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EXPONENT INC - Quarter Report: 2014 October (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

(Mark One)

 

xQUARTERLY 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

 

-2-
 

 

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.

 

-3-
 

 

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

 

-4-
 

 

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

 

-5-
 

 

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.

 

-6-
 

 

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.

 

-7-
 

 

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.

 

-8-
 

 

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.

 

-9-
 

 

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 

 

-10-
 

 

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.

 

-11-
 

 

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.

 

-12-
 

 

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   $- 

 

-13-
 

 

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 

 

-14-
 

 

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.

 

-15-
 

 

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.

 

-16-
 

 

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.

 

-17-
 

 

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.

 

-18-
 

 

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.

 

-19-
 

 

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.

 

-20-
 

 

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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

-23-
 

 

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.

 

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(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.

 

-25-
 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

(a)Exhibit Index

 

31.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

31.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

32.1Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

32.2Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

101.INSXBRL Instance Document

 

101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Schema Document

 

101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document

 

101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document

 

101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document

 

101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

 

-26-
 

 

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

 

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