WASHINGTON, July 26, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (FCN) today released record financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2018.

Second quarter 2018 revenues of $512.1 million increased $67.4 million, or 15.2%, compared to revenues of $444.7 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding the estimated positive impact from foreign currency translation (“FX”), revenues increased by $61.6 million, or 13.8%, compared to the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily driven by higher demand within the Corporate Finance & Restructuring, Forensic and Litigation Consulting, Strategic Communications and Economic Consulting segments. Net income of $43.6 million compared to a net loss of $5.2 million in the prior year quarter, which included a pretax special charge of $30.1 million related to headcount and real estate actions. The increase in net income was largely due to higher operating profits and a lower effective income tax rate compared to the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA of $72.4 million, or 14.1% of revenues, compared to $40.8 million, or 9.2% of revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues and improved utilization.

Second quarter 2018 fully diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) of $1.14 compared to fully diluted loss per share of $(0.13) in the prior year quarter. EPS (Loss) in the prior year quarter included the aforementioned special charge, which reduced EPS by $0.52. Adjusted EPS of $1.14 compared to $0.40 in the prior year quarter.

Commenting on these results, Steven H. Gunby, President and Chief Executive Officer of FTI Consulting, said, “We are very pleased with our record first half of 2018. Critically, that success supports our commitment to invest in our people by promoting internally and attracting superb professionals to our firm, which, in turn, allows us to further enhance our ability to help our clients navigate many of the largest and most complex issues in the world.”

Cash Position and Capital Allocation

Net cash provided by operating activities of $34.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 compared to $10.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. The increase was primarily due to higher cash collections resulting from increased revenues, which was partially offset by higher income tax payments. Total debt of $375.0 million at June 30, 2018 compared to $445.0 million at March 31, 2018 and $485.0 million at June 30, 2017. Cash and cash equivalents of $116.6 million at June 30, 2018 declined $35.5 million from March 31, 2018.

Second Quarter 2018 Segment Results

Corporate Finance & Restructuring
Revenues in the Corporate Finance & Restructuring segment increased $23.9 million, or 20.3%, to $141.4 million in the quarter compared to $117.5 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was due to higher demand for restructuring services coupled with higher realization for restructuring and business transformation services in the North America and Europe, Middle Eastand Africa regions. Adjusted Segment EBITDA was $35.8 million, or 25.3% of segment revenues, compared to $20.0 million, or 17.1% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues with improved utilization.

Forensic and Litigation Consulting
Revenues in the Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment increased $22.1 million, or 19.9%, to $133.5 million in the quarter compared to $111.4 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily driven by higher demand and realization for investigations and construction solutions services. Adjusted Segment EBITDA was $27.6 million, or 20.7% of segment revenues, compared to $13.0 million, or 11.7% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues with improved utilization.

Economic Consulting
Revenues in the Economic Consulting segment increased $9.3 million, or 7.5%, to $133.3 million in the quarter, compared to $124.0 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding the estimated positive impact from FX, revenues increased $7.3 million, or 5.9% compared to the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher demand for financial economics and international arbitration services, which was partially offset by lower realization for antitrust services. Adjusted Segment EBITDA was $15.5 million, or 11.6% of segment revenues, compared to $15.5 million, or 12.5% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. Adjusted Segment EBITDA was consistent with the prior year quarter, as the increase in revenues was offset by higher variable compensation costs and an increase in billable headcount.

Technology
Revenues in the Technology segment increased $0.9 million, or 1.9%, to $46.4 million in the quarter compared to $45.6 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher demand for consulting and hosting services. This was partially offset by lower demand for managed review services related to a decline in merger- and acquisition-related “second requests” and global investigations. Adjusted Segment EBITDA was $7.5 million, or 16.2% of segment revenues, compared to $5.4 million, or 11.9% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues and lower variable compensation costs for managed review services.

Strategic Communications
Revenues in the Strategic Communications segment increased $11.2 million, or 24.3%, to $57.5 million in the quarter compared to $46.2 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding the estimated positive impact from FX, revenues increased $9.6 million, or 20.8%, compared to the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily due to an increase in both project- and retainer-based revenues related to the financial communications and public affairs practices. Adjusted Segment EBITDA was $11.0 million, or 19.1% of segment revenues, compared to $4.9 million, or 10.5% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in Adjusted Segment EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues, which was partially offset by higher variable compensation costs.

2018 Guidance

The Company is revising its full year 2018 guidance. The Company now estimates that 2018 revenues will range between $1.910 billion and $1.960 billion. This compares to the previous revenue range of between $1.825 billion and $1.875 billion. The Company now estimates that 2018 EPS will range between $2.90 and $3.30. This compares to the previous EPS range of between $2.35 and $2.65. The Company does not expect Adjusted EPS to differ from EPS.

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 4,600 employees located in 28 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 $1.81 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2017. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.