UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

 

x

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended October 3, 2014

 

OR

 

¨

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                                                  to                                                

 

Commission File Number 0-18655

 

EXPONENT, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE		77-0218904
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

 

149 COMMONWEALTH DRIVE, MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA		94025
(Address of principal executive office)		(Zip Code)

 

(650) 326-9400

(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 x No ¨

 

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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes x No ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer ¨	Accelerated filer x	Non-accelerated filer ¨	Smaller reporting company ¨
		(Do not check if a smaller
		reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes ¨ No x

 

As of October 31, 2014, the latest practicable date, the registrant had 12,866,600 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding.

 

 

EXPONENT, INC.

FORM 10-Q

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION		Page
Item 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited):
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets October 3, 2014 and January 3, 2014	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income Three and Nine Months Ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Three and Nine Months Ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Nine Months Ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013	6
	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	16
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	24
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	24
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	25
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	25
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	25
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	25
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	25
Item 5.	Other Information	25
Item 6.	Exhibits	26
Signatures		27

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

EXPONENT, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

October 3, 2014 and January 3, 2014

(in thousands, except par value)

(unaudited)

 

		October 3,				January 3,
		2014				2014
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	115,614			$	122,948
Short-term investments			26,009				33,171
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
of $3,241 and $2,771 at October 3, 2014 and
January 3, 2014, respectively			89,089				76,980
Prepaid expenses and other assets			12,630				10,450
Deferred income taxes			11,141				8,135
Total current assets			254,483				251,684
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net			28,812				28,721
Goodwill			8,607				8,607
Deferred income taxes			24,234				21,102
Deferred compensation plan assets			34,634				33,501
Other assets			1,286				551
Total assets		$	352,056			$	344,166
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	11,011			$	8,442
Accrued payroll and employee benefits			54,496				56,934
Deferred revenues			5,848				6,771
Total current liabilities			71,355				72,147
Other liabilities			1,613				1,181
Deferred compensation			36,384				33,447
Deferred rent			2,162				2,332
Total liabilities			111,514				109,107
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized;
16,427 shares issued at October 3, 2014 and January 3, 2014			16				16
Additional paid-in capital			158,909				141,250
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Investment securities, available for sale			19				10
Foreign currency translation adjustments			(372	)			99
			(353	)			109
Retained earnings			241,074				226,040
Treasury stock, at cost; 3,519 and 3,363 shares held at
October 3, 2014 and January 3, 2014, respectively			(159,104	)			(132,356	)
Total stockholders’ equity			240,542				235,059
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	352,056			$	344,166

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

EXPONENT, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

 

For the Three and Nine Months Ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013
Revenues:
Revenues before reimbursements		$	74,264			$	70,096			$	219,562			$	211,007
Reimbursements			4,293				5,135				11,531				12,389
Revenues			78,557				75,231				231,093				223,396
Operating expenses:
Compensation and related expenses			43,948				44,801				138,855				137,795
Other operating expenses			6,715				6,440				19,482				18,794
Reimbursable expenses			4,293				5,135				11,531				12,389
General and administrative expenses			4,363				3,695				11,809				10,814
Total operating expenses			59,319				60,071				181,677				179,792
Operating income			19,238				15,160				49,416				43,604
Other income (expense), net:
Interest income, net			33				14				117				95
Miscellaneous income (expense), net			(896	)			2,341				2,605				5,592
Total other income (expense), net			(863	)			2,355				2,722				5,687
Income before income taxes			18,375				17,515				52,138				49,291
Income taxes			7,335				6,421				20,680				19,373
Net income		$	11,040			$	11,094			$	31,458			$	29,918
Net income per share:
Basic		$	0.82			$	0.82			$	2.33			$	2.19
Diluted		$	0.80			$	0.79			$	2.26			$	2.13
Shares used in per share computations:
Basic			13,469				13,598				13,509				13,638
Diluted			13,824				13,993				13,889				14,047
Cash dividends declared per common share		$	0.25			$	0.15			$	0.75			$	0.45

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

EXPONENT, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

For the Three and Nine Months Ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013
Net income		$	11,040			$	11,094			$	31,458			$	29,918
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation
adjustments, net of tax			(840	)			556				(471	)			119
Unrealized (loss) gain on available for
sale investment securities, net of tax			(13	)			(3	)			9				(25	)
Comprehensive income		$	10,187			$	11,647			$	30,996			$	30,012

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

EXPONENT, INC.

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

For the Nine Months Ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

		Nine Months Ended
		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	31,458			$	29,918
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and
leasehold improvements			3,979				3,667
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on
short-term investments			660				165
Deferred rent			(170	)			884
Provision for doubtful accounts			1,234				822
Stock-based compensation			10,585				10,832
Deferred income tax provision			(6,046	)			(2,770	)
Excess tax benefit from equity awards			(5,126	)			(4,064	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable			(13,343	)			2,362
Prepaid expenses and other assets			(2,877	)			(3,498	)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			6,314				(521	)
Accrued payroll and employee benefits			331				(3,469	)
Deferred revenues			(923	)			(510	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			26,076				33,818
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures			(3,906	)			(4,593	)
Purchase of short-term investments			(1,067	)			(11,813	)
Maturity of short-term investments			7,586				19,190
Net cash provided by investing activities			2,613				2,784
Cash flows from financing activities:
Excess tax benefit from equity awards			5,126				4,064
Payroll taxes for restricted stock units			(6,356	)			(6,112	)
Repurchase of common stock			(26,372	)			(21,719	)
Exercise of share-based payment awards			1,811				1,497
Dividends and dividend equivalents paid			(9,842	)			(5,962	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(35,633	)			(28,232	)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents			(390	)			109
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents			(7,334	)			8,479
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			122,948				113,268
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	115,614			$	121,747

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

EXPONENT, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1: Basis of Presentation

 

Exponent, Inc. (referred to as the “Company” or “Exponent”) is an engineering and scientific consulting firm that provides solutions to complex problems. The Company operates on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Friday closest to the last day of December.

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not contain all the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments which are necessary for the fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements have been included and all such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. The operating results for the three and nine months ended October 3, 2014 are not necessarily representative of the results of future quarterly or annual periods. The following information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2014 which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2014.

 

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Exponent, Inc. and its subsidiaries, which are all wholly owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Authorized Capital Stock. In a letter dated May 23, 2006, the Company committed to stockholders to limit its use of authorized capital stock to 40 million common shares, and 2 million preferred shares, unless the approval of the Company’s stockholders is subsequently obtained, such as through a further amendment to the Company’s authorized capital stock.

 

Dividend. The Company declared and paid cash dividends per common share during the periods presented as follows:

 

		Fiscal Year 2014
		Dividends				Amount
		Per Share				(in thousands)
First Quarter		$	0.25			$	3,262
Second Quarter		$	0.25				3,270
Third Quarter		$	0.25				3,262
						$	9,794

 

		Fiscal Year 2013
		Dividends				Amount
		Per Share				(in thousands)
First Quarter		$	0.15			$	1,969
Second Quarter		$	0.15				1,998
Third Quarter		$	0.15				1,945
Fourth Quarter		$	0.15				1,965
						$	7,877

 

Prior to 2013 the Company had never paid cash dividends on its common stock. On October 22, 2014 the Company’s Board of Directors announced a cash dividend of $0.25 per share of the Company’s common stock, payable December 19, 2014, to stockholders of record as of November 28, 2014. The Company expects to continue paying quarterly dividends in the future, subject to declaration by the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

 

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include accounting for revenue recognition and estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Note 2: Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including available-for-sale fixed income securities, trading fixed income and equity securities held in its deferred compensation plan and the liability associated with its deferred compensation plan. There have been no transfers between fair value measurement levels during the nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013. Any transfers between fair value measurement levels would be recorded on the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. The fair value of these certain financial assets and liabilities was determined using the following inputs at October 3, 2014:

 

		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(In thousands)		Total				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)				Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Money market
securities (1)		$	44,246			$	44,246			$	-			$	-
Fixed income available
for sale securities (2)			26,009				-				26,009				-
Fixed income trading
securities held in deferred
compensation plan (3)			9,759				9,759				-				-
Equity trading securities
held in deferred
compensation plan (3)			32,339				32,339				-				-
Total		$	112,353			$	86,344			$	26,009			$	-
Liabilities
Deferred compensation
plan (4)			43,832				43,832				-				-
Total		$	43,832			$	43,832			$	-			$	-

 

(1)

Included in cash and cash equivalents on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

(2)

Included in short-term investments on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

(3)

Included in prepaid expenses and other assets and deferred compensation plan assets on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

(4)

Included in accrued payroll and employee benefits and deferred compensation on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

 

The fair value of these certain financial assets and liabilities was determined using the following inputs at January 3, 2014:

 

		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(In thousands)		Total				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)				Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets
Money market
securities (1)		$	37,099			$	37,099			$	-			$	-
Fixed income available
for sale securities (2)			33,171				-				33,171				-
Fixed income trading
securities held in deferred
compensation plan (3)			9,535				9,535				-				-
Equity trading securities
held in deferred
compensation plan (3)			28,444				28,444				-				-
Total		$	108,249			$	75,078			$	33,171			$	-
Liabilities
Deferred compensation
plan (4)			37,926				37,926				-				-
Total		$	37,926			$	37,926			$	-			$	-

 

(1)

Included in cash and cash equivalents on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

(2)

Included in short-term investments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

(3)

Included in prepaid expenses and other assets and deferred compensation plan assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

(4)

Included in accrued payroll and employee benefits and deferred compensation on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

 

Fixed income available-for-sale securities as of October 3, 2014 and January 3, 2014 represent primarily obligations of state and local government agencies. Fixed income and equity trading securities represent mutual funds held in the Company’s deferred compensation plan. See Note 6 for additional information about the Company’s deferred compensation plan.

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments consisted of the following as of October 3, 2014:

 

		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized				Estimated
(In thousands)		Cost				Gains				Losses				Fair Value
Classified as current assets:
Cash		$	71,368			$	-			$	-			$	71,368
Cash equivalents:
Money market securities			44,246				-				-				44,246
Total cash equivalents			44,246				-				-				44,246
Total cash and cash equivalents			115,614				-				-				115,614
Short-term investments:
State and municipal bonds			25,977				36				(4	)			26,009
Total short-term investments			25,977				36				(4	)			26,009
Total cash, cash equivalents
and short-term investments		$	141,591			$	36			$	(4	)		$	141,623

 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments consisted of the following as of January 3, 2014:

 

		Amortized				Unrealized				Unrealized				Estimated
(In thousands)		Cost				Gains				Losses				Fair Value
Classified as current assets:
Cash		$	85,849			$	-			$	-			$	85,849
Cash equivalents:
Money market securities			37,099				-				-				37,099
Total cash equivalents			37,099				-				-				37,099
Total cash and cash equivalents			122,948				-				-				122,948
Short-term investments:
State and municipal bonds			33,155				25				(9	)			33,171
Total short-term investments			33,155				25				(9	)			33,171
Total cash, cash equivalents
and short-term investments		$	156,103			$	25			$	(9	)		$	156,119

 

 

The following table summarizes the cost and estimated fair value of short-term fixed income securities classified as short-term investments based on stated effective maturities as of October 3, 2014:

 

		Amortized				Estimated
(In thousands)		Cost				Fair Value
Due within one year		$	18,873			$	18,897
Due between one and two years			7,104				7,112
Total		$	25,977			$	26,009

 

At October 3, 2014 and January 3, 2014, the Company did not have any assets or liabilities valued using significant unobservable inputs.

 

The following financial instruments are not measured at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheet at October 3, 2014 and January 3, 2014, but require disclosure of their fair values: accounts receivable, other assets and accounts payable. The estimated fair value of such instruments at October 3, 2014 and January 3, 2014 approximates their carrying value as reported on the consolidated balance sheet due to their generally short maturities. If measured at fair value in the financial statements, these instruments would be categorized as Level 2 on the fair value hierarchy.

 

There were no other-than-temporary impairments or credit losses related to available-for-sale securities during the three and nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013.

 

Note 3: Net Income Per Share

 

Basic per share amounts are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted per share amounts are calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period and, when dilutive, the weighted-average number of potential common shares from the issuance of common stock to satisfy outstanding restricted stock units and the exercise of outstanding options to purchase common stock using the treasury stock method.

 

The following schedule reconciles the shares used to calculate basic and diluted net income per share:

 

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013
Shares used in basic per share computation			13,469				13,598				13,509				13,638
Effect of dilutive common stock options outstanding			59				83				69				78
Effect of dilutive restricted stock units outstanding			296				312				311				331
Shares used in diluted per share computation			13,824				13,993				13,889				14,047

 

There were no options excluded from the diluted per share calculations for the three and nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013.

 

Note 4: Stock-Based Compensation

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

Restricted stock unit grants are designed to attract and retain employees, and to better align employee interests with those of the Company’s stockholders. For a select group of employees, up to 40% of their annual bonus is settled with fully vested restricted stock unit awards. Under these fully vested restricted stock unit awards, the holder of each award has the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock for each fully vested restricted stock unit four years from the date of grant. Each individual who receives a fully vested restricted stock unit award is also granted a matching number of unvested restricted stock unit awards. Unvested restricted stock unit awards are also granted for select new hires and promotions. These unvested restricted stock unit awards generally cliff vest four years from the date of grant, at which time the holder of each award will have the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock for each restricted stock unit award provided the holder of each award has met certain employment conditions. In the case of retirement at 59½ years or older, all unvested restricted stock unit awards will continue to vest, provided that the holder of each award does all consulting work through the Company and does not become an employee for a past or present client, beneficial party or competitor of the Company.

 

 

The value of these restricted stock unit awards is determined based on the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The value of fully vested restricted stock unit awards issued is recorded as a reduction to accrued bonuses. The portion of bonus expense that the Company expects to settle with fully vested restricted stock unit awards is recorded as stock-based compensation during the period the bonus is earned. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense associated with accrued bonus awards of $1,657,000 and $1,557,000 during the three months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively. For the nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense associated with accrued bonus awards of $4,825,000 and $4,695,000, respectively. The value of the unvested restricted stock unit awards granted is recognized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the four-year vesting period or the period between the grant date and the date the award recipient turns 59½. If the award recipient is 59½ years or older on the date of grant, the value of the entire award is expensed upon grant. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense associated with the unvested restricted stock unit awards of $982,000 and $844,000 during the three months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense associated with the unvested restricted stock unit awards of $5,145,000 and $5,169,000 during the nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively.

 

Stock Options

 

Stock options are granted for terms of ten years and generally vest 25% per year over a four-year period from the grant date. For options granted on or after January 1, 2012, all unvested stock option awards will continue to vest in the case of retirement at 59½ or older, provided that the holder of each award does all consulting work through the Company and does not become an employee for a past or present client, beneficial party or competitor of the Company. The Company grants options at exercise prices equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $71,000 and $100,000 during the three months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively, associated with stock option grants. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $615,000 and $969,000 during the nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively, associated with stock option grants.

 

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of options granted. The determination of the fair value of stock-based awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include expected stock price volatility over the term of the award, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, the risk-free interest rate and expected dividends.

 

The Company used historical exercise and post-vesting forfeiture and expiration data to estimate the expected term of options granted. The historical volatility of the Company’s common stock over a period of time equal to the expected term of the options granted was used to estimate expected volatility. The risk-free interest rate used in the option-pricing model was based on United States Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the expected term on the options. The Company is required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Historical data was used to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures and stock-based compensation expense was recorded only for those awards that are expected to vest. All share-based payment awards are recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards.

 

 

Note 5: Treasury Stock

 

On February 9, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized $35,000,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock. On February 15, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $35,000,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock. On May 29, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $35,000,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock.

 

The Company repurchased 383,639 shares of its common stock for $27,923,000 during the nine months ended October 3, 2014.  The Company repurchased 388,604 shares of its common stock for $21,211,000 during the nine months ended September 27, 2013.  As of October 3, 2014, the Company had remaining authorization under its stock repurchase plans of $38,077,000 to repurchase shares of its common stock.

 

Net losses related to the re-issuance of treasury stock to settle restricted stock unit and stock option awards of $0 and $140,000 were recorded as a reduction to retained earnings during the three months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively. Net losses related to the re-issuance of treasury stock to settle restricted stock unit and stock option awards of $6,050,000 and $10,253,000 were recorded as a reduction to retained earnings during the nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013, respectively.

 

Note 6: Deferred Compensation Plan

 

The Company maintains a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of a select group of highly compensated employees. Under this plan, participants may elect to defer up to 100% of their compensation. Company assets that are earmarked to pay benefits under the plan are held in a rabbi trust and are subject to the claims of the Company’s creditors. As of October 3, 2014 and January 3, 2014, the invested amounts under the plan totaled $42,098,000 and $37,979,000, respectively. These assets are classified as trading securities and are recorded at fair value with changes recorded as adjustments to other income and expense.

 

As of October 3, 2014 and January 3, 2014, vested amounts due under the plan totaled $43,832,000 and $37,926,000, respectively. Changes in the liability are recorded as adjustments to compensation expense. During the three months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013, the Company recognized compensation expense of ($1,331,000) and $1,893,000, respectively, as a result of changes in the market value of the trust assets with the same amount being recorded as expense/income in other income (expense), net. During the nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013, the Company recognized compensation expense of $1,351,000 and $4,128,000, respectively, as a result of changes in the market value of the trust assets with the same amount being recorded as income in other income (expense), net.

 

Note 7: Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

The following is supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

		Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013
Cash paid during period:
Income taxes		$	17,458			$	17,027
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale investment
securities, net of tax		$	9			$	(25	)
Vested stock unit awards issued to settle accrued bonuses		$	6,008			$	5,807
Accrual for capital expenditures		$	164			$	-

 

 

Note 8: Accounts Receivable, Net

 

At October 3, 2014 and January 3, 2014, accounts receivable, net, was comprised of the following:

 

		October 3,				January 3,
(In thousands)		2014				2014
Billed accounts receivable		$	59,240			$	52,674
Unbilled accounts receivable			33,090				27,077
Allowance for doubtful accounts			(3,241	)			(2,771	)
Total accounts receivable, net		$	89,089			$	76,980

 

Note 9: Segment Reporting

 

The Company has two operating segments based on two primary areas of service. The Engineering and Other Scientific operating segment is a broad service group providing technical consulting in different practices primarily in the areas of engineering and technology development. The Environmental and Health operating segment provides services in the area of environmental, epidemiology and health risk analysis. This operating segment provides a wide range of consulting services relating to environmental hazards and risks and the impact on both human health and the environment.

 

Segment information for the three and nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013 follows:

 

Revenues

 

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013
Engineering and Other Scientific		$	57,491			$	56,395			$	168,611			$	163,353
Environmental and Health			21,066				18,836				62,482				60,043
Total revenues		$	78,557			$	75,231			$	231,093			$	223,396

 

Operating Income  

 

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013
Engineering and Other Scientific		$	18,939			$	18,115			$	55,457			$	51,747
Environmental and Health			7,007				5,624				20,171				19,104
Total segment operating income			25,946				23,739				75,628				70,851
Corporate operating expense			(6,708	)			(8,579	)			(26,212	)			(27,247	)
Total operating income		$	19,238			$	15,160			$	49,416			$	43,604

 

 

Capital Expenditures

 

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013
Engineering and Other Scientific		$	1,509			$	664			$	2,833			$	3,924
Environmental and Health			36				41				151				110
Total segment capital expenditures			1,545				705				2,984				4,034
Corporate capital expenditures			385				187				922				559
Total capital expenditures		$	1,930			$	892			$	3,906			$	4,593

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013
Engineering and Other Scientific		$	923			$	813			$	2,664			$	2,269
Environmental and Health			49				76				145				221
Total segment depreciation and
amortization			972				889				2,809				2,490
Corporate depreciation and
amortization			374				394				1,170				1,177
Total depreciation and
amortization		$	1,346			$	1,283			$	3,979			$	3,667

 

No single customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s revenues during the three or nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013. No single customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s accounts receivable at October 3, 2014 and January 3, 2014.

 

Note 10: Goodwill

 

Below is a breakdown of goodwill reported by segment as of October 3, 2014:

 

		Environmental				Engineering and
(In thousands)		and Health				Other Scientific				Total
Goodwill		$	8,099			$	508			$	8,607

 

There were no acquisitions, dispositions, impairments or other changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, nor any changes in the composition of the Company’s reporting units, during the three and nine months ended October 3, 2014.

 

Note 11: Contingencies

 

The Company is a party to various legal actions from time to time and may be contingently liable in connection with claims and contracts arising in the normal course of business, the outcome of which the Company believes, after consultation with legal counsel, will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in legal proceedings, actual results could differ from current expected results. All legal costs associated with litigation are expensed as incurred.

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included herein and with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2014, which are contained in our fiscal 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2014.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain “forward-looking” statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and the rules promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) that are based on the beliefs of the Company’s management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company’s management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this document the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company or its management with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, any such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such material differences include the possibility that the demand for our services may decline as a result of changes in general and industry specific economic conditions, the timing of engagements for our services, the effects of competitive services and pricing, the absence of backlog related to our business, our ability to attract and retain key employees, the effect of tort reform and government regulation on our business and liabilities resulting from claims made against us. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in our fiscal 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the report. The inclusion of such forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved. Due to such uncertainties and risks, you are warned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company does not intend to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such forward-looking statements.

 

Business Overview

 

Exponent, Inc. is an engineering and scientific consulting firm that provides solutions to complex problems. Our multidisciplinary team of scientists, physicians, engineers and business consultants brings together more than 90 different technical disciplines to solve complicated issues facing industry and business today. Our services include analysis of product development, product recall, regulatory compliance, and discovery of potential problems related to products, people or property and impending litigation.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

In preparing our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, we make assumptions, judgments and estimates that can have a significant impact on our revenue, operating income and net income, as well as on the value of certain assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. We base our assumptions, judgments and estimates on historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. On a regular basis we evaluate our assumptions, judgments and estimates and make changes accordingly. We believe that the assumptions, judgments and estimates involved in the accounting for revenue recognition and estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts have the greatest potential impact on our consolidated financial statements, so we consider these to be our critical accounting policies. Historically, our assumptions, judgments and estimates relative to our critical accounting policies have not differed materially from actual results. Policies covering revenue recognition and estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts are described in our fiscal 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Critical Accounting Estimates” and Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

 

Executive Summary

 

Revenues for the third quarter of 2014 increased 4% and revenues before reimbursements increased 6% as compared to the same period last year. The increase in revenues and revenues before reimbursements was due to an increase in billable hours and an increase in realized billing rates. We experienced strong demand for our consulting services from a diverse set of clients for both reactive and proactive projects. We had a steady pace of reactive projects assisting clients in litigation matters and product recall evaluations. We experienced strong demand for our proactive consulting services from the consumer electronics, oil and gas, agricultural chemicals, utilities, and biomedical industries.

 

For the quarter we had notable performances in several practices including our mechanics and materials, biomedical, human factors, buildings and structures, environmental sciences, ecological sciences, and chemical regulation and food safety practices.

 

Net income decreased to $11,040,000 during the third quarter of 2014 as compared to $11,094,000 during the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.80 per share as compared to $0.79 in the same period last year due to our ongoing share repurchase program.

 

We remain focused on selectively adding top talent and developing the skills necessary to expand our market position, providing clients with in-depth scientific research and analysis to determine what happened and how to prevent failures or exposures in the future, capitalizing on emerging growth areas, managing other operating expenses, generating cash from operations, maintaining a strong balance sheet and undertaking activities such as share repurchases and dividends to enhance shareholder value. We continue to expect some of our major investigations to step down from their elevated levels of activity as they move through their project life cycle. We also continue to expect a step down in the level of activity in our defense technology development practice due to the reduction of forces in Afghanistan by the United States federal government.

 

Overview of the Three Months Ended October 3, 2014

 

During the third quarter of 2014, billable hours increased 4% to 285,000 as compared to 273,000 during the same period last year due to continued demand for our proactive and reactive consulting services. Our utilization increased to 74% during the third quarter of 2014 as compared to 72% during the third quarter of 2013. Technical full-time equivalent employees increased 2% to 743 during the third quarter of 2014 as compared to 726 during the same period last year due to our recruiting and retention efforts. We continue to selectively hire key talent to expand our capabilities.

 

Three Months Ended October 3, 2014 compared to Three Months Ended September 27, 2013

 

Revenues

 

		Three Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				Percent Change
Engineering and Other Scientific		$	57,491			$	56,395				1.9	%
Percentage of total revenues			73.2	%			75.0	%
Environmental and Health			21,066				18,836				11.8	%
Percentage of total revenues			26.8	%			25.0	%
Total revenues		$	78,557			$	75,231				4.4	%

 

The increase in revenues for our Engineering and Other Scientific segment was due to an increase in billable hours and an increase in realized billing rates. During the third quarter of 2014, billable hours for this segment increased by 1% to 202,000 as compared to 200,000 during the same period last year. Technical full-time equivalent employees increased 3% to 520 during the third quarter of 2014 as compared to 504 for the same period last year due to our continuing recruiting and retention efforts. Utilization decreased to 75% during the third quarter of 2014 as compared to 76% during the same period last year. The decrease in utilization was due to our investment in hiring technical consultants.

 

 

The increase in revenues for our Environmental and Health segment was due to an increase in billable hours. During the third quarter of 2014, billable hours for this segment increased by 12% to 82,000 as compared to 73,000 during the same period last year. Utilization increased to 71% for the third quarter of 2014 as compared to 64% for the same period last year. The increase in billable hours and utilization was due to strong demand for our services in our environmental sciences, ecological sciences, and chemical regulation and food safety practices. Technical full-time equivalent employees increased to 223 during the third quarter of 2014 as compared to 222 during the same period last year.

 

Compensation and Related Expenses

 

		Three Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				Percent Change
Compensation and related expenses		$	43,948			$	44,801				(1.9	)%
Percentage of total revenues			55.9	%			59.6	%

 

The decrease in compensation and related expenses during the third quarter of 2014 was due to the change in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan partially offset by an increase in payroll expense, fringe benefits and bonus expense. During the third quarter of 2014, deferred compensation expense decreased $3,224,000 with a corresponding decrease to other income (expense), net, as compared to the third quarter of 2013 due to the change in value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan. This decrease consisted of a decrease in the value of the plan assets of $1,331,000 during the third quarter of 2014 as compared to an increase in the value of the plan assets of $1,893,000 during same period last year. Payroll expense increased $1,081,000 and fringe benefits increased $280,000 due to the increase in technical full-time equivalent employees and our annual salary increase on March 29, 2014. Bonus expense increased $1,030,000 due to an increase in income before income taxes, before bonus expense, and before stock-based compensation expense. We expect our compensation expense, excluding the change in value of deferred compensation plan assets, to increase as we selectively add new talent.

 

Other Operating Expenses

 

		Three Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				Percent Change
Other operating expenses		$	6,715			$	6,440				4.3	%
Percentage of total revenues			8.5	%			8.6	%

 

Other operating expenses include facilities-related costs, technical materials, computer-related expenses and depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements. The increase in other operating expenses during the third quarter of 2014 was due to an increase in occupancy expense of $227,000 and an increase in depreciation expense of $65,000. The increases in occupancy expense and depreciation expense were due to the continued expansion of our facilities to accommodate the increase in technical full-time equivalent employees. We expect other operating expenses to grow as we selectively add new talent and make investments in our corporate infrastructure.

 

 

Reimbursable Expenses

 

		Three Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				Percent Change
Reimbursable expenses		$	4,293			$	5,135				(16.4	)%
Percentage of total revenues			5.5	%			6.8	%

 

The decrease in reimbursable expenses was primarily due to a decrease in project-related costs in our defense technology development practice within our Engineering and Other Scientific segment. The amount of reimbursable expenses will vary from quarter to quarter depending on the nature of our projects.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

		Three Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				Percent Change
General and administrative expenses		$	4,363			$	3,695				18.1	%
Percentage of total revenues			5.6	%			4.9	%

 

The increase in general and administrative expenses during the third quarter of 2014 was due to an increase in travel and meals of $706,000 and an increase in charitable contributions of $200,000 partially offset by a decrease in legal fees of $291,000. The increase in travel and meals was due to a firm-wide managers’ meeting held during the third quarter of 2014. The decrease in legal expenses was due to a decrease in costs associated with legal claims during the third quarter of 2014 as compared to the same period last year.

 

Other Income (Expense), Net

		Three Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				Percent Change
Other income (expense), net		$	(863	)		$	2,355				(137	)%
Percentage of total revenues			(1.1	)%			3.1	%

 

Other income (expense), net, consists primarily of interest income earned on available cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, changes in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan and rental income from leasing space in our Silicon Valley facility. During the third quarter of 2014, other income (expense), net, decreased $3,224,000 with a corresponding decrease to deferred compensation expense, as compared to the third quarter in 2013 due to a change in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan. This decrease consisted of a decrease in the value of the plan assets of $1,331,000 during the third quarter of 2014 as compared to an increase in the value of the plan assets of $1,893,000 during the third quarter of 2013.

 

Income Taxes

 

		Three Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				Percent Change
Income taxes		$	7,335			$	6,421				14.2	%
Percentage of total revenues			9.3	%			8.5	%
Effective tax rate			39.9	%			36.7	%

 

The increase in income taxes and the effective tax rate was primarily due to higher deductions during the third quarter of 2013.

 

 

Nine Months Ended October 3, 2014 compared to Nine Months Ended September 27, 2013

 

Revenues

 

		Nine Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				Percent Change
Engineering and Other Scientific		$	168,611			$	163,353				3.2	%
Percentage of total revenues			73.0	%			73.1	%
Environmental and Health			62,482				60,043				4.1	%
Percentage of total revenues			27.0	%			26.9	%
Total revenues		$	231,093			$	223,396				3.4	%

 

The increase in revenues for our Engineering and Other Scientific segment was due to an increase in billable hours and an increase in billing rates. During the first nine months of 2014, billable hours for this segment increased 2% to 594,000 as compared to 584,000 during the same period last year. The increase in billable hours was due to strong demand for our services. Technical full-time equivalent employees increased 4% to 513 during the first nine months of 2014 as compared to 493 for the same period last year due to our continuing recruiting and retention efforts. Utilization was 74% for the first nine months of 2014 as compared to 76% during the same period last year. The decrease in utilization was due to our investment in hiring technical consultants.

 

The increase in revenues for our Environmental and Health segment was due to an increase in billable hours and an increase in billing rates. During the first nine months of 2014, billable hours for this segment increased 3% to 241,000 as compared to 233,000 during the same period last year. Utilization increased to 69% for the first nine months of 2014 as compared to 67% for the same period last year. The increase in billable hours and utilization was due to strong demand for our services. Technical full-time equivalent employees increased to 223 during the first nine months of 2014 as compared to 222 during the same period last year.

 

Compensation and Related Expenses

 

		Nine Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				Percent Change
Compensation and related expenses		$	138,855			$	137,795				0.8	%
Percentage of total revenues			60.1	%			61.7	%

 

The increase in compensation and related expenses during the first nine months of 2014 was due to an increase in payroll expense and an increase in bonus expense partially offset by the change in value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan. Payroll expense increased by $2,743,000 due to the increase in technical full-time equivalent employees and our annual salary increase on March 29, 2014. Bonus expense increased $1,062,000 due to an increase in income before income taxes, before bonus expense, and before stock-based compensation expense. During the first nine months of 2014, deferred compensation expense decreased $2,777,000 with a corresponding decrease to other income (expense), net, as compared to the first nine months of 2013 due to the change in value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan. This decrease consisted of an increase in the value of the plan assets of $1,351,000 during the first nine months of 2014 as compared to an increase in the value of the plan assets of $4,128,000 during the first nine months of 2013.

 

Other Operating Expenses

 

		Nine Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				Percent Change
Other operating expenses		$	19,482			$	18,794				3.7	%
Percentage of total revenues			8.4	%			8.4	%

 

Other operating expenses include facilities-related costs, technical materials, computer-related expenses and depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements. The increase in other operating expenses during the first nine months of 2014 was due to an increase in occupancy expense of $359,000 and an increase in depreciation expense of $319,000. The increases in occupancy expense and depreciation expense were due to the continued expansion of our facilities to accommodate the increase in technical full-time equivalent employees.

 

 

Reimbursable Expenses  

 

		Nine Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				Percent Change
Reimbursable expenses		$	11,531			$	12,389				(6.9	)%
Percentage of total revenues			5.0	%			5.5	%

 

The decrease in reimbursable expenses was primarily due to a decrease in project-related costs in our defense technology development practice within our Engineering and Other Scientific segment. The amount of reimbursable expenses will vary from quarter to quarter depending on the nature of our projects.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

		Nine Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				Percent Change
General and administrative expenses		$	11,809			$	10,814				9.2	%
Percentage of total revenues			5.1	%			4.8	%

 

The increase in general and administrative expenses during the first nine months of 2014 was due to an increase in travel and meals of $638,000 and an increase in charitable contributions of $200,000. The increase in travel and meals was primarily due to a firm-wide managers’ meeting held during the third quarter of 2014.

 

Other Income (Expense), Net

 

		Nine Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				Percent Change
Other income (expense), net		$	2,722			$	5,687				(52.1	)%
Percentage of total revenues			1.2	%			2.5	%

 

Other income (expense), net, consists primarily of interest income earned on available cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, changes in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan and rental income from leasing space in our Silicon Valley facility. During the first nine months of 2014, other income (expense), net, decreased $2,777,000 with a corresponding decrease to deferred compensation expense as compared to the first nine months of 2013 due to the change in value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan. This decrease consisted of an increase in the value of the plan assets of $1,351,000 during the first nine months of 2014 as compared to an increase in the value of the plan assets of $4,128,000 during the first nine months of 2013.

 

Income Taxes

 

		Nine Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				Percent Change
Income taxes		$	20,680			$	19,373				6.7	%
Percentage of total revenues			8.9	%			8.7	%
Effective tax rate			39.7	%			39.3	%

 

The increase in income taxes and the effective tax rate was primarily due to higher deductions during the third quarter of 2013.

 

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for us on December 31, 2016.

 

Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

		Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013
Net cash provided by operating activities		$	26,076			$	33,818
Net cash provided by investing activities			2,613				2,784
Net cash used in financing activities			(35,633	)			(28,232	)

 

We financed our business during the first nine months of 2014 through available cash. We invest our excess cash in cash equivalents and short-term investments. As of October 3, 2014, our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were $141.6 million compared to $156.1 million at January 3, 2014. We believe our existing balances of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments will be sufficient to satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, outstanding commitments, stock repurchases, dividends and other liquidity requirements during the next twelve months.

 

Generally, our net cash provided by operating activities is used to fund our day to day operating activities. First quarter operating cash requirements are generally higher due to payment in the first quarter of our annual bonuses accrued during the prior year. Our largest source of operating cash flows is collections from our clients. Our primary uses of cash from operating activities are for employee related expenditures, leased facilities, taxes, and general operating expenses including marketing and travel.

 

The increase in net cash used in financing activities during the first nine months of 2014 as compared to the same period last year was due to an increase in repurchases of common stock and an increase in our quarterly dividend payments.

 

We expect to continue our investing activities, including capital expenditures. Furthermore, cash reserves may be used to repurchase common stock under our stock repurchase programs, pay dividends or strategically acquire professional service firms that are complementary to our business.

 

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 – Liquidity and Capital Resources” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2014. There have been no material changes in our contractual obligations since January 3, 2014.

 

We maintain a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of a select group of highly compensated employees. Vested amounts due under the plan of $36,384,000 were recorded as a long-term liability on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at October 3, 2014. Company assets that are earmarked to pay benefits under the plan are held in a rabbi trust and are subject to the claims of our creditors. As of October 3, 2014 invested amounts under the plan of $34,634,000 were recorded as a long-term asset on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

 

As permitted under Delaware law, we have agreements whereby we indemnify our officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was, serving at our request in such capacity. The indemnification period covers all pertinent events and occurrences during the officer’s or director’s lifetime. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, we have director and officer insurance coverage that reduces our exposure and enables us to recover a portion of any future amounts paid.

 

We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and our anticipated cash flows from operations will be sufficient to meet our anticipated operating requirements for at least the next twelve months.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

Regulation G, Conditions for Use of Non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("Non-GAAP") Financial Measures, and other SEC rules and regulations define and prescribe the conditions for use of Non-GAAP financial information. Generally, a Non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position or cash flow that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. We closely monitor two financial measures, EBITDA and EBITDAS, which meet the definition of Non-GAAP financial measures. We define EBITDA as net income before income taxes, net interest income, depreciation and amortization. We define EBITDAS as EBITDA before stock-based compensation. The Company regards EBITDA and EBITDAS as useful measures of operating performance to complement operating income, net income and other GAAP financial performance measures. Additionally, management believes that EBITDA and EBITDAS provide meaningful comparisons of past, present and future operating results. These measures are used to evaluate our financial results, develop budgets and determine employee compensation. These measures, however, should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute or superior to, operating income, cash flows, or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the Non-GAAP measures to the nearest comparable GAAP measure is set forth below.

 

The following table shows EBITDA as a percentage of revenues before reimbursements for the three and nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013:

 

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
(in thousands, except percentages)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013
Revenues before reimbursements		$	74,264			$	70,096			$	219,562			$	211,007
EBITDA		$	19,688			$	18,784			$	56,000			$	52,863
EBITDA as a % of revenues before reimbursements			26.5	%			26.8	%			25.5	%			25.1	%

 

The decrease in EBITDA as a percentage of revenues before reimbursements during the third quarter of 2014 was primarily due to an increase in payroll expense, bonus expense and general and administrative expenses partially offset by revenue growth.

 

The increase in EBITDA as a percentage of revenues before reimbursements during the first nine months of 2014 as compared to the same period last year was primarily due to revenue growth partially offset by moderate growth in compensation and related expenses and other operating expenses.

 

 

The following table is a reconciliation of EBITDA and EBITDAS to the most comparable GAAP measure, net income, for the three and nine months ended October 3, 2014 and September 27, 2013:

 

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
(in thousands)		October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013				October 3, 2014				September 27, 2013
Net income		$	11,040			$	11,094			$	31,458			$	29,918
Add back (subtract):
Income taxes			7,335				6,421				20,680				19,373
Interest income, net			(33	)			(14	)			(117	)			(95	)
Depreciation and amortization			1,346				1,283				3,979				3,667
EBITDA			19,688				18,784				56,000				52,863
Stock-based compensation			2,710				2,501				10,585				10,832
EBITDAS		$	22,398			$	21,285			$	66,585			$	63,695

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to interest rate risk associated with our balances of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. We manage our interest rate risk by maintaining an investment portfolio primarily consisting of debt instruments with high credit quality and relatively short average effective maturities in accordance with our investment policy. The maximum effective maturity of any issue in our portfolio is 3 years and the maximum average effective maturity of the portfolio cannot exceed 12 months. If interest rates were to instantaneously increase or decrease by 100 basis points, the change in the fair market value of our portfolio of cash equivalents and short-term investments would not have a material impact on our financial statements. We do not use derivative financial instruments in our portfolio. There have not been any material changes during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to our interest rate risk exposures, or how these exposures are managed. Notwithstanding our efforts to manage interest rate risk, there can be no assurances that we will be adequately protected against the risks associated with interest rate fluctuations.

 

We are exposed to some foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with our foreign operations. Given the limited nature of these operations, we believe that any exposure is minimal. Currently, we do not employ a foreign currency hedging program to mitigate our foreign currency exchange risk as we believe the risks to date have not been significant.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

We intend to review and evaluate the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures on an ongoing basis, to improve our controls and procedures over time and to correct any deficiencies that we may discover in the future. Our goal is to ensure that our senior management has timely access to all material financial and non-financial information concerning our business. While we believe the present design of our disclosure controls and procedures is effective to achieve our goal, future events affecting our business may cause us to significantly modify our disclosure controls and procedures.

 

 

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three month period ended October 3, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

Exponent is not engaged in any material legal proceedings.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes from risk factors as previously discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2014.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

The following table provides information on the Company’s repurchases of the Company’s common stock for the three months ended October 3, 2014 (in thousands, except price per share):

 

		Total Number of Shares Purchased				Average Price Paid Per Share				Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs				Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Programs (1)
July 5 to August 1			-			$	-				-			$	51,617
August 2 to August 29			35				72.23				35			$	49,077
August 30 to October 3			150				73.09				150			$	38,077
Total			185			$	72.93				185			$	38,077

 

 

(1)

On February 9, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized $35,000,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock. On February 15, 2013, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $35,000,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock. On May 29, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $35,000,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock. These plans have no expiration date.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

(a)

Exhibit Index

 

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

 

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Schema Document

 

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document

 

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document

 

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document

 

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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.

 

	EXPONENT, INC.
	(Registrant)
Date: November 7, 2014
	/s/ Paul R. Johnston
	Paul R. Johnston, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer
	/s/ Richard L. Schlenker
	Richard L. Schlenker, Chief Financial Officer