Biggest changeThe net additions include targeted reductions in areas of each segment described in the “Special Charges” section above: Billable Headcount Corporate Finance FLC Economic Consulting Technology Strategic Communications Total Non-Billable Headcount Total Headcount December 31, 2023 2,215 1,447 1,089 628 971 6,350 1,640 7,990 Additions, net 71 95 21 86 10 283 101 384 December 31, 2024 2,286 1,542 1,110 714 981 6,633 1,741 8,374 Percentage change in headcount from December 31, 2023 3.2% 6.6% 1.9% 13.7% 1.0% 4.5% 6.2% 4.8% 37 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Segment and Consolidated Operating Results: Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (in thousands, except per share data) Revenues Corporate Finance $ 1,391,206 $ 1,346,678 FLC 690,211 654,105 Economic Consulting 863,557 771,374 Technology 417,637 387,855 Strategic Communications 336,041 329,230 Total revenues $ 3,698,652 $ 3,489,242 Segment operating income Corporate Finance $ 225,711 $ 216,504 FLC 77,490 81,296 Economic Consulting 104,090 109,818 Technology 41,875 48,196 Strategic Communications 45,790 47,167 Total segment operating income 494,956 502,981 Unallocated corporate expenses (147,594) (125,420) Operating income 347,362 377,561 Other income (expense) Interest income and other 10,360 (4,867) Interest expense (6,951) (14,331) 3,409 (19,198) Income before income tax provision 350,771 358,363 Income tax provision 70,683 83,471 Net income $ 280,088 $ 274,892 Earnings per common share — basic $ 7.96 $ 8.10 Earnings per common share — diluted $ 7.81 $ 7.71 Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA: Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (in thousands) Net income $ 280,088 $ 274,892 Add back: Income tax provision 70,683 83,471 Interest income and other (10,360) 4,867 Interest expense 6,951 14,331 Depreciation of property and equipment 43,910 41,079 Amortization of intangible assets 4,183 6,159 Special charges 8,230 — Adjusted EBITDA $ 403,685 $ 424,799 38 Reconciliation of Net Income and EPS to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS: Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (in thousands, except per share data) Net income $ 280,088 $ 274,892 Add back: Special charges 8,230 — Tax impact of special charges (1,857) — Adjusted Net Income $ 286,461 $ 274,892 Earnings per common share — diluted $ 7.81 $ 7.71 Add back: Special charges 0.23 — Tax impact of special charges (0.05) — Adjusted earnings per common share — diluted $ 7.99 $ 7.71 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted 35,845 35,646 Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow: Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (in thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 395,097 $ 224,461 Purchases of property and equipment (34,900) (49,562) Free Cash Flow $ 360,197 $ 174,899 Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to December 31, 2023 Revenues and operating income See “Segment Results” for an expanded discussion of revenues, gross profit and SG&A expenses.
Biggest changeHeadcount The following table includes the net headcount additions (reductions) by segment and in total for the year ended December 31, 2025: Billable Headcount Corporate Finance FLC Economic Consulting Technology Strategic Communications Total Non-Billable Headcount Total Headcount December 31, 2024 2,286 1,542 1,110 714 981 6,633 1,741 8,374 Additions (reductions), net 11 (1) (96) (52) (74) (212) (44) (256) December 31, 2025 2,297 1,541 1,014 662 907 6,421 1,697 8,118 Percentage change in headcount from December 31, 2024 0.5 % (0.1) % (8.6) % (7.3) % (7.5) % (3.2) % (2.5) % (3.1) % 36 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Segment and Consolidated Operating Results: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (in thousands, except per share data) Revenues Corporate Finance $ 1,550,969 $ 1,391,206 FLC 764,687 690,211 Economic Consulting 720,829 863,557 Technology 373,883 417,637 Strategic Communications 378,489 336,041 Total revenues $ 3,788,857 $ 3,698,652 Segment operating income Corporate Finance $ 288,761 $ 225,711 FLC 121,223 77,490 Economic Consulting 18,794 104,090 Technology 28,109 41,875 Strategic Communications 60,027 45,790 Total segment operating income 516,914 494,956 Unallocated corporate expenses (127,837) (147,594) Operating income 389,077 347,362 Other income (expense) Interest income and other 3,330 10,360 Interest expense (21,396) (6,951) (18,066) 3,409 Income before income tax provision 371,011 350,771 Income tax provision 100,140 70,683 Net income $ 270,871 $ 280,088 Earnings per common share — basic $ 8.33 $ 7.96 Earnings per common share — diluted $ 8.24 $ 7.81 Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (in thousands) Net income $ 270,871 $ 280,088 Add back: Income tax provision 100,140 70,683 Interest income and other (3,330) (10,360) Interest expense 21,396 6,951 Depreciation of property and equipment 45,764 43,910 Amortization of intangible assets 3,479 4,183 Special charges 25,295 8,230 Adjusted EBITDA $ 463,615 $ 403,685 37 Reconciliation of Net Income and EPS to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (in thousands, except per share data) Net income $ 270,871 $ 280,088 Add back: Special charges 25,295 8,230 Tax impact of special charges (5,799) (1,857) Adjusted Net Income $ 290,367 $ 286,461 EPS $ 8.24 $ 7.81 Add back: Special charges 0.77 0.23 Tax impact of special charges (0.18) (0.05) Adjusted EPS $ 8.83 $ 7.99 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — diluted 32,881 35,845 Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (in thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 152,132 $ 395,097 Purchases of property and equipment (58,531) (34,900) Free Cash Flow $ 93,601 $ 360,197 Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared to December 31, 2024 Revenues and operating income See “Segment Results” for an expanded discussion of revenues, gross profit and SG&A expenses.
Our Strategic Communications segment develops and executes communications strategies to help management teams, boards of directors, law firms, governments and regulators manage change and mitigate risk surrounding transformational and disruptive events, including transactions, investigations, disputes, crises, regulation and legislation. We deliver a wide range of services centered around three core offerings: Corporate Reputation, Financial Communications and Public Affairs.
Our Strategic Communications segment develops and executes communications strategies to help management teams, boards of directors, law firms, governments and regulators manage change and mitigate risk surrounding transformational and disruptive events, including crises, transactions, investigations, disputes, regulation and legislation. We deliver a wide range of services centered around three core offerings: Corporate Reputation, Financial Communications and Public Affairs.
The second amended and restated credit agreement entered into on November 21, 2022 (the “Credit Agreement”) governing the Credit Facility and our other indebtedness outstanding from time to time contains covenants that, among other things, may limit our ability to: incur additional indebtedness; create liens; pay dividends on our capital stock, make distributions or repurchases of our capital stock or make specified other restricted payments; consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets; guarantee obligations of other entities or our foreign subsidiaries; enter into hedging agreements; 48 enter into transactions with affiliates or related persons; or engage in any business other than consulting-related businesses.
The second amended and restated credit agreement entered into on November 21, 2022 (the “Credit Agreement”) governing the Credit Facility and our other indebtedness outstanding from time to time contains covenants that, among other things, may limit our ability to: incur additional indebtedness; create liens; pay dividends on our capital stock, make distributions or repurchases of our capital stock or make specified other restricted payments; consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets; guarantee obligations of other entities or our foreign subsidiaries; enter into hedging agreements; enter into transactions with affiliates or related persons; or engage in any business other than consulting-related businesses.
Under this arrangement, we typically bill our clients for reimbursable expenses, including those relating to travel, out-of-pocket expenses, outside consultants and other outside service costs. Certain contracts are rendered under fixed-fee arrangements, which require the client to pay a fixed-fee in exchange for a predetermined set of professional services.
Under this arrangement, we typically bill our clients for reimbursable expenses, including those relating to travel, out-of-pocket expenses, outside consultants and other outside service costs. Certain contracts are rendered under fixed-fee arrangements, which require the client to pay a fixed-fee in exchange for a 33 predetermined set of professional services.
Fixed-fee arrangements may require certain clients to pay us a recurring retainer. 33 Our contract arrangements may also contain success fees or performance-based arrangements in which our fees are based on the attainment of contractually defined objectives with our client. This type of success fee may supplement a time and expense or fixed-fee arrangement.
Fixed-fee arrangements may require certain clients to pay us a recurring retainer. Our contract arrangements may also contain success fees or performance-based arrangements in which our fees are based on the attainment of contractually defined objectives with our client. This type of success fee may supplement a time and expense or fixed-fee arrangement.
Factors we consider when making the determination include assessing macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, and other relevant reporting unit specific events; 50 • Decide whether to bypass the qualitative assessment and perform a quantitative assessment.
Factors we consider when making the determination include assessing macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance, and other relevant reporting unit specific events; • Decide whether to bypass the qualitative assessment and perform a quantitative assessment.
We have not presented utilization rates for our Technology and Strategic Communications segments as most of the revenues of these segments are not generated on an hourly basis. 41 (3) For engagements where revenues are based on number of hours worked by our billable professionals and fixed-fee arrangements, average billable rate per hour is calculated by dividing revenues (excluding revenues from success fees, pass-through revenues and outside consultants) for a period by the number of hours worked on client assignments during the same period.
We have not presented utilization rates for our Technology and Strategic Communications segments as most of the revenues of these segments are not generated on an hourly basis. 40 (3) For engagements where revenues are based on number of hours worked by our billable professionals and fixed-fee arrangements, average billable rate per hour is calculated by dividing revenues (excluding revenues from success fees, pass-through revenues and outside consultants) for a period by the number of hours worked on client assignments during the same period.
Success fees and other contractual terms may cause variations in our revenues and operating results due to the timing of when achieving the performance-based criteria becomes probable. Seasonal factors, such as the timing of our employees’ and clients’ vacations and holidays, may impact the timing of our revenues across our segments.
Success fees and other contractual terms may cause variations in our revenues and operating results due to the timing of when achieving the performance-based criteria becomes probable. Seasonal factors, such as the timing of our employees’ and clients’ vacations and holidays, may impact the timing of our revenue recognition across our segments.
Our estimate takes into consideration the needs of our existing businesses but does not include the impact of any purchases that we may be required to make as a result of future acquisitions or specific client engagements that are not completed or not currently contemplated.
Our estimate takes into consideration the needs of our existing businesses but does not include the impact of any expenditures that we may be required to make as a result of future acquisitions or specific client engagements that are not completed or not currently contemplated.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following is a discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2024 and significant factors that could affect our prospective financial condition and results of operations.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following is a discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2025 and significant factors that could affect our prospective financial condition and results of operations.
The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill requires significant judgment and estimates. In 2024, we performed our annual impairment tests for each of our reporting units. The results of that test indicated that for each of our reporting units, no impairment existed.
The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill requires significant judgment and estimates. In 2025, we performed our annual impairment tests for each of our reporting units. The results of that test indicated that for each of our reporting units, no impairment existed.
See Note 14, “Debt” in Part II, Item 8, of this Annual Report for a further discussion of variable interest rates and guarantees under the Credit Facility.
See Note 13, “Debt” in Part II, Item 8, of this Annual Report for a further discussion of variable interest rates and guarantees under the Credit Facility.
For a similar discussion and analysis of our results for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to our results for the year ended December 31, 2022, refer to Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the United States (“U.S.”) Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 22, 2024.
For a similar discussion and analysis of our results for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to our results for the year ended December 31, 2023, refer to Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the United States (“U.S.”) Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 20, 2025.
We deliver a wide range of services centered around three core offerings: Antitrust & Competition Economics, Financial Economics and International Arbitration. Our Technology segment provides companies, law firms, private equity firms and government entities with a comprehensive global portfolio of digital insights and risk management consulting and data services.
We deliver a wide range of services centered around three core offerings: Antitrust & Competition Economics, Financial Economics and International Arbitration. Our Technology segment provides companies, law firms, private equity firms and government entities with a comprehensive global portfolio of digital insights and risk management, artificial intelligence (“AI”) and data services.
If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset group, we estimate the fair value of the asset group to determine whether an impairment loss should be recognized. No impairment charges for intangible assets were recorded in 2024.
If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset group, we estimate the fair value of the asset group to determine whether an impairment loss should be recognized. No impairment charges for intangible assets were recorded in 2025. Income Taxes.
These bank guarantees are issued separate from our Credit Facility and, as a result, do not affect available borrowings under our Credit Facility. Critical Accounting Estimates General. Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which we have prepared in accordance with GAAP.
These bank guarantees are issued separately from our Credit Facility and, as a result, do not affect available borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility. Critical Accounting Estimates General. Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which we have prepared in accordance with GAAP.
As part of the evaluation of goodwill and intangible assets for potential impairment, we exercise judgment to: • Perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is “more likely than not” that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than it’s carrying value.
We assess our goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level. 49 As part of the evaluation of goodwill and intangible assets for potential impairment, we exercise judgment to: • Perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is “more likely than not” that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than it’s carrying value.
We evaluate our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of the first day of the fourth quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. We assess our goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level.
We evaluate our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually as of the first day of the fourth quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.
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 define Adjusted Segment EBITDA as Segment Operating Income before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, remeasurement of acquisition-related contingent consideration, special charges and goodwill impairment charges.
Special Charges During the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded special charges of $8.2 million. The charges related to targeted headcount reductions in areas of each segment and region where we realigned our workforce with current business demand for our consulting services.
Special Charges During the year ended December 31, 2025, we recorded special charges of $25.3 million. The charges related to targeted headcount reductions in areas of each segment and region where we realigned our workforce with current business demand for our consulting services.
We employed an average of 776 and 670 as-needed employees during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
We employed an average of 602 and 776 as-needed employees during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for each month, while assets and liabilities are translated at balance sheet date exchange rates.
Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for each month, while assets and liabilities are translated at balance sheet date exchange rates and certain equity transactions are translated at historical rates.
In addition, the Credit Agreement includes a financial covenant that requires us not to exceed a maximum consolidated total net leverage ratio (the ratio of funded debt (less unrestricted cash up to $300.0 million) to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Agreement). As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in the Credit Agreement.
In addition, the Credit Agreement includes a financial covenant that requires us not to exceed a maximum consolidated total net 47 leverage ratio (the ratio of funded debt (less unrestricted cash up to $300.0 million) to Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Agreement).
Our services are centered around five core offerings: Construction, Projects & Assets and Environmental Solutions, Data & Analytics, Disputes, Healthcare Risk Management & Advisory and Risk and Investigations.
Our services are centered around five core offerings: Construction, Projects & Assets and Environmental Solutions, Data & Analytics, Dispute Advisory Services, Healthcare Risk Management & Advisory and Risk & Investigations, which includes our cybersecurity and financial services-related offerings.
See information under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report. 47 Cash Flows Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Cash Flows (dollars in thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 395,097 $ 224,461 Net cash used in investing activities $ (10,162) $ (73,835) Net cash used in financing activities $ (15,383) $ (354,663) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents $ (12,281) $ 15,571 DSO (1) 97 100 (1) DSO is a performance measure used to assess how quickly revenues are collected by the Company.
See information under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report. 46 Cash Flows Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 Cash Flows (dollars in thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 152,132 $ 395,097 Net cash used in investing activities $ (58,531) $ (10,162) Net cash used in financing activities $ (510,476) $ (15,383) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents $ 21,473 $ (12,281) DSO (1) 88 97 (1) DSO is a performance measure used to assess how quickly revenues are collected by the Company.
Principal Sources of Capital Resources As of December 31, 2024, our capital resources included $660.5 million of cash and cash equivalents and available borrowing capacity of $900.0 million under the revolving line of credit under our Credit Facility.
Principal Sources of Capital Resources As of December 31, 2025, our capital resources included $265.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and available borrowing capacity of $535.0 million under the revolving line of credit under our Credit Facility.
SG&A expenses increased $9.3 million, or 4.4%, to $219.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. SG&A expenses of 15.8% of revenues in 2024 compared to 15.6% in 2023.
SG&A expenses increased $14.7 million, or 6.7%, to $234.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. SG&A expenses of 15.1% of revenues in 2025 compared to 15.8% in 2024.
The increase was primarily due to a $0.5 million net FX gain for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to a $9.3 million net FX loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 and a $3.3 million increase in interest income.
The decrease was primarily due to a $4.3 million net FX loss for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to a $0.5 million net FX gain for the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as a $1.4 million decrease in interest income.
Future Contractual Obligations We have no future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2024 related to outstanding borrowings under our Credit Facility. For more information on our Credit Facility, refer to Note 14, “Debt” in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Future Contractual Obligations Our future contractual obligations as of December 31, 2025 include long-term obligations of $365.0 million related to outstanding borrowings under our Credit Facility. For more information on our Credit Facility, refer to Note 13, “Debt” in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 10.9% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 12.2% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased $59.9 million, or 14.8%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 12.2% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to 10.9% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024.
A portion of net cash provided by operating activities was used to repurchase and retire 51,717 shares of our common stock under our Repurchase Program for an average price per share of $197.53, at a total cost of $10.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2024.
A portion of net cash provided by operating activities was used to repurchase and retire 5,264,916 shares of our common stock under our Repurchase Program for an average price per share of $163.07, at a total cost of $858.6 million, excluding commissions, during the year ended December 31, 2025.
Share Repurchase Program During the year ended December 31, 2024, we made $10.2 million in payments for common stock repurchases under the Repurchase Program. We had $450.4 million remaining under the Repurchase Program to repurchase additional shares as of December 31, 2024.
Share Repurchase Program During the year ended December 31, 2025, we made $858.7 million in payments, including commissions, for common stock repurchases under the Repurchase Program. We had $491.8 million remaining under the Repurchase Program to repurchase additional shares as of December 31, 2025.
The increase in Free Cash Flow for the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily due to higher net cash provided by operating activities, as described above, and a decrease in net cash used for purchases of property and equipment.
Free Cash Flow was an inflow of $93.6 million and $360.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The decrease in Free Cash Flow was primarily due to lower net cash provided by operating activities, as described above, and higher net cash used for purchases of property and equipment.
A portion of the special charges was paid during the year ended December 31, 2024 and the remaining amounts will be paid in cash in the next 12 months.
The majority of the special charges were paid during the year ended December 31, 2025 and the remaining amounts will be paid in cash in the next three months.
Interest income and other Interest income and other, which includes FX gains and losses, increased $15.2 million to a gain of $10.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a loss of $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Interest income and other Interest income and other, which includes FX gains and losses, decreased $7.0 million, or 67.9%, to a gain of $3.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to a gain of $10.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
The following table reconciles net income to Total Segment Operating Income and Total Adjusted Segment EBITDA, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023: Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (in thousands) Net income $ 280,088 $ 274,892 Add back: Income tax provision 70,683 83,471 Interest income and other (10,360) 4,867 Interest expense 6,951 14,331 Unallocated corporate expenses 147,594 125,420 Total segment operating income 494,956 502,981 Add back: Segment depreciation expense 41,861 39,233 Amortization of intangible assets 4,183 6,159 Segment special charges 8,081 — Total Adjusted Segment EBITDA $ 549,081 $ 548,373 Other Segment Operating Data Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 Number of billable professionals (at period end): Corporate Finance 2,286 2,215 FLC 1,542 1,447 Economic Consulting 1,110 1,089 Technology (1) 714 628 Strategic Communications 981 971 Total billable professionals 6,633 6,350 Utilization rates of billable professionals: (2) Corporate Finance 58 % 60 % FLC 57 % 57 % Economic Consulting 66 % 67 % Average billable rate per hour: (3) Corporate Finance $ 510 $ 494 FLC $ 390 $ 386 Economic Consulting $ 584 $ 547 (1) The number of billable professionals for the Technology segment excludes as-needed professionals, who we employ based on demand for the segment’s services.
The following table reconciles net income to Total Segment Operating Income and Total Adjusted Segment EBITDA, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024: Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (in thousands) Net income $ 270,871 $ 280,088 Add back: Income tax provision 100,140 70,683 Interest income and other (3,330) (10,360) Interest expense 21,396 6,951 Unallocated corporate expenses 127,837 147,594 Total segment operating income 516,914 494,956 Add back: Segment depreciation expense 43,255 41,861 Amortization of intangible assets 3,479 4,183 Segment special charges 23,350 8,081 Total Adjusted Segment EBITDA $ 586,998 $ 549,081 Other Segment Operating Data Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 Number of billable professionals (at period end): Corporate Finance 2,297 2,286 FLC 1,541 1,542 Economic Consulting 1,014 1,110 Technology (1) 662 714 Strategic Communications 907 981 Total billable professionals 6,421 6,633 Utilization rates of billable professionals: (2) Corporate Finance 60 % 58 % FLC 57 % 57 % Economic Consulting 59 % 66 % Average billable rate per hour: (3) Corporate Finance $ 529 $ 510 FLC $ 442 $ 390 Economic Consulting $ 583 $ 584 (1) The number of billable professionals for the Technology segment excludes as-needed professionals, who we employ based on demand for the segment’s services.
Liquidity and Capital Allocation Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased $170.6 million to $395.1 million compared to $224.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Liquidity and Capital Allocation Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased $243.0 million to $152.1 million compared to $395.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
The increase was primarily due to an increase in cash collections, which was partially offset by higher compensation, forgivable loan issuances to retain key professionals, operating expenses and income tax payments as compared to the prior year. DSO was 97 days as of December 31, 2024 and 100 days as of December 31, 2023.
The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to higher forgivable loan issuances, compensation payments and income tax payments, which was partially offset by an increase in cash collections. DSO was 88 and 97 days as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Gross profit increased $21.8 million, or 5.0%, to $453.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Gross profit margin increased 0.5 percentage points from 2023 to 2024. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to the impact of higher realized bill rates, which was partially offset by a 2 percentage point decline in utilization.
Gross profit increased $83.4 million, or 18.4%, to $537.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. Gross profit margin increased 2.0 percentage points from 2024 to 2025. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to a 2 percentage point increase in utilization and the impact of higher realized bill rates.
Under our operating leases as described in Note 15, “Leases” in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, we have current obligations of $34.1 million and non-current obligations of $208.0 million.
Under our operating leases as described in Note 14, “Leases” in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report, we have current obligations of $37.2 million and non-current obligations of $224.5 million as of December 31, 2025.
Gross profit increased $16.5 million, or 7.5%, to $235.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Gross profit margin decreased 1.1 percentage points from 2023 to 2024.
Gross profit decreased $92.8 million, or 39.5%, to $142.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. Gross profit margin decreased 7.5 percentage points from 2024 to 2025.
The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to higher infrastructure support and bad debt expenses. 42 FORENSIC AND LITIGATION CONSULTING Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (dollars in thousands, except rate per hour) Revenues $ 690,211 $ 654,105 Percentage change in revenues from prior year 5.5 % Operating expenses Direct cost of revenues 465,026 437,318 Selling, general and administrative expenses 145,072 134,708 Special charges 1,785 — Amortization of intangible assets 838 783 612,721 572,809 Segment operating income 77,490 81,296 Percentage change in segment operating income from prior year -4.7 % Add back: Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 7,442 6,813 Special charges 1,785 — Adjusted Segment EBITDA $ 86,717 $ 88,109 Gross profit (1) $ 225,185 $ 216,787 Percentage change in gross profit from prior year 3.9 % Gross profit margin (2) 32.6 % 33.1 % Adjusted Segment EBITDA as a percentage of revenues 12.6 % 13.5 % Number of billable professionals (at period end) 1,542 1,447 Percentage change in number of billable professionals from prior year 6.6 % Utilization rate of billable professionals 57 % 57 % Average billable rate per hour $ 390 $ 386 (1) Revenues less direct cost of revenues (2) Gross profit as a percentage of revenues Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to December 31, 2023 Revenues increased $36.1 million, or 5.5%, to $690.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to higher bad debt, outside services, infrastructure support, and other general and administrative expenses. 41 FORENSIC AND LITIGATION CONSULTING Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (dollars in thousands, except rate per hour) Revenues $ 764,687 $ 690,211 Percentage change in revenues from prior year 10.8 % Operating expenses Direct cost of revenues 490,614 465,026 Selling, general and administrative expenses 146,460 145,072 Special charges 5,475 1,785 Amortization of intangible assets 915 838 643,464 612,721 Segment operating income 121,223 77,490 Percentage change in segment operating income from prior year 56.4 % Add back: Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 8,447 7,442 Special charges 5,475 1,785 Adjusted Segment EBITDA $ 135,145 $ 86,717 Gross profit (1) $ 274,073 $ 225,185 Percentage change in gross profit from prior year 21.7 % Gross profit margin (2) 35.8 % 32.6 % Adjusted Segment EBITDA as a percentage of revenues 17.7 % 12.6 % Number of billable professionals (at period end) 1,541 1,542 Percentage change in number of billable professionals from prior year -0.1 % Utilization rate of billable professionals 57 % 57 % Average billable rate per hour $ 442 $ 390 (1) Revenues less direct cost of revenues (2) Gross profit as a percentage of revenues Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared to December 31, 2024 Revenues increased $74.5 million, or 10.8%, to $764.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to higher realized bill rates for our risk & investigations, data & analytics and construction solutions services.
SG&A expenses increased $2.3 million, or 2.3%, to $102.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. SG&A expenses of 24.6% of revenues in 2024 compared to 25.9% of revenues in 2023.
SG&A expenses decreased $8.7 million, or 8.5%, to $93.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. SG&A expenses of 25.1% of revenues in 2025 compared with 24.6% of revenues in 2024.
The effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents had an unfavorable impact of $12.3 million for 2024 compared to a favorable impact of $15.6 million for 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, cash paid for income taxes and tax credits, net of refunds included $40.6 million of payments for the purchase of tax credits.
The effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents had a favorable impact of $21.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to an unfavorable impact of $12.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to December 31, 2023 Net cash provided by operating activities increased $170.6 million, or 76.0%, to $395.1 million compared to $224.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared to December 31, 2024 Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $243.0 million to $152.1 million compared to $395.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
See Note 14, “Debt” in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report for a further discussion of the Credit Agreement.
As of December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in the Credit Agreement. See Note 13, “Debt” in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report for a further discussion of the Credit Agreement.
Historical results and any discussion of prospective results may not indicate our future performance. Business Overview FTI Consulting, Inc., including its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “FTI Consulting”) 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.
Historical results and any discussion of prospective results may not indicate our future performance. Business Overview FTI Consulting, Inc., including its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “FTI Consulting”) is a leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation.
The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily driven by higher bad debt, largely related to one engagement, compensation and infrastructure support expenses. 44 TECHNOLOGY Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (dollars in thousands) Revenues $ 417,637 $ 387,855 Percentage change in revenues from prior year 7.7 % Operating expenses Direct cost of revenues 272,519 239,343 Selling, general and administrative expenses 102,576 100,316 Special charges 667 — 375,762 339,659 Segment operating income 41,875 48,196 Percentage change in segment operating income from prior year -13.1 % Add back: Depreciation 15,999 14,515 Special charges 667 — Adjusted Segment EBITDA $ 58,541 $ 62,711 Gross profit (1) $ 145,118 $ 148,512 Percentage change in gross profit from prior year -2.3 % Gross profit margin (2) 34.7 % 38.3 % Adjusted Segment EBITDA as a percentage of revenues 14.0 % 16.2 % Number of billable professionals (at period end) (3) 714 628 Percentage change in number of billable professionals from prior year 13.7 % (1) Revenues less direct cost of revenues (2) Gross profit as a percentage of revenues (3) Includes personnel involved in direct client assistance and billable consultants and excludes professionals employed on an as-needed basis Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to December 31, 2023 Revenues increased $29.8 million, or 7.7%, to $417.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to higher demand for our M&A-related “second request” and information governance, privacy & security services, which was partially offset by lower demand for our investigations services.
The decrease in SG&A expenses was primarily driven by lower bad debt expense. 43 TECHNOLOGY Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (dollars in thousands) Revenues $ 373,883 $ 417,637 Percentage change in revenues from prior year -10.5 % Operating expenses Direct cost of revenues 249,946 272,519 Selling, general and administrative expenses 93,900 102,576 Special charges 1,928 667 345,774 375,762 Segment operating income 28,109 41,875 Percentage change in segment operating income from prior year -32.9 % Add back: Depreciation of property and equipment 15,281 15,999 Special charges 1,928 667 Adjusted Segment EBITDA $ 45,318 $ 58,541 Gross profit (1) $ 123,937 $ 145,118 Percentage change in gross profit from prior year -14.6 % Gross profit margin (2) 33.1 % 34.7 % Adjusted Segment EBITDA as a percentage of revenues 12.1 % 14.0 % Number of billable professionals (at period end) (3) 662 714 Percentage change in number of billable professionals from prior year -7.3 % (1) Revenues less direct cost of revenues (2) Gross profit as a percentage of revenues (3) Includes personnel involved in direct client assistance and billable consultants and excludes professionals employed on an as-needed basis Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared to December 31, 2024 Revenues decreased $43.8 million, or 10.5%, to $373.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to lower demand for our M&A-related “second request” services.
Gross profit increased $3.7 million, or 3.1%, to $122.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Gross profit margin increased 0.4 percentage points from 2023 to 2024. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to lower compensation expenses as a percentage of revenues.
Gross profit increased $48.9 million, or 21.7%, to $274.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. Gross profit margin increased 3.2 percentage points from 2024 to 2025. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to higher realized bill rates. SG&A expenses increased $1.4 million, or 1.0%, to $146.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2025.
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to an increase in cash collections, which was partially offset by higher compensation, forgivable loan issuances, operating expenses and income tax payments as compared to the same period in the prior year.
The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to higher forgivable loan issuances, compensation and income tax payments, which was partially offset by an increase in cash collections. Days sales outstanding (“DSO”) was 88 days at December 31, 2025 and 97 days at December 31, 2024.
The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to higher compensation, infrastructure support and travel and entertainment expenses, which was partially offset by lower bad debt expenses. 45 STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (dollars in thousands) Revenues $ 336,041 $ 329,230 Percentage change in revenues from prior year 2.1 % Operating expenses Direct cost of revenues 213,301 210,151 Selling, general and administrative expenses 76,378 71,615 Special charges 295 — Amortization of intangible assets 277 297 290,251 282,063 Segment operating income 45,790 47,167 Percentage change in segment operating income from prior year -2.9 % Add back: Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 3,884 3,742 Special charges 295 — Adjusted Segment EBITDA $ 49,969 $ 50,909 Gross profit (1) $ 122,740 $ 119,079 Percentage change in gross profit from prior year 3.1 % Gross profit margin (2) 36.5 % 36.2 % Adjusted Segment EBITDA as a percentage of revenues 14.9 % 15.5 % Number of billable professionals (at period end) 981 971 Percentage change in number of billable professionals from prior year 1.0 % (1) Revenues less direct cost of revenues (2) Gross profit as a percentage of revenues Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to December 31, 2023 Revenues increased $6.8 million, or 2.1%, to $336.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to higher public affairs and financial communications revenues, which was partially offset by lower corporate reputation revenues.
The decrease in SG&A expenses was primarily due to lower compensation, travel and entertainment and outside services expenses. 44 STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (dollars in thousands) Revenues $ 378,489 $ 336,041 Percentage change in revenues from prior year 12.6 % Operating expenses Direct cost of revenues 238,483 213,301 Selling, general and administrative expenses 76,435 76,378 Special charges 3,268 295 Amortization of intangible assets 276 277 318,462 290,251 Segment operating income 60,027 45,790 Percentage change in segment operating income from prior year 31.1 % Add back: Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 4,037 3,884 Special charges 3,268 295 Adjusted Segment EBITDA $ 67,332 $ 49,969 Gross profit (1) $ 140,006 $ 122,740 Percentage change in gross profit from prior year 14.1 % Gross profit margin (2) 37.0 % 36.5 % Adjusted Segment EBITDA as a percentage of revenues 17.8 % 14.9 % Number of billable professionals (at period end) 907 981 Percentage change in number of billable professionals from prior year -7.5 % (1) Revenues less direct cost of revenues (2) Gross profit as a percentage of revenues Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared to December 31, 2024 Revenues increased $42.4 million, or 12.6%, to $378.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, which included a 1.5% estimated positive impact from FX.
Gross profit increased $8.4 million, or 3.9%, to $225.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Gross profit margin decreased 0.5 percentage points from 2023 to 2024.
Gross profit decreased $21.2 million, or 14.6%, to $123.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. Gross profit margin decreased 1.6 percentage points from 2024 to 2025.
CORPORATE FINANCE & RESTRUCTURING Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (dollars in thousands, except rate per hour) Revenues $ 1,391,206 $ 1,346,678 Percentage change in revenues from prior year 3.3 % Operating expenses Direct cost of revenues 937,456 914,707 Selling, general and administrative expenses 219,645 210,388 Special charges 5,326 — Amortization of intangible assets 3,068 5,079 1,165,495 1,130,174 Segment operating income 225,711 216,504 Percentage change in segment operating income from prior year 4.3 % Add back: Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 13,319 14,333 Special charges 5,326 — Adjusted Segment EBITDA $ 244,356 $ 230,837 Gross profit (1) $ 453,750 $ 431,971 Percentage change in gross profit from prior year 5.0 % Gross profit margin (2) 32.6 % 32.1 % Adjusted Segment EBITDA as a percentage of revenues 17.6 % 17.1 % Number of billable professionals (at period end) 2,286 2,215 Percentage change in number of billable professionals from prior year 3.2 % Utilization rate of billable professionals 58 % 60 % Average billable rate per hour $ 510 $ 494 (1) Revenues less direct cost of revenues (2) Gross profit as a percentage of revenues Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to December 31, 2023 Revenues increased $44.5 million, or 3.3%, to $1,391.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
CORPORATE FINANCE Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (dollars in thousands, except rate per hour) Revenues $ 1,550,969 $ 1,391,206 Percentage change in revenues from prior year 11.5 % Operating expenses Direct cost of revenues 1,013,866 937,456 Selling, general and administrative expenses 234,358 219,645 Special charges 11,696 5,326 Amortization of intangible assets 2,288 3,068 1,262,208 1,165,495 Segment operating income 288,761 225,711 Percentage change in segment operating income from prior year 27.9 % Add back: Depreciation and amortization of intangible assets 13,667 13,319 Special charges 11,696 5,326 Adjusted Segment EBITDA $ 314,124 $ 244,356 Gross profit (1) $ 537,103 $ 453,750 Percentage change in gross profit from prior year 18.4 % Gross profit margin (2) 34.6 % 32.6 % Adjusted Segment EBITDA as a percentage of revenues 20.3 % 17.6 % Number of billable professionals (at period end) 2,297 2,286 Percentage change in number of billable professionals from prior year 0.5 % Utilization rate of billable professionals 60 % 58 % Average billable rate per hour $ 529 $ 510 (1) Revenues less direct cost of revenues (2) Gross profit as a percentage of revenues Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared to December 31, 2024 Revenues increased $159.8 million, or 11.5%, to $1,551.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, primarily due to higher demand for our turnaround & restructuring and transactions services, higher realized bill rates for our transformation and transactions services and an increase in success fees, which was partially offset by lower demand for our transformation services and lower realized bill rates for our turnaround & restructuring services.
The following table reconciles Segment Operating Income to Adjusted Segment EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023: Year Ended December 31, 2024 Corporate Finance FLC Economic Consulting Technology Strategic Communications Unallocated Corporate Total Net income $ 280,088 Interest income and other (10,360) Interest expense 6,951 Income tax provision 70,683 Operating income $ 225,711 $ 77,490 $ 104,090 $ 41,875 $ 45,790 $ (147,594) $ 347,362 Depreciation of property and equipment 10,251 6,604 5,400 15,999 3,607 2,049 43,910 Amortization of intangible assets 3,068 838 — — 277 — 4,183 Special charges 5,326 1,785 8 667 295 149 8,230 Adjusted EBITDA $ 244,356 $ 86,717 $ 109,498 $ 58,541 $ 49,969 $ (145,396) $ 403,685 Year Ended December 31, 2023 Corporate Finance FLC Economic Consulting Technology Strategic Communications Unallocated Corporate Total Net income $ 274,892 Interest income and other 4,867 Interest expense 14,331 Income tax provision 83,471 Operating income $ 216,504 $ 81,296 $ 109,818 $ 48,196 $ 47,167 $ (125,420) $ 377,561 Depreciation of property and equipment 9,254 6,030 5,989 14,515 3,445 1,846 41,079 Amortization of intangible assets 5,079 783 — — 297 — 6,159 Adjusted EBITDA $ 230,837 $ 88,109 $ 115,807 $ 62,711 $ 50,909 $ (123,574) $ 424,799 40 Total Adjusted Segment EBITDA 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.
The following tables reconcile Segment Operating Income to Adjusted Segment EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024: Year Ended December 31, 2025 Corporate Finance FLC Economic Consulting Technology Strategic Communications Unallocated Corporate Total Net income $ 270,871 Interest income and other (3,330) Interest expense 21,396 Income tax provision 100,140 Operating income $ 288,761 $ 121,223 $ 18,794 $ 28,109 $ 60,027 $ (127,837) $ 389,077 Depreciation of property and equipment 11,379 7,532 5,302 15,281 3,761 2,509 45,764 Amortization of intangible assets 2,288 915 — — 276 — 3,479 Special charges 11,696 5,475 983 1,928 3,268 1,945 25,295 Adjusted EBITDA $ 314,124 $ 135,145 $ 25,079 $ 45,318 $ 67,332 $ (123,383) $ 463,615 Year Ended December 31, 2024 Corporate Finance FLC Economic Consulting Technology Strategic Communications Unallocated Corporate Total Net income $ 280,088 Interest income and other (10,360) Interest expense 6,951 Income tax provision 70,683 Operating income $ 225,711 $ 77,490 $ 104,090 $ 41,875 $ 45,790 $ (147,594) $ 347,362 Depreciation of property and equipment 10,251 6,604 5,400 15,999 3,607 2,049 43,910 Amortization of intangible assets 3,068 838 — — 277 — 4,183 Special charges 5,326 1,785 8 667 295 149 8,230 Adjusted EBITDA $ 244,356 $ 86,717 $ 109,498 $ 58,541 $ 49,969 $ (145,396) $ 403,685 39 Total Adjusted Segment EBITDA 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.
The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to higher rent, compensation, marketing, and other general and administrative expenses. 46 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Liquidity Our annual cash flows from operations generally exceed our cash needs for capital expenditures and debt service requirements. We typically finance our day-to-day operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions and share repurchases through cash flows from operations.
SG&A expenses were 20.2% of revenues in 2025 compared to 22.7% in 2024. 45 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Liquidity Our annual cash flows from operations generally exceed our cash needs for capital expenditures and debt service requirements. We typically finance our day-to-day operations, capital expenditures, acquisitions and share repurchases through cash flows from operations.
SG&A expenses of 15.2% of revenues in 2024 compared to 14.1% in 2023.
SG&A expenses of 19.2% of revenues in 2025 compared to 21.0% in 2024.
Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included elsewhere in this report. 35 Full Year 2024 Executive Highlights Financial Highlights Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 % Increase (Decrease) (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) Revenues $ 3,698,652 $ 3,489,242 6.0 % Special charges (1) $ 8,230 $ — 100.0 % Net income $ 280,088 $ 274,892 1.9 % Adjusted EBITDA $ 403,685 $ 424,799 -5.0 % Earnings per common share — diluted $ 7.81 $ 7.71 1.3 % Adjusted earnings per common share — diluted $ 7.99 $ 7.71 3.6 % Net cash provided by operating activities $ 395,097 $ 224,461 76.0 % Total number of employees 8,374 7,990 4.8 % (1) Excluded from non-GAAP financial measures Revenues Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased $209.4 million , or 6.0%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 due to increased revenues in all of our business segments.
Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are included elsewhere in this report. 35 Full Year 2025 Executive Highlights Financial Highlights Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 Percentage change (dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) Revenues $ 3,788,857 $ 3,698,652 2.4 % Special charges (1) $ 25,295 $ 8,230 207.4 % Net income $ 270,871 $ 280,088 -3.3 % Adjusted EBITDA $ 463,615 $ 403,685 14.8 % EPS $ 8.24 $ 7.81 5.5 % Adjusted EPS $ 8.83 $ 7.99 10.5 % Net cash provided by operating activities $ 152,132 $ 395,097 -61.5 % Total number of employees 8,118 8,374 -3.1 % (1) Excluded from non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS.
Net cash used in financing activities decreased $339.3 million, or 95.7%, to $15.4 million compared to $354.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Net cash used in financing activities increased $495.1 million to $510.5 million compared to $15.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily driven by higher bad debt, travel and entertainment, rent, and other general and administrative expenses. 43 ECONOMIC CONSULTING Year Ended December 31, 2024 2023 (dollars in thousands, except rate per hour) Revenues $ 863,557 $ 771,374 Percentage change in revenues from prior year 12.0 % Operating expenses Direct cost of revenues 628,424 552,697 Selling, general and administrative expenses 131,035 108,859 Special charges 8 — 759,467 661,556 Segment operating income 104,090 109,818 Percentage change in segment operating income from prior year -5.2 % Add back: Depreciation 5,400 5,989 Special charges 8 — Adjusted Segment EBITDA $ 109,498 $ 115,807 Gross profit (1) $ 235,133 $ 218,677 Percentage change in gross profit from prior year 7.5 % Gross profit margin (2) 27.2 % 28.3 % Adjusted Segment EBITDA as a percentage of revenues 12.7 % 15.0 % Number of billable professionals (at period end) 1,110 1,089 Percentage change in number of billable professionals from prior year 1.9 % Utilization rate of billable professionals 66 % 67 % Average billable rate per hour $ 584 $ 547 (1) Revenues less direct cost of revenues (2) Gross profit as a percentage of revenues Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to December 31, 2023 Revenues increased $92.2 million, or 12.0%, to $863.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to higher demand and realized bill rates for our M&A-related antitrust and financial economics services and higher realized bill rates for our non-M&A-related antitrust services, which was partially offset by lower demand for our non-M&A-related antitrust services.
The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to higher compensation and infrastructure support expenses, which was partially offset by favorable litigation settlements. 42 ECONOMIC CONSULTING Year Ended December 31, 2025 2024 (dollars in thousands, except rate per hour) Revenues $ 720,829 $ 863,557 Percentage change in revenues from prior year -16.5 % Operating expenses Direct cost of revenues 578,473 628,424 Selling, general and administrative expenses 122,579 131,035 Special charges 983 8 702,035 759,467 Segment operating income 18,794 104,090 Percentage change in segment operating income from prior year -81.9 % Add back: Depreciation of property and equipment 5,302 5,400 Special charges 983 8 Adjusted Segment EBITDA $ 25,079 $ 109,498 Gross profit (1) $ 142,356 $ 235,133 Percentage change in gross profit from prior year -39.5 % Gross profit margin (2) 19.7 % 27.2 % Adjusted Segment EBITDA as a percentage of revenues 3.5 % 12.7 % Number of billable professionals (at period end) 1,014 1,110 Percentage change in number of billable professionals from prior year -8.6 % Utilization rate of billable professionals 59 % 66 % Average billable rate per hour $ 583 $ 584 (1) Revenues less direct cost of revenues (2) Gross profit as a percentage of revenues Year Ended December 31, 2025 Compared to December 31, 2024 Revenues decreased $142.7 million, or 16.5%, to $720.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, which included a 1.2% estimated positive impact from FX.
The following table details the special charges by segment: Year Ended December 31, 2024 Corporate Finance $ 5,326 FLC 1,785 Economic Consulting 8 Technology 667 Strategic Communications 295 Segment special charge 8,081 Unallocated Corporate 149 Total special charges $ 8,230 There were no special charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2023.
The following table details the special charges by segment: Year Ended December 31, 2025 Corporate Finance $ 11,696 FLC 5,475 Economic Consulting 983 Technology 1,928 Strategic Communications 3,268 Segment special charges 23,350 Unallocated Corporate 1,945 Total special charges $ 25,295 During the year ended December 31, 2024 , we recorded special charges of $8.2 million.
Adjusted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased $0.28 to $7.99 compared to $7.71 for the year ended December 31, 2023. Adjusted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2024 excludes the $8.2 million special charge, which increased Adjusted EPS by $0.18.
Adjusted EPS for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 excludes the $25.3 million and $8.2 million special charges, which increased Adjusted EPS by $0.59 and $0.18, respectively.
Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2024 excludes the $8.2 million special charge. EPS and Adjusted EPS EPS for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased $0.10 to $7.81 com pared to $7.71 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in EPS was primarily due to the higher net income described above.
Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 excludes the $25.3 million and $8.2 million special charges, respectively. EPS and Adjusted EPS EPS for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased $0.43 to $8.24 com pared to $7.81 for the year ended December 31, 2024.
The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to an increase in direct compensation expenses, which includes the impact of a 4.5% increase in billable headcount, higher SG&A expenses, which includes the impact of a 6.2% increase in non-billable headcount, and an increase in bad debt and outside services expenses, which was partially offset by higher revenues.
The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues and lower SG&A expenses, which include legal settlement gains. The increase was partially offset by higher direct costs, which includes the impact of higher variable compensation and forgivable loan amortization.
Our professionals help organizations better address risk as the growing volume and variety of enterprise and emerging data intersects with legal, regulatory and compliance needs.
Our professionals help organizations better address risk as the growing volume and variety of enterprise and emerging data intersects with legal, regulatory and compliance needs. We deliver a wide range of expert and AI-powered solutions driven by five core client needs: Blockchain & Digital Assets, Information Governance, Privacy & Security, Investigations, Litigation, and M&A, Antitrust and Competition.
Our effective tax rate of 20.2% for 2024 compared to 23.3% for 2023. The decrease in the income tax provision was primarily due to a more favorable tax benefit related to share-based compensation, as a larger number of non-qualified stock options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to the prior year.
Our effective tax rate of 27.0% in 2025 compared to 20.2% in 2024. The increase in the income tax provision was primarily due to a less favorable tax benefit related to share-based compensation, resulting from fewer non-qualified stock option exercises and an increase in valuation allowances against certain foreign deferred tax assets as compared to the prior year.
We deliver a wide range of services centered around three core offerings: Transactions, Transformation & Strategy and Turnaround & Restructuring.
Our clients include companies, boards of directors, investors, private equity sponsors, lenders, and other financing sources and creditor groups, governments and other interested parties. We deliver a wide range of services centered around three core offerings: Transactions, Transformation and Turnaround & Restructuring.
Gross profit decreased $3.4 million, or 2.3%, to $145.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Gross profit margin decreased 3.5 percentage points from 2023 to 2024. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to lower profitability of our consulting and hosting services.
Excluding the estimated impact from FX, revenues increased $37.4 million, or 11.1%, primarily due to higher demand for our corporate reputation services and an $18.2 million increase in pass-through revenues. Gross profit increased $17.3 million, or 14.1%, to $140.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. Gross profit margin increased 0.5 percentage points from 2024 to 2025.
SG&A expenses increased $10.4 million, or 7.7%, to $145.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. SG&A expenses of 21.0% of revenues in 2024 compared to 20.6% in 2023.
SG&A expenses decreased $8.5 million, or 6.5%, to $122.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, which included a 1.3% estimated negative impact from FX. SG&A expenses of 17.0% of revenues in 2025 compared to 15.2% of revenues in 2024.
During 2025, we currently expect to make capital expenditures to support our organization in an aggregate amount of between $70 million and $86 million, which includes costs related to leasehold improvements for our new office space in Chicago, Illinois, cloud computing costs and investments related to AI capabilities.
Capital Expenditures During 2025, we spent $58.5 million in capital expenditures to support our organization. During 2026, we currently expect to make capital expenditures to support our organization in an aggregate amount of between $48 million and $58 million.
Future events could cause actual payments to differ from these amounts. 49 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company was contingently liable under bank guarantees issued by our banks in favor of third parties that totaled $10.9 million and $7.8 million, respectively.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we were contingently liable under bank guarantees issued in favor of third parties that totaled $17.5 million and $10.9 million, respectively. These bank guarantees primarily support bid and performance obligations and operating leases for office space.
Our borrowings in the prior year included amounts owed on our 2.0% convertible senior notes due 2023 (“2023 Convertible Notes”), which matured in August 2023, as well as borrowings on our senior secured bank revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”). 39 Income tax provision Our income tax provision decreased $12.8 million, or 15.3%, to $70.7 million in 2024 compared to $83.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Interest expense Interest expense increased $14.4 million, or 207.8%, to $21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to higher borrowings on our senior unsecured bank revolving credit facility (“Credit Facility”). 38 Income tax provision Our income tax provision increased $29.5 million, or 41.7%, to $100.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $70.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
The decrease was primarily due to a $24.4 million payment for a short-term investment during 2023 and the maturity of the short-term investment of $25.2 million during 2024. In addition, there was a $14.1 million decrease in capital expenditures primarily driven by lower spend on cloud computing costs and leasehold improvements as compared to the prior year.
The increase in net cash used in investing activities was due to a $23.1 million increase in capital expenditures, primarily related to higher spend on leasehold improvements as compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as the prior year maturity of a short-term investment of $25.2 million, which created an inflow in the comparative prior year period.
Interest expense Interest expense decreased $7.4 million, or 51.5%, to $7.0 million in 2024 compared to $14.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower borrowings, which was partially offset by higher interest rates on our borrowings.
Revenues Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased $90.2 million, or 2.4%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024, due to higher revenues in our Corporate Finance, FLC and Strategic Communications segments, which was partially offset by lower revenues in our Economic Consulting and Technology segments.
Pass-through revenues contributed $9.7 million, or 0.7% of the increase. Excluding the pass-through revenues, the $34.9 million, or 2.7%, increase in revenues was primarily due to higher realized bill rates for our restructuring and transactions services and higher demand for our transactions services, which was partially offset by lower demand for our transformation & strategy services.
Excluding the estimated impact from FX, revenues decreased $153.5 million, or 17.8%. The decrease in revenues was primarily due to lower demand for our M&A-related antitrust and non-M&A-related antitrust services, which was partially offset by higher demand for our financial economics services, as well as higher realized bill rates for our non-M&A-related antitrust and M&A-related antitrust services.
The decrease in DSO was primarily due to cash collections that outpaced the increase in revenues. Net cash used in investing activities decreased $63.7 million, or 86.2%, to $10.2 million compared to $73.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Net cash used in investing activities increased $48.4 million to $58.5 million compared to $10.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to higher compensation expenses as a percentage of revenues, which was largely offset by internal cost recovery related to an initiative to develop AI capabilities for the Company. The related costs are included in our unallocated corporate expenses.
The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to lower compensation expenses as a percentage of revenues, which included a 7.5% decline in billable headcount. This increase was partially offset by higher pass-through revenues and expenses.
The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to an increase in compensation and outside consultant expenses as a percentage of revenues, which was partially offset by the impact of higher realized bill rates. SG&A expenses increased $22.2 million, or 20.4%, to $131.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to a 7 percentage point decrease in utilization and higher forgivable loan amortization expenses, which was partially offset by higher realized bill rates for our non-M&A-related antitrust and M&A-related antitrust services and lower compensation expenses, including the impact of an 8.6% decline in billable headcount.
These bank guarantees primarily support bid and performance obligations and operating leases for office space. The amounts are guaranteed under guarantee facilities totaling $42.7 million and $36.2 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company had $31.8 million and $28.4 million available under the facilities at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The amounts are guaranteed under guarantee facilities totaling $32.5 million and $42.7 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. We had $15.0 million and $31.8 million available under the guarantee facilities as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
SG&A expenses increased $4.8 million, or 6.7%, to $76.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. SG&A expenses of 22.7% of revenues in 2024 compared to 21.8% in 2023.
Unallocated corporate expenses Unallocated corporate expenses decreased $19.8 million, or 13.4%, to $127.8 million compared to $147.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to legal settlement gains.
We report financial results for the following five reportable segments: Our Corporate Finance & Restructuring (“Corporate Finance”) segment focuses on the strategic, operational, financial, transactional and capital needs of our clients around the world. Our clients include companies, boards of directors, investors, private equity sponsors, lenders, and other financing sources and creditor groups, as well as other parties-in-interest and governments.
Individually, each of our segments and practices is staffed with experts recognized for the depth of their knowledge and a track record of making an impact. We report financial results for the following five reportable segments: Our Corporate Finance segment focuses on the strategic, operational, financial, transactional and capital needs of our clients around the world.