HURN Huron Consulting Group Inc

Board Appoints COO and Authorizes $50 Million Share Repurchase Program

Huron Consulting Group Inc. (NASDAQ: HURN):

Fourth Quarter 2013 Highlights:

• Record quarterly revenues in Q4 2013 were $211.3 million, an increase of 16.9%, compared to $180.8 million in Q4 2012.
• Operating income for Q4 2013 increased 6.8% to $36.9 million compared to $34.5 million in Q4 2012.
• Adjusted EBITDA(7), a non-GAAP measure, increased 8.9% to $44.6 million in Q4 2013 compared to $41.0 million in Q4 2012.
• Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for Q4 2013 rose 15.7% to $0.96 compared to $0.83 in Q4 2012.
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations(7), a non-GAAP measure, rose 16.7% to $1.05 in Q4 2013 compared to $0.90 in Q4 2012.

Full Year 2013 Highlights and 2014 Guidance:

• Revenues for full year 2013 increased 15.1% to $720.5 million compared to $626.0 million for full year 2012.
• Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for full year 2013 rose 81.4% to $2.92 compared to $1.61 for full year 2012.
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations(7), a non-GAAP measure, rose 26.5% to $2.96 in 2013 compared to $2.34 in 2012.
• The Company provides 2014 full year revenue guidance in a range of $765.0 million to $795.0 million.

Executive Appointment and $50 Million Share Repurchase Program:

• C. Mark Hussey, currently Chief Financial Officer, will also assume the role of Chief Operating Officer.
• Board authorizes $50 million share repurchase program.

Huron Consulting Group Inc. (NASDAQ: HURN), a leading provider of business consulting services, today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2013.

“We are pleased with our record fourth quarter and full year financial performance in 2013. Our strong finish to the year was driven by higher than expected performance-based fees in our Huron Healthcare segment, the result of delivering exceptional value to our hospital clients and exceeding our clients’ expectations,” said James H. Roth, chief executive officer and president, Huron Consulting Group. “Huron continues to be a leader in providing strategic, operational, and technology services. We anticipate solid demand across all of our business segments in 2014, and we believe that our markets will continue to provide attractive growth opportunities.”

Fourth Quarter 2013 Results

Record quarterly revenues for the fourth quarter of 2013 were $211.3 million, an increase of 16.9%, compared to $180.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2012. The Company's fourth quarter 2013 operating income was $36.9 million compared to $34.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2012. Net income from continuing operations was $22.1 million, or $0.96 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to $18.6 million, or $0.83 per diluted share, for the same period last year.

Fourth quarter 2013 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA")(7) rose 9.1% to $43.9 million, compared to $40.2 million in the comparable quarter last year.

In evaluating the Company’s financial performance, management uses non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude the effect of the following items (in thousands):

    Three Months Ended December 31, 2013   2012 Amortization of intangible assets $ 2,451 $ 1,838 Restructuring charges $ 165 $ 751 Litigation settlement loss $ 575 $ ------- Tax effect $ (1,276 ) $ (1,036 )  

Adjusted EBITDA(7) was $44.6 million, or 21.1% of revenues, in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to $41.0 million, or 22.7% of revenues, in the comparable quarter last year. Adjusted net income from continuing operations(7) was $24.0 million, or $1.05 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to $20.2 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, for the comparable period in 2012.

The average number of full-time billable consultants(1) was 1,668 in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to 1,470 in the same quarter last year. Full-time billable consultant utilization rate(2) was 75.0% during the fourth quarter of 2013 compared with 76.3% during the same period last year. Average billing rate per hour for full-time billable consultants(3) was $272 for the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to $246 for the fourth quarter of 2012. The average number of full-time equivalent professionals(4) was 1,312 in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to 1,396 in the comparable period in 2012.

Full Year 2013 Results

Revenues increased 15.1% to $720.5 million for the full year 2013 compared to $626.0 million for the full year 2012. The Company's operating income for the full year 2013 was $119.9 million, an increase of 63.3%, compared to $73.4 million for the full year 2012. Net income from continuing operations increased 84.9% to $66.5 million, or $2.92 per diluted share, for the full year 2013 compared to $36.0 million, or $1.61 per diluted share, for the full year 2012. Net income increased 82.4% to $66.4 million, or $2.92 per diluted share, for the full year 2013 compared to $36.4 million, or $1.63 per diluted share, for the full year 2012.

EBITDA(7) increased 49.8% to $143.5 million for the full year 2013 compared to $95.8 million for the full year 2012.

In evaluating the Company’s financial performance, management uses non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude the effect of the following items (in thousands):

    Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013   2012 Amortization of intangible assets $ 6,798 $ 6,987 Restructuring charges $ 761 $ 4,004 Restatement related expenses $ ------- $ 1,785 Litigation and other settlement (gains) losses $ (5,875 ) $ 1,150 Goodwill impairment charge $ ------- $ 13,083 Tax effect $ (674 ) $ (10,737 )  

Adjusted EBITDA(7) was $138.4 million, or 19.2% of revenues, for the full year 2013 compared to $115.8 million, or 18.5% of revenues, for the full year 2012. Adjusted net income from continuing operations(7) was $67.5 million, or $2.96 per diluted share, for the full year 2013 compared to $52.2 million, or $2.34 per diluted share, for the full year 2012.

The average number of full-time billable consultants(1) increased 13.4% to 1,565 for the full year 2013 compared to 1,380 for the full year 2012. Full-time billable consultant utilization rate(2) was 75.9% for the full year 2013 compared with 75.6% for the full year 2012. Average billing rate per hour for full-time billable consultants(3) was $233 for the full year 2013 compared to $225 for the full year 2012. The average number of full-time equivalent professionals(4) was 1,161 for the full year 2013 compared to 1,146 for the full year 2012.

Operating Segments

Huron’s results reflect a portfolio of service offerings focused on helping clients address complex business challenges.

The Company’s year-to-date revenues by operating segment as a percentage of total Company revenues are as follows: Huron Healthcare (50%); Huron Legal (25%); Huron Education and Life Sciences (21%); and Huron Financial (4%). Financial results by segment are included in the attached schedules and in Huron's forthcoming Form 10-K filing for the year ended December 31, 2013. Effective January 1, 2014, the Huron Financial segment name was changed to Huron Business Advisory.

Acquisitions

On September 19, 2013, Huron entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Blue Stone International, LLC, a provider of professional services supporting Oracle enterprise performance management, information management and business intelligence solutions. The transaction closed on October 1, 2013. Revenues for 2013 included $4.7 million from our fourth quarter acquisition of Blue Stone.

On December 19, 2013, Huron entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of The Frankel Group Associates LLC, a leading life sciences consulting firm. The transaction closed as of January 1, 2014.

Executive Appointment

Effective today, C. Mark Hussey will take on the additional title of Chief Operating Officer. Hussey’s new title will be Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

“Mark joined Huron in July 2011, and since that time, he has made a tremendous contribution to the growth and success of our Company,” said Roth. “Mark has gained the highest level of respect from the practices and within the corporate staff, enabling him to be efficient and effective in helping me execute our strategic and operational plans. I take great pleasure in promoting Mark to his new position, particularly because it comes fully supported by our market-facing and corporate personnel, all of whom clearly recognize the value that he brings to Huron.”

Share Repurchase Program

The Company's Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program pursuant to which the Company may, from time to time, repurchase up to $50 million of its common stock through February 28, 2015. The amount and timing of the repurchases will be determined by management and will depend on a variety of factors, including the trading price of the Company's common stock, general market and business conditions, and applicable legal requirements.

Outlook for 2014

Based on currently available information, the Company provided guidance for full year 2014 revenues before reimbursable expenses in a range of $765.0 million to $795.0 million. The Company also anticipates EBITDA(8) in a range of $141.0 million to $149.5 million, Adjusted EBITDA(8) in a range of $141.5 million to $150.0 million, GAAP diluted earnings per share in a range of $2.80 to $3.00, and non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share(8) in a range of $3.00 to $3.20.

Management will provide a more detailed discussion of its outlook during the Company’s earnings conference call webcast.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2013 Webcast

The Company will host a webcast to discuss its financial results today, February 25, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (4:00 p.m. Central Time). The conference call is being webcast by NASDAQ OMX and can be accessed at Huron Consulting Group’s website at http://ir.huronconsultinggroup.com. A replay will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the webcast and for 90 days thereafter.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures(7)

In evaluating the Company’s financial performance and outlook, management uses EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, Adjusted net income from continuing operations and Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, which are non-GAAP measures. Management believes that such measures, as supplements to operating income, net income from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations and other GAAP measures, are useful indicators for investors. These useful indicators can help readers gain a meaningful understanding of our core operating results and future prospects. Investors should recognize that these non-GAAP measures might not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. These measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, any measure of performance, cash flows or liquidity prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

About Huron Consulting Group

Huron Consulting Group helps clients in diverse industries improve performance, transform the enterprise, reduce costs, leverage technology, process and review large amounts of complex data, address regulatory changes, recover from distress and stimulate growth. Our professionals employ their expertise in finance, operations, strategy and technology to provide our clients with specialized analyses and customized advice and solutions that are tailored to address each client's particular challenges and opportunities to deliver sustainable and measurable results. The Company provides consulting services to a wide variety of both financially sound and distressed organizations, including healthcare organizations, leading academic institutions, Fortune 500 companies, governmental entities and law firms. Huron has worked with more than 425 health systems, hospitals, and academic medical centers; more than 400 corporate general counsel; and more than 350 universities and research institutions. Learn more at www.huronconsultinggroup.com.

Statements in this press release that are not historical in nature, including those concerning the Company’s current expectations about its future requirements and needs, are “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “provides,” “anticipates,” “assumes,” “can,” “will,” “meets,” “could,” “likely,” “intends,” “might,” “predicts,” “seeks,” “would,” “believes,” “estimates,” “plans” or “continues.” These forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations about our future requirements and needs, results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements, including, without limitation, current expectations with respect to, among other factors, utilization rates, billing rates, and the number of revenue-generating professionals; that we are able to expand our service offerings; that we successfully integrate the businesses we acquire; and that existing market conditions continue to trend upward. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, among others, those described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our forthcoming Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events, or for any other reason.

  HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)       Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2013   2012 2013   2012 Revenues and reimbursable expenses: Revenues $ 211,344 $ 180,765 $ 720,522 $ 625,961 Reimbursable expenses   16,266     13,944     67,267     55,764   Total revenues and reimbursable expenses 227,610 194,709 787,789 681,725

Direct costs and reimbursable expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses):

Direct costs 128,455 106,942 443,539 384,884 Amortization of intangible assets and software development costs 1,084 738 3,091 3,809

Reimbursable expenses

  16,320     13,964     67,320     55,772   Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses   145,859     121,644     513,950     444,465   Operating expenses and other operating gains: Selling, general and administrative expenses 38,231 32,829 138,538 125,266 Restructuring charges 165 751 761 4,004 Restatement related expenses - - - 1,785 Litigation and other settlement (gains) losses 575 - (5,875 ) 1,150 Depreciation and amortization 5,886 4,944 20,510 18,529 Goodwill impairment charge   -     -     -     13,083   Total operating expenses and other operating gains   44,857     38,524     153,934     163,817   Operating income 36,894 34,541 119,905 73,443 Other income (expense), net: Interest expense, net of interest income (1,418 ) (2,030 ) (6,518 ) (8,223 ) Other income, net   287     122     252     428   Total other expense, net   (1,131 )   (1,908 )   (6,266 )   (7,795 ) Income from continuing operations before income tax expense 35,763 32,633 113,639 65,648 Income tax expense   13,644     13,988     47,176     29,695   Net income from continuing operations 22,119 18,645 66,463 35,953 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax   1     (43 )   (30 )   475   Net income $ 22,120   $ 18,602   $ 66,433   $ 36,428     Net earnings per basic share: Net income from continuing operations $ 0.99 $ 0.85 $ 2.98 $ 1.64 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax   -     -     -     0.02   Net income $ 0.99   $ 0.85   $ 2.98   $ 1.66     Net earnings per diluted share: Net income from continuing operations $ 0.96 $ 0.83 $ 2.92 $ 1.61 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax   -     -     -     0.02   Net income $ 0.96   $ 0.83   $ 2.92   $ 1.63     Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share: Basic 22,409 21,976 22,322 21,905 Diluted 22,973 22,399 22,777 22,285   HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Unaudited)     December 31, December 31,     2013   2012 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 58,131 $ 25,162 Receivables from clients, net 123,750 97,510 Unbilled services, net 55,125 47,232 Income tax receivable 270 192 Deferred income taxes, net 15,498 14,751 Prepaid expenses and other current assets   19,740     15,525   Total current assets 272,514 200,372 Property and equipment, net 38,742 33,805 Other non-current assets 16,485 15,322 Intangible assets, net 21,222 18,879 Goodwill   536,637     519,522   Total assets $ 885,600   $ 787,900     Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 8,185 $ 8,461 Accrued expenses 19,180 17,692 Accrued payroll and related benefits 97,677 61,672 Bank borrowings, current portion 25,000 - Accrued consideration for business acquisitions, current portion 5,177 5,640 Income tax payable 2,917 7,872 Deferred revenues   15,248     15,388   Total current liabilities 173,384 116,725 Non-current liabilities: Deferred compensation and other liabilities 5,360 6,973 Bank borrowings, net of current portion 143,750 192,500 Deferred lease incentives 12,355 6,936 Deferred income taxes, net 20,487 14,560 Accrued consideration for business acquisitions, net of current portion   -     4,885   Total non-current liabilities 181,952 225,854   Commitments and Contingencies   Stockholders’ equity Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 25,246,565 and 24,793,327 shares issued at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively 245 240 Treasury stock, at cost, 1,993,769 and 1,880,809 shares at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively (88,091 ) (83,715 ) Additional paid-in capital 443,144 420,825 Retained earnings 175,763 109,330 Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (797 )   (1,359 ) Total stockholders’ equity   530,264     445,321   Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 885,600   $ 787,900     HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited)    

Year Ended

December 31,

2013   2012 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 66,433 $ 36,428 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 23,609 25,251 Share-based compensation 18,347 15,651 Allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services 4,411 (4,935 ) Deferred income taxes 4,683 (521 ) Goodwill impairment charge - 13,083 Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired: (Increase) decrease in receivables from clients (21,731 ) 19,713 (Increase) decrease in unbilled services (11,932 ) 4,333 (Increase) decrease in current income tax receivable / payable, net (5,027 ) 27,078 (Increase) decrease in other assets 1,189 2,615 Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,514 (10,226 ) Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and related benefits 34,724 (5,676 ) Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues   (962 )   (20,430 ) Net cash provided by operating activities   115,258     102,364     Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment, net (20,225 ) (17,521 ) Net investment in life insurance policies (1,002 ) (600 ) Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired (30,297 ) (55,223 ) Capitalization of internally developed software (1,572 ) (895 ) Proceeds from note receivable   438     -   Net cash used in investing activities   (52,658 )   (74,239 )   Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from exercise of stock options 198 276 Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings (1,449 ) (4,438 ) Tax benefit from share-based compensation 2,354 1,585 Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility 96,000 273,000 Repayments on credit facility (119,750 ) (274,000 ) Payments for debt issue costs (1,155 ) (2,482 ) Payments of capital lease obligations (19 ) (12 ) Deferred payment for purchase of property and equipment (471 ) - Deferred acquisition payments   (5,356 )   (2,000 ) Net cash used in financing activities   (29,648 )   (8,071 )   Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 17 28   Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 32,969 20,082 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period   25,162     5,080   Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period $ 58,131   $ 25,162    

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA

(Unaudited)

    Three Months EndedDecember 31,  

Percent Increase (Decrease)

Segment and Consolidated Operating Results (in thousands):   2013   2012   Huron Healthcare:   Revenues $ 114,118 $ 87,591 30.3 % Operating income $ 50,430 $ 41,086 22.7 % Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues 44.2 % 46.9 % Huron Legal: Revenues $ 51,098 $ 51,475 (0.7 )% Operating income $ 13,095 $ 10,828 20.9 % Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues 25.6 % 21.0 % Huron Education and Life Sciences: Revenues $ 40,638 $ 36,054 12.7 % Operating income $ 7,226 $ 10,232 (29.4 )% Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues 17.8 % 28.4 % Huron Financial: Revenues $ 4,906 $ 5,198 (5.6 )% Operating income (loss) $ (716 ) $ 229 N/M Segment operating income (loss) as a percentage of segment revenues (14.6 )% 4.4 % All Other: Revenues $ 584 $ 447 30.6 % Operating loss $ (555 ) $ (314 ) 76.8 % Segment operating loss as a percentage of segment revenues N/M N/M Total Company: Revenues $ 211,344 $ 180,765 16.9 % Reimbursable expenses   16,266     13,944   16.7 % Total revenues and reimbursable expenses $ 227,610   $ 194,709   16.9 %   Statement of Earnings reconciliation: Segment operating income $ 69,480 $ 62,061 12.0 % Items not allocated at the segment level: Other operating expenses and gains 26,700 22,576 18.3 % Depreciation and amortization expense   5,886     4,944   19.1 % Total operating income 36,894 34,541 6.8 % Other expense, net   1,131     1,908   (40.7 )% Income from continuing operations before income tax expense $ 35,763   $ 32,633   9.6 %   Other Operating Data (excluding All Other):             Number of full-time billable consultants (at period end) (1): Huron Healthcare (5) 966 856 12.9 % Huron Legal 141 139 1.4 % Huron Education and Life Sciences 504 413 22.0 % Huron Financial   64     62   3.2 % Total (5) 1,675 1,470 13.9 % Average number of full-time billable consultants (for the period) (1): Huron Healthcare (5) 954 857 Huron Legal 142 136 Huron Education and Life Sciences 508 413 Huron Financial   64     64   Total (5) 1,668 1,470  

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

    Three Months Ended December 31, Other Operating Data (excluding All Other):   2013   2012 Full-time billable consultant utilization rate (2):   Huron Healthcare (5) 81.5% 80.4% Huron Legal 69.6% 63.7% Huron Education and Life Sciences 66.8% 74.3% Huron Financial 53.8% 59.9% Total (5) 75.0% 76.3% Full-time billable consultant average billing rate per hour (3): Huron Healthcare (5) $ 297 $ 263 Huron Legal $ 271 $ 220 Huron Education and Life Sciences $ 211 $ 210 Huron Financial $ 294 $ 291 Total (5) $ 272 $ 246 Revenue per full-time billable consultant (in thousands): Huron Healthcare (5) $ 114 $ 95 Huron Legal $ 82 $ 60 Huron Education and Life Sciences $ 65 $ 71 Huron Financial $ 74 $ 80 Total (5) $ 95 $ 85 Average number of full-time equivalents (for the period) (4): Huron Healthcare (5) 51 54 Huron Legal 1,216 1,298 Huron Education and Life Sciences 43 43 Huron Financial   2   1 Total (5) 1,312 1,396 Revenue per full-time equivalent (in thousands): Huron Healthcare (5) $ 107 $ 106 Huron Legal $ 32 $ 33 Huron Education and Life Sciences $ 172 $ 160 Huron Financial $ 106 $ 52 Total (5) $ 40 $ 40  

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA

(Unaudited)

    Twelve Months EndedDecember 31,  

Percent Increase (Decrease)

Segment and Consolidated Operating Results (in thousands):   2013   2012   Huron Healthcare:   Revenues $ 358,766 $ 288,762 24.2 % Operating income $ 141,870 $ 110,864 28.0 % Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues 39.5 % 38.4 % Huron Legal: Revenues $ 182,394 $ 184,918 (1.4 )% Operating income $ 41,964 $ 44,317 (5.3 )% Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues 23.0 % 24.0 % Huron Education and Life Sciences: Revenues $ 148,304 $ 129,427 14.6 % Operating income $ 35,898 $ 38,283 (6.2 )% Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues 24.2 % 29.6 % Huron Financial: Revenues $ 29,974 $ 22,019 36.1 % Operating income $ 7,279 $ 1,888 285.5 % Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues 24.3 % 8.6 % All Other: Revenues $ 1,084 $ 835 29.8 % Operating loss $ (1,256 ) $ (2,285 ) (45.0 )% Segment operating loss as a percentage of segment revenues N/M N/M Total Company: Revenues $ 720,522 $ 625,961 15.1 % Reimbursable expenses   67,267     55,764   20.6 % Total revenues and reimbursable expenses $ 787,789   $ 681,725   15.6 %   Statement of Earnings reconciliation: Segment operating income $ 225,755 $ 193,067 16.9 % Items not allocated at the segment level: Other operating expenses and gains 85,340 88,012 (3.0 )% Depreciation and amortization expense 20,510 18,529 10.7 % Goodwill impairment charge(6)   —     13,083   (100.0 )% Total operating income 119,905 73,443 63.3 % Other expense, net   6,266     7,795   (19.6 )% Income from continuing operations before income tax expense $ 113,639   $ 65,648   73.1 %   Other Operating Data (excluding All Other):             Number of full-time billable consultants (at period end) (1): Huron Healthcare (5) 966 856 12.9 % Huron Legal 141 139 1.4 % Huron Education and Life Sciences 504 413 22.0 % Huron Financial   64     62   3.2 % Total (5) 1,675 1,470 13.9 % Average number of full-time billable consultants (for the period) (1): Huron Healthcare (5) 907 819 Huron Legal 146 126 Huron Education and Life Sciences 450 368 Huron Financial   62     67   Total (5) 1,565 1,380  

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

    Twelve Months Ended December 31, Other Operating Data (excluding All Other):   2013   2012 Full-time billable consultant utilization rate (2):   Huron Healthcare (5) 83.0% 79.5% Huron Legal 60.8% 67.4% Huron Education and Life Sciences 66.7% 73.1% Huron Financial 73.7% 56.3% Total (5) 75.9% 75.6% Full-time billable consultant average billing rate per hour (3): Huron Healthcare (5) $ 233 $ 224 Huron Legal $ 248 $ 240 Huron Education and Life Sciences $ 214 $ 212 Huron Financial $ 329 $ 302 Total (5) $ 233 $ 225 Revenue per full-time billable consultant (in thousands): Huron Healthcare (5) $ 369 $ 325 Huron Legal $ 272 $ 299 Huron Education and Life Sciences $ 269 $ 295 Huron Financial $ 460 $ 318 Total (5) $ 335 $ 314 Average number of full-time equivalents (for the period) (4): Huron Healthcare (5) 53 57 Huron Legal 1,062 1,054 Huron Education and Life Sciences 44 33 Huron Financial   2   2 Total (5) 1,161 1,146 Revenue per full-time equivalent (in thousands): Huron Healthcare (5) $ 449 $ 396 Huron Legal $ 135 $ 140 Huron Education and Life Sciences $ 612 $ 643 Huron Financial $ 543 $ 350 Total (5) $ 168 $ 168   (1) Consists of our full-time professionals who provide consulting services and generate revenues based on the number of hours worked. (2) Utilization rate for our full-time billable consultants is calculated by dividing the number of hours all of our full-time billable consultants worked on client assignments during a period by the total available working hours for all of these consultants during the same period, assuming a forty-hour work week, less paid holidays and vacation days. (3) Average billing rate per hour for our full-time billable consultants is calculated by dividing revenues for a period by the number of hours worked on client assignments during the same period. (4) Consists of consultants who work variable schedules as needed by our clients, as well as contract reviewers and other professionals who generate revenues primarily based on number of hours worked and units produced, such as pages reviewed and data processed. Also includes full-time employees who provide software support and maintenance services to our clients. (5) Effective January 1, 2013, a group within the Huron Healthcare segment that provides post-implementation services that was previously classified as full-time equivalents is now classified as full-time billable consultants due to the evolving nature of the services that they offer. Prior periods have been revised to reflect this change. (6) The goodwill impairment charges are not allocated at the segment level because the underlying goodwill asset is reflective of our corporate investment in the segments. We do not include the impact of goodwill impairment charges in our evaluation of segment performance. N/M – Not meaningful  

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO

ADJUSTED EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (7)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

    Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2013   2012 2013   2012 Revenues $ 211,344   $ 180,765   $ 720,522   $ 625,961     Net income from continuing operations $ 22,119 $ 18,645 $ 66,463 $ 35,953 Add back: Income tax expense 13,644 13,988 47,176 29,695 Interest and other expenses 1,131 1,908 6,266 7,795 Depreciation and amortization   6,970     5,682     23,601     22,338   Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) (7) 43,864 40,223 143,506 95,781 Add back: Restructuring charges 165 751 761 4,004 Restatement related expenses — — — 1,785 Litigation and other settlement (gains) losses 575 — (5,875 ) 1,150 Goodwill impairment charge   —     —     —     13,083   Adjusted EBITDA (7) $ 44,604   $ 40,974   $ 138,392   $ 115,803   Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues (7)   21.1 %   22.7 %   19.2 %   18.5 %  

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (7)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

    Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended December 31, December 31, 2013   2012 2013   2012 Net income from continuing operations $ 22,119   $ 18,645  

 

$ 66,463   $ 35,953   Weighted average shares - diluted 22,973 22,399

 

22,777 22,285 Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.96   $ 0.83  

 

$ 2.92   $ 1.61   Add back: Amortization of intangible assets 2,451 1,838

 

6,798 6,987 Restructuring charges 165 751

 

761 4,004 Restatement related expenses — —

 

— 1,785 Litigation and other settlement (gains) losses 575 —

 

(5,875 ) 1,150 Goodwill impairment charge — — — 13,083 Tax effect   (1,276 )   (1,036 )

 

  (674 )   (10,737 ) Total adjustments, net of tax   1,915     1,553  

 

  1,010     16,272   Adjusted net income from continuing operations (7) $ 24,034   $ 20,198  

 

$ 67,473   $ 52,225   Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (7) $ 1.05   $ 0.90  

 

$ 2.96   $ 2.34     (7) In evaluating the Company’s financial performance, management uses earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, Adjusted net income from continuing operations, and Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, which are non-GAAP measures. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to gain an understanding of our comparative operating performance (when comparing such results with previous periods or forecasts). 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 comparisons. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures when publicly providing our business outlook, for internal management purposes, and as a basis for evaluating potential acquisitions and dispositions. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating Huron’s current operating performance and future prospects in the same manner as management does, if they so choose, and in comparing in a consistent manner Huron’s current financial results with Huron’s past financial results. Investors should recognize that these non-GAAP measures might not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. These measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, any measure of performance, cash flows or liquidity prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

 

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES FOR FULL YEAR 2014 OUTLOOK

 

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS TO

ADJUSTED EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (8)

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

    Year Ending December 31, 2014 Guidance Range Low   High Projected revenues – GAAP $ 765.0   $ 795.0 Projected net income from continuing operations – GAAP $ 65.0   $ 69.5 Add back: Income tax expense 46.0 50.0 Interest and other expenses 5.0 5.0 Depreciation and amortization   25.0     25.0 Projected earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and

amortization (EBITDA) (8)

141.0 149.5 Add back: Restructuring charges   0.5     0.5 Projected adjusted EBITDA (8) $ 141.5   $ 150.0 Projected adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of projected revenues (8)   18.5%     18.9%  

RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (8)

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

    Year Ending December 31, 2014 Guidance Range Low   High Projected net income from continuing operations – GAAP $ 65.0     $ 69.5   Projected diluted earnings per share from continuing operations – GAAP $ 2.80     $ 3.00   Add back:   Amortization of intangible assets 7.0 7.0 Restructuring charges 0.5 0.5 Tax effect   (3.0 )     (3.0 ) Total adjustments, net of tax 4.5 4.5 Projected adjusted net income from continuing operations (8) $ 69.5     $ 74.0   Projected adjusted diluted earnings per share from

continuing operations (8)

$ 3.00     $ 3.20     (8) In evaluating the Company’s outlook, management uses Projected EBITDA, Projected adjusted EBITDA, Projected adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, Projected adjusted net income from continuing operations, and Projected adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, which are non-GAAP measures. Management believes that the use of such measures, as supplements to Projected net income from continuing operations and Projected diluted earnings per share from continuing operations and other GAAP measures, are useful indicators for investors. These useful indicators can help readers gain a meaningful understanding of the Company’s core operating results and future prospects without the effect of non-cash or other one-time items. Investors should recognize that these non-GAAP measures might not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. These measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, any measure of performance, cash flows or liquidity prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.  

Huron Consulting Group Inc.Media Contact:Jennifer Frost Hennagir312-880-3260jfrost-hennagir@huronconsultinggroup.comorInvestor Contact:C. Mark HusseyorEllen Wong312-583-8722investor@huronconsultinggroup.com