FTI Consulting Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Financial Results

Record Full Year 2019 Revenues of $2.353 Billion, Up 16.0% Compared to $2.028 Billion in Prior YearRecord Full Year 2019 EPS of $5.69, Up 44.8% Compared to $3.93 in Prior Year; Record Full Year 2019 Adjusted EPS of $5.80, Up 45.0% Compared to $4.00 in Prior YearRecord Fourth Quarter 2019 Revenues of $602.2 Million, Up 19.3% Compared to Prior Year QuarterFourth Quarter 2019 EPS of $0.76 Compared to $0.61 in Prior Year Quarter; Fourth Quarter 2019 Adjusted EPS of $0.80 Compared to $0.83 in Prior Year QuarterAnnounces $100 Million Increase in Share Repurchase Authorization and Introduces 2020 GuidanceWASHINGTON, Feb. 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today released financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2019.For the full year 2019, revenues of $2.353 billion increased $324.8 million, or 16.0%, compared to revenues of $2.028 billion in the prior year. Excluding the estimated negative impact from foreign currency translation, revenues increased $351.2 million, or 17.3%, compared to the prior year. The increase in revenues was driven by higher demand across all business segments compared to the prior year. Net income of $216.7 million compared to $150.6 million in the prior year. The increase in net income was primarily due to higher operating profits across all business segments, lower interest expense and a lower effective tax rate. 2018 net income included a $13.0 million gain related to the sale of the Company’s Ringtail e-discovery software and related business (“Ringtail divestiture”), which was partially offset by a $9.1 million loss on early extinguishment of debt related to the Company’s redemption of $300.0 million of its 6.0% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “2022 Senior Notes”).Adjusted EBITDA of $343.9 million, or 14.6% of revenues, compared to $265.7 million, or 13.1% of revenues, in the prior year. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues across all business segments, which was partially offset by higher compensation, primarily related to an increase in variable compensation and a 17.8% increase in billable headcount, as well as higher selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses compared to the prior year.Full year 2019 fully diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $5.69 compared to $3.93 in the prior year. 2019 EPS included $8.6 million of non-cash interest expense related to the Company’s 2.0% convertible senior notes due 2023 (“2023 Convertible Notes”), which reduced EPS by $0.17, and a $2.1 million tax gain related to the Ringtail divestiture, which increased EPS by $0.06. 2018 EPS included a $9.1 million loss on early extinguishment of debt, which reduced EPS by $0.17, and $3.0 million of non-cash interest expense related to the 2023 Convertible Notes, which reduced EPS by $0.06. This was partially offset by the $13.0 million gain from the Ringtail divestiture, which increased 2018 EPS by $0.16. 2019 Adjusted EPS of $5.80, which excludes the non-cash interest expense and tax gain from the Ringtail divestiture, compared to Adjusted EPS of $4.00 in the prior year. 2018 Adjusted EPS excluded the loss on early extinguishment of debt, non-cash interest expense and gain from the Ringtail divestiture.Commenting on these results, Steven H. Gunby, President and Chief Executive Officer of FTI Consulting, said, “The level of notable growth we have achieved the last couple of years only happens through intense commitment by our people in support of our clients, together with major efforts to attract and support them as they build businesses. I therefore want to thank our leadership and teams across the globe for that commitment and congratulate the entire team on the success.”Cash Position and Capital AllocationNet cash provided by operating activities of $217.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $230.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The year-over-year decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was largely due to the pace of cash collections lagging the increase in revenues throughout the year.Cash and cash equivalents of $369.4 million at December 31, 2019 compared to $258.5 million at September 30, 2019 and $312.1 million at December 31, 2018. Total debt, net of cash, of ($53.1) million at December 31, 2019 improved compared to $57.8 million at September 30, 2019 and $4.2 million at December 31, 2018. The sequential decrease in total debt, net of cash, was due to an increase in cash provided by operating activities, which was partially offset by cash used for share repurchases.During the quarter, the Company repurchased 259,823 shares of its common stock at an average price per share of $107.71 for a total cost of $28.0 million. In full year 2019, the Company repurchased 1,258,420 shares of its common stock at an average price per share of $84.16 for a total cost of $105.9 million. As of December 31, 2019, approximately $66.6 million remained available for stock repurchases under the Company’s $400.0 million stock repurchase authorization. On February 20, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $100.0 million to repurchase shares of FTI Consulting’s outstanding common stock pursuant to its stock repurchase program, for an aggregate authorization of $500.0 million. As of February 24, 2020, FTI Consulting had repurchased 7,140,941 shares of its outstanding common stock at an average price per share of $46.66 for an aggregate cost of approximately $333.2 million. After giving effect to share repurchases through such date and the increased authorization, FTI Consulting has approximately $166.6 million remaining available for common stock repurchases under the program. No time limit was established for the completion of the program, and the program may be suspended, discontinued or replaced by the Board at any time without prior notice.Under the program, FTI Consulting may repurchase shares in open-market purchases or any other method in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations. The specific timing and amount of repurchases will be determined by FTI Consulting’s management, in its discretion, and will vary based on market conditions, securities law limitations and other factors. The repurchases may be funded using available cash on hand or a combination of cash and available borrowings under FTI Consulting’s senior secured revolving bank credit facility.Fourth Quarter 2019 ResultsFourth quarter 2019 revenues of $602.2 million increased $97.2 million, or 19.3%, compared to revenues of $505.0 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was driven by higher demand across all business segments and an increase in pass-through revenues compared to the prior year quarter. Net income of $29.1 million compared to $23.7 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in net income was primarily due to higher operating profits in the Economic Consulting and Technology segments. 2018 fourth quarter net income included a $9.1 million loss on early extinguishment of debt related to the Company’s redemption of $300.0 million of its 2022 Senior Notes.Adjusted EBITDA of $58.3 million, or 9.7% of revenues, compared to $53.7 million, or 10.6% of revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues across all business segments, which was partially offset by higher compensation related to an increase in variable compensation and a 17.8% increase in billable headcount, as well as higher SG&A expenses compared to the prior year quarter.Fourth quarter 2019 EPS of $0.76 compared to $0.61 in the prior year quarter. Fourth quarter 2019 EPS included $2.2 million of non-cash interest expense related to the Company’s 2023 Convertible Notes, which reduced EPS by $0.04. Fourth quarter 2018 EPS included a $9.1 million loss on early extinguishment of debt, which reduced EPS by $0.17, and $2.1 million of non-cash interest expense related to the Company’s 2023 Convertible Notes, which reduced EPS by $0.05. Fourth quarter 2019 Adjusted EPS of $0.80, which excludes the non-cash interest expense, compared to Adjusted EPS of $0.83 in the prior year quarter. Fourth quarter 2018 Adjusted EPS excluded the loss on early extinguishment of debt and non-cash interest expense.Fourth Quarter 2019 Segment ResultsCorporate Finance & Restructuring
Revenues in the Corporate Finance & Restructuring segment increased $36.3 million, or 25.1%, to $181.1 million in the quarter compared to $144.8 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was due to higher demand for restructuring and business transformation and transactions services, as well as higher success fees. Acquisition-related revenues contributed $12.6 million, or 8.7% of the increase, compared to the prior year quarter. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $24.8 million, or 13.7% of segment revenues, compared to $24.3 million, or 16.8% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was due to higher revenues, which was nearly offset by higher compensation, primarily related to an increase in variable compensation and a 25.9% increase in billable headcount, as well as higher SG&A expenses, including costs related to the August 2019 acquisition.Forensic and Litigation Consulting
Revenues in the Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment increased $18.2 million, or 13.8%, to $150.3 million in the quarter compared to $132.1 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher demand for investigations and disputes services. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $17.4 million, or 11.6% of segment revenues, compared to $21.5 million, or 16.3% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Segment EBITDA declined compared to the prior year quarter, as the increase in revenues was more than offset by higher compensation, primarily related to a 17.2% increase in billable headcount and higher variable compensation as well as higher SG&A expenses.Economic Consulting
Revenues in the Economic Consulting segment increased $24.7 million, or 19.2%, to $153.1 million in the quarter compared to $128.4 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher demand for merger and acquisition-related antitrust and financial economics services, as well as higher realization for international arbitration services. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $17.3 million, or 11.3% of segment revenues, compared to $12.1 million, or 9.4% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was due to higher revenues, which was partially offset by an increase in compensation, primarily related to higher variable compensation and an 11.6% increase in billable headcount.Technology
Revenues in the Technology segment increased $9.8 million, or 23.5%, to $51.5 million in the quarter compared to $41.7 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher demand for global cross-border and merger and acquisition-related “second request” services. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $7.8 million, or 15.1% of segment revenues, compared to $2.7 million, or 6.4% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was due to higher revenues, which was partially offset by higher compensation, primarily related to an 18.0% increase in billable headcount and an increase in SG&A expenses.Strategic Communications
Revenues in the Strategic Communications segment increased $8.3 million, or 14.3%, to $66.3 million in the quarter compared to $58.0 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was due to a $4.5 increase in pass-through revenues and higher project-based revenues in North America and Europe, the Middle East and Africa, primarily related to corporate reputation services. Adjusted Segment EBITDA of $9.9 million, or 14.9% of segment revenues, compared to $11.3 million, or 19.5% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Segment EBITDA declined compared to the prior year quarter, as the increase in revenues was more than offset by higher compensation, primarily related to a 13.6% increase in billable headcount and higher SG&A expenses.2020 Guidance
The Company estimates that revenues for full year 2020 will range between $2.450 billion and $2.550 billion. The Company estimates that full year 2020 EPS will range between $5.32 and $5.82 and that Adjusted EPS will range between $5.50 and $6.00. The variance between EPS and Adjusted EPS guidance for 2020 includes estimated non-cash interest expense of $0.18 per share related to the Company’s 2023 Convertible Notes.Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019 Conference Call
FTI Consulting will host a conference call for analysts and investors to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2019 financial results at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, February 25, 2020. The call can be accessed live and will be available for replay over the internet for 90 days by logging onto the Company’s investor relations website here.About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organizations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. With more than 5,500 employees located in 27 countries, FTI Consulting professionals work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and make the most of opportunities. The Company generated $2.35 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2019. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.Use of Non-GAAP Measures
In the accompanying analysis of financial information, we sometimes use information derived from consolidated and segment financial information that may not be presented in our financial statements or prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). Certain of these financial measures are considered not in conformity with GAAP (“non-GAAP financial measures”) under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules. Specifically, we have referred to the following non-GAAP financial measures:Total Segment Operating Income
Adjusted EBITDA
Total Adjusted Segment EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA Margin
Adjusted Net Income
Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share
Free Cash FlowWe have included the definitions of Segment Operating Income and Adjusted Segment EBITDA, which are GAAP financial measures, below in order to more fully define the components of certain non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release. We define Segment Operating Income as a segment’s share of consolidated operating income. We define Total Segment Operating Income, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as the total of Segment Operating Income for all segments, which excludes unallocated corporate expenses. We use Segment Operating Income for the purpose of calculating Adjusted Segment EBITDA. We define Adjusted Segment EBITDA as a segment’s share of consolidated operating income before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, remeasurement of acquisition-related contingent consideration, special charges and goodwill impairment charges. We use Adjusted Segment EBITDA as a basis to internally evaluate the financial performance of our segments because we believe it reflects current core operating performance and provides an indicator of the segment’s ability to generate cash. We define Adjusted EBITDA Margin, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues.We define Total Adjusted Segment EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as the total of Adjusted Segment EBITDA for all segments, which excludes unallocated corporate expenses. We define Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as consolidated net income before income tax provision, other non-operating income (expense), depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, remeasurement of acquisition-related contingent consideration, special charges, goodwill impairment charges, gain or loss on sale of a business and losses on early extinguishment of debt. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with our GAAP financial results and GAAP financial measures, provide management and investors with a more complete understanding of our operating results, including underlying trends. In addition, EBITDA is a common alternative measure of operating performance used by many of our competitors. It is used by investors, financial analysts, rating agencies and others to value and compare the financial performance of companies in our industry. Therefore, we also believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, considered along with corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide management and investors with additional information for comparison of our operating results with the operating results of other companies.We define Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share (“Adjusted EPS”), which are non-GAAP financial measures, as net income and earnings per diluted share (“EPS”), respectively, excluding the impact of remeasurement of acquisition-related contingent consideration, special charges, goodwill impairment charges, losses on early extinguishment of debt, non-cash interest expense on convertible notes, gain or loss on sale of a business and the impact of adopting the 2017 U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We use Adjusted Net Income for the purpose of calculating Adjusted EPS. Management uses Adjusted EPS to assess total Company operating performance on a consistent basis. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures, when considered together with our GAAP financial results and GAAP financial measures, provide management and investors with an additional understanding of our business operating results, including underlying trends.We define Free Cash Flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as net cash provided by operating activities less cash payments for purchases of property and equipment. We believe this non-GAAP financial measure, when considered together with our GAAP financial results, provides management and investors with an additional understanding of the Company’s ability to generate cash for ongoing business operations and other capital deployment.Non-GAAP financial measures are not defined in the same manner by all companies and may not be comparable with other similarly titled measures of other companies. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for or superior to, the information contained in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included in the financial tables accompanying this press release.Safe Harbor StatementThis press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which involve uncertainties and risks. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues, future results and performance, expectations, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions, share repurchases and other matters, business trends and other information that is not historical, including statements regarding estimates of our future financial results. When used in this press release, words such as “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,”  “forecasts” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, estimates of our future financial results, are based upon our expectations at the time we make them and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith, and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs and estimates will be achieved, and the Company’s actual results may differ materially from our expectations, beliefs and estimates. Further, preliminary results are subject to normal year-end adjustments. The Company has experienced fluctuating revenues, operating income and cash flows in prior periods and expects that this will occur from time to time in the future. Other factors that could cause such differences include declines in demand for, or changes in, the mix of services and products that we offer; the mix of the geographic locations where our clients are located or where services are performed; fluctuations in the price per share of our common stock; adverse financial, real estate or other market and general economic conditions; and other future events, which could impact each of our segments differently and could be outside of our control; the pace and timing of the consummation and integration of future acquisitions; the Company’s ability to realize cost savings and efficiencies, competitive and general economic conditions; retention of staff and clients; new laws and regulations, or changes thereto, including the 2017 U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; and other risks described under the heading “Item 1A, Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC, including the risks set forth under “Risks Related to Our Reportable Segments” and “Risks Related to Our Operations,” and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform such statements to actual results or events and do not intend to do so.FINANCIAL TABLES FOLLOW
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RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
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   ⁽¹⁾    In 2019, represents a discrete tax adjustment resulting from a change in estimate related to the accounting for the sale of Ringtail.
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RECONCILIATION OF EPS GUIDANCE TO ADJUSTED EPS GUIDANCE__________________
  ⁽¹⁾    The forward-looking guidance on estimated 2020 EPS and Adjusted EPS does not reflect other gains and losses (all of which would be excluded from Adjusted EPS) related to the future impact of remeasurement of acquisition-related contingent consideration, special charges, goodwill impairment charges, losses on early extinguishment of debt, or gain or loss on sale of a business as these items are dependent on future events that are uncertain and difficult to predict. The forward-looking guidance excludes any shares of common stock potentially issuable upon conversion of the 2023 Convertible Notes from the calculation of EPS.
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  ⁽¹⁾    The majority of the Technology and Strategic Communications segments’ revenues are not generated based on billable hours. Accordingly, utilization and average billable rate metrics are not presented as they are not meaningful as a segment-wide metric.
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FTI Consulting, Inc.
555 12th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
+1.202.312.9100Investor & Media Contact:
Mollie Hawkes
+1.617.747.1791
[email protected] 
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