ICON Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

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ICON plc (NASDAQ: ICLR) reported strong first quarter 2024 results with $2,654 million in net business wins and a closing backlog of $23.4 billion. Revenue increased by 5.7% year over year to $2,090.4 million. Adjusted EBITDA rose by 11.3% to $444.0 million. GAAP net income increased by 59.6% to $187.4 million. Adjusted net income grew by 19.7% to $288.5 million. The company updated its full-year 2024 financial guidance with revenue expected to be in the range of $8,480 - $8,720 million and adjusted earnings per share in the range of $14.65 - $15.15.

Positive

• Net business wins in the quarter of $2,654 million with a net book to bill ratio of 1.27.
• Closing backlog of $23.4 billion, up by 2.5% from the previous quarter and 10.1% from the same quarter last year.
• Quarter one revenue increased by 5.7% year over year to $2,090.4 million.
• Adjusted EBITDA was $444.0 million, up by 11.3% from the same quarter last year.
• GAAP net income for the quarter was $187.4 million, a 59.6% increase from the same quarter last year.
• Adjusted net income for the quarter was $288.5 million, a 19.7% increase from the same quarter last year.
• Updated full-year 2024 financial guidance with revenue projected to be in the range of $8,480 - $8,720 million and adjusted earnings per share in the range of $14.65 - $15.15.

Negative

• None.

Financial Analyst

The reported net business wins and net book to bill ratio, which stand at $2,654 million and 1.27 respectively, demonstrate ICON's ability to secure new contracts and projects, which is a positive indicator for future revenue streams. The significant increase of 59.6% in GAAP net income points toward improved operational efficiency and cost control measures taken by the company. With the adjusted EBITDA reaching $444.0 million, which accounts for 21.2% of revenue, investors can infer a substantial operational leverage at play, bolstering profit margins.

Furthermore, the company's reduction in days sales outstanding (DSO) from 54 to 49 days is a sign of enhanced cash flow management and the repayment of $275 million on Term Loan B debt reduces future interest obligations, improving the balance sheet. The net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 1.8x is within a reasonable range, indicating a manageable level of leverage. The upward revision of full-year financial guidance for 2024 suggests confidence in sustained growth and profitability, potentially making the stock more attractive to growth-oriented investors.

Market Research Analyst

The healthcare intelligence and clinical research industry is known for its reliance on long-term contracts and partnerships. ICON's increase in closing backlog by 10.1% year-over-year solidifies its standing and future revenue predictability. The guidance update, projecting a revenue increase of 4.4% to 7.4% and adjusted earnings per share growth of 14.5% to 18.5% year-over-year, reflects an anticipated continuation of favorable demand trends in the sector.

For retail investors, the robust backlog, combined with a strong book to bill ratio, underscores the company's competitive positioning. It indicates not only stability but also the potential for growth as strategic partnerships evolve. The healthy cash generation showcased by cash and cash equivalents increasing to $396.1 million enhances the company's investment capabilities for future growth or potential strategic acquisitions.

Debt Analyst

Analyzing the debt structure, ICON's strategy of repaying $275 million on Term Loan B during the quarter is a proactive step towards debt reduction. It's critical to acknowledge that companies in the clinical research organization (CRO) space often carry some degree of leverage due to capital-intensive operations. However, ICON's net debt balance of $3.1 billion must be continually managed to maintain financial flexibility and investor confidence.

The current net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio, at 1.8x, suggests that ICON is maintaining a balance between leveraging growth opportunities and ensuring long-term financial health. It will be essential for investors to monitor how the company manages its debt profile in the context of its growth plans and industry benchmarks. A successful balance can contribute to a positive credit rating and shareholder value.

Highlights

• Net business wins in the quarter of $2,654 million; a net book to bill of 1.27, an increase of 9.9% on quarter one 2023.

• Closing backlog of $23.4 billion, an increase of 2.5% on quarter four 2023 and 10.1% on quarter one 2023.

• Quarter one revenue of $2,090.4 million representing an increase of 5.7% on prior year revenue and 5.4% on a constant currency basis.

• Quarter one adjusted EBITDA of $444.0 million or 21.2% of revenue, an increase of 11.3% on quarter one 2023.

• GAAP net income for the quarter of $187.4 million or $2.25 per diluted share, an increase of 59.6% on quarter one 2023 diluted earnings per share.

• Quarter one adjusted net income was $288.5 million or $3.47 per diluted share, an increase of 19.7% on quarter one 2023 adjusted diluted earnings per share.

• Days sales outstanding of 49 days at March 31, 2024, a decrease from 54 days at March 31, 2023, and an increase from 47 days at December 31, 2023.

• $275.0 million repayment made on Term Loan B debt in quarter one. Net debt balance of $3.1 billion at March 31, 2024 with net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 1.8x.

• Updating full-year 2024 financial guidance with revenue in the range of $8,480 - $8,720 million, representing a year over year increase of 4.4% to 7.4%, and adjusted earnings per share* in the range of $14.65 - $15.15, representing a year over year increase of 14.5% to 18.5%. Adjusted earnings per share to exclude amortization, stock compensation, restructuring, foreign exchange and transaction-related / integrated-related adjustments.

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ICON plc (NASDAQ: ICLR), a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization, today reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

CEO, Dr. Steve Cutler commented, “ICON reported a strong start to the year in quarter one, with revenue growth of 6% year over year, and net bookings up 10% over quarter one 2023, resulting in a net book to bill ratio of 1.27 times. Adjusted earnings per share grew a robust 20% on a year over year basis, reflecting our efficient service delivery and strong cost control. Our performance is reflective of the current favorable demand trends across our industry, as well as the further development of strategic customer partnerships.

With the positive results in quarter one and consistent outlook for the year, we are updating our full-year financial guidance range for 2024, with revenue in the range of $8,480 - $8,720 million, representing growth of 6% year over year at the midpoint, and adjusted earnings per share of $14.65 - $15.15, an increase of 16% year over year at the midpoint of the range.”

First Quarter 2024 Results

Gross business wins in the first quarter were $3,114 million and cancellations were $460 million. This resulted in net business wins of $2,654 million and a book to bill of 1.27.

Revenue for the first quarter was $2,090.4 million. This represents an increase of 5.7% on prior year revenue or 5.4% on a constant currency basis.

GAAP net income was $187.4 million resulting in $2.25 diluted earnings per share in quarter one 2024 compared to $1.41 diluted earnings per share in quarter one 2023. Adjusted net income for the quarter was $288.5 million resulting in an adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.47 compared to $2.90 per share for the first quarter 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter was $444.0 million or 21.2% of revenue, a year-on-year increase of 11.3%.

The effective tax rate on adjusted net income in quarter one 2024 was 16.5%.

Cash generated from operating activities for the quarter was $327.1 million. During the quarter $27.2 million was spent on capital expenditure. At March 31, 2024, the Group had cash and cash equivalents of $396.1 million, compared to cash and cash equivalents of $378.1 million at December 31, 2023 and $279.9 million at March 31, 2023. $50 million of the revolving credit facility was drawn down in the quarter and $55 million was repaid. Additionally, a $275.0 million Term Loan B payment was made during the quarter resulting in a net indebtedness of $3.1 billion at March 31, 2024.

Other Information

In addition to the financial measures prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), this press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share. Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share exclude amortization, stock compensation, foreign exchange gains and losses, restructuring and transaction-related / integration-related adjustments. While non-GAAP financial measures are not superior to or a substitute for the comparable GAAP measures, ICON believes certain non-GAAP information is useful to investors for historical comparison purposes.

ICON will hold a conference call on April 25, 2024 at 08:00 EDT [13:00 Ireland & UK]. This call and linked slide presentation can be accessed live from our website at http://investor.iconplc.com. A recording will also be available on the website for 90 days following the call. In addition, a calendar of company events, including upcoming conference presentations, is available on our website, under “Investors”. This calendar will be updated regularly.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about our financial guidance. These statements are based on management's current expectations and information currently available, including current economic and industry conditions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or actual results, and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ from those stated in this press release. The forward-looking statements are subject to future events, risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the statements, including, but not limited to, the ability to enter into new contracts, maintain client relationships, manage the opening of new offices and offering of new services, the integration of new business mergers and acquisitions, as well as other economic and global market conditions and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in SEC reports filed by ICON, all of which are difficult to predict and some of which are beyond our control. For these reasons, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements when making investment decisions. The word "expected" and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are only as of the date they are made and we do not undertake any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement, either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. More information about the risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements may be found in SEC reports filed by ICON, including its Form 20-F, F-1, F-4, S-8, F-3 and certain other reports, which are available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

* Our full-year 2024 guidance adjusted earnings per share measures are provided on a non-GAAP basis because the company is unable to predict with a reasonable degree of certainty certain items contained in the GAAP measures without unreasonable efforts. For the same reasons, the company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information.

ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. From molecule to medicine, we advance clinical research providing outsourced services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and government and public health organizations. We develop new innovations, drive emerging therapies forward and improve patient lives. With headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, ICON employed approximately 41,150 employees in 102 locations in 54 countries as at March 31, 2024. For further information about ICON, visit: www.iconplc.com.

ICON/ICLR-F

ICON plc
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024 AND MARCH 31, 2023
(UNAUDITED)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2024				March 31, 2023
	(in thousands except share and per share data)
Revenue	$	2,090,386			$	1,978,578
Costs and expenses:
Direct costs (excluding depreciation and amortization)		1,471,367				1,395,546
Selling, general and administrative		177,350				200,006
Depreciation and amortization		149,181				145,126
Transaction and integration related		6,991				11,382
Restructuring		—				9,729
Total costs and expenses		1,804,889				1,761,789
Income from operations		285,497				216,789
Interest income		1,930				1,072
Interest expense		(71,665	)			(86,551	)
Income before income tax expense		215,762				131,310
Income tax expense		(28,324	)			(14,273	)
Income before share of losses from equity method investments		187,438				117,037
Share of losses from equity method investments		—				(383	)
Net income	$	187,438			$	116,654
Net income per Ordinary Share:
Basic	$	2.27			$	1.43
Diluted	$	2.25			$	1.41
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding:
Basic		82,579,203				81,784,389
Diluted		83,249,303				82,605,659

ICON plc
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS AT MARCH 31, 2024 AND DECEMBER 31, 2023
(UNAUDITED)
	March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023
ASSETS	(in thousands)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	396,082			$	378,102
Available for sale investments		1,955				1,954
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses		1,862,468				1,790,322
Unbilled revenue		993,141				951,936
Other receivables		76,638				65,797
Prepayments and other current assets		149,127				132,105
Income taxes receivable		75,544				91,254
Total current assets	$	3,554,955			$	3,411,470
Non-current assets:
Property, plant and equipment		353,302				361,184
Goodwill		9,018,301				9,022,075
Intangible assets		3,748,939				3,855,865
Operating right-of-use assets		159,620				140,333
Other receivables		87,193				78,470
Deferred tax asset		74,777				73,662
Investments in equity- long term		51,164				46,804
Total Assets	$	17,048,251			$	16,989,863
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	113,579			$	131,584
Unearned revenue		1,709,938				1,654,507
Other liabilities		1,000,760				915,399
Income taxes payable		41,905				13,968
Current bank credit lines and loan facilities		79,762				110,150
Total current liabilities	$	2,945,944			$	2,825,608
Non-current liabilities:
Non-current bank credit lines and loan facilities		3,419,734				3,665,439
Lease liabilities		145,542				126,321
Non-current other liabilities		45,988				45,998
Non-current income taxes payable		188,876				186,654
Deferred tax liability		869,520				899,100
Commitments and contingencies		—				—
Total Liabilities	$	7,615,604			$	7,749,120
Shareholders' Equity:
Ordinary shares, par value 6 euro cents per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized,
82,683,805 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024 and
82,495,086 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023		6,711				6,699
Additional paid-in capital		6,970,079				6,942,669
Other undenominated capital		1,162				1,162
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(166,462	)			(143,506	)
Retained earnings		2,621,157				2,433,719
Total Shareholders' Equity	$	9,432,647			$	9,240,743
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	17,048,251			$	16,989,863

ICON plc
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024 AND MARCH 31, 2023
(UNAUDITED)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2024				March 31, 2023
	(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	187,438			$	116,654
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense		149,181				145,126
Impairment of long lived assets		—				6,933
Reduction in carrying value of operating right-of-use assets		11,472				11,304
Loss on equity method investments		—				383
Amortization of financing costs and debt discount		3,907				4,497
Stock compensation expense		13,181				14,759
Deferred tax benefit		(35,145	)			(43,823	)
Unrealized foreign exchange movements		(1,027	)			(1,319	)
Other non-cash items		4,629				17,534
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		(80,431	)			(93,259	)
Unbilled revenue		(42,546	)			(18,346	)
Unearned revenue		56,485				80,990
Other net assets		59,932				(65,933	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		327,076				175,500
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(27,152	)			(26,744	)
Purchase of subsidiary undertakings (net of cash acquired)		(7,831	)			—
Sale of available for sale investments		1,005				482
Purchase of available for sale investments		(1,006	)			(422	)
Purchase of investments in equity - long term		(4,381	)			(1,358	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(39,365	)			(28,042	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Drawdown of credit lines and loan facilities		50,000				180,000
Repayment of credit lines and loan facilities		(330,000	)			(350,000	)
Proceeds from exercise of equity compensation		16,305				12,940
Share issue costs		(4	)			(4	)
Net cash used in by financing activities		(263,699	)			(157,064	)
Effect of exchange rate movements on cash		(6,032	)			718
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		17,980				(8,888	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		378,102				288,768
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	396,082			$	279,880

ICON plc
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024 AND MARCH 31, 2023
(UNAUDITED)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2024				March 31, 2023
	(in thousands except share and per share data)
Adjusted EBITDA
Net income	$	187,438			$	116,654
Share of losses from equity method investments		—				383
Income tax expense		28,324				14,273
Net interest expense		69,735				85,479
Depreciation and amortization		149,181				145,126
Stock-based compensation expense (a)		13,181				14,759
Foreign currency (gains)/losses, net (b)		(10,814	)			1,338
Restructuring (c)		—				9,729
Transaction and integration related costs (d)		6,991				11,382
Adjusted EBITDA	$	444,036			$	399,123
Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted net income per Ordinary Share
Net income	$	187,438			$	116,654
Income tax expense		28,324				14,273
Amortization		116,498				114,678
Stock-based compensation expense (a)		13,181				14,759
Foreign currency (gains)/losses, net (b)		(10,814	)			1,338
Restructuring (c)		—				9,729
Transaction and integration related costs (d)		6,991				11,382
Transaction-related financing costs (e)		3,907				4,498
Adjusted tax expense (f)		(57,012	)			(47,469	)
Adjusted net income	$	288,513			$	239,842
Diluted weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding		83,249,303				82,605,659
Adjusted diluted net income per Ordinary Share	$	3.47			$	2.90

(a)	Stock-based compensation expense represents the amount of recurring expense related to the company’s equity compensation programs (inclusive of employer related taxes).
(b)	Foreign currency (gains)/losses, net relates to gains or losses that arise in connection with the revaluation of non-US dollar denominated assets and liabilities. We exclude these gains and losses from adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income because fluctuations from period- to- period do not necessarily correspond to changes in our operating results.
(c)	Restructuring relates to charges incurred in connection with the company's realignments of its workforce, with the elimination of redundant positions as well as reviewing its global office footprint and optimizing its locations to best fit the requirements of the company.
(d)	Transaction and integration related costs include expenses/credits associated with our acquisitions and any other costs incurred directly related to the integration of these acquisitions.
(e)	Transaction-related financing costs includes costs incurred in connection with changes to our long-term debt and amortization of financing fees. We exclude these costs from adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income because they result from financing decisions rather than from decisions made related to our ongoing operations.
(f)	Represents the tax effect of adjusted pre-tax income at our estimated effective tax rate.

Source: ICON plc

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240424083968/en/

Investor Relations +1 888 381 7923 or

Brendan Brennan Chief Financial Officer +353 1 291 2000

Kate Haven Vice President Investor Relations +1888 381 7923

http://www.iconplc.com

All at ICON

Source: ICON plc

FAQ

What were ICON plc's net business wins in the first quarter of 2024?

ICON plc reported net business wins of $2,654 million in the first quarter of 2024.

What was the closing backlog for ICON plc in the first quarter of 2024?

The closing backlog for ICON plc in the first quarter of 2024 was $23.4 billion.

How much did ICON plc's revenue increase by in the first quarter of 2024?

ICON plc's revenue increased by 5.7% year over year to $2,090.4 million in the first quarter of 2024.

What was ICON plc's adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter of 2024?

ICON plc's adjusted EBITDA was $444.0 million in the first quarter of 2024.

What was the GAAP net income for ICON plc in the first quarter of 2024?

ICON plc's GAAP net income for the first quarter of 2024 was $187.4 million.

How much did ICON plc's adjusted net income increase by in the first quarter of 2024?

ICON plc's adjusted net income increased by 19.7% to $288.5 million in the first quarter of 2024.

What is the updated full-year 2024 financial guidance for ICON plc?

ICON plc updated its full-year 2024 financial guidance with revenue expected to be in the range of $8,480 - $8,720 million and adjusted earnings per share in the range of $14.65 - $15.15.