WASHINGTON, DC — FTI Consulting's strategic communications segment Tuesday reported Q4 2018 revenues rising to $58m, up 6.7% from the same period of time the year before, or 8.7% on a constant currency basis.

The firm reported full-year strategic communications group revenue hitting $223.2m in 2018, compared to revenues of $192.5m in 2017.

FTI credited the rise in revenue to an increase in both per-project and retainer-based business in financial services, public affairs and M&A.

"We stayed focused on our core competencies," said Mark McCall, the communications segment's global leader. FTI, like the larger industry, is also seeing increased business from companies grappling with challenges like tariffs and sanctions, he said.

"The industry is doing well," McCall said.

Adjusted segment EBITDA was $11.3 million, or 19.5% of segment revenues, compared to $10.5 million, or 19.4% of segment revenues, in the prior year quarter. The increase in sdjusted segment EBITDA was primarily due to higher revenues

The quarter furthered the growth FTI saw in the first three quarters of 2018, during which the segment saw a turnaround in North American business.

The rebound is notable for the segment, which experienced a downturn in revenue during the first half of 2017, followed by a spate of executive changes including McCall assuming the global role after Ed Reilly stepped down as CEO.

FTI as a whole also reported Q4 and year-over-year lifts. The firm's Q4 revenues rose to $505m, up 8% from Q4 2017, or 9% on a constant currency basis. The increase in revenues was primarily driven by higher demand within the corporate finance andrestructuring, forensic and litigation consulting, strategic communications and economic consulting segments.

Full year 2018 revenue hit $2.028b, up 12.2% from $1.808b the year before.