoing operating results, including underlying trends. These non-GAAP financial measures are used by management in their financial and operating decision making because management believes they reflect our ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparison and evaluation. We also believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with our GAAP financial measures, provide management and investors with additional information for comparison of our operating results with the operating results of other companies.

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Our Compensation Model

At the consultant level, there are fixed and variable components of compensation. Individuals are rewarded for their performance based on a system that directly ties a portion of their compensation to the amount of net revenue for which they are responsible. A portion of the reward may be based upon individual performance against a series of non-financial measures. Credit towards the variable portion of a consultant’s compensation is earned by generating net revenue for winning and executing work. Each quarter, we review and update the expected annual performance of all consultants and accrue variable compensation accordingly. The amount of variable compensation that is accrued for each consultant is based on a tiered payout model. Overall, Company performance determines the amount available for total variable compensation. The more net revenue that is generated by the consultant, the higher the percentage credited towards the consultant’s variable compensation and thus accrued by our Company as expense.

The mix of individual consultants who generate revenue can significantly affect the total amount of compensation expense recorded, which directly impacts operating margin. As a result, the variable portion of the compensation expense may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter. The total variable compensation is discretionary and is based on Company-wide financial targets approved by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. We pay annual bonuses in the first half of the year following the year in which they are earned.

Results of Operations

(In the following tables, totals and sub-totals may not equal the sum of individual line items due to rounding. All tables are in thousands, except percentages.)

The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, our results of operations as a percentage of revenue before reimbursements (net revenue): 
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2024202320242023
Revenue
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %100.0 %
Reimbursements1.5 1.8 1.5 1.3 
Total revenue101.5 101.8 101.5 101.3 
Operating expenses
Salaries and benefits65.7 63.5 65.1 65.3 
General and administrative expenses14.3 14.3 15.5 14.5 
Cost of services11.1 11.7 10.7 10.2 
Research and development2.0 2.1 2.1 2.2 
Impairment charges— — 2.0 0.9 
Restructuring charges— — 0.8 — 
Reimbursed expenses1.5 1.8 1.5 1.3 
Total operating expenses94.7 93.4 97.7 94.4 
Operating income6.9 8.4 3.8 6.9 
Non-operating income (loss)
Interest, net0.9 1.0 1.1 1.0 
Other, net(0.2)(0.2)0.4 0.3 
Net non-operating income 0.7 0.7 1.5 1.3 
Income before income taxes7.6 9.1 5.3 8.2 
Provision for income taxes2.3 3.4 2.4 3.1 
Net income5.3 %5.7 %2.9 %5.1 %


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The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income:

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2024202320242023
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)$278,559 $263,160 $822,382 $773,702 
Net income14,829 14,987 23,704 39,555 
Interest, net(2,570)(2,505)(9,268)(7,667)
Other, net555 649 (3,013)(2,537)
Provision for income taxes6,268 9,006 19,750 24,142 
Operating income19,082 22,137 31,173 53,493 
Adjustments
Depreciation2,997 2,387 7,480 6,563 
Intangible amortization1,953 2,353 6,170 6,869 
Earnout accretion478 455 1,413 1,097 
Earnout fair value adjustments— — 1,211 — 
Acquisition contingent consideration2,947 3,268 8,220 8,711 
Deferred compensation plan2,958 (1,427)6,264 2,309 
Reorganization costs— 176 — 3,572 
Impairment charges— — 16,224 7,246 
Restructuring charges— — 6,939 — 
Total adjustments11,333 7,212 53,921 36,367 
Adjusted EBITDA$30,415 $29,349 $85,094 $89,860 
Adjusted EBITDA margin10.9 %11.2 %10.3 %11.6 %

Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA by segment are as follows:
 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2024202320242023
Revenue
Executive Search
Americas$134,545 $132,320 $418,302 $398,210 
Europe 43,143 44,606 124,706 129,104 
Asia Pacific26,701 21,888 72,829 68,766 
Total Executive Search204,389 198,814 615,837 596,080 
On-Demand Talent46,231 41,053 125,983 111,410 
Heidrick Consulting27,939 23,293 80,562 66,212 
Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)278,559 263,160 822,382 773,702 
Reimbursements4,256 4,736 12,408 10,090 
Total revenue$282,815 $267,896 $834,790 $783,792 
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 Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2024202320242023
Adjusted EBITDA
Executive Search
Americas$40,465 $39,354 $130,448 $127,557 
Europe5,022 8,950 11,215 16,487 
Asia Pacific5,247 2,704 10,182 7,901 
Total Executive Search50,734 51,008 151,845 151,945 
On-Demand Talent1,763 (580)(787)660 
Heidrick Consulting(1,025)(2,391)(4,447)(6,848)
Total segment Adjusted EBITDA51,472 48,037 146,611 145,757 
Research and Development(4,606)(4,927)(14,312)(15,396)
Global Operations Support(16,451)(13,761)(47,205)(40,501)
Total Adjusted EBITDA$30,415 $29,349 $85,094 $89,860 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2024, Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023

Total revenue. Consolidated total revenue increased $14.9 million, or 5.6%, to $282.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, from $267.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in total revenue was primarily due to the increase in revenue before reimbursements (net revenue) described below.

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue). Consolidated net revenue increased $15.4 million, or 5.9%, to $278.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $263.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations positively impacted results by $0.8 million, or 0.3%. Executive Search net revenue was $204.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $5.6 million, or 2.8%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in Executive Search net revenue was primarily due to a 5.4% increase in the number of engagement confirmations compared to the prior year period. On-Demand Talent net revenue was $46.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $5.2 million, or 12.6%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in On-Demand Talent revenue was primarily due to an increase in the volume of On-Demand projects. Heidrick Consulting net revenue was $27.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $4.6 million, or 19.9%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in Heidrick Consulting revenue was primarily due to an increase in leadership assessment and development consulting engagements compared to the prior year period.

The number of Executive Search and Heidrick Consulting consultants was 414 and 84, respectively, as of September 30, 2024, compared to 417 and 90, respectively, as of September 30, 2023. Executive Search productivity, as measured by annualized net Executive Search revenue per consultant, was $2.0 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The average revenue per executive search was $149,000 and $153,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

Salaries and benefits. Consolidated salaries and benefits expense increased $15.8 million, or 9.5%, to $183.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $167.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Fixed compensation increased $9.9 million due to increases in expenses related to the deferred compensation plan, stock compensation, talent acquisition and retention costs, and base salaries and payroll taxes, partially offset by a decrease in separation costs. Variable compensation increased $5.9 million due to higher bonus accruals related to increased consultant productivity. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations negatively impacted results by $0.5 million, or 0.3%.

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, we had an average of 2,170 employees compared to an average of 2,232 employees for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

As a percentage of net revenue, salaries and benefits expense was 65.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 63.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

General and administrative expenses. Consolidated general and administrative expenses increased $2.2 million, or 5.8%, to $39.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $37.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in general and administrative expenses was due to bad debt, office occupancy costs, expenses related to
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information technology, and internal business development travel, partially offset by decreases in professional fees, and accretion. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations negatively impacted results by $0.2 million, or 0.5%.

As a percentage of net revenue, general and administrative expenses were 14.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 14.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Cost of services. Consolidated cost of services increased $0.4 million, or 1.1%, to $31.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $30.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in cost of services was primarily due to an increase in the volume of On-Demand Talent and consulting projects. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations negatively impacted results by $0.2 million, or 0.7%.

As a percentage of net revenue, cost of services was 11.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 11.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Research and development. Due to the rapid pace of technological advances and digital disruption many of our clients are experiencing, we believe 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 research and development (“R&D”), licensing of intellectual property and acquisition of third-party businesses and technology. We plan to utilize the results of our R&D efforts to develop and enhance new and existing services and products across our current offerings in Executive Search, Heidrick Consulting and On-Demand Talent, and for products and services in new segments that we may embark upon in the future from time to time, such as our new digital product Heidrick Navigator. Consolidated R&D expense increased $0.1 million, or 2.2%, to $5.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $5.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. R&D expenses consist of expenses related to payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation, other employee expenses and third-party professional fees associated with new product development.

Adjusted EBITDA. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $30.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $1.1 million, or 3.6%, compared to $29.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 10.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 11.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Net non-operating income. Net non-operating income was $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $1.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Interest, net, was $2.6 million of income for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2.5 million of income for the three months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to higher interest rates on a higher volume of short-term investments.

Other, net, was $0.6 million of expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023. The expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024, is primarily due to foreign exchange losses, partially offset by unrealized gains on the deferred compensation plan. The expense for the three months ended September 30, 2023, is primarily due to unrealized losses on the deferred compensation plan, partially offset by foreign exchange gains. The majority of the Company's investments, including those held in the Company’s deferred compensation plan, are recorded at fair value.

Income taxes. See Note 14, Income Taxes.

Executive Search

Americas

The Americas segment reported net revenue of $134.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 1.7% compared to $132.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in net revenue was primarily due to a 10.9% increase in the number of executive search engagements. The Social Impact, Life Sciences, and Industrial practice groups within the segment exhibited growth over the prior period. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations negatively impacted results by $0.6 million, or 0.5%. There were 215 Executive Search consultants in the Americas segment at September 30, 2024, compared to 215 at September 30, 2023.

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Salaries and benefits expense increased $4.3 million, or 5.2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Fixed compensation increased $5.4 million due to increases in expenses related to the deferred compensation plan, talent acquisition and retention costs, and stock compensation, partially offset by decreases in base salaries and payroll taxes, and retirement and benefits costs. Variable compensation decreased $1.1 million due to lower bonus accruals related to decreased consultant productivity.

General and administrative expenses increased $0.5 million, or 5.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, due to increases in bad debt, expenses related to information technology, office occupancy costs, and professional fees, partially offset by a decrease in marketing expenses.

The Americas segment reported Adjusted EBITDA of $40.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $1.1 million, or 2.8%, compared to $39.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 30.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 29.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Europe

The Europe segment reported net revenue of $43.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of 3.3% compared to $44.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in net revenue was primarily due to a 6.7% decrease in the number of executive search engagements. All practice groups within the segment, with the exception of Consumer and Industrial, exhibited growth over the prior year period. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations positively impacted results by $0.8 million, or 1.8%. There were 121 Executive Search consultants in the Europe segment at September 30, 2024, compared to 127 at September 30, 2023.

Salaries and benefits expense increased $2.6 million, or 9.2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Fixed compensation increased $2.0 million due to increases in base salaries and payroll taxes, stock compensation, and retirement and benefits costs. Variable compensation increased $0.6 million due to higher bonus accruals related to increased consultant productivity.

General and administrative expense decreased $0.2 million, or 2.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, due to bad debt, professional fees, and business development travel, partially offset by increases in office occupancy costs, hiring fees, and expenses related to information technology.

The Europe segment reported Adjusted EBITDA of $5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of $3.9 million, or 43.9%, compared to $9.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 11.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 20.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific segment reported net revenue of $26.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 22.0% compared to $21.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in net revenue was primarily due to a 12.2% increase in the number of executive search confirmations. All practice groups within the segment, with the exception of Industrial, exhibited growth over the prior period. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations had an immaterial impact on net revenue. There were 78 Executive Search consultants in the Asia Pacific segment at September 30, 2024, compared to 75 at September 30, 2023.

Salaries and benefits expense increased $2.5 million, or 16.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Fixed compensation increased $0.9 million due to increases in base salaries and payroll taxes, stock compensation, and retirement and benefits costs, partially offset by a decrease in separation costs. Variable compensation increased $1.6 million due to higher bonus accruals related to increased consultant productivity.

General and administrative expenses decreased $0.2 million, or 4.6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, due to decreases in bad debt, business development travel, and professional fees, partially offset by increases in office occupancy costs, and costs related to taxes and licenses.

The Asia Pacific segment reported Adjusted EBITDA of $5.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $2.5 million, or 94.0%, compared to $2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted
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EBITDA margin was 19.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 12.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

On-Demand Talent

The On-Demand Talent segment reported net revenue of $46.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 12.6% compared to $41.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in On-Demand Talent revenue was primarily due to an increase in the volume of On-Demand projects. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations positively impacted results by $0.4 million, or 0.9%.

Salaries and benefits expense increased $1.9 million, or 16.5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Fixed compensation increased $1.0 million due to increases in base salaries and payroll taxes, retirement and benefits costs, and talent acquisition and retention costs, partially offset by a decrease in separation costs. Variable compensation increased $0.9 million due to higher bonus accruals related to increased productivity.

General and administrative expense increased $0.4 million, or 8.2%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, due to increases business development travel, bad debt, hiring fees, expenses related to information technology, and office occupancy costs, partially offset by decreases in professional fees, intangible amortization, and marketing expenses.

Cost of services increased $0.3 million, or 1.0%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to an increase in the volume of On-Demand Talent projects.

The On-Demand Talent segment reported Adjusted EBITDA of $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $2.3 million compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 3.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to (1.4)% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Heidrick Consulting

The Heidrick Consulting segment reported net revenue of $27.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 19.9% compared to $23.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in net revenue was primarily due to increases in leadership assessment and development consulting engagements compared to the prior year period. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations positively impacted results by $0.3 million, or 1.1%. There were 84 Heidrick Consulting consultants at September 30, 2024 compared to 90 at September 30, 2023.

Salaries and benefits expense increased $2.4 million, or 11.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. Fixed compensation decreased $0.3 million due to decreases in separation costs, talent acquisition and retention costs, stock compensation, and retirement and benefits costs, partially offset by increases in base salaries and payroll taxes, and expenses related to the deferred compensation plan. Variable compensation increased $2.6 million due to higher bonus accruals related to increased productivity.

General and administrative expenses increased $0.9 million, or 17.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, due to increases in bad debt, resource library, office occupancy costs, and expenses related to information technology, partially offset by decreases in business development travel, and intangible amortization.

Cost of services increased $0.1 million, or 3.5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, due to an increase in the volume of consulting projects.

The Heidrick Consulting segment reported an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an improvement of $1.4 million, or 57.1%, compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was (3.7)% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to (10.3)% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Global Operations Support

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Salaries and benefits expense increased $2.1 million, or 23.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, due to increases in variable compensation, base salaries and payroll taxes, and stock compensation, partially offset by decreases in separation costs, and talent acquisition and retention costs.

General and administrative expenses increased $0.6 million, or 13.0%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, due to increases in business development travel, expenses related to information technology, marketing expenses, and office occupancy costs, partially offset by decreases in professional fees, hiring fees, and insurance and bank fees.

Global Operations Support reported an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $16.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of $2.7 million, or 19.5%, compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $13.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was (5.8)% three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to (5.1)% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024, Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023

Total revenue. Consolidated total revenue increased $51.0 million, or 6.5%, to $834.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $783.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in total revenue was primarily due to the increase in revenue before reimbursements (net revenue) described below.

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue). Consolidated net revenue increased $48.7 million, or 6.3%, to $822.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $773.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations positively impacted results by $0.8 million, or 0.1%. Executive Search net revenue was $615.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $19.8 million, or 3.3%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in Executive Search net revenue was primarily due to a 4.5% increase in the number of executive search engagements. On-Demand Talent net revenue was $126.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $14.6 million, or 13.1%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in On-Demand Talent revenue was primarily due to an increase in the volume and size of On-Demand projects and the timing of the Atreus acquisition in February 2023. Heidrick Consulting net revenue was $80.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $14.4 million, or 21.7%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in Heidrick Consulting revenue was primarily due an increase in leadership assessment and development consulting engagements compared to the prior year period and the timing of the businessfourzero acquisition in April 2023.

The number of Executive Search and Heidrick Consulting consultants was 414 and 84, respectively, as of September 30, 2024, compared to 417 and 90, respectively, as of September 30, 2023. Executive Search productivity, as measured by annualized net Executive Search revenue per consultant, was $2.0 million and $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The average revenue per executive search was $145,000 and $147,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

Salaries and benefits. Consolidated salaries and benefits expense increased $30.3 million, or 6.0%, to $535.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $505.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Fixed compensation increased $12.3 million due to increases in base salaries and payroll taxes, stock compensation, expenses related to the deferred compensation plan, and talent acquisition and retention costs, partially offset by decreases in separation costs, and retirement and benefit costs. Variable compensation increased $18.0 million due to higher bonus accruals related to increased consultant productivity. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations negatively impacted results by $0.7 million, or 0.1%.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, we had an average of 2,196 employees compared to an average of 2,206 employees for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

As a percentage of net revenue, salaries and benefits expense was 65.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 65.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

General and administrative expenses. Consolidated general and administrative expenses increased $15.2 million, or 13.5%, to $127.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $112.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in general and administrative expenses was due to increases in office occupancy costs, costs associated with the 2024 Global Partner Conference, increases in earnout accruals for Atreus and businessfourzero, business development travel, expenses related to information technology, bad debt, hiring fees, professional fees, marketing expenses,
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and taxes and licenses costs, partially offset by decreases in insurance and bank fees, intangible amortization, and communication services costs. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations negatively impacted results by $0.3 million, or 0.3%.

As a percentage of net revenue, general and administrative expenses were 15.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 14.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Cost of services. Consolidated cost of services increased $9.3 million, or 11.9%, to $88.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $78.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in cost of services was primarily due to an increase in the volume of On-Demand Talent and consulting projects, and the timing of the Atreus acquisition in February 2023. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations negatively impacted results by $0.3 million, or 0.4%.

As a percentage of net revenue, cost of services was 10.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 10.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Research and development. Due to the rapid pace of technological advances and digital disruption many of our clients are experiencing, we believe 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 research and development (“R&D”), licensing of intellectual property and acquisition of third-party businesses and technology. We plan to utilize the results of our R&D efforts to develop and enhance new and existing services and products across our current offerings in Executive Search, Heidrick Consulting and On-Demand Talent, and for products and services in new segments that we may embark upon in the future from time to time, such as our new digital product Heidrick Navigator. Consolidated R&D expense increased $0.3 million, or 1.5%, to $17.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $16.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. R&D expenses consist of expenses related to payroll, employee benefits, stock-based compensation, other employee expenses and third-party professional fees associated with new product development.

Impairment charges. During the three months ended June 30, 2024, as a result of the Company's mid-year forecasting process, it was determined that a reduction in the On-Demand Talent reporting unit forecast was required. Due to the reduction in the forecasted results for the reporting unit, in addition to the 6% passing margin in the most recent impairment analysis conducted as of October 31, 2023, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying value. As a result, the Company identified a triggering event and performed an interim goodwill impairment evaluation during the three months ended June 30, 2024. Based on the results of the of the impairment evaluation of each of its reporting units, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $14.8 million in On-Demand Talent reporting unit, as well as an impairment charge of $1.5 million in the Europe reporting unit. During the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company acquired businessfourzero and recorded approximately $7.1 million of goodwill in the Heidrick Consulting reporting unit. Due to the inclusion of goodwill in a reporting unit with a pre-existing fair value shortfall, the Company evaluated the recent and anticipated future financial performance of the Heidrick Consulting reporting unit and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying value. As a result, the Company identified a triggering event and performed an interim goodwill impairment evaluation during the three months ended June 30, 2023. Based on the results of the of the impairment evaluation of each of its reporting units, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $7.2 million in Heidrick Consulting to write-off all of the goodwill associated with that reporting unit. The impairment charges are recorded within Impairment charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The impairment was non-cash in nature and did not affect our current liquidity, cash flows, borrowing capability or operations, nor did it impact the debt covenants under our credit agreement.

Restructuring charges. The Company incurred approximately $6.9 million in restructuring charges during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, related to a workforce reduction. The charges are recorded within Restructuring charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Adjusted EBITDA. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $85.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of $4.8 million, or 5.3%, compared to $89.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 10.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 11.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Net non-operating income. Net non-operating income was $12.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $10.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
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Interest, net, was $9.3 million of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $7.7 million of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to higher interest rates on a higher volume of short-term investments.

Other, net, was $3.0 million of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $2.5 million of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was primarily due to unrealized gains on the deferred compensation plan, partially offset by foreign exchange losses. The income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was primarily due to unrealized gains on the deferred compensation plan. The majority of the Company's investments, including those held in the Company’s deferred compensation plan, are recorded at fair value.

Income taxes. See Note 14, Income Taxes.

Executive Search

Americas

The Americas segment reported net revenue of $418.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 5.0% compared to $398.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in net revenue was primarily due to an increase in the average revenue per engagement and a 4.7% increase in the number of executive search engagements. All practice groups within the segment exhibited growth over the prior period. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations negatively impacted results by $0.5 million, or less than 0.1%. There were 215 Executive Search consultants in the Americas segment at September 30, 2024, compared to 215 at September 30, 2023.

Salaries and benefits expense increased $17.3 million, or 7.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Fixed compensation increased $4.8 million due to increases in talent acquisition and retention costs, expenses related to the deferred compensation plan, and stock compensation, partially offset by decreases in base salaries and payroll taxes, and retirement and benefits costs Variable compensation increased $12.5 million due to higher bonus accruals related to increased consultant productivity.

General and administrative expenses increased $1.6 million, or 4.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, due to increases associated with the 2024 Global Partner Conference, expenses related to information technology, professional fees, and office occupancy costs, partially offset by decreases in bad debt, and marketing expenses.

Restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $1.3 million related to a workforce reduction. The charges are recorded within Restructuring charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

The Americas segment reported Adjusted EBITDA of $130.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $2.9 million, or 2.3%, compared to $127.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 31.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 32.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Europe

The Europe segment reported net revenue of $124.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of 3.4% compared to $129.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in net revenue was primarily due to a decrease in the average revenue per engagement. The Social Impact, Life Sciences, and Global Technology & Services practice groups within the segment exhibited growth over the prior period. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations positively impacted results by $1.5 million, or 1.2%. There were 121 Executive Search consultants in the Europe segment at September 30, 2024, compared to 127 at September 30, 2023.

Salaries and benefits expense decreased $4.6 million, or 4.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Fixed compensation decreased $3.3 million due to decreases in separation costs, talent acquisition and retention costs, and retirement and benefit costs, partially offset by increases in stock compensation, and base salaries and payroll taxes. Variable compensation decreased $1.3 million due to lower bonus accruals related to decreased consultant productivity.
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General and administrative expense increased $2.4 million, or 11.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, due to increases in office occupancy costs, business development travel, bad debt, and hiring fees, partially offset by decreases in professional fees.

Impairment charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $1.5 million as a result of an interim goodwill impairment evaluation. The impairment charge is recorded within Impairment charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $0.9 million related to a workforce reduction. The charges are recorded within Restructuring charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

The Europe segment reported Adjusted EBITDA of $11.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of $5.3 million, or 32.0%, compared to $16.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 9.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 12.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific segment reported net revenue of $72.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 5.9% compared to $68.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in net revenue was primarily due to a 8.3% increase in the number of executive search confirmations. The Global Technology & Services, Life Sciences, and Financial Services practice groups within the segment exhibited growth over the prior year. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations negatively impacted results by $1.3 million, or 1.9%. There were 78 Executive Search consultants in the Asia Pacific segment at September 30, 2024, compared to 75 at September 30, 2023.

Salaries and benefits expense increased $1.4 million, or 2.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Fixed compensation increased $1.1 million due to increases in talent acquisition and retention costs, base salaries and payroll taxes, stock compensation, and retirement and benefits costs, partially offset by a decrease in separation costs. Variable compensation increased $0.2 million due to higher bonus accruals related to increased consultant productivity.

General and administrative expenses increased $0.2 million, or 1.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, due to increases in taxes and licenses, business development travel, and bad debt, partially offset by decreases in professional fees, office occupancy costs, and hiring fees.

Restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were $0.2 million related to a workforce reduction. The charges are recorded within Restructuring charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

The Asia Pacific segment reported Adjusted EBITDA of $10.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $2.3 million, or 28.9%, compared to $7.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 14.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 11.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

On-Demand Talent

The On-Demand Talent segment reported net revenue of $126.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 13.1% compared to $111.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in On-Demand Talent revenue was primarily due to an increase in the volume and size of On-Demand projects and the timing of the Atreus acquisition in February 2023. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations positively impacted results by $0.4 million, or 0.4%.

Salaries and benefits expense increased $5.3 million, or 15.3%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Fixed compensation increased $2.0 million due to increases in base salaries and payroll taxes, talent acquisition and retention costs, and stock compensation, partially offset by decreases in separation costs,
35



and retirement and benefits costs. Variable compensation increased $3.3 million due to higher bonus accruals related to increased productivity.

General and administrative expense increased $4.0 million, or 26.5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, due to increases in hiring fees, an adjustment to increase the earnout accrual for Atreus, bad debt, office occupancy costs, business development travel, and expenses related to information technology, partially offset by decreases in intangible amortization and professional fees.

Cost of services increased $7.0 million, or 9.5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to an increase in the volume of On-Demand Talent projects.

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, as a result of the Company's mid-year forecasting process, it was determined that a reduction in the On-Demand Talent reporting unit forecast was required. Due to the reduction in the forecasted results for the reporting unit, in addition to the 6% passing margin in the most recent impairment analysis conducted as of October 31, 2023, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying value. As a result, the Company identified a triggering event and performed an interim goodwill impairment evaluation during the three months ended June 30, 2024. Based on the results of the impairment evaluation of each of its reporting units, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $14.8 million in On-Demand Talent reporting unit. The impairment charge is recorded within Impairment charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $0.3 million related to a workforce reduction. The charges are recorded within Restructuring charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

The On-Demand Talent segment reported an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $0.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of $1.4 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was (0.6)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 0.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Heidrick Consulting

The Heidrick Consulting segment reported net revenue of $80.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 21.7% compared to $66.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in net revenue was primarily due to increases in leadership assessment and development consulting engagements compared to the prior year period. Foreign exchange rate fluctuations positively impacted results by $0.6 million, or 0.9%. There were 84 Heidrick Consulting consultants at September 30, 2024, compared to 90 at September 30, 2023.

Salaries and benefits expense increased $6.8 million, or 12.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Fixed compensation increased $4.1 million due to increases in base salaries and payroll taxes, partially offset by decreases in stock compensation, separation costs, and talent acquisition and retention costs. Variable compensation increased $2.8 million due to higher bonus accruals related to increased consultant productivity, partially offset by a decrease in headcount as a result of the workforce reduction.

General and administrative expenses increased $4.4 million, or 30.2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, due to increases in office occupancy costs, business development travel, bad debt, intangible amortization, and expenses related to information technology, partially offset by a decrease in professional fees.

Cost of services increased $2.4 million, or 44.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, due to an increase in the volume of consulting projects requiring third-party consultants.

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During the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company acquired businessfourzero and recorded approximately $7.1 million of goodwill in the Heidrick Consulting reporting unit. Due to the inclusion of goodwill in a reporting unit with a pre-existing fair value shortfall, the Company evaluated the recent and anticipated future financial performance of the Heidrick Consulting reporting unit and determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its carrying value. As a result, the Company identified a triggering event and performed an interim goodwill impairment evaluation during the three months ended June 30, 2023. Based on the results of the of the impairment evaluation, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $7.2 million in Heidrick Consulting to write-off all of the goodwill associated with that reporting unit. The impairment charge is recorded within Impairment charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $3.4 million related to a workforce reduction. The charges are recorded within Restructuring charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

The Heidrick Consulting segment reported an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an improvement of $2.4 million, or 35.1%, compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $6.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was (5.5)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to (10.3)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Global Operations Support

Salaries and benefits expense increased $4.2 million, or 16.5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, due to increases in stock compensation, base salaries and payroll taxes, and variable compensation, partially offset by decreases in separation costs, and talent acquisition and retention costs.

General and administrative expenses increased $2.5 million, or 16.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023, due to increases in professional fees, expenses related to information technology, business development travel, marketing expenses, and office occupancy costs, partially offset by decreases in hiring fees, insurance and bank fees, and communication services costs.

Restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $1.0 million related to a workforce reduction. The charges are recorded within Restructuring charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Global Operations Support reported an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $47.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of $6.7 million, or 16.6%, compared to an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $40.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Adjusted EBITDA margin was (5.7)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to (5.2)% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General. We continually evaluate our liquidity requirements, capital needs and availability of capital resources based on our operating needs. We believe that our available cash balances, funds expected to be generated from operations and funds available under our committed revolving credit facility will be sufficient to finance our operations for at least the next 12 months and the foreseeable future, as well as to finance the cash payments associated with our cash dividends and stock repurchase program.

We pay annual bonuses in the first half of the year following the year in which they are earned. Employee bonuses are accrued throughout the year and are based on our performance and the performance of the individual employee.

Lines of credit. On February 24, 2023, the Company entered into the Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2018 (the “Credit Agreement” and, as amended by the First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 13, 2021, and the Second Amendment, the "Amended Credit Agreement") by and among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto. The Second Amendment changed the interest rate benchmark, from the London Interbank Offered Rate to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). At the Company's option, borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement will bear interest at one-, three- or six-month term SOFR, or an alternate base rate as set forth in the Amended Credit Agreement, in each case plus an applicable margin. Additionally,
37



the Amended Credit Agreement provides the Company with a committed unsecured revolving credit facility in an aggregate amount of $200 million, increased in the Second Amendment from $175 million as set forth in the original version of the Credit Agreement, which includes a sublimit of $25 million for letters of credit and a sublimit of $10 million for swingline loans, with a $75 million expansion feature. The Amended Credit Agreement matures on July 13, 2026.

Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, permitted acquisitions, restricted payments and for other general corporate purposes of the Company and its subsidiaries. The obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries.

As of September 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding borrowings. As of such dates, the Company was in compliance with the financial and other covenants under the Amended Credit Agreement and no event of default existed.

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at September 30, 2024, December 31, 2023, and September 30, 2023, were $409.4 million, $478.2 million and $334.0 million, respectively. The $409.4 million of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at September 30, 2024, includes $183.9 million held by our foreign subsidiaries. A portion of the $183.9 million is considered permanently reinvested in these foreign subsidiaries. If these funds were required to satisfy obligations in the U.S., the repatriation of these funds could cause us to incur additional U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes.

Cash flows used in operating activities. Cash used in operating activities was $39.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily reflecting an increase in accounts receivable of $51.7 million and a decrease in accrued expenses of $41.4 million, partially offset by net income net of non-cash charges of $60.8 million. The decrease in accrued expenses is primarily due to cash bonus payments related to 2023 of $289.8 million, partially offset by 2024 bonus accruals.

Cash used in operating activities was $180.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily reflecting a decrease in accrued expenses of $197.7 million and an increase in accounts receivable of $52.2 million, partially offset by net income net of non-cash charges of $66.3 million. The decrease in accrued expenses is primarily due to cash bonus payments related to 2022 and prior year cash bonus deferrals of $422.0 million, partially offset by 2023 bonus accruals.

Cash flows provided by investing activities. Cash provided by investing activities was $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, primarily due to proceeds from the sale of marketable securities and investments of $129.1 million, partially offset by purchases of marketable securities and investments of $115.6 million, and capital expenditures of $9.6 million.

Cash provided by investing activities was $166.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, due to proceeds from sales of marketable securities and investments of $289.7 million, partially offset by purchases of marketable securities and investments of $75.5 million, payments for the acquisitions of Atreus and businessfourzero of $38.0 million, and capital expenditures of $9.6 million.

Cash flows used in financing activities. Cash used in financing activities was $13.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, consisting of dividend payments of $9.6 million and employee tax withholding payments on equity transactions of $3.8 million.

Cash used in financing activities was $52.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, due to earnout payments of $38.0 million related to our 2021 acquisitions of Business Talent Group and Heidrick & Struggles Finland OY, dividend payments of $9.4 million, and employee tax withholding payments on equity transactions of $4.1 million.

Off-balance sheet arrangements. We do not have material off-balance sheet arrangements, special purpose entities, trading activities of non-exchange traded contracts or transactions with related parties.

Contractual obligations. Our lease portfolio is comprised of operating leases for office space and equipment. As of September 30, 2024, we had aggregate future lease payment obligations of $127.6 million, with $16.7 million payable within 12 months. Associated with our lease portfolio, we have asset retirement obligations for the retirement of tangible long-lived assets related to our obligation at the end of the lease term to return office space to the landlord in its original condition. As of September 30, 2024, we had asset retirement obligations of $3.8 million, with $0.2 million payable within 12 months.

In addition to lease-related contractual obligations, we also have liabilities related to certain employee benefit plans. These liabilities are recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2024. The obligations related to these employee
38



benefit plans are described in Note 12, Employee Benefit Plans, and Note 13, Pension Plan and Life Insurance Contract, in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on March 4, 2024. As of September 30, 2024, we did not have a liability for uncertain tax positions.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 as filed with the SEC on March 4, 2024, and in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. If actual amounts are ultimately different from previous estimates, the revisions are included in our results of operations for the period in which the actual amounts become known.

An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or if changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the financial statements. Management believes its critical accounting policies that reflect its more significant estimates and assumptions relate to revenue recognition, income taxes, interim effective tax rate and assessment of goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment. See Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on March 4, 2024.

Recently Issued and Adopted Financial Accounting Standards

The information presented in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Currency market risk. With our operations in the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific, we conduct business using various currencies. Revenue earned in each country is generally matched with the associated expenses incurred, thereby reducing currency risk to earnings. However, because certain assets and liabilities are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in currency rates may cause fluctuations in the valuation of such assets and liabilities. As the local currency of our subsidiaries has generally been designated as the functional currency, we are affected by the translation of foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars. A 10% change in the average exchange rate for currencies of all foreign countries in which we operate would have increased or decreased our net income by approximately $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. For financial information by segment, see Note 16, Segment Information, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
(a)Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Any system of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

39



Management of the Company, with the participation of the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2024. Based on the evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2024.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2024, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Appointment of Principal Financial Officer

As previously disclosed, Mark Harris resigned from the position of Chief Financial Officer and left the Company, effective August 16, 2024. Effective as of October 30, 2024, Stephen Bondi, the Company’s Vice President Controller, was appointed to serve as the Company’s Principal Financial Officer in connection with the review, execution and certification of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024. There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Bondi and any other persons pursuant to which he was appointed as Principal Financial Officer.

Mr. Bondi, 64, serves the Company's Vice President Controller and joined the Company in March 2011. Mr. Bondi and the Company did not enter into a new compensation plan or arrangement, or modify Mr. Bondi’s current compensation arrangement, in connection with Mr. Bondi being designated the Company’s Principal Financial Officer. There is no family relationship between Mr. Bondi and any director, executive officer, or person nominated or chosen by the Company to become a director or executive officer. The Company has not entered into any transactions with Mr. Bondi that would require disclosure pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Rajagopalan Advisory Agreement

As previously disclosed, the Company and Krishnan Rajagopalan, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer, entered into an advisory agreement for the period from April 2, 2024 through December 31, 2024, whereby Mr. Rajagopalan agreed to provide to the Company certain advisory services. The Company agreed to pay Mr. Rajagopalan a monthly consulting fee of $33,750. On November 1, 2024 the Company and Mr. Rajagopalan agreed to extend the term of the advisory agreement to December 31, 2025.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The information presented in Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The business, financial condition and operating results of the Company can be affected by a number of factors, whether currently known or unknown, including but not limited to those described in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, under the heading “Risk Factors,” any one or more of which could, directly or indirectly, cause the Company’s actual financial condition and operating results to vary materially from past, or from anticipated future, financial condition and operating results. Any of these factors, in whole or in part, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, operating results and stock price. There have been no material changes to the Company’s risk factors from those set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on March 4, 2024.


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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None.
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Item 6. Exhibits
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
No.
Exhibit DescriptionFormExhibitFiling Date/Period End Date
*10.1
*10.2
*31.1
*31.2
†32.1
†32.2
*101.INSInline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data Files because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
*101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
*101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
*101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
*101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
*101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
*104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
*Filed herewith.
**Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Furnished herewith.
42



SIGNATURE
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 thereunto duly authorized.
Date: November 4, 2024
 
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
(Registrant)
/s/ Stephen A. Bondi
Stephen A. Bondi
Vice President, Controller
(Duly authorized on behalf of the registrant and in his capacity as Chief Accounting Officer)
43

Document
Exhibit 10.1
DIRECTOR AND OFFICER
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of the ______ day of ___________, 20___, by and between Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and ____________________ (“Indemnitee”).

RECITALS

A.    The Company is aware that competent and experienced persons are increasingly reluctant to serve or continue serving as directors or officers of companies unless they are protected by comprehensive liability insurance and adequate indemnification due to the increased exposure to litigation costs and risks resulting from service to such companies that often bear no relationship to the compensation of such directors or officers.

B.    The statutes and judicial decisions regarding the duties of directors and officers are often insufficient to provide directors and officers with adequate, reliable knowledge of the legal risks to which they are exposed or the manner in which they are expected to execute their fiduciary duties and responsibilities.

C.    The Company and the Indemnitee recognize that plaintiffs often seek damages in such large amounts, and the costs of litigation may be so great (whether or not the claims are meritorious), that the defense and/or settlement of such litigation can create an extraordinary burden on the personal resources of directors and officers.

D.    The board of directors of the Company has concluded that, to attract and retain competent and experienced persons to serve as directors and officers of the Company, it is not only reasonable and prudent but necessary to promote the best interests of the Company and its stockholders for the Company to contractually indemnify its directors and certain of its officers in the manner set forth herein, and to assume for itself liability for expenses and damages in connection with claims against such directors and officers in connection with their service to the Company as provided herein.

E.     Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware (the “DGCL”) permits the Company to indemnify and advance defense costs to its officers and directors and to indemnify and advance expenses to persons who serve at the request of the Company as directors, officers, employees, or agents of other corporations or enterprises.

F.    The Company desires and has requested the Indemnitee to serve or continue to serve as a director and/or officer of the Company, and the Indemnitee is willing to serve, or to continue to serve, as a director and/or officer of the Company if the Indemnitee is furnished the indemnity provided for herein by the Company.

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NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants and agreements set forth below, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

1.Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the corresponding meanings set forth below.
    “Change in Control” means each of the following:

(i) The date any Person becomes the “Beneficial Owner,” as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, of 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s outstanding shares, other than beneficial ownership by (A) the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, (B) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company or (C) any entity of the Company for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change in Control shall not occur as the result of an acquisition of outstanding shares of the Company by the Company which, by reducing the number of shares outstanding, increases the proportionate number of shares beneficially owned by a Person to 30% or more of the shares of the Company then outstanding; provided, however, that if a Person becomes the Beneficial Owner of 30% or more of the shares of the Company then outstanding by reason of share purchases by the Company and shall, after such share purchases by the Company, become the Beneficial Owner of any additional shares of the Company, then a Change in Control shall be deemed to have occurred; or

(ii) The date the Company consummates a merger or consolidation with another entity, or engages in a reorganization with or a statutory share exchange or an exchange offer for the Company’s outstanding voting stock of any class with another entity or acquires another entity by means of a statutory share exchange or an exchange offer, or engages in a similar transaction; provided that no Change in Control shall have occurred by reason of this paragraph unless either:

(A) the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of the transaction would not, immediately after such consummation, as a result of their beneficial ownership of voting stock of the Company immediately prior to such consummation (I) be the Beneficial Owners, directly or indirectly, of securities of the resulting or acquiring entity entitled to elect a majority of the members of the board of directors or other governing body of the resulting or acquiring entity; and (II) be the
2


Beneficial Owners of the resulting or acquiring entity in substantially the same proportion as their beneficial ownership of the voting stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction; or

(B) those persons who were directors of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of the proposed transaction would not, immediately after such consummation, constitute a majority of the directors of the resulting entity.

(iii) The consummation of a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or date of the sale or disposition, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any Person (as defined in paragraph (i) above) other than an affiliate of the Company (meaning any corporation that is part of a controlled group within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Section 414(b) or (c)); or

(iv) The date the number of duly elected and qualified directors of the Company who were not either elected by the Company’s Board or nominated by the Board or its nominating/governance committee for election by the shareholders shall constitute a majority of the total number of directors of the Company as fixed by its By-Laws.

The Reviewing Party shall have full and final authority, which shall be exercised in its discretion, to determine conclusively whether a Change in Control of the Company has occurred pursuant to the above definition, and the date of the occurrence of such Change in Control and any incidental matters relating thereto.

“Claim” means a claim or action asserted by a Person in a Proceeding or any other written demand for relief in connection with or arising from an Indemnification Event.

    “Covered Entity” means (i) the Company, (ii) any subsidiary of the Company or (iii) any other Person for which Indemnitee is or was or may be deemed to be serving, at the request of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company, as a director, officer, employee, controlling person, agent or fiduciary.

    “Disinterested Director” means, with respect to any determination contemplated by this Agreement, any Person who, as of the time of such determination, is a member of the Company’s board of directors but is not a party to any Proceeding then pending with respect to any Indemnification Event.

    “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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    “Expenses” means any and all direct and indirect fees and costs, retainers, court costs, transcript costs, fees of experts, witness fees, travel expenses, duplicating, printing and binding costs, telephone charges, postage and delivery service fees and all other disbursements or expenses of any type or nature whatsoever reasonably incurred by Indemnitee (including, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 3(c) below, reasonable attorneys’ fees) in connection with or arising from an Indemnification Event, including, without limitation: (i) the investigation or defense of a Claim; (ii) being, or preparing to be, a witness or otherwise participating, or preparing to participate, in any Proceeding; (iii) furnishing, or preparing to furnish, documents in response to a subpoena or otherwise in connection with any Proceeding; (iv) any appeal of any judgment, outcome or determination in any Proceeding (including, without limitation, any premium, security for and other costs relating to any cost bond, supersedeas bond or any other appeal bond or its equivalent); (v) establishing or enforcing any right to indemnification under this Agreement (including, without limitation, pursuant to Section 2(c) below), the DGCL or otherwise, regardless of whether Indemnitee is ultimately successful in such action, unless as a part of such action, a court of competent jurisdiction over such action determines that each of the material assertions made by Indemnitee as a basis for such action was not made in good faith or was frivolous; (vi) Indemnitee’s defense of any Proceeding instituted by or in the name of the Company under this Agreement to enforce or interpret any of the terms of this Agreement (including, without limitation, costs and expenses incurred with respect to Indemnitee’s counterclaims and cross-claims made in such action); and (vii) any Federal, state, local or foreign taxes imposed on Indemnitee as a result of the actual or deemed receipt of any payments under this Agreement, including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable with respect to such payments. For purposes of clarification, Expenses shall not include Losses.

    An “Indemnification Event” shall be deemed to have occurred if Indemnitee was or is or becomes, or is threatened to be made, a party to or witness or other participant in, or was or is or becomes obligated to furnish or furnishes documents in response to a subpoena or otherwise in connection with, any Proceeding by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was or may be deemed a director, officer, employee, controlling person, agent or fiduciary of any Covered Entity, or by reason of any action or inaction on the part of Indemnitee while serving in any such capacity.

    “Independent Legal Counsel” means an attorney or firm of attorneys that is experienced in matters of corporate law and neither presently is, nor in the thirty-six (36) months prior to such designation has been, retained to represent: (i) the Company or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party, or (ii) any other party to the Proceeding giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder.

    “Losses” means any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties, settlement payments, awards and amounts of any type whatsoever incurred by
4


Indemnitee in connection with or arising from an Indemnification Event. For purposes of clarification, Losses shall not include Expenses.

    “Organizational Documents” means any and all organizational documents, charters or similar agreements or governing documents, including, without limitation, (i) with respect to a corporation, its certificate of incorporation and bylaws, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, its operating agreement, and (iii) with respect to a limited partnership, its partnership agreement.

    “Proceeding” means any threatened, pending or completed claim, action, suit, proceeding, arbitration or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, investigation, inquiry, administrative hearing or appeal or any other actual, threatened or completed proceeding, whether brought in the right of a Covered Entity or otherwise and whether of a civil (including intentional or unintentional tort claims), criminal, administrative, internal or investigative nature.

    “Person” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization or other entity or government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

    “Reviewing Party” means, with respect to any determination contemplated by this Agreement, any one of the following: (i) a majority of the Disinterested Directors, even if such Persons would not constitute a quorum of the Company’s board of directors; (ii) a committee consisting solely of Disinterested Directors, even if such Persons would not constitute a quorum of the Company’s board of directors, so long as such committee was designated by a majority of the Disinterested Directors; (iii) Independent Legal Counsel designated by the Disinterested Directors (or, if there are no Disinterested Directors, the Company’s board of directors) (in which case, any determination shall be evidenced by the rendering of a written opinion); or (iv) in the absence of any Disinterested Directors, the Company’s stockholders; provided, that, in the event that a Change in Control has occurred, the Reviewing Party shall be Independent Legal Counsel (selected by Indemnitee) in a written opinion to the board of directors of the Company, a copy of which shall be delivered to the Indemnitee.

    “SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

2.Indemnification.
(a)Indemnification of Losses and Expenses. If an Indemnification Event has occurred, then, subject to Section 9 below, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as such law may be amended from time
5


to time (but in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than were permitted prior thereto), against any and all Losses and Expenses; provided that the Company’s commitment set forth in this Section 2(a) to indemnify the Indemnitee shall be subject to the limitations and procedural requirements set forth in this Agreement.
(b)Partial Indemnification. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of Losses or Expenses, but not, however, for the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.
(c)Advancement of Expenses. The Company shall advance Expenses to or on behalf of Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, as such law may be amended from time to time (but in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than were permitted prior thereto), as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than 30 days after written request therefor by Indemnitee, which request shall be accompanied by vouchers, invoices or similar evidence documenting in reasonable detail the Expenses incurred or to be incurred by Indemnitee; provided, however, that Indemnitee need not submit to the Company any information that counsel for Indemnitee reasonably deems is privileged and exempt from compulsory disclosure in any Proceeding. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Indemnitee constitutes an undertaking to repay such amounts advanced only if, and to the extent that, it shall ultimately be determined that Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company as authorized by this Agreement. No other form of undertaking shall be required other than the execution of this Agreement.
(d)Contribution. To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the amount incurred by Indemnitee, whether for Losses or Expenses, in connection with any Proceeding relating to an Indemnification Event under this Agreement, in such proportion as is deemed fair and reasonable by the Reviewing Party in light of all of the circumstances of such Proceeding in order to reflect (1) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving rise to such Proceeding; and (2) the relative fault of the Company (and its directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s).
3.Indemnification Procedures.
(a)Notice of Indemnification Event. Indemnitee shall give the Company notice as soon as practicable of any Indemnification Event of which Indemnitee becomes aware and of any request for indemnification hereunder, provided that any failure to so notify the Company shall not relieve the Company of any of its obligations under this Agreement, except if, and then only to the extent that, such failure increases the liability of the Company under this Agreement.
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(b)Notice to Insurers. The Company shall give prompt written notice of any Indemnification Event which may be covered by the Company’s liability insurance to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in each of the applicable policies of insurance. The Company shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such Indemnification Event in accordance with the terms of such policies; provided that nothing in this Section 3(b) shall affect the Company’s obligations under this Agreement or the Company’s obligations to comply with the provisions of this Agreement in a timely manner as provided.
(c)Selection of Counsel. If the Company shall be obligated hereunder to pay or advance Expenses or indemnify Indemnitee with respect to any Losses, the Company shall be entitled to assume the defense of any related Claims, with counsel selected by the Company. After the retention of such counsel by the Company, the Company will not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any fees of counsel subsequently incurred by Indemnitee with respect to the defense of such Claims; provided that: (i) Indemnitee shall have the right to employ counsel in connection with any such Claim at Indemnitee’s expense; and (ii) if (A) the employment of counsel by Indemnitee has been previously authorized by the Company, (B) counsel for Indemnitee shall have provided the Company with written advice that there is a conflict of interest between the Company and Indemnitee in the conduct of any such defense, or (C) the Company shall not continue to retain such counsel to defend such Claim, then the fees and expenses of Indemnitee’s counsel shall be at the expense of the Company.
4.Determination of Right to Indemnification.
(a)Successful Proceeding. To the extent Indemnitee has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in defense of any Proceeding referred to in Section 2(a), the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against Losses and Expenses incurred by him in connection therewith. If Indemnitee is not wholly successful in such Proceeding, but is successful, on the merits or otherwise, as to one or more but less than all Claims in such Proceeding, the Company shall indemnify Indemnitee against all Losses and Expenses actually or reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with each successfully resolved Claim.
(b)Other Proceedings. In the event that Section 4(a) is inapplicable, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee as provided in Section 2(a) or 2(b), as applicable, or provide a contribution payment to the Indemnitee as provided in Section 2(d), to the extent determined by the Reviewing Party. In the event that any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is a party is resolved with an adverse judgment against Indemnitee, there shall be no presumption that Indemnitee did not meet the applicable standard of conduct and is not entitled to indemnification.
(c)Reviewing Party Determination. A Reviewing Party chosen by the Company’s board of directors shall determine whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification, subject to the following:
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(i)A Reviewing Party so chosen shall act in the utmost good faith to assure Indemnitee a complete opportunity to present to such Reviewing Party Indemnitee’s case that Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct.
(ii)Indemnitee shall be deemed to have acted in good faith if Indemnitee’s action is based on the records or books of account of a Covered Entity, including, without limitation, its financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the officers or employees of a Covered Entity in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for a Covered Entity or on information or records given, or reports made, to a Covered Entity by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected with reasonable care by a Covered Entity. In addition, the knowledge and/or actions, or failure to act, of any director, officer, agent or employee of a Covered Entity shall not be imputed to Indemnitee for purposes of determining the right to indemnification under this Agreement. Whether or not the foregoing provisions of this Section 4(c)(ii) are satisfied, it shall in any event be presumed that Indemnitee has at all times acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Any Person seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion, by clear and convincing evidence.
(iii)If a Reviewing Party chosen pursuant to this Section 4(c) shall not have made a determination whether Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification within thirty (30) days after receipt by the Company of the request therefor, the requisite determination of entitlement to indemnification shall be deemed to have been made and Indemnitee shall be entitled to such indemnification, absent (A) a misstatement by Indemnitee of a material fact, or an omission of a material fact necessary to make Indemnitee’s statement not materially misleading, in connection with the request for indemnification, or (B) a prohibition of such indemnification under applicable law; provided, however, that such 30 day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional fifteen (15) days, if the Reviewing Party in good faith requires such additional time for obtaining or evaluating documentation and/or information relating thereto; and provided, further, that the foregoing provisions of this Section 4(c)(iii) shall not apply if (I) the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by the stockholders of the Company, (II) a special meeting of stockholders is called by the board of directors of the Company for such purpose within thirty (30) days after the stockholders are chosen as the Reviewing Party, (III) such meeting is held for such purpose within sixty (60) days after having been so called, and (IV) such determination is made thereat.
(d)Appeal to Court. Notwithstanding a determination by a Reviewing Party chosen pursuant to Section 4(c) that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification with respect to a specific Claim or Proceeding (an “Adverse Determination”), Indemnitee shall have the right to apply to the court in which that Claim or Proceeding is or was pending or the courts in the state of Delaware for the purpose of enforcing Indemnitee's right to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, provided that Indemnitee shall commence any such Proceeding seeking to enforce Indemnitee’s right to indemnification within one (1) year following the date upon which
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Indemnitee is notified in writing by the Company of the Adverse Determination. In the event of any dispute between the parties concerning their respective rights and obligations hereunder, the Company shall have the burden of proving that the Company is not obligated to make the payment or advance claimed by Indemnitee.
(e)Presumption of Success. The Company acknowledges that a settlement or other disposition short of final judgment shall be deemed a successful resolution for purposes of Section 4(a) if it permits a party to avoid expense, delay, distraction, disruption or uncertainty. In the event that any Proceeding to which Indemnitee is a party is resolved in any manner other than by adverse judgment against Indemnitee (including, without limitation, settlement of such Proceeding with or without payment of money or other consideration), it shall be presumed that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in such Proceeding. Anyone seeking to overcome this presumption shall have the burden of proof and the burden of persuasion, by clear and convincing evidence.
(f)Settlement of Claims. The Company shall not be liable to indemnify Indemnitee under this Agreement or otherwise for any amounts paid in settlement of any Proceeding effected without the Company’s written consent. The Company shall not settle any Proceeding in any manner that would impose any penalty or limitation on Indemnitee without Indemnitee’s written consent. Neither the Company nor the Indemnitee will unreasonably withhold their consent to any proposed settlement. The Company shall not be liable to indemnify the Indemnitee under this Agreement with regard to any judicial award if the Company was not given a reasonable and timely opportunity, at its expense, to participate in the defense of such action; the Company’s liability hereunder shall not be excused if participation in the Proceeding by the Company was barred by this Agreement.
5.Additional Indemnification Rights; Non-exclusivity.
(a)Scope. The Company hereby agrees to indemnify Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law, even if such indemnification is not specifically authorized by the other provisions of this Agreement or any other agreement, the Organizational Documents of any Covered Entity or by applicable law. In the event of any change after the date of this Agreement in any applicable law, statute or rule that expands the right of a Delaware corporation to indemnify a member of its board of directors or an officer, employee, controlling person, agent or fiduciary, it is the intent of the parties hereto that Indemnitee shall enjoy by this Agreement the greater benefits afforded by such change. In the event of any change in any applicable law, statute or rule that narrows the right of a Delaware corporation to indemnify a member of its board of directors or an officer, employee, controlling person, agent or fiduciary, such change, to the extent not otherwise required by such law, statute or rule to be applied to this Agreement, shall have no effect on this Agreement or the parties rights and obligations hereunder except as set forth in Section 9(a) hereof.
(b)Non-exclusivity. The rights to indemnification, contribution and advancement of Expenses provided in this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of, but shall be in addition to, any other rights to which Indemnitee may at any time be entitled under the
9


Organizational Documents of any Covered Entity, any other agreement, any vote of stockholders or Disinterested Directors, the laws of the State of Delaware or otherwise. Furthermore, no right or remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every other right and remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion of any right or remedy hereunder or otherwise shall not prevent the concurrent assertion of any other right or remedy. The rights to indemnification, contribution and advancement of Expenses provided in this Agreement shall continue as to Indemnitee for any action Indemnitee took or did not take while serving in an indemnified capacity even though Indemnitee may have ceased to serve in such capacity.
6.No Duplication of Payments. The Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment of any amount otherwise indemnifiable hereunder, or for which advancement is provided hereunder, if and to the extent Indemnitee has otherwise actually received such payment, whether pursuant to any insurance policy, the Organizational Documents of any Covered Entity or otherwise.
7.Mutual Acknowledgment. Both the Company and Indemnitee acknowledge that, in certain instances, Federal law or public policy may override applicable state law and prohibit the Company from indemnifying its directors and officers under this Agreement or otherwise. For example, the Company and Indemnitee acknowledge that the SEC has taken the position that indemnification is not permissible for liabilities arising under certain Federal securities laws, and Federal legislation prohibits indemnification for certain violations of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1979, as amended. Indemnitee understands and acknowledges that the Company has undertaken, or may be required in the future to undertake, with the SEC to submit the question of indemnification to a court in certain circumstances for a determination of the Company’s right under public policy to indemnify Indemnitee, and any right to indemnification hereunder shall be subject to, and conditioned upon, any such required court determination.
8.Liability Insurance. The Company shall maintain liability insurance applicable to directors and officers of the Company and shall cause Indemnitee to be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide Indemnitee the same rights and benefits as are accorded to the most favorably insured of the Company’s officers and directors (other than in the case of an independent director liability insurance policy if Indemnitee is not an independent or outside director). The Company shall maintain liability insurance applicable to directors and officers of the Company for the Indemnitee for at least two years following the termination of the Indemnitee’s employment or services as a director, as applicable. The Company shall advise Indemnitee as to the general terms of, and the amounts of coverage provide by, any liability insurance policy described in this Section 8 and shall promptly notify Indemnitee if, at any time, any such insurance policy is terminated or expired without renewal or if the amount of coverage under any such insurance policy will be decreased.
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9.Exceptions. Any other provision herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be obligated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement to indemnify Indemnitee:
(a)against any Losses or Expenses, or advance Expenses to Indemnitee, with respect to Claims initiated or brought voluntarily by Indemnitee, and not by way of defense (including, without limitation, affirmative defenses and counter-claims), except (i) Claims to establish or enforce a right to indemnification, contribution or advancement with respect to an Indemnification Event, whether under this Agreement, any other agreement or insurance policy, the Company’s Organizational Documents of any Covered Entity, the laws of the State of Delaware or otherwise, or (ii) if the Company’s board of directors has approved specifically the initiation or bringing of such Claim;
(b)against any Losses or Expenses, or advance Expenses to Indemnitee, with respect to Claims arising (i) with respect to an accounting of profits made from the purchase and sale (or sale and purchase) by Indemnitee of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or (ii) pursuant to Section 304 or 306 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, or any rule or regulation promulgated pursuant thereto; or
(c)if, and to the extent, that a court of competent jurisdiction renders a final, unappealable decision that such indemnification is not lawful.
10.Miscellaneous.
(a)Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original.
(b)Binding Effect; Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns (including with respect to the Company, any direct or indirect successor by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company) and with respect to Indemnitee, his or her spouse, heirs, and personal and legal representatives. The Company shall require and cause any successor or assign (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all, substantially all, or a substantial part, of the business and/or assets of the Company, to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform if no such succession or assignment had taken place. This Agreement shall continue in effect with respect to Claims relating to Indemnification Events regardless of whether Indemnitee continues to serve as a director, officer, employee, controlling person, agent or fiduciary of any Covered Entity.
(c)Notice. All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing, shall be effective when given, and shall in any event be deemed to be given (a) five (5) days after deposit with the U.S. Postal Service or other applicable postal
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service, if delivered by first class mail, postage prepaid, (b) upon delivery, if delivered by hand, (c) one (1) business day after the business day of deposit with Federal Express or similar, nationally recognized overnight courier, freight prepaid, or (d) one (1) business day after the business day of delivery by confirmed facsimile transmission, if deliverable by facsimile transmission, with copy by other means permitted hereunder, and addressed, if to Indemnitee, to the Indemnitee’s address or facsimile number (as applicable) as set forth beneath the Indemnitee’s signature to this Agreement, or, if to the Company, at the address or facsimile number (as applicable) of its principal corporate offices (attention: Secretary), or at such other address or facsimile number (as applicable) as such party may designate to the other parties hereto.
(d)Enforceability. This Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms.
(e)Consent to Jurisdiction. The Company and Indemnitee each hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of Delaware for all purposes in connection with any Proceeding which arises out of or relates to this Agreement and agree that any Proceeding instituted under this Agreement shall be commenced, prosecuted and continued only in the courts of the State of Delaware.
(f)Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable in the event that any of the provisions hereof (including any provision within a single section, paragraph or sentence) are held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, and the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law. Furthermore, to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Agreement (including, without limitation, each portion of this Agreement containing any provision held to be invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable that is not itself invalid, void or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the extent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.
(g)Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and its provisions shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflict of laws principles thereof.
(h)Subrogation. In the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of Indemnitee who shall execute all documents required and shall do all acts that may be necessary to secure such rights and to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights.
(i)Amendment and Termination. No amendment, modification, termination or cancellation of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in a writing signed by the parties to be bound thereby. Notice of same shall be provided to all parties hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provisions hereof (whether or not similar) nor shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.
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(j)No Construction as Employment Agreement. This Agreement is not an employment agreement between the Company and the Indemnitee and nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as giving Indemnitee any right to be retained or continue in the employ or service of any Covered Entity.
(k)Supersedes Previous Agreements. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, oral, written and implied, between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. All such prior agreements and understandings are hereby terminated and deemed of no further force or effect.

[remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature page follows]

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In Witness Whereof, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on and as of the day and year first above written.

COMPANY:

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
a Delaware corporation

By:                     
Name:                     
Title:                     



INDEMNITEE:


                    
                        




14
Document
Exhibit 10.2

2001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
telephone +1 202 974 6076

November 1, 2024
Dear Krishnan:
This letter agreement (“Agreement”) serves to extend the terms of your current Advisory Agreement, dated and executed January 23, 2024, with Heidrick & Struggles, Inc. (“HSI” or the “Company”) and detailed as follows:
1.Term. You agree to continue to serve as a consultant in the role of Advisor from the period January 1, 2025 until December 31, 2025 (the “Consulting Period”). In your continued role as Advisor, you agree to provide advisory, and other related services to the Company during the Consulting Period (the “Consulting Services”). As Advisor, you shall report directly to the CEO and will be available to provide the Consulting Services as agreed upon by the parties.

2.Compensation. Through the Consulting Period, the Company will provide you with a monthly consulting payment in the gross aggregate amount of $33,750.00 (the “Consulting Fee”), for Consulting Services delivered, without any withholdings or deductions, which will be reported to federal and state authorities as income to you on IRS form 1099 and for which you will be responsible for payment of any taxes.

3.Benefits. You acknowledge and agree that during the Consulting Period, you are performing Consulting Services for the Company solely as an independent contractor and you will not be considered a Company employee for any purpose. You hereby waive participation in and shall not receive any employee benefits during the Consulting Period, including, without limitation, any group medical or life insurance coverage, any 401(k) or other pension program, any disability, profit sharing or retirement benefits, and any vacation leave, holiday, or sick pay entitlements; provided, however, that your outstanding equity awards will be eligible for continued vesting in connection with your retirement, subject to and to the extent provided under the Company’s Bonus, Restricted Stock Unit & Performance Stock Unit Retirement Policy.

4.Return of Property. Upon the Consulting End Date, you agree to promptly return to the Company all its property, including, but not limited to, laptop, cellphone, personal digital assistants, files, documents, identification cards, access cards, credit cards, keys, equipment, software, and data, however stored.

5.Expenses. The Company agrees to reimburse all expenses incurred by you on behalf of the Company or its clients up and until December 31, 2025 (the “Consulting End Date”), subject to the standards and procedures set forth in the Company’s Global Travel and Expense Policy.

6.Termination. Either party may terminate this Agreement during the Consulting Period by providing ninety (90) days’ advance written notice to the other party or immediately if either party breaches the Agreement or engages in conduct that could harm the business or reputation of





the other party. In the event of such termination, you shall cease to be eligible to receive the Consulting Fee.
This memo, together with your Advisory Agreement, dated and executed January 23, 2024, forms the entirety of your consulting arrangement with the Company, and can be amended only in writing. You specifically acknowledge that no promises or commitments have been made to you that are not set forth above.
Krishnan, thank you for your contributions to the Firm and agreement to continue to help us build and execute upon our strategy.

Sincerely,
Tom Monahan

This Agreement correctly reflects our understanding, and I hereby confirm my agreement to the same as of the date set forth above.


/s/ Krishnan Rajagopalan         
Krishnan Rajagopalan



Document
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION

I, Thomas L. Monahan, certify that:
 
1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.;

2.    Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.    The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.    The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Dated:November 4, 2024 /s/ Thomas L. Monahan III
 Thomas L. Monahan III
 Chief Executive Officer

Document
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION
I, Stephen A. Bondi, certify that:

1.    I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.;

2.    Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.    The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.    The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated:November 4, 2024 /s/ Stephen A. Bondi
 Stephen A. Bondi
 Vice President, Controller

Document
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officer of Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify that:

The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 (the “Form 10-Q”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13 (a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Dated:November 4, 2024 /s/ Thomas L. Monahan III
 Thomas L. Monahan III
 Chief Executive Officer

Document
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), the undersigned officer of Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify that:

The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 (the “Form 10-Q”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13 (a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
Dated:November 4, 2024/s/ Stephen A. Bondi
 Stephen A. Bondi
 Vice President, Controller