“2024年第三季度營業收入增長3%,在去年同期三個營運部門中實現了強勁的增長。我們的醫療和教育板塊自2021年第一季度以來每個季度都有所增長,在2024年第三季度,我們的商業板塊實現了較2024年第二季度強勁的連續增長,”Mark Hussey說 Mark Hussey,首席執行官兼總裁 赫倫。“我們持續執行提升利潤率的計劃,營造出強勁的第三季度和年度利潤率百分比和每股收益擴張。”
Net income increased $23.0 million, or 38.5%, to $82.6 million, or 7.4% of total revenues, for the first nine months of 2024, compared to $59.6 million, or 5.7% of total revenues, for the same prior year period. Results for the first nine months of 2024 include an $11.1 million litigation settlement gain, net of tax, related to a completed legal matter in which Huron was the plaintiff. Diluted earnings per share increased $1.38, or 45.2%, to $4.43 for the first nine months of 2024, compared to $3.05 for the same prior year period. The litigation settlement gain recognized in the second quarter of 2024 had a favorable $0.59 impact on diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
EBITDA(9) for the first nine months of 2024 increased $29.6 million, or 25.5%, to $146.1 million, compared to $116.5 million in the same prior year period. Results for the first nine months of 2024 include a pre-tax $15.0 million litigation settlement gain related to the completed legal matter in which Huron was the plaintiff.
In addition to using EBITDA to evaluate the company’s financial performance, management uses other non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude the effect of the following items (in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Amortization of intangible assets
$
4,917
$
6,202
Restructuring charges
$
7,530
$
9,385
2024 litigation settlement gain (10)
$
(11,701)
$
—
Other losses (gains), net
$
478
$
(202)
Transaction-related expenses
$
2,316
$
302
Tax effect of adjustments
$
(920)
$
(4,157)
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net
$
(348)
$
36
Adjusted EBITDA(9), which excludes the 2024 litigation settlement gain, increased $18.4 million, or 14.6%, to $144.4 million, or 13.2% of revenues before reimbursable expenses(9), for the first nine months of 2024, compared to $126.0 million, or 12.3% of revenues before reimbursable expenses(9), in the same prior year period. Adjusted net income(9) increased $14.1 million, or 19.8%, to $85.3 million, or $4.57 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2024, compared to $71.2 million, or $3.64 per diluted share, for the same prior year period.
The number of revenue-generating professionals(2) increased 10.4% to 5,896 as of September 30, 2024 from 5,341 as of September 30, 2023. The utilization rate(8) of the company's Consulting capability was 72.5% for the first nine months of 2024, compared to 76.5% during the same period last year. The utilization rate(8) for the company's Digital capability increased to 75.4% for the first nine months of 2024, compared to 73.7% during the same period last year.
Additionally, Huron returned $104.0 million to shareholders in the first nine months of 2024 by repurchasing 1,067,545 shares of the company's common stock, representing 5.8% of the company's common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2023.
OPERATING INDUSTRIES
The company’s year-to-date 2024 revenues before reimbursable expenses by operating segment as a percentage of total company revenues before reimbursable expenses are as follows: Healthcare (50%); Education (32%); and Commercial (18%). Financial results by operating industry are included in the attached schedules and in Huron's forthcoming Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filing for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.
OUTLOOK FOR 2024
Based on currently available information, the company is narrowing guidance for full year 2024 revenues before reimbursable expenses to a range of $1.47 billion to $1.49 billion while maintaining its previous midpoint of guidance. The company also anticipates adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues before reimbursable expenses(9) in a range of 13.0% to 13.5%, and is increasing adjusted diluted earnings per share(9) guidance to a range of $6.00 to $6.20.
THIRD QUARTER 2024 WEBCAST
The company will host a webcast to discuss its financial results today, October 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 4:00 p.m. Central Time. The conference call is being webcast by Notified and can be accessed from Huron'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(9)
In evaluating the company’s financial performance and outlook, management uses EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues before reimbursable expenses, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share, which are non-GAAP measures. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to gain an understanding of the company's 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 the company's ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures when publicly providing their business outlook, for internal management purposes, and as a basis for evaluating potential acquisitions and dispositions. Management believes 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.
Management has provided its outlook regarding adjusted EBITDA and adjusted diluted earnings per share, both of which are non-GAAP financial measures and exclude certain charges. Management has not reconciled these non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding GAAP financial measures because guidance for the various reconciling items is not provided. Management is unable to provide guidance for these reconciling items because they cannot determine their probable significance, as certain items are outside of the company's control and cannot be reasonably predicted since these items could vary significantly from period to period. Accordingly, reconciliations to the corresponding GAAP financial measures are not available without unreasonable effort.
ABOUT HURON
Huron is a global professional services firm that collaborates with clients to put possible into practice by creating sound strategies, optimizing operations, accelerating digital transformation, and empowering businesses and their people to own their future. By embracing diverse perspectives, encouraging new ideas and challenging the status quo, we create sustainable results for the organizations we serve. 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 results, are “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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,” “continues,” “goals,” “guidance,” or “outlook” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect the company's current expectations about future requirements and needs, results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation: failure to achieve expected utilization rates, billing rates, and the necessary number of revenue-generating professionals; inability to expand or adjust our service offerings in response to market demands; our dependence on renewal of client-based services; dependence on new business and retention of current clients and qualified personnel; failure to maintain third-party provider relationships and strategic alliances; inability to license technology to and from third parties; the impairment of goodwill; various factors related to income and other taxes; difficulties in successfully integrating the businesses we acquire and achieving expected benefits from such acquisitions; risks relating to privacy, information security, and related laws and standards; and a general downturn in market conditions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, among others, those described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Huron's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 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. The company disclaims 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 OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenues:
Revenues before reimbursable expenses
$
370,049
$
358,178
$
1,097,664
$
1,022,832
Reimbursable expenses
8,040
9,288
24,827
25,918
Total revenues
378,089
367,466
1,122,491
1,048,750
Operating expenses:
Direct costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below)
247,849
244,774
749,757
708,355
Reimbursable expenses
8,135
9,497
25,146
26,242
Selling, general and administrative expenses
70,375
64,361
214,485
190,857
Other gains, net
(173)
(14)
(14,522)
(202)
Restructuring charges
3,137
5,402
7,530
9,385
Depreciation and amortization
6,321
6,104
18,326
18,621
Total operating expenses
335,644
330,124
1,000,722
953,258
Operating income
42,445
37,342
121,769
95,492
Other income (expense), net:
Interest expense, net of interest income
(6,800)
(5,047)
(19,894)
(15,146)
Other income (expense), net
1,936
(1,000)
5,361
1,781
Total other expense, net
(4,864)
(6,047)
(14,533)
(13,365)
Income before taxes
37,581
31,295
107,236
82,127
Income tax expense
10,432
9,779
24,599
22,480
Net income
$
27,149
$
21,516
$
82,637
$
59,647
Earnings per share:
Net income per basic share
$
1.53
$
1.15
$
4.61
$
3.15
Net income per diluted share
$
1.47
$
1.10
$
4.43
$
3.05
Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share:
Basic
17,754
18,770
17,945
18,941
Diluted
18,471
19,475
18,672
19,578
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income
$
27,149
$
21,516
$
82,637
$
59,647
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
900
(662)
(103)
(283)
Unrealized gain (loss) on investment, net of tax
(443)
(1,350)
(8,208)
3,076
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax
(4,716)
(368)
(4,770)
(234)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(4,259)
(2,380)
(13,081)
2,559
Comprehensive income
$
22,890
$
19,136
$
69,556
$
62,206
HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
18,497
$
12,149
Receivables from clients, net
204,894
162,566
Unbilled services, net
177,437
190,869
Income tax receivable
9,192
6,385
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
27,789
28,491
Total current assets
437,809
400,460
Property and equipment, net
21,682
23,728
Deferred income taxes, net
2,408
2,288
Long-term investments
64,319
75,414
Operating lease right-of-use assets
21,026
24,131
Other non-current assets
111,448
92,336
Intangible assets, net
22,547
18,074
Goodwill
647,541
625,711
Total assets
$
1,328,780
$
1,262,142
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
8,151
$
10,074
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
26,490
33,087
Accrued payroll and related benefits
183,182
225,921
Current maturities of long-term debt
13,750
—
Current maturities of operating lease liabilities
11,990
11,032
Deferred revenues
27,703
22,461
Total current liabilities
271,266
302,575
Non-current liabilities:
Deferred compensation and other liabilities
44,322
35,665
Long-term debt, net of current portion
428,204
324,000
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion
33,442
38,850
Deferred income taxes, net
28,774
28,160
Total non-current liabilities
534,742
426,675
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 20,793,202 and 21,316,441 shares issued, respectively
207
212
Treasury stock, at cost, 3,062,689 and 2,852,296 shares, respectively
(159,717)
(142,136)
Additional paid-in capital
174,872
236,962
Retained earnings
497,664
415,027
Accumulated other comprehensive income
9,746
22,827
Total stockholders’ equity
522,772
532,892
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,328,780
$
1,262,142
HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
82,637
$
59,647
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
18,326
18,653
Non-cash lease expense
4,486
4,840
Lease-related impairment charges
3,513
5,584
Share-based compensation
33,963
35,398
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs
793
577
Allowances for doubtful accounts
3,062
53
Deferred income taxes
5,037
890
Gain on sale of property and equipment
(101)
(61)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities
(589)
(251)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and divestiture:
(Increase) decrease in receivables from clients, net
(44,739)
(18,508)
(Increase) decrease in unbilled services, net
13,770
(51,092)
(Increase) decrease in current income tax receivable / payable, net
(3,114)
(4,365)
(Increase) decrease in other assets
(8,412)
(6,243)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities
(6,994)
(5,361)
Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and related benefits
(41,385)
10,805
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues
1,451
4,328
Net cash provided by operating activities
61,704
54,894
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment
(6,028)
(5,147)
Investments in life insurance policies
(2,166)
(2,601)
Distributions from life insurance policies
—
2,956
Purchases of businesses
(20,769)
(1,613)
Capitalization of internally developed software costs
(19,341)
(19,610)
Proceeds from note receivable
154
154
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
102
62
Net cash used in investing activities
(48,048)
(25,799)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercises of stock options
1,634
987
Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings
(21,458)
(10,050)
Share repurchases
(104,553)
(88,897)
Proceeds from bank borrowings
682,500
292,000
Repayments of bank borrowings
(563,375)
(224,000)
Payments for debt issuance costs
(1,446)
(58)
Deferred payments on business acquisition
(617)
(1,500)
Net cash used in financing activities
(7,315)
(31,518)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
7
(13)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
6,348
(2,436)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
12,149
11,834
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
$
18,497
$
9,398
HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND OTHER OPERATING DATA
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Percent Increase (Decrease)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Percent Increase (Decrease)
Segment and Consolidated Operating Results (in thousands):
2024
2023
2024
2023
Healthcare:
Revenues before reimbursable expenses
$
183,136
$
179,177
2.2%
$
553,976
$
501,994
10.4%
Operating income
$
49,651
$
46,888
5.9%
$
147,591
$
128,294
15.0%
Segment operating margin
27.1
%
26.2
%
26.6
%
25.6
%
Education:
Revenues before reimbursable expenses
$
121,048
$
111,043
9.0%
$
355,384
$
325,884
9.1%
Operating income
$
29,158
$
26,550
9.8%
$
81,906
$
77,112
6.2%
Segment operating margin
24.1
%
23.9
%
23.0
%
23.7
%
Commercial:
Revenues before reimbursable expenses
$
65,865
$
67,958
(3.1)%
$
188,304
$
194,954
(3.4)%
Operating income
$
16,144
$
15,432
4.6%
$
39,198
$
39,971
(1.9)%
Segment operating margin
24.5
%
22.7
%
20.8
%
20.5
%
Total Huron:
Revenues before reimbursable expenses
$
370,049
$
358,178
3.3%
$
1,097,664
$
1,022,832
7.3%
Reimbursable expenses
8,040
9,288
(13.4)%
24,827
25,918
(4.2)%
Total revenues
$
378,089
$
367,466
2.9%
$
1,122,491
$
1,048,750
7.0%
Items not allocated at the segment level:
Unallocated corporate expenses
46,821
43,100
8.6%
143,386
129,765
10.5%
Other gains, net
(173)
(14)
N/M
(14,522)
(202)
N/M
Restructuring charges
1,921
4,095
(53.1)%
6,201
6,881
(9.9)%
Depreciation and amortization
3,939
4,347
(9.4)%
11,861
13,441
(11.8)%
Operating income
42,445
37,342
13.7%
121,769
95,492
27.5%
Other expense, net
(4,864)
(6,047)
(19.6)%
(14,533)
(13,365)
8.7%
Income before taxes
$
37,581
$
31,295
20.1%
$
107,236
$
82,127
30.6%
Other Operating Data:
Number of revenue-generating professionals by segment (at period end) (2)(3):
Healthcare
2,442
1,878
30.0%
2,442
1,878
30.0%
Education
1,250
1,203
3.9%
1,250
1,203
3.9%
Commercial (4)
2,204
2,260
(2.5)%
2,204
2,260
(2.5)%
Total
5,896
5,341
10.4%
5,896
5,341
10.4%
Revenues before reimbursable expenses by capability:
Consulting and Managed Services (5)(6)
$
214,517
$
214,688
(0.1)%
$
634,415
$
589,137
7.7%
Digital
155,532
143,490
8.4%
463,249
433,695
6.8%
Total
$
370,049
$
358,178
3.3%
$
1,097,664
$
1,022,832
7.3%
Number of revenue-generating professionals by capability (at period end)(2):
Consulting and Managed Services (5)(7)
3,052
2,483
22.9%
3,052
2,483
22.9%
Digital
2,844
2,858
(0.5)%
2,844
2,858
(0.5)%
Total
5,896
5,341
10.4%
5,896
5,341
10.4%
Utilization rate by capability (8):
Consulting
73.6
%
77.3
%
72.5
%
76.5
%
Digital
77.2
%
75.4
%
75.4
%
73.7
%
(2) Consists of our full-time consultants who generate revenues based on the number of hours worked; full-time equivalents, which consists of coaches and their support staff within the culture and organizational excellence solution, consultants who work variable schedules as needed by clients, and full-time employees who provide software support and maintenance services to clients; and our Healthcare managed services employees who provide revenue cycle billing, collections, insurance verification and change integrity services to clients.
(3) During the first quarter of 2024, we reclassified certain revenue-generating professionals within our Digital capability from our Healthcare and Education segments to our Commercial segment as these professionals are able to provide services across all of our industries. This reclassification did not impact the total Digital capability headcount for any period. The prior period headcount has been revised for consistent presentation.
(4) The majority of our revenue-generating professionals within our Commercial segment can provide services across all of our industries, including healthcare and education, and the related costs of these professionals are allocated to each of the segments.
(5) During the first quarter of 2024, we reclassified one of the offerings within Education's Consulting capability to Education's Managed Services capability. Revenues before reimbursable expenses generated by this offering during the quarters ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2023 were $2.8 million, $2.2 million, $2.4 million, and $2.7 million, respectively, and during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 were $15.0 million and $10.1 million, respectively. The number of revenue-generating professionals within this offering as of December 31, 2022, March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2023 were 54, 24, 24, 24 and 23, respectively.
This reclassification did not impact the aggregate revenues before reimbursable expenses or headcount reported for the Education Consulting and Managed Services capability for any period, and the prior period Education Managed Services capability revenues before reimbursable expenses and headcount in the following footnotes have been revised for consistent presentation.
(6) Managed Services capability revenues before reimbursable expenses within our Healthcare segment was $19.3 million and $16.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively; and $53.5 million and $53.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Managed Services capability revenues before reimbursable expenses within our Education segment was $6.6 million and $7.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively; and $20.8 million and $22.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(7) The number of Managed Services revenue-generating professionals within our Healthcare segment was 1,223 and 757 as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The number of Managed Services revenue-generating professionals within our Education segment was 122 and 129 as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(8) Utilization rate is calculated by dividing the number of hours our billable consultants worked on client assignments during a period by the total available working hours for these billable consultants during the same period. Available working hours are determined by the standard hours worked by each billable consultant, adjusted for part-time hours, and U.S. standard work weeks. Available working hours exclude local country holidays and vacation days. Utilization rates are presented for our revenue-generating professionals who primarily bill on an hourly basis. We have not presented utilization rates for our Managed Services professionals as most of the revenues generated by these employees are not billed on an hourly basis.
HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME
TO ADJUSTED EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (9)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenues before reimbursable expenses
$
370,049
$
358,178
$
1,097,664
$
1,022,832
Reimbursable expenses
8,040
9,288
24,827
25,918
Total revenues
$
378,089
$
367,466
$
1,122,491
$
1,048,750
Net income
$
27,149
$
21,516
$
82,637
$
59,647
Net income as a percentage of total revenues
7.2
%
5.9
%
7.4
%
5.7
%
Add back:
Income tax expense
10,432
9,779
24,599
22,480
Interest expense, net of interest income
6,800
5,047
19,894
15,146
Depreciation and amortization
6,542
6,300
18,967
19,183
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) (9)
50,923
42,642
146,097
116,456
Add back:
Restructuring charges
3,137
5,402
7,530
9,385
2024 litigation settlement gain (10)
—
—
(11,701)
—
Other losses (gains), net
(173)
(14)
478
(202)
Transaction-related expenses
716
302
2,316
302
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net
267
(332)
(348)
36
Adjusted EBITDA (9)
$
54,870
$
48,000
$
144,372
$
125,977
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues before reimbursable expenses (9)
14.8
%
13.4
%
13.2
%
12.3
%
HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME (9)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Net income
$
27,149
$
21,516
$
82,637
$
59,647
Weighted average shares - diluted
18,471
19,475
18,672
19,578
Diluted earnings per share
$
1.47
$
1.10
$
4.43
$
3.05
Add back:
Amortization of intangible assets
1,600
1,997
4,917
6,202
Restructuring charges
3,137
5,402
7,530
9,385
2024 litigation settlement gain (10)
—
—
(11,701)
—
Other losses (gains), net
(173)
(14)
478
(202)
Transaction-related expenses
716
302
2,316
302
Tax effect of adjustments
(1,372)
(2,037)
(920)
(4,157)
Total adjustments, net of tax
3,908
5,650
2,620
11,530
Adjusted net income (9)
$
31,057
$
27,166
$
85,257
$
71,177
Adjusted weighted average shares - diluted
18,471
19,475
18,672
19,578
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (9)
$
1.68
$
1.39
$
4.57
$
3.64
(9) In evaluating the company’s financial performance and outlook, management uses earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues before reimbursable expenses, adjusted net income, and adjusted diluted earnings per share, which are non-GAAP measures. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to gain an understanding of the company's 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 the company's ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures when publicly providing the company's business outlook, for internal management purposes, and as a basis for evaluating potential acquisitions and dispositions. Management believes 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.
(10) The non-GAAP financial measures for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 include an adjustment for the 2024 litigation settlement gain. In the second quarter of 2024, the company settled a litigation matter in which Huron was the plaintiff for $15.0 million, on a pre-tax basis. This $15.0 million settlement gain was recorded as a component of other gains, net on the consolidated statement of operations. The company has excluded from the non-GAAP measures $11.7 million, which is the value of the settlement gain that exceeds the third-party legal costs incurred during 2024 specific to this litigation matter, as this net gain is not indicative of the ongoing performance of Huron's business. Of the $3.3 million third-party legal costs incurred for this matter in 2024, $2.7 million was incurred in the first quarter and $0.6 million was incurred in the second quarter. Third-party legal expenses are recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses on the statement of operations. Third-party legal costs incurred for this litigation matter during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 were $1.2 million and $2.2 million, respectively.