DLH Reports Fiscal 2024 Second Quarter Results

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DLH Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: DLHC) reported positive revenue growth and backlog strengthening in the second quarter of fiscal 2024. Revenue was $101.0 million, earnings were $1.8 million, EBITDA was $10.2 million, and total debt decreased to $170.8 million. Contract backlog rose to $736.2 million. Management expects continued growth and value enhancement through debt reduction. DLH continues to secure contracts, with a new VA CMOP program contract valued at $200 million.

Positive

• Revenue growth to $101.0 million in Q2 of fiscal 2024

• Earnings increased to $1.8 million, or $0.12 per diluted share

• EBITDA of $10.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2024

• Decrease in total debt to $170.8 million as of March 31, 2024

• Contract backlog rose to $736.2 million, reflecting growth and potential

• Renewal of contract awards with National Cancer Institute and National Institute on Drug Abuse

• VA CMOP program new contract valued at $200 million

Negative

• None.

Financial Analyst

DLH Holdings Corp's latest fiscal report indicates a modest year-over-year revenue increase, coupled with an enhanced bottom line, which suggests an operational uptick. A noteworthy point for potential investors is the balance between growth and debt management. The company's proactive approach to debt reduction, reducing interest expenses and thereby strengthening their financial position, is a strategic move that could result in more sustainable growth. Furthermore, the significant growth in contract backlog provides a promising outlook for future revenue, indicating a level of business confidence and potential expansion in the company's market presence. However, the reduction in EBITDA and the slight decrease in operating margin point to a need for close monitoring of operational efficiencies and cost control measures.

Market Research Analyst

The strategic renewal of contracts with the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute on Drug Abuse illustrates DLH's solidified positioning within the public health sector, potentially increasing its foothold through IT services expansion. This is indicative of the firm's capability to maintain and grow its client base in a competitive environment, which could be a positive signal to investors looking for stability and growth potential. However, it is important to consider the industry's competitive landscape and the potential risks associated with reliance on government contracts, which can be influenced by policy and budgetary changes.

Revenue Grows and Backlog Strengthens as Debt Reduction Continues

ATLANTA, May 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DLH Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: DLHC) (“DLH” or the “Company”), a leading provider of science research and development, systems engineering and integration, and digital transformation and cyber security solutions to federal agencies, today announced financial results for its fiscal second quarter ended March 31, 2024.

Second Quarter Highlights

• Second quarter revenue was $101.0 million in fiscal 2024 versus $99.4 million in fiscal 2023
• Earnings were $1.8 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 versus $0.8 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2023
• Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") were $10.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 as compared to $10.5 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2023.
• Total debt was $170.8 million as of March 31, 2024 versus $174.4 million as of December 31, 2023
• Contract backlog was $736.2 million as of March 31, 2024 versus $653.5 million as of December 31, 2023.
  

Management Discussion
"I am very pleased to announce that, with the Continuing Resolution behind us and decision-making in Washington getting back on track, we posted both revenue and backlog growth during the quarter — positioning us well for the remainder of fiscal 2024," said Zach Parker, DLH President and Chief Executive Officer. "Revenue rose to $101.0 million, up slightly year-over-year, and our backlog climbed more than $80 million sequentially from the end of the first quarter, to $736.2 million. Our bottom line also improved over fiscal 2023 results, reflecting the positive impact of focusing cash flow on de-levering our balance sheet. We were proud to announce renewal contract awards with the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute on Drug Abuse as we were selected to continue supporting their critical missions and potentially increase our presence at each institute through significant contract provisions for optional IT services. Over the past quarter we saw momentum building in government decision making and, with an active pipeline of opportunities, we expect to deliver further backlog gains and top line growth going forward. This should position us well for fiscal 2025 and beyond, while our ongoing debt reduction strategy continues to enhance underlying performance and shareholder value.

“With respect to the VA CMOP program, as reported during the quarter, the VA issued notices of intent to award short term contracts for each of the CMOP locations. They subsequently cancelled those notices and issued us a new contract to provide services while the procurements for new five-year contracts are evaluated and awarded. The contract has a ceiling value of $200 million, with initial tasking through July 31, 2024.”

Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 was $101.0 million versus $99.4 million in fiscal 2023, reflecting growth across the Company's programs, particularly in public health and IT services offset in part by national security contracts converting to small business set-aside companies.

Income from operations was $5.9 million versus $6.0 million in the fiscal 2023 second quarter and, as a percentage of revenue, the Company reported operating margin of 5.9% in fiscal 2024 second quarter versus 6.0% in the prior-year period. For the quarter, general and administrative costs increased as a percentage of revenue to 11.6% from 10.8%, primarily due to an increase in legal costs associated with customer procurements and strategic corporate planning costs.

Interest expense was $4.2 million in the fiscal second quarter of 2024 versus $4.8 million in the prior-year period, reflecting lower debt outstanding due to the Company's use of cash flow generation to de-lever the balance sheet. Income before income taxes was $1.8 million for the second quarter this year versus $1.2 million in fiscal 2023, representing 1.7% and 1.2% of revenue, respectively, for each period.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, DLH recorded a $(0.1) million and $0.4 million provision for income tax expense, respectively, with the lower tax in fiscal 2024 reflecting the beneficial impact of stock based compensation expense as options are exercised. The Company reported net income of approximately $1.8 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 versus $0.8 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2023. As a percentage of revenue for the second quarters of fiscal 2024 and 2023, net income was 1.8% and 0.8%, respectively.

On a non-GAAP basis, EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was approximately $10.2 million versus $10.5 million in the prior-year period, or 10.1% and 10.5% of revenue, respectively.

Key Financial Indicators
During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, DLH generated $5.2 million in operating cash. As of March 31, 2024 the Company had cash of $0.2 million and debt outstanding under its credit facilities of $170.8 million versus cash of $0.2 million and debt outstanding of $179.4 million as of September 30, 2023. The debt reduction of $3.6 million was all voluntary prepayments applied to floating rate debt. The Company expects to reduce its total debt balance to between $157.0 million and $153.0 million by the end of fiscal 2024.

As of March 31, 2024 total backlog was approximately $736.2 million, including funded backlog of approximately $106.9 million and unfunded backlog of $629.3 million.

Conference Call and Webcast Details
DLH management will discuss second quarter results and provide a general business update, including current competitive conditions and strategies, during a conference call beginning at 10:00 AM Eastern Time tomorrow, May 2, 2024. Interested parties may listen to the conference call by dialing 888-347-5290 or 412-317-5256.   Presentation materials will also be posted on the Investor Relations section of the DLH website prior to the commencement of the conference call.     

A digital recording of the conference call will be available for replay two hours after the completion of the call and can be accessed on the DLH Investor Relations website or by dialing 877-344-7529 and entering the conference ID 2520402.

About DLH

DLH (NASDAQ: DLHC) enhances technology, public health, and cyber security readiness missions through science, technology, cyber, and engineering solutions and services. Our experts solve some of the most complex and critical missions faced by federal customers, leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, cloud-based applications, telehealth systems, and more. With over 3,000 employees dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion,” DLH brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to innovative solutions to improve the lives of millions. For more information, visit www.DLHcorp.com.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events or DLH`s future financial performance. Any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances or that are not statements of historical fact (including without limitation statements to the effect that the Company or its management “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions) should be considered forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or DLH’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, among others, statements regarding estimates of future revenues, operating income, earnings and cash flow. These statements reflect our belief and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Our actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements made in this release due to a variety of factors, including: the risk that we will not realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions (including anticipated future financial performance and results); the diversion of management’s attention from normal daily operations of the business and the challenges of managing larger and more widespread operations; the inability to retain employees and customers; contract awards in connection with re-competes for present business and/or competition for new business; our ability to manage our debt obligations; compliance with bank financial and other covenants; changes in client budgetary priorities; government contract procurement (such as bid and award protests, small business set asides, loss of work due to organizational conflicts of interest, etc.) and termination risks; the impact of inflation and higher interest rates; and other risks described in our SEC filings. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023, as well as subsequent reports filed thereafter. The forward-looking statements contained herein are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry and business.

Such forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and may become outdated over time. The Company does not assume any responsibility for updating forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

CONTACTS:

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Contact: Chris Witty

Phone: 646-438-9385

Email: cwitty@darrowir.com

TABLES TO FOLLOW

DLH HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
	March 31,								March 31,
	2024				2023				2024				2023
Revenue	$	101,007			$	99,417			$	198,857			$	172,155
Cost of operations:
Contract costs		79,112				78,238				158,193				135,494
General and administrative costs		11,710				10,693				19,407				18,117
Corporate development costs		—				—				—				1,735
Depreciation and amortization		4,243				4,535				8,496				6,937
Total operating costs		95,065				93,466				186,096				162,283
Income from operations		5,942				5,951				12,761				9,872
Interest expense		4,190				4,765				8,848				6,595
Income before provision for income taxes		1,752				1,186				3,913				3,277
Provision for income tax (benefit) expense		(60	)			381				(50	)			925
Net income	$	1,812			$	805			$	3,963			$	2,352
Net income per share - basic	$	0.13			$	0.06			$	0.28			$	0.17
Net income per share - diluted	$	0.12			$	0.06			$	0.27			$	0.16
Weighted average common stock outstanding
Basic		14,205				13,759				14,118				13,530
Diluted		14,946				14,600				14,823				14,447

DLH HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands except par value of shares)
	March 31, 2024				September 30, 2023
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash	$	238			$	215
Accounts receivable		55,457				59,119
Other current assets		2,221				3,067
Total current assets		57,916				62,401
Goodwill		138,161				138,161
Intangible assets, net		116,549				124,777
Operating lease right-of-use assets		8,315				9,656
Deferred taxes, net		3,028				3,070
Equipment and improvements, net		1,787				1,590
Other long-term assets		186				186
Total assets	$	325,942			$	339,841
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	23,035			$	29,704
Debt obligations - current, net of deferred financing costs		17,178				17,188
Accrued payroll		11,756				13,794
Operating lease liabilities - current		3,242				3,463
Other current liabilities		996				638
Total current liabilities		56,207				64,787
Long-term liabilities:
Debt obligations - long-term, net of deferred financing costs		147,610				155,147
Operating lease liabilities - long-term		14,242				15,908
Other long-term liabilities		1,133				1,560
Total long-term liabilities		162,985				172,615
Total liabilities		219,192				237,402
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 40,000 shares authorized; 14,230 and 13,950 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively		14				14
Additional paid-in capital		100,322				99,974
Retained earnings		6,414				2,451
Total shareholders’ equity		106,750				102,439
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	325,942			$	339,841

DLH HOLDINGS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Amounts in thousands)
	Six Months Ended
	March 31,
	2024				2023
Operating activities
Net income	$	3,963			$	2,352
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		8,496				6,937
Amortization of deferred financing costs charged to interest expense		1,040				904
Stock-based compensation expense		1,573				1,352
Deferred taxes, net		42				—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable		3,662				(1,057	)
Other assets		2,187				719
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(6,669	)			(4,757	)
Accrued payroll		(2,038	)			8
Other liabilities		(1,955	)			404
Net cash provided by operating activities		10,301				6,862
Investing activities
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired		—				(180,711	)
Purchase of equipment and improvements		(466	)			(463	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(466	)			(181,174	)
Financing activities
Proceeds from revolving line of credit		161,555				32,594
Repayment of revolving line of credit		(157,079	)			(11,264	)
Proceeds from debt obligations		—				168,000
Repayments of debt obligations		(13,063	)			(7,125	)
Payments of deferred financing costs		—				(7,622	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of options and warrants		261				287
Payment of tax obligations resulting from net exercise of stock options		(1,486	)			(649	)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(9,812	)			174,221
Net change in cash		23				(91	)
Cash - beginning of year		215				228
Cash - end of year	$	238			$	137
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid during the year for interest	$	7,873			$	5,714
Cash paid during the year for income taxes	$	1,798			$	3,202
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash activity
Common stock surrendered for the exercise of stock options	$	2,324			$	238

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company uses EBITDA and EBITDA as a percent of revenue as supplemental non-GAAP measures of performance. We define EBITDA as net income excluding (i) interest expense, (ii) Provision for income tax expense and (iii) depreciation and amortization. EBITDA as a percent of revenue is EBITDA for the measurement period divided by revenue for the same period.

These non-GAAP measures of performance are used by management to conduct and evaluate its business during its review of operating results for the periods presented. Management and the Company's Board utilize these non-GAAP measures to make decisions about the use of the Company's resources, analyze performance between periods, develop internal projections and measure management performance. We believe that these non-GAAP measures are useful to investors in evaluating the Company's ongoing operating and financial results and understanding how such results compare with the Company's historical performance. EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP, and when analyzing our performance investors should (i) evaluate adjustments in our reconciliation to the nearest GAAP financial measures and (ii) use non-GAAP measures in addition to, and not as an alternative to, measures of our operating results as defined under GAAP.

Reconciliation of GAAP net income to EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure (in thousands):        

	Three Months Ended												Six Months Ended
	March 31,												March 31,
	2024				2023				Change				2024				2023				Change
Net income	$	1,812			$	805			$	1,007			$	3,963			$	2,352			$	1,611
(i) Interest expense, net		4,190				4,765				(575	)			8,848				6,595				2,253
(ii) Provision for income tax (benefit) expense		(60	)			381				(441	)			(50	)			925				(975	)
(iii) Depreciation and amortization		4,243				4,535				(292	)			8,496				6,937				1,559
EBITDA	$	10,185			$	10,486			$	(301	)		$	21,257			$	16,809			$	4,448
Net income as a % of revenue		1.8	%			0.8	%			1.0	%			2.0	%			1.4	%			0.6	%
EBITDA as a % of revenue		10.1	%			10.5	%		(0.4)        %					10.7	%			9.8	%			0.9	%
Revenue	$	101,007			$	99,417			$	1,590			$	198,857			$	172,155			$	26,702

FAQ

What was DLH's revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2024?

DLH reported revenue of $101.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2024.

What was the total debt of DLH as of March 31, 2024?

DLH's total debt was $170.8 million as of March 31, 2024.

What was the contract backlog of DLH as of March 31, 2024?

DLH's contract backlog was $736.2 million as of March 31, 2024.

What contract awards did DLH announce in the second quarter of fiscal 2024?

DLH announced contract awards with the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

What is the value of the new VA CMOP program contract DLH secured?

DLH secured a new VA CMOP program contract valued at $200 million.