Document
Table of Contents




 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
 
FORM 10–Q 
 
 
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018
OR 
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number: 000-50976 
 
HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
Delaware
 
01-0666114
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification Number)
550 West Van Buren Street
Chicago, Illinois
60607
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(312) 583-8700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
 
ý
  
Accelerated filer
 
o
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  
Smaller reporting company
 
o
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
 
o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  o    No  ý
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
As of April 24, 2018, 22,414,016 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.
 


Table of Contents




Huron Consulting Group Inc.
HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
INDEX

 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 



Table of Contents




PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited) 
 
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
6,436

 
$
16,909

Receivables from clients, net
106,046

 
101,778

Unbilled services, net
75,950

 
57,618

Income tax receivable
4,073

 
4,039

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
13,633

 
10,951

Total current assets
206,138

 
191,295

Property and equipment, net
43,835

 
45,541

Deferred income taxes, net
15,134

 
16,752

Long-term investment
42,831

 
39,904

Other non-current assets
30,445

 
25,375

Intangible assets, net
66,503

 
72,311

Goodwill
646,367

 
645,750

Total assets
$
1,051,253

 
$
1,036,928

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
7,851

 
$
9,194

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
21,473

 
20,144

Accrued payroll and related benefits
49,292

 
73,698

Accrued contingent consideration for business acquisitions
9,415

 
8,515

Deferred revenues
24,525

 
27,916

Total current liabilities
112,556

 
139,467

Non-current liabilities:
 
 
 
Deferred compensation and other liabilities
22,074

 
20,895

Accrued contingent consideration for business acquisitions, net of current portion
14,666

 
14,313

Long-term debt, net of current portion
378,210

 
342,507

Deferred lease incentives
15,137

 
15,333

Deferred income taxes, net
1,140

 
1,097

Total non-current liabilities
431,227

 
394,145

Commitments and contingencies

 

Stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 24,933,923 and 24,560,468 shares issued at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
243

 
241

Treasury stock, at cost, 2,519,883 and 2,443,577 shares at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
(123,235
)
 
(121,994
)
Additional paid-in capital
438,325

 
434,256

Retained earnings
179,135

 
180,443

Accumulated other comprehensive income
13,002

 
10,370

Total stockholders’ equity
507,470

 
503,316

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,051,253

 
$
1,036,928


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

1

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited) 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues and reimbursable expenses:
 
 
 
Revenues
$
193,679

 
$
188,849

Reimbursable expenses
17,619

 
16,950

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses
211,298

 
205,799

Direct costs and reimbursable expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses):
 
 
 
Direct costs
132,786

 
115,741

Amortization of intangible assets and software development costs
1,218

 
2,986

Reimbursable expenses
17,549

 
16,869

Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses
151,553

 
135,596

Operating expenses and other losses
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
47,078

 
46,856

Restructuring charges
712

 
279

Other losses
830

 

Depreciation and amortization
8,803

 
8,919

Total operating expenses and other losses
57,423

 
56,054

Operating income
2,322

 
14,149

Other income (expense), net:
 
 
 
Interest expense, net of interest income
(4,986
)
 
(4,004
)
Other income (expense), net
(145
)
 
758

Total other expense, net
(5,131
)
 
(3,246
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes
(2,809
)
 
10,903

Income tax expense
413

 
5,748

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
(3,222
)
 
5,155

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
(42
)
 
143

Net income (loss)
$
(3,264
)
 
$
5,298

Net earnings (loss) per basic share:
 
 
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.24

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 
0.01

Net income (loss)
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.25

Net earnings (loss) per diluted share:
 
 
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.24

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

 
0.01

Net income (loss)
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.25

Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share:
 
 
 
Basic
21,592

 
21,239

Diluted
21,592

 
21,474

Comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(3,264
)
 
$
5,298

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
34

 
424

Unrealized gain on investment, net of tax
2,166

 
1,777

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedging instruments, net of tax
432

 
45

Other comprehensive income
2,632

 
2,246

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(632
)
 
$
7,544

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

2

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)

 
Common Stock
 
Treasury Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Stockholders’
Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2017
24,098,822

 
$
241

 
(2,591,135
)
 
$
(121,994
)
 
$
434,256

 
$
180,443

 
$
10,370

 
$
503,316

Comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3,264
)
 
2,632

 
(632
)
Issuance of common stock in connection with:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock awards, net of cancellations
198,546

 
2

 
34,177

 
1,443

 
(1,445
)
 
 
 
 
 

Exercise of stock options
10,000

 

 
 
 
 
 
234

 
 
 
 
 
234

Share-based compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,280

 
 
 
 
 
5,280

Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings
 
 
 
 
(75,832
)
 
(2,684
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,684
)
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASC 606
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,956

 
 
 
1,956

Balance at March 31, 2018
24,307,368

 
$
243

 
(2,632,790
)
 
$
(123,235
)
 
$
438,325

 
$
179,135

 
$
13,002

 
$
507,470

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(3,264
)
 
$
5,298

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
10,021

 
11,931

Share-based compensation
4,483

 
3,939

Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs
2,615

 
2,482

Allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services
201

 
1,346

Deferred income taxes

 
7,316

Change in fair value of contingent consideration liabilities

830

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
 
 
 
(Increase) decrease in receivables from clients, net
(4,452
)
 
6,663

(Increase) decrease in unbilled services, net
(15,991
)
 
(14,282
)
(Increase) decrease in current income tax receivable / payable, net
(805
)
 
(2,026
)
(Increase) decrease in other assets
(3,753
)
 
(828
)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
901

 
4,701

Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and related benefits
(23,633
)
 
(43,317
)
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues
(3,416
)
 
(1,615
)
Net cash used in operating activities
(36,263
)
 
(18,392
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of property and equipment, net
(1,369
)
 
(6,503
)
Investment in life insurance policies
(1,455
)
 
(133
)
Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired
(215
)
 
(101,817
)
Capitalization of internally developed software costs
(728
)
 
(265
)
Proceeds from note receivable

 
177

Net cash used in investing activities
(3,767
)

(108,541
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
234

 

Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings
(2,684
)
 
(4,181
)
Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility
91,500

 
179,000

Repayments of debt
(58,124
)
 
(51,000
)
Payments for debt issuance costs
(1,385
)
 
(395
)
Payments of contingent consideration liabilities

 
(873
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
29,541

 
122,551

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
16

 
22

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(10,473
)
 
(4,360
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
16,909

 
17,027

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
$
6,436

 
$
12,667

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Property and equipment expenditures included in accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
1,937

 
$
4,130

Contingent consideration related to business acquisitions
$
212

 
$
15,489

Common stock issued related to a business acquisition
$

 
$
9,560

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


1. Description of Business
Huron is a global professional services firm committed to achieving sustainable results in partnership with its clients. We bring a depth of expertise in strategy, technology, operations, advisory services, and analytics to drive lasting and measurable results in the healthcare, higher education, life sciences and commercial sectors.
2. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, these financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature necessary for the fair statement of our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented in conformity with GAAP. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2017 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year or any other interim period.
On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Below is an update to our revenue recognition and capitalized sales commissions accounting policies as a result of the adoption. Refer to Note 3 "New Accounting Pronouncements" for additional information on the adoption of ASU 2014-09.
Revenue Recognition
We generate substantially all of our revenues from providing professional services to our clients. We also generate revenues from software licenses, software support, maintenance and subscriptions to our cloud-based analytic tools and solutions, speaking engagements, conferences, and publications. A single contract could include one or multiple performance obligations. For those contracts that have multiple performance obligations, we allocate the total transaction price to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price, which is determined based on our overall pricing objectives, taking into consideration market conditions and other factors.
Revenue is recognized when control of the goods and services provided are transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services using the following steps: 1) identify the contract, 2) identify the performance obligations, 3) determine the transaction price, 4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and 5) recognize revenue as or when we satisfy the performance obligations.
We typically satisfy our performance obligations for professional services over time as the related services are provided. The performance obligations related to software support, maintenance and subscriptions to our cloud-based analytic tools and solutions are typically satisfied evenly over the course of the service period. Other performance obligations, such as certain software licenses, speaking engagements, conferences, and publications, are satisfied at a point in time.
We generate our revenues under four types of billing arrangements: fixed-fee (including software license revenue); time-and-expense; performance-based; and software support, maintenance and subscriptions.
In fixed-fee billing arrangements, we agree to a pre-established fee in exchange for a predetermined set of professional services. We set the fees based on our estimates of the costs and timing for completing the engagements. We generally recognize revenues under fixed-fee billing arrangements using a proportionate performance approach, which is based on work completed to-date versus our estimates of the total services to be provided under the engagement. Contracts within our Studer Group solution are fixed-fee partner contracts with multiple performance obligations, which primarily consist of coaching services, as well as speaking engagements, conferences, publications and software products (“Partner Contracts”). Revenues for coaching services and software products are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the length of the contract. All other revenues under Partner Contracts, including speaking engagements, conferences and publications, are recognized at the time the goods or services are provided. Estimates of total engagement revenues and cost of services are monitored regularly during the term of the engagement. If our estimates indicate a potential loss, such loss is recognized in the period in which the loss first becomes probable and reasonably estimable.
We also generate revenues from software licenses for our revenue cycle management software and research administration and compliance software. Licenses for our revenue cycle management software are sold only as a component of our consulting projects, and the services we provide are essential to the functionality of the software. Therefore, revenues from these software licenses are recognized over the term of

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

the related consulting services contract. License revenue from our research administration and compliance software is generally recognized in the month in which the software is delivered.
Time-and-expense billing arrangements require the client to pay based on the number of hours worked by our revenue-generating professionals at agreed upon rates. Time-and-expense arrangements also include certain speaking engagements, conferences, and publications purchased by our clients outside of Partner Contracts within our Studer Group solution. We recognize revenues under time-and-expense arrangements as the related services or goods are provided, using the right to invoice practical expedient which allows us to recognize revenue in the amount that we have a right to invoice based on the number of hours worked and the agreed upon hourly rates or the value of the speaking engagements, conferences or publications purchased by our clients.
In performance-based billing arrangements, fees are tied to the attainment of contractually defined objectives. We enter into performance-based engagements in essentially two forms. First, we generally earn fees that are directly related to the savings formally acknowledged by the client as a result of adopting our recommendations for improving operational and cost effectiveness in the areas we review. Second, we have performance-based engagements in which we earn a success fee when and if certain predefined outcomes occur. We recognize revenue under performance-based billing arrangements using the following steps: 1) estimate variable consideration using a probability-weighted assessment of the fees to be earned, 2) apply a constraint to the estimated variable consideration to limit the amount that could be reversed when the uncertainty is resolved (the “constraint”), and 3) recognize revenue of estimated variable consideration, net of the constraint, based on work completed to-date versus our estimates of the total services to be provided under the engagement.
Clients that have purchased one of our software licenses can pay an annual fee for software support and maintenance. We also generate subscription revenue from our cloud-based analytic tools and solutions. Software support, maintenance and subscription revenues are recognized ratably over the support or subscription period. These fees are billed in advance and included in deferred revenues until recognized.
Provisions are recorded for the estimated realization adjustments on all engagements, including engagements for which fees are subject to review by the bankruptcy courts. Expense reimbursements that are billable to clients are included in total revenues and reimbursable expenses. Under fixed-fee billing arrangements, we estimate the total amount of reimbursable expenses to be incurred over the course of the engagement and recognize the estimated amount as revenue using a proportionate performance approach, which is based on work completed to-date versus our estimates of the total services to be provided under the engagement. Under time-and-expense billing arrangements we recognize reimbursable expenses as revenue as the related services are provided, using the right to invoice practical expedient. Reimbursable expenses are recognized as expenses in the period in which the expense is incurred. Subcontractors that are billed to clients at cost are also included in reimbursable expenses. When billings do not specifically identify reimbursable expenses, we allocate the portion of the billings equivalent to these expenses to reimbursable expenses.
The payment terms and conditions in our customer contracts vary. Differences between the timing of billings and the recognition of revenue are recognized as either unbilled services or deferred revenues in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Revenues recognized for services performed but not yet billed to clients are recorded as unbilled services. Revenues recognized, but for which we are not yet entitled to bill because certain events, such as the completion of the measurement period or client approval, must occur, are recorded as contract assets and included within unbilled services. Client prepayments and retainers are classified as deferred revenues and recognized over future periods as earned in accordance with the applicable engagement agreement.
Capitalized Sales Commissions
Sales commissions earned by our sales professionals are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. Sales commissions with an expected amortization period greater than one year are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of the associated contract. We elected to apply the practical expedient to expense sales commissions as incurred when the expected amortization period is one year or less. Amortization expense is recorded to direct costs. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the amount of capitalized sales commissions amortized was not material. Unamortized sales commissions were $0.3 million as of March 31, 2018.
3. New Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments to the guidance improve and simplify rules for hedge accounting to better present the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements and improve the disclosures of hedging arrangements. Additionally, ASU

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

2017-12 simplifies the hedge documentation and effectiveness assessment requirements. We elected to early adopt this ASU effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The amendments to the guidance enhance the reporting model for financial instruments, which includes amendments to address aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure. We adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as a new Topic, ASC 606, which superseded ASC 605. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. We adopted ASC 606 effective January 1, 2018 on a modified retrospective basis to all open contracts, as modified, as of that date. Adoption of the new standard resulted in changes to our accounting policy for revenue recognition, most notably for performance-based billing arrangements, and sales commissions. Refer to Note 2 "Basis of Presentation" for additional information on our new accounting policies related to revenue recognition and capitalized sales commissions. Adopting ASC 606 on a modified retrospective basis had no impact on our consolidated financial statements in the prior periods presented. Upon adoption, we recorded a $2.0 million cumulative-effect adjustment to record a net increase to retained earnings for the portion of performance-based billing arrangements that have been earned as of the adoption date but for which we had not recognized as revenue under previous revenue recognition guidance, the capitalization of sales commissions paid on open contracts as of the adoption date, and the related tax effects. The impact of the cumulative effect adjustment on our consolidated balance sheet upon adoption was as follows:
 
As of
December 31, 2017
 
Cumulative Effect Adjustment
 
As of
January 1, 2018
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Unbilled services, net (1)
$
57,618

 
$
2,369

 
$
59,987

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
$
10,951

 
$
104

 
$
11,055

Deferred income taxes, net
$
16,752

 
$
(687
)
 
$
16,065

Other non-current assets
$
25,375

 
$
170

 
$
25,545

 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings
$
180,443

 
$
1,956

 
$
182,399

(1)
The cumulative effect adjustment related to the portion of performance-based billing arrangements that have been earned as of the adoption date but for which we had not recognized as revenue under previous revenue recognition guidance was recorded as a contract asset within unbilled services, net on our consolidated balance sheet. Refer to Note 6 "Revenues" for additional information on our contract assets.

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

The impact of adoption on our consolidated balance sheet and income statement as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was as follows:
Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2018
As reported under ASC 606
 
As computed under ASC 605
 
Effect of Adoption
Increase/(Decrease)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Receivables from clients, net
$
106,046

 
$
105,725

 
$
321

Unbilled services, net
$
75,950

 
$
68,444

 
$
7,506

Income tax receivable
$
4,073

 
$
5,427

 
$
(1,354
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
$
13,633

 
$
13,500

 
$
133

Deferred income taxes, net
$
15,134

 
$
15,821

 
$
(687
)
Other non-current assets
$
30,445

 
$
30,235

 
$
210

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred revenues
$
24,525

 
$
24,204

 
$
321

 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Retained earnings
$
179,135

 
$
173,327

 
$
5,808

Statement of Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
As reported under ASC 606
 
As computed under ASC 605
 
Effect of Adoption
Increase/(Decrease)
Revenues (1)
$
193,679

 
$
188,541

 
$
5,138

Direct costs
$
132,786

 
$
132,854

 
$
(68
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss from continuing operations before taxes
$
(2,809
)
 
$
(8,015
)
 
$
5,206

Income tax expense (benefit)
413

 
(941
)
 
1,354

Loss from continuing operations
$
(3,222
)
 
$
(7,074
)
 
$
3,852

 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations - basic
$
(0.15
)
 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
0.18

Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations - diluted
$
(0.15
)
 
$
(0.33
)
 
$
0.18

(1)
The increase in revenues due to the adoption of ASC 606 relates to revenue recognized for performance-based fee billing arrangements within our Healthcare segment.
Not Yet Adopted
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which supersedes ASC Topic 840, Leases, and sets forth the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to classify leases as either finance or operating leases and to record on the balance sheet a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, equal to the present value of the remaining lease payments, for all leases with a term greater than 12 months regardless of the lease classification. The lease classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest rate method or a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. Entities are required to use a modified retrospective transition method for existing leases. We are currently evaluating the potential impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

4. Acquisitions
Innosight Holdings, LLC
On March 1, 2017, we acquired 100% of the membership interests of Innosight Holdings, LLC ("Innosight"). Innosight is a growth strategy firm focused on helping companies navigate disruptive change and manage strategic transformation. Together with Innosight, we use our strategic, operational, and technology capabilities to help clients across multiple industries develop pioneering solutions to address disruption and achieve sustained growth.
The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred for Innosight was $113.6 million, which consisted of the following:
Fair value of consideration transferred
 
Cash
$
90,725

Common stock
9,560

Contingent consideration liability
12,050

Net working capital adjustment
1,272

Total consideration transferred
$
113,607

We funded the cash component of the purchase price with cash on hand and borrowings of $89.0 million under our senior secured credit facility. We issued 221,558 shares of our common stock as part of the consideration transferred, with an acquisition date fair value of $9.6 million based on our common stock's closing price of $43.15 on the date of acquisition. The contingent consideration liability of $12.1 million represents the acquisition date fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement, pursuant to which we may be required to pay additional consideration to the sellers if specific financial performance targets are met over a four-year term. The maximum amount that may be paid is $35.0 million. See Note 11 "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" for additional information on the valuation of contingent consideration liabilities.
The acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date.
 
March 1, 2017
Assets acquired:
 
Accounts receivable
$
7,752

Unbilled services
1,881

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
468

Property and equipment
419

Intangible assets
18,015

Liabilities assumed:
 
Accounts payable
531

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
894

Accrued payroll and related benefits
883

Deferred revenues
30

Total identifiable net assets
26,197

Goodwill
87,410

Total purchase price
$
113,607


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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

The following table sets forth the components of identifiable intangible assets acquired and their estimated useful lives as of the acquisition date.
 
Fair Value
 
Useful Life in
Years
Customer relationships
$
9,500

 
6
Trade name
6,000

 
6
Customer contracts
1,000

 
1
Non-compete agreements
1,300

 
5
Favorable lease contract
215

 
1
Total intangible assets subject to amortization
$
18,015

 
 
The weighted average amortization period for the identifiable intangible assets shown above is 5.6 years. Customer relationships and customer contracts represent the fair values of the underlying relationships and agreements with Innosight customers. The trade name represents the fair value of the brand and name recognition associated with the marketing of Innosight's service offerings. Non-compete agreements represent the value derived from preventing certain Innosight executives from entering into or starting a similar, competing business. The favorable lease contract represents the difference between the fair value and minimum lease obligations under the current outstanding lease. Goodwill is recognized for the excess of purchase price over the net fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and largely reflects the expanded market opportunities expected from combining the service offerings of Huron and Innosight, as well as the assembled workforce of Innosight. Goodwill recognized in conjunction with the acquisition of Innosight was recorded in the Business Advisory segment. Goodwill of $87.4 million is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.
Innosight’s results of operations have been included in our unaudited consolidated statements of operations and results of operations of our Business Advisory segment from the date of acquisition. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, revenues from Innosight were $11.5 million and operating loss was $0.5 million, which included $0.8 million of amortization expense for intangible assets acquired. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, revenues from Innosight were $5.2 million and operating income was $1.2 million, which included $0.8 million of amortization expense for intangible assets acquired. In connection with the acquisition of Innosight, we incurred $1.7 million of transaction and acquisition-related expenses. Of the $1.7 million of expense, $1.4 million was incurred in the first quarter of 2017 and $0.3 million was incurred in the second quarter in 2017. These costs are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
The following unaudited supplemental pro forma information summarizes the combined results of operations of Huron and Innosight for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as though the companies were combined on January 1, 2016.
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
Revenues
$
197,974

Net income from continuing operations
$
8,079

Net income from continuing operations per share - basic
$
0.38

Net income from continuing operations per share - diluted
$
0.37

The historical financial information has been adjusted to give effect to pro forma adjustments consisting of intangible asset amortization expense, acquisition-related costs, interest expense, and the related income tax effects, which totaled $0.9 million of additional expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Additionally, the historical financial information has been adjusted to give effect to the shares issued as consideration. All of these adjustments are based upon currently available information and certain assumptions. Therefore, the pro forma consolidated results are not necessarily indicative of what our consolidated results of operations actually would have been had we completed the acquisition on January 1, 2016. The historical results included in the pro forma consolidated results do not purport to project future results of operations of the combined companies nor do they reflect the expected realization of any cost savings or revenue synergies associated with the acquisition.

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The table below sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
 

Healthcare
 

Business
Advisory
 
Education
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
$
636,810

 
$
302,187

 
$
102,829

 
$
1,041,826

Accumulated impairment losses
(208,081
)
 
(187,995
)
 

 
(396,076
)
Goodwill, net as of December 31, 2017
428,729

 
114,192

 
102,829

 
645,750

Goodwill recorded in connection with business acquisitions

 
172

 

 
172

Foreign currency translation

 
445

 

 
445

Goodwill, net as of March 31, 2018
$
428,729

 
$
114,809

 
$
102,829

 
$
646,367

Intangible Assets
Intangible assets as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following:
 
 
 
As of March 31, 2018
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
Useful
Life in
Years
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Customer relationships
4 to 13
 
$
106,396

 
$
55,673

 
$
106,195

 
$
51,588

Trade names
2 to 6
 
29,016

 
20,003

 
29,016

 
18,915

Customer contracts
1 to 4
 
25,097

 
24,798

 
25,154

 
24,751

Technology and software
3 to 5
 
5,694

 
1,715

 
9,340

 
5,098

Non-compete agreements
3 to 5
 
5,163

 
2,914

 
5,163

 
2,637

Publishing content
3
 

 

 
3,300

 
3,163

Favorable lease contract
3
 
720

 
480

 
720

 
425

Total
 
 
$
172,086

 
$
105,583

 
$
178,888

 
$
106,577

Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Customer relationships and customer contracts, as well as certain trade names and technology and software, are amortized on an accelerated basis to correspond to the cash flows expected to be derived from the assets. All other intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis.
Intangible asset amortization expense was $6.3 million and $8.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The table below sets forth the estimated annual amortization expense for the year ending December 31, 2018 and each of the five succeeding years for the definite-lived intangible assets recorded as of March 31, 2018.
Year Ending December 31,
 
Estimated Amortization Expense
2018
 
$
24,000

2019
 
$
17,364

2020
 
$
12,200

2021
 
$
8,091

2022
 
$
6,092

2023
 
$
3,512

Actual future amortization expense could differ from these estimated amounts as a result of future acquisitions, dispositions, and other factors.

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

6. Revenues
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we recognized total revenues of $193.7 million and $188.8 million, respectively. Of the $193.7 million recognized in the first quarter of 2018, we recognized revenues of $5.9 million from obligations satisfied, or partially satisfied, in prior periods, of which $3.1 million was primarily due to the release of allowances on unbilled services due to securing contract amendments and $2.8 million was due to changes in the estimates of our variable consideration under performance-based billing arrangements.
As of March 31, 2018, we had $47.9 million of remaining performance obligations under engagements with original expected durations greater than one year. These remaining performance obligations exclude obligations under contracts with an original expected duration of one year or less, variable consideration which has been excluded from the total transaction price due to the constraint, and performance obligations under time-and-expense engagements which are recognized in the amount invoiced. Of the $47.9 million of performance obligations, we expect to recognize approximately $36.4 million as revenue in 2018, $8.2 million in 2019, and the remaining $3.3 million thereafter. Actual revenue recognition could differ from these amounts as a result of changes in the estimated timing of work to be performed, adjustments to estimated variable consideration in performance-based arrangements, or other factors.
Contract Assets and Liabilities
The payment terms and conditions in our customer contracts vary. Differences between the timing of billings and the recognition of revenue are recognized as either unbilled services or deferred revenues in the consolidated balance sheets.

Unbilled services include revenues recognized for services performed but not yet billed to clients. Services performed that we are not yet entitled to bill because certain events, such as the completion of the measurement period or client approval in performance-based engagements, must occur are recorded as contract assets and included within unbilled services, net. The contract asset balance within unbilled services, net was $5.1 million as of March 31, 2018 and $2.4 million as of January 1, 2018, upon adoption of ASC 606. The $2.7 million increase primarily reflects timing differences between the completion of our performance obligations and the amounts billed or billable to clients in accordance with their contractual billing terms. Refer to Note 3 "New Accounting Pronouncements" for additional information on the adoption of ASC 606.
Client prepayments and retainers are classified as deferred revenues and recognized over future periods in accordance with the applicable engagement agreement and our revenue recognition policy. Our deferred revenues balance as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, was $24.5 million and $27.9 million, respectively. The $3.4 million decrease primarily reflects timing differences between client payments in accordance with their contract terms and the completion of our performance obligations. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, $14.0 million of revenues recognized were included in the deferred revenue balance as of December 31, 2017.

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

7. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, excluding unvested restricted common stock. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential reduction in earnings per share that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock under the treasury stock method. Such securities or other contracts include unvested restricted stock awards, outstanding common stock options, convertible senior notes, and outstanding warrants, to the extent dilutive. In periods for which we report a net loss from continuing operations, diluted weighted average common shares outstanding excludes all potential common stock equivalents as their impact on diluted net loss from continuing operations per share would be anti-dilutive.
Earnings (loss) per share under the basic and diluted computations are as follows: 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(3,222
)
 
$
5,155

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
(42
)
 
143

Net income (loss)
$
(3,264
)
 
$
5,298

 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
21,592

 
21,239

Weighted average common stock equivalents

 
235

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
21,592

 
21,474

 
 
 
 
Net earnings per basic share:

 

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.24

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 
0.01

Net income (loss)
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.25

 
 
 
 
Net earnings per diluted share:
 
 
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.24

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 
0.01

Net income (loss)
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.25

The number of anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of the weighted average common stock equivalents presented above were as follows:
 
As of March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Unvested restricted stock awards
723

 
92

Outstanding common stock options

184

 

Convertible senior notes
3,129

 
3,129

Warrants related to the issuance of convertible senior notes
3,129

 
3,129

Total anti-dilutive securities
7,165

 
6,350

See Note 8 “Financing Arrangements” for further information on the convertible senior notes and warrants related to the issuance of convertible notes.
We currently have a share repurchase program permitting us to repurchase up to $125 million of our common stock through October 31, 2018 (the “Share Repurchase Program”). The amount and timing of the repurchases will be determined by management and will depend on a variety of factors, including the trading price of our common stock, capacity under our credit facility, general market and business conditions, and applicable legal requirements. No shares were repurchased during the first quarter of 2018 and 2017. As of March 31, 2018, $35.1 million remains available for share repurchases.

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Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

8. Financing Arrangements
A summary of the carrying amounts of our debt follows:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
1.25% convertible senior notes due 2019
$
235,470

 
$
233,140

Senior secured credit facility
138,500

 
105,000

Promissory note due 2024
4,744

 
4,868

Total long-term debt
$
378,714

 
$
343,008

Current maturities of debt (1)
(504
)
 
(501
)
Long-term debt, net of current portion
$
378,210

 
$
342,507

(1)
The current maturities of debt are included as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
Below is a summary of the scheduled remaining principal payments of our debt as of March 31, 2018.
 
Principal Payments of Long-Term Debt
2018
$
377

2019
$
250,515

2020
$
529

2021
$
544

2022
$
559

Thereafter
$
140,721

Convertible Notes
In September 2014, the Company issued $250 million principal amount of 1.25% convertible senior notes due 2019 (the “Convertible Notes”) in a private offering. The Convertible Notes are governed by the terms of an indenture between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (the “Indenture”). The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will pay interest semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year at an annual rate of 1.25%. The Convertible Notes will mature on October 1, 2019, unless earlier repurchased by the Company or converted in accordance with their terms.
Upon conversion, the Convertible Notes will be settled, at our election, in cash, shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s common stock. Our current intent and policy is to settle conversions with a combination of cash and shares of common stock with the principal amount of the Convertible Notes paid in cash, in accordance with the settlement provisions of the Indenture.
The initial conversion rate for the Convertible Notes is 12.5170 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes, which is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $79.89 per share of our common stock. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain specified events but will not be adjusted for accrued and unpaid interest, except in certain limited circumstances described in the Indenture. Upon the occurrence of a “make-whole fundamental change” (as defined in the Indenture) the Company will, in certain circumstances, increase the conversion rate by a number of additional shares for a holder that elects to convert its Convertible Notes in connection with such make-whole fundamental change. Additionally, if the Company undergoes a “fundamental change” (as defined in the Indenture), a holder will have the option to require the Company to repurchase all or a portion of its Convertible Notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes being repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest. As discussed below, the convertible note hedge transactions and warrants, which were entered into in connection with the Convertible Notes, effectively raise the price at which economic dilution would occur from the initial conversion price of approximately $79.89 to approximately $97.12 per share.

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Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Holders of the Convertible Notes may convert their Convertible Notes at their option at any time prior to July 1, 2019, only under the following circumstances: 
during any calendar quarter (and only during such calendar quarter) commencing after December 31, 2014 if, for each of at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the 30 consecutive trading day period ending on, and including, the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for such trading day is equal to or greater than 130% of the applicable conversion price on such trading day;
during the five consecutive business day period immediately following any five consecutive trading day period (such five consecutive trading day period, the “measurement period”) in which, for each trading day of the measurement period, the “trading price” (as defined in the Indenture) per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes for such trading day was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for such trading day and the applicable conversion rate on such trading day; or
upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions described in the Indenture.
On or after July 1, 2019 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, a holder may convert all or a portion of its Convertible Notes, regardless of the foregoing circumstances.
We have separated the Convertible Notes into liability and equity components. The carrying amount of the liability component was determined by measuring the fair value of a similar liability that does not have an associated convertible feature, assuming our non-convertible debt borrowing rate. The carrying value of the equity component representing the conversion option, which is recognized as a debt discount, was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the proceeds of the Convertible Notes. The debt discount is amortized to interest expense using an effective interest rate of 4.751% over the term of the Convertible Notes. As of March 31, 2018, the remaining life of the Convertible Notes is 1.5 years. The equity component will not be remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification.
The transaction costs related to the issuance of the Convertible Notes were separated into liability and equity components based on their relative values, as determined above. Transaction costs attributable to the liability component are recorded as a deduction to the carrying amount of the liability and amortized to interest expense over the term of the Convertible Notes; and transaction costs attributable to the equity component are netted with the equity component of the Convertible Notes in stockholders’ equity. Total debt issuance costs were approximately $7.3 million, of which $6.2 million was allocated to liability issuance costs and $1.1 million was allocated to equity issuance costs.
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Convertible Notes consisted of the following:
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Liability component:
 
 
 
Proceeds
$
250,000

 
$
250,000

Less: debt discount, net of amortization
(12,647
)
 
(14,668
)
Less: debt issuance costs, net of amortization
(1,883
)
 
(2,192
)
Net carrying amount
$
235,470

 
$
233,140

Equity component (1)
$
39,287

 
$
39,287

 
(1)
Included in additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheet.

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Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

The following table presents the amount of interest expense recognized related to the Convertible Notes for the periods presented. 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Contractual interest coupon
$
781

 
$
781

Amortization of debt discount
2,021

 
1,928

Amortization of debt issuance costs
309

 
304

Total interest expense
$
3,111

 
$
3,013

In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions and warrant transactions. The convertible note hedge transactions are intended to reduce the potential future economic dilution associated with the conversion of the Convertible Notes and, combined with the warrants, effectively raise the price at which economic dilution would occur from the initial conversion price of approximately $79.89 to approximately $97.12 per share. For purposes of the computation of diluted earnings per share in accordance with GAAP, dilution will occur when the average share price of our common stock for a given period exceeds the conversion price of the Convertible Notes, which initially is equal to approximately $79.89 per share. The convertible note hedge transactions and warrant transactions are discussed separately below. 
Convertible Note Hedge Transactions. In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge transactions whereby the Company has call options to purchase a total of approximately 3.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock, which is the number of shares initially issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes in full, at a price of approximately $79.89, which corresponds to the initial conversion price of the Convertible Notes, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those in the Convertible Notes. The convertible note hedge transactions are exercisable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes and will expire in 2019 if not earlier exercised. We paid an aggregate amount of $42.1 million for the convertible note hedge transactions, which was recorded as additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets. The convertible note hedge transactions are separate transactions and are not part of the terms of the Convertible Notes.
Warrants. In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company sold warrants whereby the holders of the warrants have the option to purchase a total of approximately 3.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock at a strike price of approximately $97.12. The warrants will expire incrementally on 100 different dates from January 6, 2020 to May 28, 2020 and are exercisable at each such expiry date. If the average market value per share of our common stock for the reporting period exceeds the strike price of the warrants, the warrants will have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share. We received aggregate proceeds of $23.6 million from the sale of the warrants, which was recorded as additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheets. The warrants are separate transactions and are not part of the terms of the Convertible Notes or the convertible note hedge transactions.
The Company recorded an initial deferred tax liability of $15.4 million in connection with the debt discount associated with the Convertible Notes and recorded an initial deferred tax asset of $16.5 million in connection with the convertible note hedge transactions. The deferred tax liability and deferred tax asset are included in deferred income taxes, net on the consolidated balance sheets.
Senior Secured Credit Facility
The Company has a $500 million five-year senior secured revolving credit facility, subject to the terms of a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2015, as amended to date (as amended and modified the "Amended Credit Agreement"), that becomes due and payable in full upon maturity on March 23, 2023. The Amended Credit Agreement provides the option to increase the revolving credit facility or establish term loan facilities in an aggregate amount of up to $150 million, subject to customary conditions and the approval of any lender whose commitment would be increased, resulting in a maximum available principal amount under the Amended Credit Agreement of $650 million. The initial borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement were used to refinance borrowings outstanding under a prior credit agreement, and future borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions of businesses, share repurchases, and general corporate purposes.
Fees and interest on borrowings vary based on our Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement). At our option, borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement will bear interest at one, two, three or six-month LIBOR or an alternate base rate, in each case plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin will fluctuate between 1.25% per annum and 2.00% per annum, in the case of

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Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

LIBOR borrowings, or between 0.25% per annum and 1.00% per annum, in the case of base rate loans, based upon our Consolidated Leverage Ratio at such time.
Amounts borrowed under the Amended Credit Agreement may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty. We are required to prepay the amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement in certain circumstances, including a requirement to pay all amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement 90 days prior to the Convertible Indebtedness Maturity Date (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) unless (1) the Convertible Indebtedness Maturity Date is waived or extended to a later date, (2) the Company can demonstrate (a) Liquidity (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) in an amount at least equal to the principal amount due on the Convertible Indebtedness Maturity Date, and (b) financial covenant compliance after giving effect to such payments and any additional indebtedness incurred on a pro forma basis, or (3) this requirement is waived by the Required Lenders (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement). In addition, we have the right to permanently reduce or terminate the unused portion of the commitments provided under the Amended Credit Agreement at any time.
The loans and obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are secured pursuant to a Second Amended and Restated Security Agreement and a Second Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement (the “Pledge Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. as collateral agent, pursuant to which the Company and the subsidiary guarantors grant Bank of America, N.A., for the ratable benefit of the lenders under the Amended Credit Agreement, a first-priority lien, subject to permitted liens, on substantially all of the personal property assets of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors, and a pledge of 100% of the stock or other equity interests in all domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the stock or other equity interests in each “material first-tier foreign subsidiary” (as defined in the Pledge Agreement).
The Amended Credit Agreement contains usual and customary representations and warranties; affirmative and negative covenants, which include limitations on liens, investments, additional indebtedness, and restricted payments; and two quarterly financial covenants as follows: (i) a maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio (defined as the ratio of debt to consolidated EBITDA) ranging from 3.50 to 1.00 to 4.00 to 1.00, depending on the measurement period, and (ii) a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (defined as the ratio of consolidated EBITDA to interest) of 3.50 to 1.00. Consolidated EBITDA for purposes of the financial covenants is calculated on a continuing operations basis and includes adjustments to add back non-cash goodwill impairment charges, share-based compensation costs, certain non-cash restructuring charges, pro forma historical EBITDA for businesses acquired, and other specified items in accordance with the Amended Credit Agreement. At March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with these financial covenants with a Consolidated Leverage Ratio of 3.77 to 1.00 and a Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio of 10.00 to 1.00.
Borrowings outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement at March 31, 2018 totaled $138.5 million. These borrowings carried a weighted average interest rate of 4.3%, including the effect of the interest rate swap described in Note 10 “Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity." Borrowings outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement at December 31, 2017 were $105.0 million and carried a weighted average interest rate of 3.7%, including the effect of the interest rate swap described in Note 10 “Derivative Instrument and Hedging Activity." The borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility is reduced by any outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility and outstanding letters of credit. At March 31, 2018, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $1.9 million, which are primarily used as security deposits for our office facilities. As of March 31, 2018, the unused borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility was $359.6 million.
Promissory Note due 2024
On June 30, 2017, in conjunction with our purchase of an aircraft related to the acquisition of Innosight, we assumed, from the sellers of the aircraft, a promissory note with an outstanding principal balance of $5.1 million. The principal balance of the promissory note is subject to scheduled monthly principal payments until the maturity date of March 1, 2024, at which time a final payment of $1.5 million, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, will be due. Under the terms of the promissory note, we will pay interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate of one-month LIBOR plus 1.97% per annum. The obligations under the promissory note are secured pursuant to a Loan and Aircraft Security Agreement with Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC, which grants the lender a first priority security interest in the aircraft. At March 31, 2018, the outstanding principal amount of the promissory note was $4.7 million. As of March 31, 2018, the aircraft had a carrying amount of $6.3 million. At December 31, 2017, the outstanding principal amount of the promissory note was $4.9 million, and the aircraft had a carrying amount of $6.5 million.
9. Restructuring Charges
Restructuring charges for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, totaled $0.7 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The $0.7 million charge incurred in the first quarter of 2018 primarily related to updated lease assumptions for our San Francisco office vacated in the third quarter of 2017. The $0.3 million charge incurred in the first quarter of 2017 primarily related to updated lease assumptions for our New York office.

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

The table below sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of our restructuring charge liability by restructuring type for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
 
Employee Costs
 
Office Space Reductions
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2017
$
1,267

 
$
4,247

 
$
5,514

Adjustments (1)
3

 
774

 
777

Payments
(1,002
)
 
(741
)
 
(1,743
)
Balance as of March 31, 2018
$
268

 
$
4,280

 
$
4,548

(1)
Adjustments for the three months ended March 31, 2018 include a restructuring charge of $0.1 million related to updated lease assumptions for vacated office spaces directly related to discontinued operations.
As of March 31, 2018, our restructuring charge liability related to office space reductions of $4.3 million represented the present value of remaining lease payments, net of estimated sublease income, primarily for our vacated office spaces in Washington, D.C., Houston, San Francisco, and Chicago. This restructuring charge liability is included as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities and deferred compensation and other liabilities. All of the $0.3 million restructuring charge liability related to employee costs at March 31, 2018 is expected to be paid in the next 12 months. The restructuring charge liability related to employee costs is included as a component of accrued payroll and related benefits.
10. Derivative Instrument and Hedging Activity
On June 22, 2017, we entered into a forward interest rate swap agreement effective August 31, 2017 and ending August 31, 2022, with a notional amount of $50.0 million. We entered into this derivative instrument to hedge against the interest rate risks of our variable-rate borrowings. Under the terms of the interest rate swap agreement, we receive from the counterparty interest on the notional amount based on one-month LIBOR and we pay to the counterparty a fixed rate of 1.900%.
We recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the balance sheet. We have designated this derivative instrument as a cash flow hedge. Therefore, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recorded to other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and reclassified into interest expense upon settlement. As of March 31, 2018, it was anticipated that $0.1 million of the gains, net of tax, currently recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.
The table below sets forth additional information relating to the interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedging instrument as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
 
 
Fair Value (Derivative Asset and Liability)
Balance Sheet Location
 
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
113

 
$

Other non-current assets
 
$
1,003

 
$
581

Accrued expenses
 
$

 
$
48

All of our derivative instruments are transacted under the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) master agreements. These agreements permit the net settlement of amounts owed in the event of default and certain other termination events. Although netting is permitted, it is our policy to record all derivative assets and liabilities on a gross basis on our consolidated balance sheet.
We do not use derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. Refer to Note 12 “Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)” for additional information on our derivative instrument.

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Certain of our assets and liabilities are measured at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value and requires companies to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy consists of three levels based on the objectivity of the inputs as follows:
Level 1 Inputs
 
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
 
 
Level 2 Inputs
 
Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
 
 
Level 3 Inputs
 
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.
The table below sets forth our fair value hierarchy for our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
 
$

 
$
1,116

 
$

 
$
1,116

Promissory note
 

 

 
1,064

 
1,064

Convertible debt investment
 

 

 
42,831

 
42,831

Deferred compensation assets
 

 
19,046

 

 
19,046

Total assets
 
$

 
$
20,162

 
$
43,895

 
$
64,057

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration for business acquisitions
 
$

 
$

 
$
24,081

 
$
24,081

Total liabilities
 
$

 
$

 
$
24,081

 
$
24,081

December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
 
$

 
$
533

 
$

 
$
533

Promissory note
 

 

 
1,078

 
1,078

Convertible debt investment
 

 

 
39,904

 
39,904

Deferred compensation assets
 

 
17,786

 

 
17,786

Total assets
 
$

 
$
18,319

 
$
40,982

 
$
59,301

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration for business acquisitions
 
$

 
$

 
$
22,828

 
$
22,828

Total liabilities
 
$

 
$

 
$
22,828

 
$
22,828

Interest rate swaps: The fair value of our interest rate swap was derived using estimates to settle the interest rate swap agreement, which is based on the net present value of expected future cash flows on each leg of the swap utilizing market-based inputs and a discount rate reflecting the risks involved.
Promissory note: As part of the consideration received for the sale of our Accounting Advisory practice on December 30, 2011, we received a $3.5 million promissory note payable over four years. During the fourth quarter of 2017, we amended and restated the note which established scheduled annual principal payments, increased the interest rate, reduced the outstanding principal amount by $0.5 million, and extended the maturity date to September 30, 2020. The scheduled principal payments will be paid to us annually until the maturity date of September 30, 2020, at which time the remaining principal balance and any accrued interest is due. The fair value of the note is based on the net present value of the projected cash flows using a discount rate of 10%, which accounts for the risks associated with the amended note. This fair value

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

measurement is based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 inputs. As of March 31, 2018, $0.4 million is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets and represents the present value of the payments expected to be received in the next 12 months, and the remaining $0.7 million is recorded in other non-current assets. As of March 31, 2018, there was $1.0 million principal amount outstanding under the promissory note.
The table below sets forth the changes in the balance of the promissory note for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
 
 
Promissory Note
Balance as of December 31, 2017
 
$
1,078

Interest payments received
 
(40
)
Change in fair value of promissory note
 
26

Balance as of March 31, 2018
 
$
1,064

Convertible debt investment: In 2014 and 2015, we invested $27.9 million, in the form of zero coupon convertible debt, in Shorelight Holdings, LLC (“Shorelight”), the parent company of Shorelight Education, a U.S.-based company that partners with leading nonprofit universities to increase access to and retention of international students, boost institutional growth, and enhance an institution’s global footprint. The notes will mature on July 1, 2020, unless converted earlier.
To determine the appropriate accounting treatment for our investment, we performed a variable interest entity (“VIE”) analysis and concluded that Shorelight does not meet the definition of a VIE. We also reviewed the characteristics of our investment to confirm that the convertible notes are not in-substance common stock that would warrant equity method accounting. After we reviewed all of the terms of the investment, we concluded the appropriate accounting treatment to be that of an available-for-sale debt security.
The investment is carried at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. We estimated the fair value of our investment using a Monte Carlo simulation model, cash flow projections discounted at a risk-adjusted rate, and certain assumptions related to equity volatility, default probability, and recovery rate, all of which are Level 3 inputs. The use of alternative estimates and assumptions could increase or decrease the estimated fair value of the investment, which would result in different impacts to our consolidated balance sheet and comprehensive income. Actual results may differ from our estimates. The fair value of the convertible debt investment is recorded in long-term investment.
The table below sets forth the changes in the balance of the convertible debt investment for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
 
 
Convertible Debt Investment
Balance as of December 31, 2017
 
$
39,904

Change in fair value of convertible debt investment
 
2,927

Balance as of March 31, 2018
 
$
42,831

Deferred compensation assets: We have a non-qualified deferred compensation plan (the "Plan") for the members of our board of directors and a select group of our employees. The deferred compensation liability is funded by the Plan assets, which consist of life insurance policies maintained within a trust. The cash surrender value of the life insurance policies approximates fair value, and is based on third-party broker statements which provide the fair value of the life insurance policies' underlying investments, which are Level 2 inputs. The cash surrender value of the life insurance policies is invested primarily in mutual funds. The Plan assets are included in other non-current assets on our consolidated balance sheet. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) from the deferred compensation assets are recorded to other income (expense), net in our consolidated statements of operations.
Contingent consideration for business acquisitions: We estimate the fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration using either a probability-weighted assessment of the specific financial performance targets being achieved or a Monte Carlo simulation model, as appropriate. These fair value measurements are based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 inputs. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements of our contingent consideration are our measures of the estimated payouts based on internally generated financial projections on a probability-weighted basis and discount rates, which typically reflect a risk-free rate. The fair value of the contingent consideration is reassessed quarterly based on assumptions used in our latest projections and input provided by practice leaders and management. Any change in the fair value estimate is recorded in our consolidated statement of operations for that period. The use of alternative estimates and assumptions could increase or decrease the estimated fair value of our contingent consideration liability, which would result in different impacts to our consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations.

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Actual results may differ from our estimates. The table below sets forth the changes in the balance of the contingent consideration for business acquisitions for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
 
 
Contingent Consideration for Business Acquisitions
Balance as of December 31, 2017
 
$
22,828

Remeasurement of contingent consideration for business acquisitions
 
830

Acquisition
 
212

Unrealized loss due to foreign currency translation
 
211

Balance as of March 31, 2018
 
$
24,081

Financial assets and liabilities not recorded at fair value are as follows:
Senior Secured Credit Facility
The carrying value of our borrowings outstanding under our senior secured credit facility is stated at cost. Our carrying value approximates fair value, using Level 2 inputs, as the senior secured credit facility bears interest at variable rates based on current market rates as set forth in the Amended Credit Agreement. Refer to Note 8 “Financing Arrangements” for additional information on our senior secured credit facility.
Promissory Note due 2024
The carrying value of our promissory note due 2024 is stated at cost. Our carrying value approximates fair value, using Level 2 inputs, as the promissory note bears interest at rates based on current market rates as set forth in the terms of the promissory note. Refer to Note 8 “Financing Arrangements” for additional information on our promissory note due 2024.
Convertible Notes
The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes are as follows: 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
1.25% convertible senior notes due 2019
$
235,470

 
$
236,298

 
$
233,140

 
$
232,578

The differences between the $250 million principal amount of the Convertible Notes and the carrying amounts shown above represent the unamortized debt discount and issuance costs. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the carrying value of the equity component of $39.3 million was unchanged from the date of issuance. Refer to Note 8 “Financing Arrangements” for additional information on our Convertible Notes. The estimated fair value of the Convertible Notes was determined based on the quoted bid price of the Convertible Notes in an over-the-counter market, which is a Level 2 input, on the last day of trading for the quarters ended March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Based on the closing price of our common stock of $38.10 on March 31, 2018, the if-converted value of the Convertible Notes was less than the principal amount.
Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair market value. The carrying values of all other financial instruments not described above reasonably approximate fair market value due to the nature of the financial instruments and the short-term maturity of these items.

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

12. Other Comprehensive Income
The tables below set forth the components of other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
 
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
 
Before
Taxes
 
Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
 
Net of
Taxes
 
Before
Taxes
 
Tax
(Expense)
Benefit
 
Net of
Taxes
Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
34

 
$

 
$
34

 
$
424

 
$

 
$
424

Unrealized gain on investment
$
2,927

 
$
(761
)
 
$
2,166

 
$
2,894

 
$
(1,117
)
 
$
1,777

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value
$
545

 
$
(141
)
 
$
404

 
$
38

 
$
(14
)
 
$
24

Reclassification adjustments into earnings
38

 
(10
)
 
28

 
36

 
(15
)
 
21

Net unrealized gain
$
583

 
$
(151
)
 
$
432

 
$
74

 
$
(29
)
 
$
45

Other comprehensive income
$
3,544

 
$
(912
)
 
$
2,632

 
$
3,392

 
$
(1,146
)
 
$
2,246

The before tax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income related to our cash flow hedges are recorded to interest expense, net of interest income.
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, includes the following components: 
 
Foreign Currency
Translation
 
Available-for-Sale Investment
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
Total
Balance, December 31, 2017
$
1,149

 
$
8,812

 
$
409

 
$
10,370

Current period change
34

 
2,166

 
432

 
2,632

Balance, March 31, 2018
$
1,183

 
$
10,978

 
$
841

 
$
13,002

13. Income Taxes
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, our effective tax rate was (14.7)% as we recognized income tax expense from continuing operations of $0.4 million on pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $2.8 million. The effective tax rate of (14.7)% was less favorable than the statutory rate, inclusive of state income taxes, of 26.0%, primarily due to discrete tax expense for share-based compensation awards that vested during the quarter and which had an unfavorable impact of 43.7% on the effective tax rate.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, our effective tax rate was 52.7% as we recognized income tax expense of $5.7 million on pre-tax income from continuing operations of $10.9 million. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was less favorable than the statutory rate, inclusive of state income taxes, primarily due to discrete tax expense for share-based compensation which had an unfavorable impact of 14.5% related to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The less favorable effective tax rate was also due to certain non-deductible business expenses, partially offset by certain credits and deductions.
As of March 31, 2018, we had $0.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits which would affect the effective tax rate of continuing operations if recognized.
14. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees
Litigation
From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we are not a party to any litigation or legal proceeding that, in the current opinion of management, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. However, due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in legal proceedings, actual results could differ from current expected results.

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Guarantees
Guarantees in the form of letters of credit totaling $1.9 million were outstanding at both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, primarily to support certain office lease obligations.
In connection with certain business acquisitions, we may be required to pay post-closing consideration to the sellers if specific financial performance targets are met over a number of years as specified in the related purchase agreements. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the total estimated fair value of our contingent consideration liabilities was $24.1 million and $22.8 million, respectively.
To the extent permitted by law, our bylaws and articles of incorporation require that we indemnify our officers and directors against judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, including attorneys’ fees, incurred in connection with civil or criminal action or proceedings, as it relates to their services to us if such person acted in good faith. Although there is no limit on the amount of indemnification, we may have recourse against our insurance carrier for certain payments made.
15. Segment Information
Segments are defined as components of a company that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses, and for which separate financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision maker, who is our chief executive officer, manages the business under three operating segments, which are our reportable segments: Healthcare, Business Advisory, and Education.
During the second quarter of 2017, we reorganized our internal financial reporting structure, which management uses to assess performance and allocate resources, by moving our Life Sciences practice from the Education and Life Sciences segment to the Business Advisory segment. The remaining Education and Life Sciences segment is now referred to as the Education segment. While our consolidated results have not been impacted, we have reclassified our historical segment information for consistent presentation.
Healthcare
Our Healthcare segment has a depth of expertise in strategy and innovation, care transformation, financial and operational excellence, technology and analytics, and leadership development. We serve national and regional hospitals and integrated health systems, academic medical centers, community hospitals, and medical groups. Our solutions help clients evolve and adapt to the rapidly changing healthcare environment and achieve growth, optimize performance, enhance profitability, improve quality and clinical outcomes, and drive physician, patient, and employee engagement across the enterprise.
We help organizations transform and innovate their delivery model to focus on patient wellness by improving quality outcomes, minimizing care variation and fundamentally improving patient and population health. Our consultants partner with clients to help build and sustain today’s business to invest in the future by reducing complexity, improving operational efficiency and growing market share. We enable the healthcare of the future by identifying, integrating and optimizing technology investments to collect data that transforms care delivery and improves patient outcomes. We also develop future leaders capable of driving meaningful operational and organizational change and who transform the patient experience.
Business Advisory
Our Business Advisory segment provides services to large and middle market organizations, not-for-profit organizations, lending institutions, law firms, investment banks and private equity firms. We assist clients in a broad range of industries and across the spectrum from healthy, well-capitalized companies to organizations in transition, as well as creditors, equity owners, and other key constituents. Our Business Advisory professionals resolve complex business issues and enhance client enterprise value through a suite of services including capital advisory, transaction advisory, operational improvement, restructuring and turnaround, valuation, and dispute advisory. Our Enterprise Solutions and Analytics professionals deliver technology and analytic solutions that enable organizations to manage and optimize their financial performance, operational efficiency, and client or stakeholder experience. Our Strategy and Innovation professionals collaborate with clients across a range of industries to identify new growth opportunities, build new ventures and capabilities, and accelerate organizational change. Our Life Sciences professionals provide strategic solutions to help pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotechnology companies deliver more value to patients, payers, and providers, and comply with regulations.

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Education
Our Education segment provides management consulting and technology solutions to higher education institutions and academic medical centers. We partner with clients to address challenges relating to business and technology strategy, financial management, operational and organizational effectiveness, research administration, and regulatory compliance. Our institutional strategy, market research, budgeting and financial management, business operations and student life cycle management solutions align missions with business priorities, improve quality and reduce costs institution-wide. Our technology strategy, enterprise applications, and analytic solutions transform and optimize operations, deliver time and cost savings, and enhance the student experience. Our research enterprise solutions assist clients in identifying and implementing institutional research strategy, optimizing clinical research operations, improving financial management and cost reimbursement, improving service to faculty, and mitigating risk compliance.
Segment operating income consists of the revenues generated by a segment, less the direct costs of revenue and selling, general and administrative expenses that are incurred directly by the segment. Unallocated corporate costs include costs related to administrative functions that are performed in a centralized manner that are not attributable to a particular segment. These administrative function costs include costs for corporate office support, certain office facility costs, costs relating to accounting and finance, human resources, legal, marketing, information technology, and Company-wide business development functions, as well as costs related to overall corporate management.
The table below sets forth information about our operating segments for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, along with the items necessary to reconcile the segment information to the totals reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Healthcare:
 
 
 
Revenues
$
89,895

 
$
98,452

Operating income
$
24,460

 
$
34,150

Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues
27.2
%
 
34.7
%
Business Advisory:
 
 
 
Revenues
$
55,895

 
$
48,116

Operating income
$
8,998

 
$
9,866

Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues
16.1
%
 
20.5
%
Education:
 
 
 
Revenues
$
47,889

 
$
42,281

Operating income
$
11,425

 
$
11,515

Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues
23.9
%
 
27.2
%
Total Company:
 
 
 
Revenues
$
193,679

 
$
188,849

Reimbursable expenses
17,619

 
16,950

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses
$
211,298

 
$
205,799


 
 
 
Segment operating income
$
44,883

 
$
55,531

Items not allocated at the segment level:
 
 
 
Other operating expenses
32,928

 
32,463

Other losses
830

 

Depreciation and amortization
8,803

 
8,919

Other expense, net
5,131

 
3,246

Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes
$
(2,809
)
 
$
10,903


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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

The following table illustrates the disaggregation of revenues by billing arrangements, employee types, and timing of revenue recognition, including a reconciliation of the disaggregated revenues to revenues from our three operating segments.
 
Three months ended March 31, 2018
 
Healthcare
 
Business Advisory
 
Education
 
Total
Billing Arrangements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed-fee
$
60,269

 
$
22,420

 
$
11,306

 
$
93,995

Time and expense
12,789

 
31,337

 
33,442

 
77,568

Performance-based
10,191

 
909

 

 
11,100

Software support, maintenance and subscriptions
6,646

 
1,229

 
3,141

 
11,016

Total
$
89,895

 
$
55,895

 
$
47,889

 
$
193,679

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employee Type (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue generated by full-time billable consultants

$
59,273

 
$
53,416

 
$
41,632

 
$
154,321

Revenue generated by full-time equivalents

30,622

 
2,479

 
6,257

 
39,358

Total
$
89,895

 
$
55,895

 
$
47,889

 
$
193,679

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Timing of Revenue Recognition
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue recognized over time

$
88,341

 
$
55,895

 
$
46,585

 
$
190,821

Revenue recognized at a point in time

1,554

 

 
1,304

 
2,858

Total
$
89,895

 
$
55,895

 
$
47,889

 
$
193,679

(1)
Full-time billable consultants consist of our full-time professionals who provide consulting services to our clients and are billable to our clients based on the number of hours worked. Full-time equivalent professionals consist of our cultural transformation consultants within our Studer Group solution, which include coaches and their support staff, as well as consultants who work variable schedules as needed by our clients and full-time employees who provide software support and maintenance services to our clients.
At March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no single client accounted for greater than 10% of our combined receivables and unbilled services balances. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, no single client generated greater than 10% of our consolidated revenues.

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ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Huron,” “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Huron Consulting Group Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not historical in nature, including those concerning the Company’s current expectations about its future requirements and needs, are “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “provides,” “anticipates,” “assumes,” “can,” “will,” “meets,” “could,” “likely,” “intends,” “might,” “predicts,” “seeks,” “would,” “believes,” “estimates,” “plans,” “continues,” or “outlook,” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations about our future requirements and needs, results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation: failure to achieve expected utilization rates, billing rates, and the number of revenue-generating professionals; inability to expand or adjust our service offerings in response to market demands; our dependence on renewal of client-based services; dependence on new business and retention of current clients and qualified personnel; failure to maintain third-party provider relationships and strategic alliances; inability to license technology to and from third parties; the impairment of goodwill; various factors related to income and other taxes; difficulties in successfully integrating the businesses we acquire and achieving expected benefits from such acquisitions; risks relating to privacy, information security, and related laws and standards; and a general downturn in market conditions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including, among others, those described under Item 1A. "Risk Factors," in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events, or for any other reason.
OVERVIEW
Our Business
Huron is a global professional services firm committed to achieving sustainable results in partnership with its clients. We bring a depth of expertise in strategy, technology, operations, advisory services, and analytics to drive lasting and measurable results in the healthcare, higher education, life sciences and commercial sectors.
We provide professional services through three operating segments: Healthcare, Business Advisory, and Education.
Healthcare
Our Healthcare segment has a depth of expertise in strategy and innovation, care transformation, financial and operational excellence, technology and analytics, and leadership development. We serve national and regional hospitals and integrated health systems, academic medical centers, community hospitals, and medical groups. Our solutions help clients evolve and adapt to the rapidly changing healthcare environment and achieve growth, optimize performance, enhance profitability, improve quality and clinical outcomes, and drive physician, patient, and employee engagement across the enterprise.
We help organizations transform and innovate their delivery model to focus on patient wellness by improving quality outcomes, minimizing care variation and fundamentally improving patient and population health. Our consultants partner with clients to help build and sustain today’s business to invest in the future by reducing complexity, improving operational efficiency and growing market share. We enable the healthcare of the future by identifying, integrating and optimizing technology investments to collect data that transforms care delivery and improves patient outcomes. We also develop future leaders capable of driving meaningful operational and organizational change and who transform the patient experience.
Business Advisory
Our Business Advisory segment provides services to large and middle market organizations, not-for-profit organizations, lending institutions, law firms, investment banks and private equity firms. We assist clients in a broad range of industries and across the spectrum from healthy, well-capitalized companies to organizations in transition, as well as creditors, equity owners, and other key constituents. Our Business Advisory professionals resolve complex business issues and enhance client enterprise value through a suite of services including capital advisory, transaction advisory, operational improvement, restructuring and turnaround, valuation, and dispute advisory. Our Enterprise Solutions and Analytics professionals deliver technology and analytic solutions that enable organizations to manage and optimize their financial performance, operational efficiency, and client or stakeholder experience. Our Strategy and Innovation professionals collaborate with clients across a range of industries to identify new growth opportunities, build new ventures and capabilities, and accelerate organizational change. Our Life Sciences professionals provide strategic solutions to help pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotechnology companies deliver more value to patients, payers, and providers, and comply with regulations.

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Education
Our Education segment provides management consulting and technology solutions to higher education institutions and academic medical centers. We partner with clients to address challenges relating to business and technology strategy, financial management, operational and organizational effectiveness, research administration, and regulatory compliance. Our institutional strategy, market research, budgeting and financial management, business operations and student life cycle management solutions align missions with business priorities, improve quality and reduce costs institution-wide. Our technology strategy, enterprise applications, and analytic solutions transform and optimize operations, deliver time and cost savings, and enhance the student experience. Our research enterprise solutions assist clients in identifying and implementing institutional research strategy, optimizing clinical research operations, improving financial management and cost reimbursement, improving service to faculty, and mitigating risk compliance.
Huron is a Platinum level member of the Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN), a Workday Services Partner, and a Gold level consulting partner with Salesforce.com.
Segment Reorganization
During the second quarter of 2017, we reorganized our internal financial reporting structure, which management uses to assess performance and allocate resources, by moving our Life Sciences practice from the Education and Life Sciences segment to the Business Advisory segment. The remaining Education and Life Sciences segment is now referred to as the Education segment. While our consolidated results have not been impacted, we have reclassified our historical segment information for consistent presentation.
How We Generate Revenues
A large portion of our revenues is generated by our full-time consultants who provide consulting services to our clients and are billable to our clients based on the number of hours worked. A smaller portion of our revenues is generated by our other professionals, also referred to as full-time equivalents, some of whom work variable schedules as needed by our clients. Full-time equivalent professionals consist of our cultural transformation consultants from our Studer Group solution, which include coaches and their support staff, specialized finance and operational consultants, and our employees who provide software support and maintenance services to our clients. We translate the hours that these other professionals work on client engagements into a full-time equivalent measure that we use to manage our business. We refer to our full-time consultants and other professionals collectively as revenue-generating professionals.
Revenues generated by our full-time consultants are primarily driven by the number of consultants we employ and their utilization rates, as well as the billing rates we charge our clients. Revenues generated by our other professionals, or full-time equivalents, are largely dependent on the number of consultants we employ, their hours worked, and billing rates charged. Revenues generated by our coaches are largely dependent on the number of coaches we employ and the total value, scope, and terms of the consulting contracts under which they provide services, which are primarily fixed-fee contracts.
We generate our revenues from providing professional services under four types of billing arrangements: fixed-fee (including software license revenue); time-and-expense; performance-based; and software support, maintenance and subscriptions.
In fixed-fee billing arrangements, we agree to a pre-established fee in exchange for a predetermined set of professional services. We set the fees based on our estimates of the costs and timing for completing the engagements. In these engagements, it is the client’s expectation that the pre-established fee will not be exceeded except in mutually agreed upon circumstances. We generally recognize revenues under fixed-fee billing arrangements using a proportionate performance approach, which is based on work completed to-date versus our estimates of the total services to be provided under the engagement. Contracts within our Studer Group solution are fixed-fee partner contracts with multiple performance obligations, which primarily consist of coaching services, as well as speaking engagements, conferences, publications and software products (“Partner Contracts”). Revenues for coaching services and software products are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the length of the contract. All other revenues under Partner Contracts, including speaking engagements, conferences and publications, are recognized at the time the goods or services are provided.
Fixed-fee arrangements also include software licenses for our revenue cycle management software and research administration and compliance software. Licenses for our revenue cycle management software are sold only as a component of our consulting projects, and the services we provide are essential to the functionality of the software. Therefore, revenues from these software licenses are recognized over the term of the related consulting services contract. License revenue from our research administration and compliance software is generally recognized in the month in which the software is delivered.
Fixed-fee engagements represented 48.5% and 45.5% of our revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Time-and-expense billing arrangements require the client to pay based on the number of hours worked by our revenue-generating professionals at agreed upon rates. Time-and-expense arrangements also include certain speaking engagements, conferences and publications purchased by our clients outside of Partner Contracts within our Studer Group solution. We recognize revenues under time-and-expense billing arrangements as the

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related services or publications are provided. Time-and-expense engagements represented 40.1% and 43.0% of our revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
In performance-based fee billing arrangements, fees are tied to the attainment of contractually defined objectives. We enter into performance-based engagements in essentially two forms. First, we generally earn fees that are directly related to the savings formally acknowledged by the client as a result of adopting our recommendations for improving operational and cost effectiveness in the areas we review. Second, we have performance-based engagements in which we earn a success fee when and if certain predefined outcomes occur. Often, performance-based fees supplement our fixed-fee or time-and-expense engagements. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, on a modified retrospective basis and began recognizing revenues under performance-based billing arrangements by estimating the amount of variable consideration that is probable of being earned, and recognizing that estimate over the length of the contract using a proportionate performance approach. Prior to adopting ASC 606 in 2018, we recognized revenues under performance-based billing arrangements when all related performance criteria were met. Refer to Note 2 "Basis of Presentation" and Note 3 "New Accounting Pronouncements" for additional information on our adoption of ASC 606. Performance-based fee revenues represented 5.7% and 6.5% of our revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Refer to our Segment Results discussed below for additional information on the impact of ASC 606 on our performance-based fee revenues.
Clients that have purchased one of our software licenses can pay an annual fee for software support and maintenance. We also generate subscription revenue from our cloud-based analytic tools and solutions. Software support, maintenance and subscription revenues are recognized ratably over the support or subscription period. These fees are billed in advance and included in deferred revenues until recognized. Software support, maintenance and subscription revenues represented 5.7% and 5.0% of our revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Our quarterly results are impacted principally by our full-time consultants’ utilization rate, the bill rates we charge our clients, and the number of our revenue-generating professionals who are available to work. Our utilization rate can be negatively affected by increased hiring because there is generally a transition period for new professionals that results in a temporary drop in our utilization rate. Our utilization rate can also be affected by seasonal variations in the demand for our services from our clients. For example, during the third and fourth quarters of the year, vacations taken by our clients can result in the deferral of activity on existing and new engagements, which would negatively affect our utilization rate. The number of business work days is also affected by the number of vacation days taken by our consultants and holidays in each quarter. We typically have fewer business work days available in the fourth quarter of the year, which can impact revenues during that period.
Time-and-expense engagements do not provide us with a high degree of predictability as to performance in future periods. Unexpected changes in the demand for our services can result in significant variations in utilization and revenues and present a challenge to optimal hiring and staffing. Moreover, our clients typically retain us on an engagement-by-engagement basis, rather than under long-term recurring contracts. The volume of work performed for any particular client can vary widely from period to period.
Business Strategy, Opportunities and Challenges
Our primary strategy is to meet the needs of our clients by providing a balanced portfolio of service offerings and capabilities so that we can adapt quickly and effectively to emerging opportunities in the marketplace. To achieve this, we continue to hire highly qualified professionals and have entered into select acquisitions of complementary businesses.
To expand our business, we will remain focused on growing our existing relationships and developing new relationships, executing our managing director compensation plan to attract and retain senior practitioners, continuing to promote and provide an integrated approach to service delivery, broadening the scope of our existing services, and acquiring complementary businesses. We will regularly evaluate the performance of our practices to ensure our investments meet these objectives. Furthermore, we intend to enhance our visibility in the marketplace by refining our overarching messaging and value propositions for the organization as well as each practice. We will continue to focus on reaching our client base through clear, concise, and endorsed messages.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected segment and consolidated operating results and other operating data. The results of operations for acquired businesses have been included in our results of operations since the date of their respective acquisition.
During the second quarter of 2017, we reorganized our internal financial reporting structure by moving our Life Sciences practice from the Education and Life Sciences segment to the Business Advisory segment. The remaining Education and Life Sciences segment is now referred to as the Education segment. While our consolidated results have not been impacted, we have reclassified our historical segment information for consistent presentation.
Segment and Consolidated Operating Results
(in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Healthcare:
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
89,895

 
$
98,452

Operating income
 
$
24,460

 
$
34,150

Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues
 
27.2
%
 
34.7
%
Business Advisory:
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
55,895

 
$
48,116

Operating income
 
$
8,998

 
$
9,866

Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues
 
16.1
%
 
20.5
%
Education:
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
47,889

 
$
42,281

Operating income
 
$
11,425

 
$
11,515

Segment operating income as a percentage of segment revenues
 
23.9
%
 
27.2
%
Total Company:
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
193,679

 
$
188,849

Reimbursable expenses
 
17,619

 
16,950

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses
 
$
211,298

 
$
205,799

Statements of Operations reconciliation:
 
 
 
 
Segment operating income
 
$
44,883

 
$
55,531

Items not allocated at the segment level:
 
 
 
 
Other operating expenses
 
32,928

 
32,463

Other losses
 
830

 

Depreciation and amortization
 
8,803

 
8,919

Total operating income
 
2,322

 
14,149

Other expense, net
 
(5,131
)
 
(3,246
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense
 
(2,809
)
 
10,903

Income tax expense
 
413

 
5,748

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
(3,222
)
 
$
5,155

Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations:
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.24

Diluted
 
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.24




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Three Months Ended
March 31,
Other Operating Data:
 
2018
 
2017
Number of full-time billable consultants (at period end) (1):
 
 
 
 
Healthcare
 
792

 
857

Business Advisory
 
783

 
680

Education
 
568

 
478

Total
 
2,143

 
2,015

Average number of full-time billable consultants (for the period) (1):
 
 
 
 
Healthcare
 
780

 
867

Business Advisory
 
784

 
627

Education
 
562

 
471

Total
 
2,126

 
1,965

Full-time billable consultant utilization rate (2):
 
 
 
 
Healthcare
 
81.3
%
 
72.3
%
Business Advisory
 
66.1
%
 
75.2
%
Education
 
75.0
%
 
74.9
%
Total
 
73.7
%
 
73.9
%
Full-time billable consultant average billing rate per hour (3):
 
 
 
 
Healthcare
 
$
202

 
$
228

Business Advisory
 
$
187

 
$
199

Education
 
$
207

 
$
218

Total
 
$
198

 
$
216

Revenue per full-time billable consultant (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
Healthcare
 
$
76

 
$
76

Business Advisory
 
$
68

 
$
73

Education
 
$
74

 
$
78

Total
 
$
73

 
$
76

Average number of full-time equivalents (for the period) (4):
 
 
 
 
Healthcare
 
208

 
216

Business Advisory
 
16

 
20

Education
 
40

 
40

Total
 
264

 
276

Revenue per full-time equivalent (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
Healthcare
 
$
148

 
$
150

Business Advisory
 
$
153

 
$
105

Education
 
$
155

 
$
146

Total
 
$
149

 
$
146

(1)
Consists of our full-time professionals who provide consulting services and generate revenues based on the number of hours worked.
(2)
Utilization rate for our full-time billable consultants is calculated by dividing the number of hours all of our full-time billable consultants worked on client assignments during a period by the total available working hours for all of these consultants during the same period, assuming a forty-hour work week, less paid holidays and vacation days.
(3)
Average billing rate per hour for our full-time billable consultants is calculated by dividing revenues for a period by the number of hours worked on client assignments during the same period.
(4)
Consists of cultural transformation consultants within our Studer Group solution, which include coaches and their support staff, consultants who work variable schedules as needed by our clients, and full-time employees who provide software support and maintenance services to our clients.


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Non-GAAP Measures
We also assess our results of operations using certain non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures differ from GAAP because the non-GAAP financial measures we calculate to measure earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues, adjusted net income from continuing operations, and adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations exclude a number of items required by GAAP, each discussed below. These non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or superior to, any measure of performance, cash flows, or liquidity prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our non-GAAP financial measures may be defined differently from time to time and may be defined differently than similar terms used by other companies, and accordingly, care should be exercised in understanding how we define our non-GAAP financial measures.
Our management uses the non-GAAP financial measures to gain an understanding of our comparative operating performance, for example when comparing such results with previous periods or forecasts. These non-GAAP financial measures are used by management in their financial and operating decision making because management believes they reflect our ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures when publicly providing our business outlook, for internal management purposes, and as a basis for evaluating potential acquisitions and dispositions. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating Huron’s current operating performance and future prospects in the same manner as management does and in comparing in a consistent manner Huron’s current financial results with Huron’s past financial results.
The reconciliations of these financial measures from GAAP to non-GAAP are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
$
193,679

 
$
188,849

Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(3,222
)
 
$
5,155

Add back:
 
 
 
Income tax expense
413

 
5,748

Interest expense, net of interest income
4,986

 
4,004

Depreciation and amortization
10,021

 
11,905

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)
12,198

 
26,812

Add back:
 
 
 
Other losses
830

 

Restructuring charges
712

 
279

Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net
(53
)
 
17

Adjusted EBITDA
$
13,687

 
$
27,108

Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues
7.1
%
 
14.4
%
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(3,222
)
 
$
5,155

Weighted average shares - diluted
21,592

 
21,474

Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
$
(0.15
)
 
$
0.24

Add back:
 
 
 
Amortization of intangible assets
6,303

 
8,652

Non-cash interest on convertible notes
2,021

 
1,928

Other losses
830

 

Restructuring charges
712

 
279

Tax effect
(2,565
)
 
(4,192
)
Tax expense related to the enactment of Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017
132

 

Total adjustments, net of tax
7,433

 
6,667

Adjusted net income from continuing operations
$
4,211

 
$
11,822

Adjusted weighted average shares - diluted
21,813

 
21,474

Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
$
0.19

 
$
0.55


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These non-GAAP financial measures include adjustments for the following items:
Amortization of intangible assets: We have excluded the effect of amortization of intangible assets from the calculation of adjusted net income from continuing operations presented above. Amortization of intangibles is inconsistent in its amount and frequency and is significantly affected by the timing and size of our acquisitions.
Non-cash interest on convertible notes: We incur non-cash interest expense relating to the implied value of the equity conversion component of our Convertible Notes. The value of the equity conversion component is treated as a debt discount and amortized to interest expense over the life of the Convertible Notes using the effective interest rate method. We exclude this non-cash interest expense that does not represent cash interest payments from the calculation of adjusted net income from continuing operations as management believes that this non-cash expense is not indicative of the ongoing performance of our business.
Other losses: We have excluded the effects of remeasurement losses related to contingent acquisition liabilities to permit comparability with periods that were not impacted by these items.
Restructuring charges: We have incurred charges due to the restructuring of various parts of our business. These restructuring charges have primarily consisted of costs associated with office space consolidations, including the accelerated depreciation of certain leasehold improvements, and severance charges. We have excluded the effect of the restructuring charges from our non-GAAP measures because the amount of each restructuring charge is significantly affected by the timing and size of the restructured business or component of a business.
Tax effect: The non-GAAP income tax adjustment reflects the incremental tax impact applicable to the non-GAAP adjustments.
Tax expense related to the enactment of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("2017 Tax Reform"): We have excluded the impact of the 2017 Tax Reform, which was enacted in the fourth quarter of 2017. In the first quarter of 2018, we recorded an adjustment to our estimated one-time income tax expense related to the transition tax on accumulated foreign earnings. The exclusion of the 2017 Tax Reform impact permits comparability with prior periods.
Foreign currency transaction losses (gains), net: We have excluded the effect of foreign currency transaction losses and gains from the calculation of adjusted EBITDA because the amount of each loss or gain is significantly affected by timing and changes in foreign exchange rates.
Income tax expense, Interest expense, net of interest income, Depreciation and amortization: We have excluded the effects of income tax expense, interest expense, net of interest income, and depreciation and amortization in the calculation of EBITDA as these are customary exclusions as defined by the calculation of EBITDA to arrive at meaningful earnings from core operations excluding the effect of such items.
Adjusted weighted average shares - diluted: As we reported a net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2018, GAAP diluted weighted average shares outstanding equals the basic weighted average shares outstanding for that period. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the non-GAAP adjustments described above resulted in an adjusted net income from continuing operations. Therefore, we included the dilutive common stock equivalents in the calculation of adjusted diluted weighted average shares outstanding for that period.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Revenues
Revenues increased $4.8 million, or 2.6%, to $193.7 million for the first quarter of 2018 from $188.8 million for the first quarter of 2017. First quarter 2018 revenues included $6.4 million of incremental revenues due to the full quarter impact of our acquisition of Innosight, which was completed in March 2017, as well as revenues from our acquisition of the international assets of ADI Strategies, which was completed in April 2017 and has since been fully integrated into the Business Advisory segment.
On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, on a modified retrospective basis, which resulted in changes to our accounting policy for revenue recognition, most notably for performance-based billing arrangements. During the first quarter of 2018, performance-based fee revenue was $11.1 million compared to $12.2 million in the same prior year period. Refer to Note 2 "Basis of Presentation" and Note 3 "New Accounting Pronouncements" within the notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on our adoption of ASC 606.
Of the overall $4.8 million increase in revenues, $5.8 million was attributable to an increase in revenues from our full-time billable consultants, partially offset by a $1.0 million decrease in revenues attributable to our full-time equivalents.
The increase in full-time billable consultant revenues reflected an increase in the average number of billable consultants, partially offset by a decrease in the average billing rate for the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same prior year period. As discussed below in Segment Results, the increase in full-time billable consultant revenues primarily reflected our acquisition of Innosight and strengthened demand for our services in the Education segment, partially offset by a decreased demand for our services in the Healthcare segment.

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The decrease in full-time equivalent revenues was primarily attributable to a decrease in revenue from our Studer Group solution, partially offset by an increased use of contractors in our Healthcare segment, as discussed below in Segment Results.
Total Direct Costs
Our total direct costs, including amortization of intangible assets and software development costs, increased $15.3 million, or 12.9%, to $134.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2018, from $118.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017. The $15.3 million increase primarily related to a $9.5 million increase in salaries and related expenses for our revenue-generating professionals, which was largely driven by increased headcount in our Business Advisory and Education segments, partially offset by headcount reductions in our Healthcare segment. Additional increases included a $5.9 million increase in performance bonus expense for our revenue-generating professionals and a $1.1 million increase in contractor expense. These increases were partially offset by a $1.9 million decrease in amortization of intangible assets. As a percentage of revenues, our total direct costs increased to 69.2% during the first quarter of 2018 compared to 62.9% during the first quarter of 2017, primarily due to the items described above.
Total direct costs for the three months ended March 31, 2018 included $1.2 million of amortization expense for intangible assets, primarily representing customer contracts and software acquired in business combinations, and internal software development costs, compared to $3.0 million of amortization expense for the same prior year period. The $1.8 million decrease in amortization expense was primarily attributable to the decreasing amortization expense of customer contracts acquired in our Studer Group acquisition, due to the accelerated basis of amortization, and the customer contracts acquired in our Innosight acquisition which were fully amortized in 2017. See Note 4 "Acquisitions" and Note 5 "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" within the notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information about our intangible assets.
Operating Expenses and Other Losses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased slightly by $0.2 million, or 0.5%, to $47.1 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $46.9 million in the first quarter of 2017. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter of 2018 included an incremental $2.6 million of expenses due to the full quarter impact of the Innosight acquisition. The overall $0.2 million increase primarily related to a $1.0 million increase in performance bonus expense for our support personnel, a $0.9 million increase in practice administration and meetings expenses, a $0.5 million increase in promotion and sponsorship expenses, and a $0.5 million increase in facilities and other office-related expenses. These increases were largely offset by a $1.4 million decrease in legal expenses and a $1.2 million decrease in salaries and related expenses for our support personnel. As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 24.3% during the first quarter of 2018 compared to 24.8% during the first quarter of 2017, primarily due to the items described above.
Restructuring charges for the first quarter of 2018 totaled $0.7 million, compared to $0.3 million for the first quarter of 2017. The $0.7 million charge incurred in the first quarter of 2018 primarily related to updated lease assumptions for our San Francisco office vacated in the third quarter of 2017. The $0.3 million charge incurred in the first quarter of 2017 primarily related to updated lease assumptions for our New York office. See Note 9 "Restructuring Charges" within the notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on our restructuring charges.
Other losses totaled $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and represent increases in the estimated fair values of our liabilities for contingent consideration payments related to business acquisitions. In connection with certain business acquisitions, we may be required to pay post-closing consideration to the sellers if specific financial performance targets are met over a number of years as specified in the related purchase agreements. See Note 11 "Fair Value of Financial Instruments" within the notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities.
Depreciation and amortization expense was $8.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $8.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017. Intangible asset amortization included within operating expenses primarily relates to certain customer relationships, trade names, and non-compete agreements acquired in connection with our business acquisitions. See Note 4 "Acquisitions" and Note 5 "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" within the notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on our intangible assets.
Operating Income
Operating income decreased $11.8 million to $2.3 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $14.1 million in the first quarter of 2017. Operating margin, which is defined as operating income expressed as a percentage of revenues, decreased to 1.2% in the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to 7.5% in the three months ended March 31, 2017. The decrease in operating margin was primarily attributable to the increases in salaries and related expenses and performance bonus expense for our revenue-generating professionals, all as a percentage of revenues.
Other Expense, Net
Total other expense, net increased by $1.9 million to $5.1 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2017. The increase in total other expense, net was attributable to a $0.2 million loss in the first quarter of 2018 on the market value of our investments that are used to fund our deferred compensation liability, compared to a $0.8 million gain in the first quarter of 2017, as well as a $1.0 million increase in interest expense, net of interest income, which was primarily due to higher interest rates under our credit facility during the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017.

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Income Tax Expense
For the three months ended March 31, 2018, our effective tax rate was (14.7)% as we recognized income tax expense from continuing operations of $0.4 million on pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $2.8 million. The effective tax rate of (14.7)% was less favorable than the statutory rate, inclusive of state income taxes, of 26.0%, primarily due to discrete tax expense for share-based compensation awards that vested during the quarter and which had an unfavorable impact of 43.7% on the effective tax rate.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, our effective tax rate was 52.7% as we recognized income tax expense of $5.7 million on pre-tax income from continuing operations of $10.9 million. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was less favorable than the statutory rate, inclusive of state income taxes, primarily due to discrete tax expense for share-based compensation which had an unfavorable impact of 14.5% related to the adoption of ASU 2016-09 Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The less favorable effective tax rate was also due to certain non-deductible business expenses, partially offset by certain credits and deductions.
Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
Net income from continuing operations decreased by $8.4 million to a net loss from continuing operations of $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, from net income from continuing operations of $5.2 million for the same period last year. As a result of the decrease in net income from continuing operations, diluted loss per share from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2018 was $0.15 compared to diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.24 for the first quarter of 2017.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
EBITDA decreased $14.6 million to $12.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $26.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $13.4 million to $13.7 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $27.1 million in the first quarter of 2017. The decrease in EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to the decrease in segment operating income, as discussed below in Segment Results.
Adjusted Net Income from Continuing Operations
Adjusted net income from continuing operations decreased $7.6 million to $4.2 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $11.8 million in the first quarter of 2017. As a result of the decrease in adjusted net income from continuing operations, adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations was $0.19 for the first quarter of 2018, compared to $0.55 for the first quarter of 2017.
Segment Results
Healthcare
Revenues
Healthcare segment revenues decreased $8.6 million, or 8.7%, to $89.9 million for the first quarter of 2018 from $98.5 million for the first quarter of 2017.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, revenues from fixed-fee engagements; time-and-expense engagements; performance-based arrangements; and software support, maintenance and subscription arrangements represented 67.0%, 14.2%, 11.4%, and 7.4% of this segment’s revenues, respectively, compared to 66.1%, 15.2%, 11.9%, and 6.8% of this segment’s revenues, respectively, for the same prior year period.
Of the overall $8.6 million decrease in revenues, $6.8 million was attributable to a decrease in revenues from our full-time billable consultants and $1.8 million was attributable to a decrease in revenue generated by our full-time equivalents.
The decrease in revenue attributable to our full-time billable consultants reflected decreases in the average billing rate and average number of full-time billable consultants, partially offset by an increase in the consultant utilization rate. Performance-based fee revenue was $10.2 million for the first quarter of 2018, and was recognized in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers which was adopted on a modified retrospective basis on January 1, 2018. Performance-based fee revenue for the first quarter of 2017 was $11.7 million, and was recognized in accordance with ASC 605. Refer to Note 2 "Basis of Presentation" and Note 3 "New Accounting Pronouncements" within the notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on our adoption of ASC 606. The level of performance-based fees earned may vary based on our clients’ risk sharing preferences and the mix of services we provide.
The decrease in revenue attributable to our full-time equivalents was primarily driven by a decreased demand for our Studer Group solution, partially offset by an increased use of contractors, and reflected decreases in the average number of full-time equivalents and revenue per full-time equivalent.

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Operating Income
Healthcare segment operating income decreased $9.7 million, or 28.4%, to $24.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $34.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The Healthcare segment operating margin, defined as segment operating income expressed as a percentage of segment revenues, decreased to 27.2% for the first quarter of 2018 from 34.7% in the same period last year. The decrease in this segment’s operating margin was primarily attributable to increases in performance bonus expense and salaries and related expenses for our revenue-generating professionals, both as a percentage of revenues, as well as increases in contractor expense and practice administration and meetings expenses. These decreases to the operating margin were partially offset by a decrease in intangible asset amortization expense as a percentage of revenues.
Business Advisory
Revenues
Business Advisory segment revenues increased $7.8 million, or 16.2%, to $55.9 million for the first quarter of 2018 from $48.1 million for the first quarter of 2017. First quarter 2018 revenues included $6.4 million of incremental revenues due to the full quarter impact of our acquisition of Innosight, which was completed in March 2017, as well as revenues from our acquisition of the international assets of ADI Strategies, which was completed in April 2017 and has since been fully integrated into the Business Advisory segment.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, revenues from fixed-fee engagements; time-and-expense engagements; performance-based arrangements; and software support, maintenance and subscription arrangements represented 40.1%, 56.1%, 1.6%, and 2.2% of this segment’s revenues, respectively, compared to 29.0%, 69.5%, 0.4%, and 1.1% of this segment’s revenues, respectively, for the same prior year period. Performance-based fee revenue was $0.9 million for the first quarter of 2018, compared to $0.2 million for the same prior year period. Refer to Note 2 "Basis of Presentation" and Note 3 "New Accounting Pronouncements" within the notes to our consolidated financial statements for additional information on our adoption of ASC 606. The level of performance-based fees earned may vary based on our clients’ preferences and the mix of services we provide.
Of the overall $7.8 million increase in revenues, $7.4 million was attributable to our full-time billable consultants and $0.4 million was attributable to our full-time equivalents. The increase in revenue from our full-time billable consultants was largely driven by our acquisitions of Innosight and the international assets of ADI Strategies, and reflected an increase in the average number of full-time billable consultants, partially offset by decreases in the consultant utilization rate and the average billing rate. The increase in revenue from our full-time equivalents reflected an increase in revenue per full-time equivalent, partially offset by a decrease in the average number of full-time equivalents in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same prior year period.
Operating Income
Business Advisory segment operating income decreased by $0.9 million, or 8.8%, to $9.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from $9.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Segment operating margin decreased to 16.1% for the first quarter of 2018 from 20.5% in the same period last year. The decrease in this segment’s operating margin was primarily attributable to increases in performance bonus expense and salaries and related expenses for our revenue-generating professionals, as well as an increase in promotion and sponsorship expenses, all as a percentage of revenues, partially offset by decreases in salaries and related expenses for our support personnel, amortization of intangible assets, and practice administration and meetings expenses.
Education
Revenues
Education segment revenues increased $5.6 million, or 13.3%, to $47.9 million for the first quarter of 2018 from $42.3 million for the first quarter of 2017.
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, revenues from fixed-fee engagements; time-and-expense engagements; and software support, maintenance and subscription arrangements represented 23.6%, 69.8%, and 6.6% of this segment’s revenues, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, revenues from fixed-fee engagements; time-and-expense engagements; performance-based arrangements; and software support, maintenance and subscription arrangements represented 16.1%, 77.8%, 0.6%, and 5.5% of this segment’s revenues, respectively.
Of the overall $5.6 million increase in revenues, $5.1 million was attributable to our full-time billable consultants and $0.5 million was attributable to our full-time equivalents. The increase in revenue attributable to our full-time billable consultants reflected an increase in the average number of full-time billable consultants, partially offset by a decrease in the average billing rate in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same prior year period. The increase in revenue from our full-time equivalents reflected an increase in revenue per full-time equivalent in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same prior year period.

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Operating Income
Education segment operating income was $11.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to $11.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Segment operating margin decreased to 23.9% for the first quarter of 2018 from 27.2% in the same period last year. The decrease in this segment’s operating margin was primarily attributable to an increase in salaries and related expenses for our revenue-generating professionals as a percentage of revenues, as well as an increase in practice administration and meetings expenses as a percentage of revenues These increases were partially offset by decreases in salaries and related expenses for our support personnel and share-based compensation expense for our revenue-generating professionals.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $10.5 million, from $16.9 million at December 31, 2017 to $6.4 million at March 31, 2018. As of March 31, 2018, our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, cash flows from our U.S. operations, and borrowing capacity available under our credit facility.
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Cash Flows (in thousands):
 
2018
 
2017
Net cash used in operating activities
 
$
(36,263
)
 
$
(18,392
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(3,767
)
 
(108,541
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
29,541

 
122,551

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
16

 
22

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(10,473
)
 
$
(4,360
)
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities totaled $36.3 million and $18.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our operating assets and liabilities consist primarily of receivables from billed and unbilled services, accounts payable and accrued expenses, accrued payroll and related benefits, and deferred revenues. The volume of services rendered and the related billings and timing of collections on those billings, as well as payments of our accounts payable and salaries, bonuses, and related benefits to employees affect these account balances.
The decrease in cash provided by operations for the first three months of 2018 compared to the same prior year period was primarily attributable to a decrease in cash collections from clients and lower net income, partially offset by a decrease in the amount paid for annual performance bonuses during the first quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter of 2017.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $3.8 million and $108.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The use of cash in the first three months of 2018 primarily consisted of $1.5 million for contributions to our life insurance policies which fund our deferred compensation plan; $1.4 million for purchases of property and equipment, primarily related to purchases of computers and related equipment; and $0.7 million for payments related to internally developed software.
The use of cash in the first three months of 2017 primarily consisted of $101.8 million for the purchases of businesses and $6.5 million for purchases of property and equipment, primarily related to leasehold improvements and purchases of furniture and fixtures for new office spaces in certain locations.
We estimate that cash utilized for purchases of property and equipment in 2018 will be approximately $15.0 million, primarily consisting of information technology related equipment to support our corporate infrastructure, software development costs, and leasehold improvements.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $29.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. During the first three months of 2018, we borrowed $91.5 million under our credit facility, primarily to fund our annual performance bonus payment, and made repayments on our credit facility of $58.0 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $122.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. During the first three months of 2017, we borrowed $179.0 million under our credit facility, primarily to fund our acquisitions of Innosight and Pope Woodhead and our annual performance bonus payment, and made repayments on our credit facility of $51.0 million.

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Share Repurchase Program
We currently have a share repurchase program permitting us to repurchase up to $125 million of our common stock through October 31, 2018 (the "Share Repurchase Program"). The amount and timing of the repurchases will be determined by management and will depend on a variety of factors, including the trading price of our common stock, capacity under our credit facility, general market and business conditions, and applicable legal requirements. No shares were repurchased in the first quarter of 2018 or 2017. As of March 31, 2018, $35.1 million remains available for share repurchases.
Financing Arrangements
At March 31, 2018, we had $250.0 million principal amount of our 1.25% convertible senior notes outstanding, $138.5 million outstanding under our senior secured credit facility, and $4.7 million outstanding under a promissory note, as discussed below.
1.25% Convertible Senior Notes
In September 2014, we issued $250.0 million principal amount of the Convertible Notes in a private offering. The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and will pay interest semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year at an annual rate of 1.25%. The Convertible Notes will mature on October 1, 2019, unless earlier repurchased by the Company or converted in accordance with their terms.
Upon conversion, the Convertible Notes will be settled, at our election, in cash, shares of the Company’s common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of the Company’s common stock. Our current intent and policy is to settle conversions with a combination of cash and shares of common stock with the principal amount of the Convertible Notes paid in cash, in accordance with the settlement provisions of the Indenture.
The initial conversion rate for the Convertible Notes is 12.5170 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes, which is equal to an initial conversion price of approximately $79.89 per share of our common stock.
In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, we entered into convertible note hedge transactions and warrant transactions. The convertible note hedge transactions are intended to reduce the potential future economic dilution associated with the conversion of the Convertible Notes and, combined with the warrants, effectively raise the price at which economic dilution would occur from the initial conversion price of approximately $79.89 to approximately $97.12 per share.
For further information, see Note 8 “Financing Arrangements” within the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
Senior Secured Credit Facility
The Company has a $500 million senior secured revolving credit facility, subject to the terms of a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2015, as amended to date (as amended and modified the "Amended Credit Agreement"), that becomes due and payable in full upon maturity on March 23, 2023. The Amended Credit Agreement provides the option to increase the revolving credit facility or establish term loan facilities in an aggregate amount of up to $150 million, subject to customary conditions and the approval of any lender whose commitment would be increased, resulting in a maximum available principal amount under the Amended Credit Agreement of $650 million. The initial borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement were used to refinance borrowings outstanding under a prior credit agreement, and future borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions of businesses, share repurchases, and general corporate purposes.
Fees and interest on borrowings vary based on our Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement). At our option, borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement will bear interest at one, two, three or six-month LIBOR or an alternate base rate, in each case plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin will fluctuate between 1.25% per annum and 2.00% per annum, in the case of LIBOR borrowings, or between 0.25% per annum and 1.00% per annum, in the case of base rate loans, based upon our Consolidated Leverage Ratio at such time.
Amounts borrowed under the Amended Credit Agreement may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty. We are required to prepay the amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement in certain circumstances, including a requirement to pay all amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement 90 days prior to the Convertible Indebtedness Maturity Date (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) unless (1) the Convertible Indebtedness Maturity Date is waived or extended to a later date, (2) the Company can demonstrate (a) Liquidity (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) in an amount at least equal to the principal amount due on the Convertible Indebtedness Maturity Date, and (b) financial covenant compliance after giving effect to such payments and any additional indebtedness incurred on a pro forma basis, or (3) this requirement is waived by the Required Lenders (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement). In addition, we have the right to permanently reduce or terminate the unused portion of the commitments provided under the Amended Credit Agreement at any time.
The Amended Credit Agreement contains usual and customary representations and warranties; affirmative and negative covenants, which include limitations on liens, investments, additional indebtedness, and restricted payments; and two quarterly financial covenants as follows: (i) a maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio (defined as the ratio of debt to consolidated EBITDA) ranging from 3.50 to 1.00 to 4.00 to 1.00, depending on the measurement period, and (ii) a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio (defined as the ratio of consolidated EBITDA to interest) of 3.50 to

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1.00. Consolidated EBITDA for purposes of the financial covenants is calculated on a continuing operations basis and includes adjustments to add back non-cash goodwill impairment charges, share-based compensation costs, certain non-cash restructuring charges, pro forma historical EBITDA for businesses acquired, and other specified items in accordance with the Amended Credit Agreement. At March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with these financial covenants with a Consolidated Leverage Ratio of 3.77 to 1.00 and a Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio of 10.00 to 1.00.
The Amended Credit Agreement contains restricted payment provisions, including a potential limit on the amount of dividends we may pay. Pursuant to the terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, if our Consolidated Leverage Ratio is greater than 3.00, the amount of dividends and other Restricted Payments (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) we may pay is limited to an amount up to $75 million plus 50% of cumulative consolidated net income (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) from the closing date of the Amended Credit Agreement plus 50% of the net cash proceeds from equity issuances after the closing date of the Amended Credit Agreement.
Borrowings outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement at March 31, 2018 totaled $138.5 million. These borrowings carried a weighted average interest rate of 4.3%, including the impact of the interest rate swap in effect as of March 31, 2018 and described in Note 10 “Derivative Instrument and Hedging Activity” within the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Borrowings outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement at December 31, 2017 were $105.0 million and carried a weighted average interest rate of 3.7%, including the impact of the interest rate swap in effect as of December 31, 2017. The borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility is reduced by any outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility and outstanding letters of credit. At March 31, 2018, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $1.9 million, which are primarily used as security deposits for our office facilities. As of March 31, 2018, the unused borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility was $359.6 million.
Promissory Note due 2024
On June 30, 2017, in conjunction with our purchase of an aircraft related to the acquisition of Innosight, we assumed, from the sellers of the aircraft, a promissory note with an outstanding principal balance of $5.1 million. The principal balance of the promissory note is subject to scheduled monthly principal payments until the maturity date of March 1, 2024, at which time a final payment of $1.5 million, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, will be due. Under the terms of the promissory note, we will pay interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate of one-month LIBOR plus 1.97% per annum. The obligations under the promissory note are secured pursuant to a Loan and Aircraft Security Agreement with Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC, which grants the lender a first priority security interest in the aircraft. At March 31, 2018, the outstanding principal amount of the promissory note was $4.7 million. As of March 31, 2018, the aircraft had a carrying amount of $6.3 million. At December 31, 2017, the outstanding principal amount of the promissory note was $4.9 million, and the aircraft had a carrying amount of $6.5 million.
For further information, see Note 8 “Financing Arrangements” within the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Future Needs
Our primary financing need has been to fund our growth. Our growth strategy is to expand our service offerings, which may require investments in new hires, acquisitions of complementary businesses, possible expansion into other geographic areas, and related capital expenditures. We believe our internally generated liquidity, together with our available cash, the borrowing capacity available under our revolving credit facility, and access to external capital resources will be adequate to fund our long-term growth and capital needs arising from cash commitments and debt service obligations. Our ability to secure short-term and long-term financing in the future will depend on several factors, including our future profitability, the quality of our accounts receivable and unbilled services, our relative levels of debt and equity, and the overall condition of the credit markets.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
For a summary of our commitments to make future payments under contractual obligations, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Contractual Obligations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.
On March 23, 2018, we entered into a third amendment (the "Third Amendment") to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2015, as amended to date (as amended and modified the "Amended Credit Facility"). The Third Amendment extended the maturity date from March 31, 2020 to March 23, 2023. In addition, the Third Amendment provided for, among other things, i) an increase in the allowable aggregate amount of increases to the Aggregate Revolving Commitments or new or additional term loans from $100 million to $150 million; ii) an increase in the base amount of allowable Restricted Payments when the Consolidated Leverage Ratio is greater than 3.00 to 1.0 from $50 million to $75 million; iii) an increase in the maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio allowed; and iv) certain changes to the definition of Consolidated EBITDA. Borrowings outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement at March 31, 2018 totaled $138.5 million.
The capitalized terms above are defined in the Credit Agreement or Third Amendment, as applicable. Refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Note 8 “Financing Arrangements” within the notes to the consolidated financial statements for more information on our outstanding borrowings.
There have been no other material changes to our contractual obligations since December 31, 2017.

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OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We are not a party to any material off-balance sheet arrangements.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. We regularly review our financial reporting and disclosure practices and accounting policies to ensure that our financial reporting and disclosures provide accurate information relative to the current economic and business environment. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make assessments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Critical accounting policies are those policies that we believe present the most complex or subjective measurements and have the most potential to impact our financial position and operating results. While all decisions regarding accounting policies are important, we believe there are five accounting policies that could be considered critical: revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services, business combinations, carrying values of goodwill and other intangible assets, and accounting for income taxes. For a detailed discussion of these critical accounting policies, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Below is an update to our critical accounting policy related to revenue recognition. There have been no material changes to our other critical accounting policies during the first three months of 2018.
Revenue Recognition
We generate substantially all of our revenues from providing professional services to our clients. We also generate revenues from software licenses, software support, maintenance and subscriptions to our cloud-based analytic tools and solutions, speaking engagements, conferences, and publications. A single contract could include one or multiple performance obligations. For those contracts that have multiple performance obligations, we allocate the total transaction price to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price, which is determined based on our overall pricing objectives, taking into consideration market conditions and other factors.
Revenue is recognized when control of the goods and services provided are transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services using the following steps: 1) identify the contract, 2) identify the performance obligations, 3) determine the transaction price, 4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and 5) recognize revenue as or when we satisfy the performance obligations.
We typically satisfy our performance obligations for professional services over time as the related services are provided. The performance obligations related to software support, maintenance and subscriptions to our cloud-based analytic tools and solutions are typically satisfied evenly over the course of the service period. Other performance obligations, such as certain software licenses, speaking engagements, conferences, and publications, are satisfied at a point in time.
We generate our revenues under four types of billing arrangements: fixed-fee (including software license revenue); time-and-expense; performance-based; and software support, maintenance and subscriptions.
In fixed-fee billing arrangements, we agree to a pre-established fee in exchange for a predetermined set of professional services. We set the fees based on our estimates of the costs and timing for completing the engagements. We generally recognize revenues under fixed-fee billing arrangements using a proportionate performance approach, which is based on work completed to-date versus our estimates of the total services to be provided under the engagement. Contracts within our Studer Group solution are fixed-fee partner contracts with multiple performance obligations, which primarily consist of coaching services, as well as speaking engagements, conferences, publications and software products (“Partner Contracts”). Revenues for coaching services and software products are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the length of the contract. All other revenues under Partner Contracts, including speaking engagements, conferences and publications, are recognized at the time the goods or services are provided. Estimates of total engagement revenues and cost of services are monitored regularly during the term of the engagement. If our estimates indicate a potential loss, such loss is recognized in the period in which the loss first becomes probable and reasonably estimable.
We also generate revenues from software licenses for our revenue cycle management software and research administration and compliance software. Licenses for our revenue cycle management software are sold only as a component of our consulting projects, and the services we provide are essential to the functionality of the software. Therefore, revenues from these software licenses are recognized over the term of the related consulting services contract. License revenue from our research administration and compliance software is generally recognized in the month in which the software is delivered.
Time-and-expense billing arrangements require the client to pay based on the number of hours worked by our revenue-generating professionals at agreed upon rates. Time-and-expense arrangements also include certain speaking engagements, conferences, and publications purchased by our clients outside of Partner Contracts within our Studer Group solution. We recognize revenues under time-and-expense arrangements as the related services or goods are provided, using the right to invoice practical expedient which allows us to recognize revenue in the amount that we have a right to invoice based on the number of hours worked and the agreed upon hourly rates or the value of the speaking engagements, conferences or publications purchased by our clients.

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In performance-based billing arrangements, fees are tied to the attainment of contractually defined objectives. We enter into performance-based engagements in essentially two forms. First, we generally earn fees that are directly related to the savings formally acknowledged by the client as a result of adopting our recommendations for improving operational and cost effectiveness in the areas we review. Second, we have performance-based engagements in which we earn a success fee when and if certain predefined outcomes occur. We recognize revenue under performance-based billing arrangements using the following steps: 1) estimate variable consideration using a probability-weighted assessment of the fees to be earned, 2) apply a constraint to the estimated variable consideration to limit the amount that could be reversed when the uncertainty is resolved (the “constraint”), and 3) recognize revenue of estimated variable consideration, net of the constraint, based on work completed to-date versus our estimates of the total services to be provided under the engagement.
Clients that have purchased one of our software licenses can pay an annual fee for software support and maintenance. We also generate subscription revenue from our cloud-based analytic tools and solutions. Software support, maintenance and subscription revenues are recognized ratably over the support or subscription period. These fees are billed in advance and included in deferred revenues until recognized.
Provisions are recorded for the estimated realization adjustments on all engagements, including engagements for which fees are subject to review by the bankruptcy courts. Expense reimbursements that are billable to clients are included in total revenues and reimbursable expenses. Under fixed-fee billing arrangements, we estimate the total amount of reimbursable expenses to be incurred over the course of the engagement and recognize the estimated amount as revenue using a proportionate performance approach, which is based on work completed to-date versus our estimates of the total services to be provided under the engagement. Under time-and-expense billing arrangements we recognize reimbursable expenses as revenue as the related services are provided, using the right to invoice practical expedient. Reimbursable expenses are recognized as expenses in the period in which the expense is incurred. Subcontractors that are billed to clients at cost are also included in reimbursable expenses. When billings do not specifically identify reimbursable expenses, we allocate the portion of the billings equivalent to these expenses to reimbursable expenses.
The payment terms and conditions in our customer contracts vary. Differences between the timing of billings and the recognition of revenue are recognized as either unbilled services or deferred revenues in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Revenues recognized for services performed but not yet billed to clients are recorded as unbilled services. Revenues recognized, but for which we are not yet entitled to bill because certain events, such as the completion of the measurement period or client approval, must occur, are recorded as contract assets and included within unbilled services. Client prepayments and retainers are classified as deferred revenues and recognized over future periods as earned in accordance with the applicable engagement agreement.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Refer to Note 3 “New Accounting Pronouncements” within the notes to the consolidated financial statements for information on new accounting pronouncements.
ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
We are exposed to market risks primarily from changes in interest rates and changes in the market value of our investments.
Market Risk and Interest Rate Risk
The value of our Convertible Notes is exposed to interest rate risk. Generally, the fair value of our fixed interest rate Convertible Notes will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. In addition, the fair value of our Convertible Notes is affected by our stock price. The carrying value of our Convertible Notes was $235.5 million as of March 31, 2018, which represents the liability component of the $250.0 million principal balance. The estimated fair value of our Convertible Notes at March 31, 2018 was $236.3 million, and was determined based on the quoted bid price of the Convertible Notes in an over-the-counter market as of the last day of trading for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, which was $94.519 per $100 principal amount.
Concurrent with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, we entered into separate convertible note hedge and warrant transactions. The convertible note hedge transactions are intended to reduce the potential future economic dilution associated with the conversion of the Convertible Notes and, combined with the warrants, effectively raise the price at which economic dilution would occur from the initial conversion price of approximately $79.89 to approximately $97.12 per share. Under the convertible note hedge transactions, we have the option to purchase a total of approximately 3.1 million shares of our common stock, which is the number of shares initially issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes in full, at a price of approximately $79.89, which corresponds to the initial conversion price of the Convertible Notes, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those in the Convertible Notes. Under the warrant transactions, the holders of the warrants have the option to purchase a total of approximately 3.1 million shares of our common stock at a price of approximately $97.12. If the average market value per share of our common stock for the reporting period exceeds the strike price of the warrants, the warrants will have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share.
We have exposure to changes in interest rates associated with borrowings under our bank credit facility, which has variable interest rates tied to LIBOR or an alternate base rate, at our option. At March 31, 2018, we had borrowings outstanding under the credit facility totaling $138.5 million that carried a weighted average interest rate of 4.3%, including the impact of the interest rate swap described below. A hypothetical 100 basis point

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change in this interest rate would have a $0.9 million effect on our pretax income, on an annualized basis, including the effect of the interest rate swap. At December 31, 2017, our borrowings outstanding under the credit facility totaled $105.0 million and carried a weighted average interest rate of 3.7%, including the effect of the interest rate swap described below. A hypothetical 100 basis point change in the interest rate as of December 31, 2017 would have had a $0.6 million effect on our pretax income, on an annualized basis, including the effect of the interest rate swap.
On June 22, 2017, we entered into a forward interest rate swap agreement effective August 31, 2017 and ending August 31, 2022, with a notional amount of $50.0 million. We entered into this derivative instrument to hedge against the interest rate risks of our variable-rate borrowings. Under the terms of the interest rate swap agreement, we receive from the counterparty interest on the notional amount based on one-month LIBOR and we pay to the counterparty a fixed rate of 1.900%.
We also have exposure to changes in interest rates associated with the promissory note assumed on June 30, 2017 in connection with our purchase of an aircraft, which has variable interest rates tied to LIBOR. At March 31, 2018, the outstanding principal amount of the promissory note was $4.7 million and carried an interest rate of 3.6%. A hypothetical 100 basis point change in this interest rate would not have a material effect on our pretax income, on an annualized basis. At December 31, 2017, the outstanding principal amount of the promissory note was $4.9 million and carried an interest rate of 3.2%. A hypothetical 100 basis point change in the interest rate as of December 31, 2017 would not have a material effect on our pretax income, on an annualized basis.
We do not use derivative instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. From time to time, we invest excess cash in short-term marketable securities. These investments principally consist of overnight sweep accounts. Due to the short maturity of these investments, we have concluded that we do not have material market risk exposure.
We have a non-interest bearing convertible debt investment in a privately-held company, which we account for as an available-for-sale debt security. As such, the investment is carried at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. As of March 31, 2018, the fair value of the investment was $42.8 million, with a total cost basis of $27.9 million.
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of March 31, 2018. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of March 31, 2018, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act, and such information is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the three months ended March 31, 2018 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION 
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from Note 14 "Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees" included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 
From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. As of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we are not a party to any litigation or legal proceeding that, in the current opinion of management, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. However, due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in legal proceedings, actual results could differ from current expected results.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS.
See Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2018, for a complete description of the material risks we face.

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ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
Our Stock Ownership Participation Program, 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan, and 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan, which was replaced by the 2012 Omnibus Incentive Plan, permit the netting of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock awards to satisfy individual tax withholding requirements. During the quarter ended March 31, 2018, we reacquired 75,832 shares of common stock with a weighted average fair market value of $35.39 as a result of such tax withholdings.
In October 2014, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program pursuant to which we may, from time to time, repurchase up to $125 million of our common stock and which expires on October 31, 2018 (the "Share Repurchase Program"). The amount and timing of the repurchases will be determined by management and will depend on a variety of factors, including the trading price of our common stock, capacity under our line of credit, general market and business conditions, and applicable legal requirements. The following table provides information with respect to purchases we made of our common stock during the quarter ended March 31, 2018.
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
 
Average Price
Paid per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Dollar Value of Shares
that may yet be
Purchased under the
Plans or Programs (2)
January 1, 2018 - January 31, 2018
 
3,412

 
$
40.45

 

 
$
35,143,546

February 1, 2018 - February 28, 2018
 

 
$

 

 
$
35,143,546

March 1, 2018 - March 31, 2018
 
72,420

 
$
35.15

 

 
$
35,143,546

Total
 
75,832

 
$
35.39

 

 
 
(1)
The number of shares repurchased for each period represents shares to satisfy employee tax withholding requirements. These shares do not reduce the repurchase authority under the Share Repurchase Program.
(2)
As of the end of the period.
ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None.
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION.
None.

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ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS.
(a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Description
 
Filed
herewith
 
Furnished
herewith
 
Form
 
Period
Ending
 
Exhibit
 
Filing
Date
10.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
8-K
 
 
 
10.1
 
3/29/2018
31.1
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.1
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.2
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
Huron Consulting Group Inc.
 
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 1, 2018
 
 
/S/    JOHN D. KELLY
 
 
 
 
John D. Kelly
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer


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