Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

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 June 27, 2008

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 incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 

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

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (650) 326-9400

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 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 August 1, 2008, the latest practicable date, the registrant had 14,328,845 shares of Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

EXPONENT, INC.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1.

  

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):

  
   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 27, 2008 and December 28, 2007
   3
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
Three and Six Months Ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007
   4
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Three and Six Months Ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007
   5
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007
   6
  

Notes to 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

   23

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   24

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

  

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   24

Item 2.

  

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   26

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   26

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   27

Signatures

   28

 

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Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

EXPONENT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

June 27, 2008 and December 28, 2007

(in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)

 

     June 27,     December 28,  
     2008     2007  
Assets     

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 7,206     $ 10,700  

Short-term investments

     52,993       53,034  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,431 and $2,177 at June 27, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively

     65,338       59,819  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     6,841       5,754  

Deferred income taxes

     4,089       3,450  
                

Total current assets

     136,467       132,757  

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

     30,534       29,409  

Goodwill

     8,607       8,607  

Other assets

     13,856       11,618  
                

Total assets

   $ 189,464     $ 182,391  
                
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity     

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 10,472     $ 7,139  

Accrued payroll and employee benefits

     26,889       30,366  

Deferred revenues

     5,934       6,458  
                

Total current liabilities

     43,295       43,963  

Other liabilities

     16       89  

Deferred compensation

     5,167       4,665  

Deferred rent

     1,560       1,755  
                

Total liabilities

     50,038       50,472  
                

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized;

    

16,426,664 shares issued at June 27, 2008 and December 28, 2007

     16       16  

Additional paid-in capital

     70,162       59,772  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     513       347  

Retained earnings

     117,643       113,018  

Treasury stock, at cost; 2,014,013 and 2,067,944 shares held at June 27, 2008 and December 28, 2007, respectively

     (48,908 )     (41,234 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     139,426       131,919  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 189,464     $ 182,391  
                

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

 

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EXPONENT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended
     June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007
   June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007

Revenues:

           

Revenues before reimbursements

   $ 50,801    $ 45,816    $ 102,823    $ 91,249

Reimbursements

     4,155      4,821      8,393      8,261
                           

Revenues

     54,956      50,637      111,216      99,510
                           

Operating expenses:

           

Compensation and related expenses

     33,197      30,207      66,707      60,229

Other operating expenses

     5,588      5,305      11,016      10,442

Reimbursable expenses

     4,155      4,821      8,393      8,261

General and administrative expenses

     3,207      3,244      6,196      6,059
                           

Total operating expenses

     46,147      43,577      92,312      84,991
                           

Operating income

     8,809      7,060      18,904      14,519

Other income, net:

           

Interest income, net

     463      460      965      944

Miscellaneous income, net

     355      808      290      1,203
                           

Total other income, net

     818      1,268      1,255      2,147
                           

Income before income taxes

     9,627      8,328      20,159      16,666

Income taxes

     3,834      3,326      8,019      6,609
                           

Net income

   $ 5,793    $ 5,002    $ 12,140    $ 10,057
                           

Net income per share:

           

Basic

   $ 0.38    $ 0.33    $ 0.81    $ 0.67

Diluted

   $ 0.36    $ 0.30    $ 0.76    $ 0.61

Shares used in per share computations:

           

Basic

     15,086      15,193      14,966      15,121

Diluted

     16,100      16,532      16,050      16,461

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

 

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EXPONENT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
     June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007
 

Net income

   $ 5,793     $ 5,002     $ 12,140    $ 10,057  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

         

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax

     (24 )     34       96      57  

Unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of tax

     (117 )     (30 )     70      (25 )
                               

Comprehensive income

   $ 5,652     $ 5,006     $ 12,306    $ 10,089  
                               

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

 

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EXPONENT, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Six Months Ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended  
     June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net income

   $ 12,140     $ 10,057  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and leasehold improvements

     1,925       1,886  

Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts of short-term investments

     233       144  

Amortization of contribution to deferred compensation plan

     181       316  

Deferred rent

     (195 )     890  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     1,147       1,155  

Stock-based compensation

     4,626       3,292  

Deferred income tax provision

     (1,801 )     (2,209 )

Tax benefit for stock option plans

     (4,288 )     (1,837 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     (6,666 )     (14,439 )

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (1,178 )     17  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     6,837       2,493  

Accrued payroll and employee benefits

     (2,026 )     1,656  

Deferred revenues

     (524 )     134  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     10,411       3,555  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (2,762 )     (1,602 )

Other assets

     40       1  

Purchase of short-term investments

     (72,477 )     (54,269 )

Sale/maturity of short-term investments

     71,403       60,970  
                

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (3,796 )     5,100  
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Repayments of borrowings and long-term obligations

     (43 )     (35 )

Tax benefit for stock option plans

     4,288       1,837  

Purchases of treasury stock

     (15,282 )     (11,142 )

Issuance of treasury stock

     873       1,634  
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (10,164 )     (7,706 )
                

Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     55       56  
                

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (3,494 )     1,005  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     10,700       5,238  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 7,206     $ 6,243  
                

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

 

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EXPONENT, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007

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 six months ended June 27, 2008 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 December 28, 2007.

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

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

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. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements. In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but rather eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 157-2 which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. These nonfinancial items include assets and liabilities such as reporting units measured at fair value in a goodwill impairment test and nonfinancial assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Effective December 29, 2007, the Company adopted SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities recognized at fair value on a recurring basis. The partial adoption of SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 2 for information and related disclosures regarding fair value measurements.

 

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In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 allows entities to measure financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected must be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. The fair value option can be applied instrument by instrument, however the election is irrevocable. Effective December 29, 2007, the Company adopted SFAS 159 and did not elect the fair value option.

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. The fair value of these certain financial assets and liabilities was determined using the following inputs at June 27, 2008 (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
     Total    Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets

(Level 1)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)

Assets

           

Fixed income available-for-sale securities (1)

   $ 54,822    $ 828    $ 52,994    $ 1,000

Fixed income trading securities held in deferred compensation plan (2)

     1,172      1,172      —        —  

Equity trading securities held in deferred compensation plan (2)

     4,988      4,988      —        —  
                           

Total

   $ 60,982    $ 6,988    $ 52,994    $ 1,000
                           

Liabilities

           

Deferred compensation plan (3)

     5,860      5,860      —        —  
                           

Total

   $ 5,860    $ 5,860    $ —      $ —  
                           

 

(1)

Included in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and other assets on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

(2)

Included in other current assets and other assets on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

(3)

Included in accrued liabilities and deferred compensation on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Fixed income available-for-sale securities represent primarily obligations of state and local government agencies. Included in fixed income available-for-sale securities is approximately $828,000 of money market securities classified as cash equivalents. Fixed income and equity trading securities represent mutual funds held in the Company’s deferred compensation plan. See Note 7 for additional information about the Company’s deferred compensation plan.

 

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Included within the Company’s investment portfolio and classified as a long-term asset on its balance sheet is one AA rated student loan secured auction rate security purchased and valued at $1 million. During the second quarter of 2008 the auction for this security failed. Due to the failed auction during the quarter, the company concluded that this auction rate security represents a Level 3 valuation within the SFAS No. 157 hierarchy. The security was valued based on a market comparable analysis for a reasonable period of time and there did not appear to be any factors causing a material difference between the fair value and the purchase price. The Company intends to hold this security until a future auction is successful or the security is restructured.

Note 3: Revenue Recognition

The Company derives its revenues primarily from professional fees earned on consulting engagements and fees earned for the use of its equipment and facilities, as well as reimbursements for outside direct expenses associated with the services that are billed to its clients.

Exponent reports revenues net of subcontractor fees. The Company has determined that it is not the primary obligor with respect to its subcontractors because:

 

   

its clients are directly involved in the subcontractor selection process;

 

   

the subcontractor is responsible for fulfilling the scope of work; and

 

   

the Company passes through the costs of subcontractor agreements with only a minimal fixed percentage mark-up to compensate it for processing the transactions.

Reimbursements, including those related to travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, and other similar third-party costs such as the cost of materials, are included in revenues, and an equivalent amount of reimbursable expenses are included in operating expenses. Any mark-up on reimbursable expenses is included in revenues.

Substantially all of the Company’s engagements are performed under time and material or fixed-price billing arrangements. On time and material and fixed-price projects, revenue is generally recognized as the services are performed. For substantially all of the Company’s fixed-price engagements, it recognizes revenue based on the relationship of incurred labor hours at standard rates and expenses to its estimate of the total labor hours at standard rates and expenses it expects to incur over the term of the contract. The Company believes this methodology achieves a reliable measure of the revenue from the consulting services it provides to its customers under fixed-price contracts given the nature of the consulting services the Company provides and the following additional considerations:

 

   

the Company considers labor hours at standard rates and expenses to be incurred when pricing its contracts;

 

   

the Company generally does not incur set-up costs on its contracts;

 

   

the Company does not believe that there are reliable milestones by which to measure progress toward completion;

 

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if the contract is terminated early, the customer is required to pay the Company for time at standard rates plus materials incurred to date;

 

   

the Company does not recognize revenue for award fees or bonuses until specific contractual criteria are met;

 

   

the Company does not include revenue for unpriced change orders until the customer agrees with the changes;

 

   

historically the Company has not had significant accounts receivable write-offs or cost overruns; and

 

   

its contracts are typically progress billed on a monthly basis.

Product revenue is recognized, when both title and risk of loss transfer to the customer and customer acceptance has occurred, provided that no significant obligations remain. Revenue from multiple-element arrangements is allocated based on the relative fair value of each element, which is generally based on the relative sales price for each element when sold separately. If the fair value of one or more delivered elements cannot be determined, then revenue is allocated based on the residual method.

Gross revenues and reimbursements for the three and six months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007 are as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007
   June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007

Gross revenues

   $ 56,830    $ 51,885    $ 114,735    $ 101,950

Less: Subcontractor fees

     1,874      1,248      3,519      2,440
                           

Revenues

     54,956      50,637      111,216      99,510

Reimbursements:

           

Out-of-pocket travel reimbursements

     1,398      1,013      2,469      2,076

Other outside direct expenses

     2,757      3,808      5,924      6,185
                           
     4,155      4,821      8,393      8,261
                           

Revenues before reimbursements

   $ 50,801    $ 45,816    $ 102,823    $ 91,249
                           

Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with the revenue recognized in any accounting period. These judgments and estimates include an assessment of collectibility and, for fixed-price engagements, an estimate as to the total effort required to complete the project. If the Company made different judgments or utilized different estimates, the amount and timing of its revenue for any period could be materially different.

All consulting contracts are subject to review by management, which requires a positive assessment of the collectibility of contract amounts. If, during the course of the contract, the Company determines that collection of revenue is not reasonably assured, it does not recognize the revenue until its collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash. The Company assesses collectibility based on a number of factors, including past transaction history with the client and project manager, as well as the creditworthiness of the client. Losses on fixed-price contracts are recognized during the period in which the loss first becomes evident. Contract losses are determined to be the amount by which the estimated total costs of the contract exceeds the total fixed price of the contract.

Note 4: 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.

 

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

 

     Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007
   June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007

Shares used in basic per share computation

   15,086    15,193    14,966    15,121

Effect of dilutive common stock options outstanding

   696    1,050    762    1,083

Effect of dilutive restricted stock units outstanding

   318    289    322    257
                   

Shares used in diluted per share computation

   16,100    16,532    16,050    16,461
                   

Common stock options to purchase 0 and 8,571 shares were excluded from the diluted per share calculation for the three months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007, respectively, due to their antidilutive effect. The weighted-average exercise price for the antidilutive shares was $22.02 for the three months ended June 29, 2007. Common stock options to purchase 0 and 4,286 shares were excluded from the diluted per share calculation for the six months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007, respectively, due to their antidilutive effect. The weighted-average exercise price for the antidilutive shares was $22.02 for the six months ended June 29, 2007.

Note 5: Stock-Based Compensation

On May 29, 2008, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The 2008 Equity Incentive Plan and ESPP were previously adopted by the Company’s Board of Directors on April 8, 2008, subject to stockholder approval. Upon stockholder approval of the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan and ESPP each of the following plans were terminated: the 1999 Stock Option Plan, the Restricted Stock Award Plan, the 1998 Stock Option Plan and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan established in 1992.

The 2008 Equity Incentive Plan allows for the award of stock options, stock awards (including stock units, stock grants and stock appreciation rights or other similar equity awards) and cash awards to officers, employees, consultants and non-employee members of the Board of Directors. The total number of shares available for issuance under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan is 1,200,000 shares of common stock, subject to adjustment resulting from a stock split or the payment of a stock dividend or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of the Company’s stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company.

The ESPP allows for officers and employees to purchase common stock through payroll deductions of up to 15% of a participant’s eligible compensation. Shares of common stock are purchased under the ESPP at 95% of the fair market value of Company’s common stock on each purchase date. Subject to adjustment resulting from a stock split or the payment of a stock dividend or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of the Company’s stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company, the total number of shares available for issuance under the ESPP is 200,000 shares of common stock.

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. 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 59 1/2 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.

 

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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 $1,020,000 and $816,000 during the three months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007, respectively. For the six months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense associated with accrued bonus awards of $2,186,000 and $1,684,000, respectively. The value of the unvested restricted stock unit awards issued 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 59 1/2. If the award recipient is 59 1/ 2 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 $560,000 and $314,000 during the three months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007, respectively. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense associated with the unvested restricted stock unit awards of $2,077,000 and $1,218,000 during the six months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007, 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. 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 $179,000 during the three months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007, associated with stock option grants. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $363,000 and $390,000 during the six months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007 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 payment 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 U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the expected term on the options. The Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future and therefore used an expected dividend yield of zero in the option-pricing model. 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 6: Repurchase of Common Stock

On May 22, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved up to $35 million for repurchases of the Company’s common stock. On May 29, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $35 million for stock repurchases.

The Company repurchased 526,926 shares of its common stock for $16.0 million during the six months ended June 27, 2008. The Company repurchased 525,749 shares of its common stock for $11.3 million during the six months ended June 29, 2007. As of June 27, 2008, the Company had remaining authorization under its stock repurchase plans of $35.1 million to repurchase shares of common stock.

 

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Note 7: 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. Employee deferrals were $412,000 and $1,314,000 during the three and six months ended June 27, 2008, respectively. Employee deferrals were $483,000 and $891,000 during the three and six months ended June 29, 2007, respectively. Employee distributions were $300,000 and $1,138,000 during the three and six months ended June 27, 2008, respectively. Employee distributions were $0 and $1,150,000 during the three and six months ended June 29, 2007, respectively.

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 June 27, 2008 and December 28, 2007, the invested amounts under the plan totaled $6.2 million. These assets are classified as trading securities and are recorded at fair market value with changes recorded as adjustments to other income and expense. As of June 27, 2008 and December 28, 2007, vested amounts due under the plan totaled $5.9 million. Changes in the liability are recorded as adjustments to compensation expense. During the three months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007, the Company recognized a decrease to compensation expense of $83,000 and an increase to compensation expense of $304,000, respectively, as a result of changes in the market value of the trust assets, with the same amount being recorded as other income or expense. During the six months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007, the Company recognized a decrease to compensation expense of $506,000 and an increase to compensation expense of $472,000, respectively, as a result of changes in the market value of the trust assets, with a corresponding amount being recorded as other income.

Note 8: Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following is supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

     Six Months Ended  

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007
 

Cash paid during period:

     

Income taxes

   $ 5,397    $ 6,905  

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

     

Unrealized gain (loss) on short-term investments

   $ 70    $ (25 )

Vested stock unit awards issued to settle accrued bonuses

   $ 3,637    $ 2,288  

Stock repurchases payable to broker

   $ 1,070    $ 922  

Note 9: Accounts Receivable, Net

At June 27, 2008 and December 28, 2007, accounts receivable, net was comprised of the following:

 

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    December 28,
2007
 

Billed accounts receivable

   $ 44,389     $ 42,967  

Unbilled accounts receivable

     23,380       19,029  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (2,431 )     (2,177 )
                

Total accounts receivable, net

   $ 65,338     $ 59,819  
                

Note 10: Inventory

At June 27, 2008, the Company had $2,480,000 and $783,000 of raw materials and work-in-process inventory, respectively. At December 28, 2007, the Company had $181,000 and $1,620,000 of raw materials and finished goods inventory, respectively.

 

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Note 11: Segment Reporting

The Company has two operating segments based on two primary areas of service. One operating segment is a broad service group providing technical consulting in different practices primarily in the areas of impending litigation and technology development. The Company’s other 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 six months ended June 27, 2008 and June 29, 2007 follows:

Revenues

 

     Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007
   June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007

Engineering and other scientific

   $ 42,138    $ 38,964    $ 85,733    $ 76,268

Environmental and health

     12,818      11,673      25,483      23,242
                           

Total revenues

   $ 54,956    $ 50,637    $ 111,216    $ 99,510
                           

Operating income

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
 

Engineering and other scientific

   $ 10,990     $ 10,409     $ 23,718     $ 19,999  

Environmental and health

     3,253       2,725       6,781       5,798  
                                

Total segment operating income

     14,243       13,134       30,499       25,797  

Corporate operating expense

     (5,434 )     (6,074 )     (11,595 )     (11,278 )
                                

Total operating income

   $ 8,809     $ 7,060     $ 18,904     $ 14,519  
                                

Capital Expenditures

 

     Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007
   June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007

Engineering and other scientific

   $ 1,398    $ 646    $ 2,329    $ 1,238

Environmental and health

     35      41      61      48
                           

Total segment capital expenditures

     1,433      687      2,390      1,286

Corporate capital expenditures

     179      167      372      316
                           

Total capital expenditures

   $ 1,612    $ 854    $ 2,762    $ 1,602
                           

 

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Depreciation and Amortization

 

     Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007
   June 27,
2008
   June 29,
2007

Engineering and other scientific

   $ 698    $ 678    $ 1,308    $ 1,318

Environmental and health

     11      44      55      90
                           

Total segment depreciation and amortization

     709      722      1,363      1,408

Corporate depreciation and amortization

     275      247      562      478
                           

Total depreciation and amortization

   $ 984    $ 969    $ 1,925    $ 1,886
                           

No single customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s revenues for the three and six months ended June 27, 2008. The Company derived 10% of revenues from agencies of the federal government for the three and six months ended June 29, 2007.

Note 12: Goodwill

Below is a breakdown of goodwill reported by segment as of June 27, 2008:

 

(In thousands)

   Environmental
and health
   Engineering and
other scientific
   Total

Goodwill

   $ 8,099    $ 508    $ 8,607

There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three and six months ended June 27, 2008.

Note 13: Mortgage Note

The Company has a revolving reducing mortgage note (the “Mortgage Note”) secured by its Silicon Valley headquarters building. Any outstanding amounts on the Mortgage Note are due and payable in full on January 31, 2009. As of June 27, 2008, the Company had $0 outstanding and available borrowings of $15.4 million. The Mortgage Note is subject to two interest rate options of either prime less 1.5% or the fixed LIBOR plus 1.25%.

 

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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 December 28, 2007, which are contained in our fiscal 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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 thereto) 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 and in the documents incorporated herein by reference, 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 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, as well as the development of highly technical new products.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

In preparing our 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 2007 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.

 

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RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS

Overview of the Three Months Ended June 27, 2008

During the second quarter of 2008 we had an 8.5% increase in revenues and a 10.9% increase in revenues before reimbursements as compared to the same period last year. This growth was driven by our mechanics and materials, biomechanics, thermal sciences, electrical and semiconductors practices, and our center for chemical registration and food safety. Our consolidated revenue growth was primarily driven by an increase in billable hours, higher billing rates and an increase in product sales to the United States Army in our technology development practice. Billable hours for the second quarter of 2008 increased 4.2% to 220,608 as compared to 211,778 during the same period last year. Technical full-time equivalents increased 7.0% to 614 during the second quarter of 2008 as compared to 574 during the same period last year. This increase in technical full-time equivalents was due to our continuing recruiting and retention efforts. Utilization decreased to 69% for the second quarter of 2008 as compared to 71% during the same period last year. Product sales in our technology development practice increased 607% to $1,972,000 for the second quarter of 2008 as compared to $279,000 during the same period last year. This increase in product sales was primarily due to an increase in sales of surveillance systems to the United States Army. Due to the management of our operating expenses we were able to leverage this revenue growth to improve net income by 15.8% as compared to the same period last year.

Three Months Ended June 27, 2008 compared to Three Months Ended June 29, 2007

Revenues

 

     Three Months Ended        

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    Percent
Change
 

Engineering and other scientific

   $ 42,138     $ 38,964     8.1 %

Percentage of total revenues

     76.7 %     76.9 %  

Environmental and health

     12,818       11,673     9.8 %

Percentage of total revenues

     23.3 %     23.1 %  
                  

Total revenues

   $ 54,956     $ 50,637     8.5 %
                  

The increase in revenues for our engineering and other scientific segment was driven by an increase in billable hours, higher billing rates and an increase in product sales in our technology development practice. The increase in billable hours was primarily due to an increase in activity in our mechanics and materials, biomechanics, thermal sciences, and electrical and semiconductors practices. During the second quarter of 2008 billable hours for this segment increased by 4.5% to 165,364 as compared to 158,310 during the same period last year. Technical full-time equivalents increased 6.6% to 454 from 426 for the same period last year due to our continuing recruiting and retention efforts. Utilization decreased to 70% for the second quarter of 2008 as compared to 72% during the same period last year. Product sales in our technology development practice increased 607% to $1,972,000 for the second quarter of 2008 as compared to $279,000 during the same period last year. This increase in product sales was primarily due to an increase in sales of surveillance systems to the United States Army.

The increase in revenues for our environmental and health segment was driven by an increase in billable hours and higher billing rates. The increase in billable hours was due to an increase in activity in our center for chemical registration and food safety. During the second quarter of 2008 billable hours for this segment increased by 3.3% to 55,244 as compared to 53,468 during the same period last year. Technical full-time equivalents increased 8.1% to 160 from 148 for the same period last year due to our continuing recruiting and retention efforts. Utilization decreased to 66% for the second quarter of 2008 as compared to 69% during the same period last year.

 

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Compensation and Related Expenses

 

     Three Months Ended        

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    Percent
Change
 

Compensation and related expenses

   $ 33,197     $ 30,207     9.9 %

Percentage of total revenues

     60.4 %     59.7 %  

The increase in compensation and related expenses during the second quarter of 2008 was due to an increase in payroll, fringe benefits and bonuses partially offset by the change in value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan. Payroll increased by $1,877,000 due to an increase in technical full-time equivalent employees and the impact of our annual salary increase. Fringe benefits increased by $655,000 due to an increase in technical full-time equivalent employees. Bonuses increased by $529,000 due to a corresponding increase in profitability. During the second quarter of 2008, we recorded a decrease to compensation expense of $83,000 associated with a decline in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan as compared to an increase to compensation expense of $304,000 associated with a gain in the value of plan assets during the same period last year. We expect payroll expense to increase for the reminder of 2008 due to the anticipated hiring of additional staff.

Other Operating Expenses

 

     Three Months Ended        

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    Percent
Change
 

Other operating expenses

   $ 5,588     $ 5,305     5.3 %

Percentage of total revenues

     10.2 %     10.5 %  

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 was primarily due to an increase of $226,000 in occupancy expense. This increase in occupancy expense was due to maintenance costs associated with our Silicon Valley facility and costs associated with our increase in technical full-time equivalent employees.

Reimbursable Expenses

 

     Three Months Ended        

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    Percent
Change
 

Reimbursable expenses

   $ 4,155     $ 4,821     (13.8 %)

Percentage of total revenues

     7.6 %     9.5 %  

The decrease in reimbursable expenses was primarily due to a decrease in project related costs in our technology development practice. 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)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    Percent
Change
 

General and administrative expenses

   $ 3,207     $ 3,244     (1.1 %)

Percentage of total revenues

     5.8 %     6.4 %  

 

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The decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a decrease in bad debt expense of $95,000 due to a reduction in our provision for doubtful accounts during the second quarter of 2008 as compared to the same period last year.

Other Income, Net

 

     Three Months Ended        

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    Percent
Change
 

Other income, net

   $ 818     $ 1,268     (35.5 %)

Percentage of total revenues

     1.5 %     2.5 %  

Other income, 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. The decrease in other income, net, was due to a change in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan. During the second quarter of 2008 we recorded a decrease to other income, net, of $83,000 associated with a decrease in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan. During the second quarter of 2007 we recorded an increase to other income, net, of $304,000 due to an increase in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan.

Income Taxes

 

     Three Months Ended        

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    Percent
Change
 

Income taxes

   $ 3,834     $ 3,326     15.3 %

Percentage of total revenues

     7.0 %     6.6 %  

Effective tax rate

     39.8 %     39.9 %  

The increase in income tax expense was due to a corresponding increase in pre-tax income.

Six Months Ended June 27, 2008 compared to Six Months Ended June 29, 2007

Revenues

 

     Six Months Ended        

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    Percent
Change
 

Engineering and other scientific

   $ 85,733     $ 76,268     12.4 %

Percentage of total revenues

     77.1 %     76.6 %  

Environmental and health

     25,483       23,242     9.6 %

Percentage of total revenues

     22.9 %     23.4 %  
                  

Total revenues

   $ 111,216     $ 99,510     11.8 %
                  

The increase in revenues for our engineering and other scientific segment was driven by an increase in billable hours, higher billing rates and an increase in product sales in our technology development practice. The increase in billable hours was primarily due to an increase in activity in our mechanics and materials, biomechanics, thermal sciences, and electrical and semiconductors practices. During the first six months of 2008, billable hours for this segment increased by 6.9% to 332,551 as compared to 311,135 during the same period last year. Technical full-time equivalents increased 6.9% to 452 from 423 for the same period last year due to our continuing recruiting and retention efforts. Utilization was 71% for the first six months of 2008 and 2007. Product sales in our technology development practice increased 193% to $5,223,000 for the first six months of 2008 as compared to $1,783,000 during the same period last year. This increase in product sales was primarily due to an increase in sales of surveillance systems to the United States Army.

 

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The increase in revenues for our environmental and health segment was driven by an increase in billable hours and higher billing rates. The increase in billable hours was due to an increase in activity in our center for chemical registration and food safety. During the first six months of 2008, billable hours for this segment increased by 2.6% to 107,931 as compared to 105,207 during the same period last year. Technical full-time equivalents increased 7.5% to 158 from 147 for the same period last year due to our continuing recruiting and retention efforts. Utilization decreased to 66% for the first six months of 2008 as compared to 69% during the same period last year.

Compensation and Related Expenses

 

     Six Months Ended        

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    Percent
Change
 

Compensation and related expenses

   $ 66,707     $ 60,229     10.8 %

Percentage of total revenues

     60.0 %     60.5 %  

The increase in compensation and related expenses during the first six months of 2008 was due to an increase in payroll, fringe benefits, bonuses and stock-based compensation related to matching restricted stock units and stock options partially offset by the change in value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan. Payroll increased by $3,948,000 due to an increase in technical full-time equivalent employees and the impact of our annual salary increase. Fringe benefits increased by $1,401,000 due to an increase in technical full-time equivalent employees. Bonuses increased by $1,297,000 due to a corresponding increase in profitability. Stock-based compensation expense related to matching restricted stock units and stock options increased by $826,000 due to additional restricted stock unit grants during the first six months of 2008 and the impact of awards expensed upon grant. If the recipient of a matching restricted stock unit award was 59  1/2 years or older on the date of grant, the value of the entire award was expensed upon grant. The increase in the value of awards expensed upon grant was $483,000. During the first six months of 2008, we recorded a decrease to compensation expense of $506,000 associated with a decline in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan as compared to an increase to compensation expense of $472,000 associated with a gain in the value of plan assets during the same period last year.

Other Operating Expenses

 

     Six Months Ended        

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    Percent
Change
 

Other operating expenses

   $ 11,016     $ 10,442     5.5 %

Percentage of total revenues

     9.9 %     10.5 %  

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 was primarily due to an increase of $442,000 in occupancy expense. This increase in occupancy expense was due to maintenance costs associated with our Silicon Valley facility and costs associated with our increase in technical full-time equivalent employees.

Reimbursable Expenses

 

     Six Months Ended        

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    Percent
Change
 

Reimbursable expenses

   $ 8,393     $ 8,261     1.6 %

Percentage of total revenues

     7.5 %     8.3 %  

 

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The increase in reimbursable expenses was primarily due to an increase in project related costs in our technology development practice. The amount of reimbursable expenses will vary from quarter to quarter depending on the nature of our projects.

General and Administrative Expenses

 

     Six Months Ended        

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    Percent
Change
 

General and administrative expenses

   $ 6,196     $ 6,059     2.3 %

Percentage of total revenues

     5.6 %     6.1 %  

The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase of $149,000 in employee relocation and professional development expenses.

Other Income, Net

 

     Six Months Ended        

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    Percent
Change
 

Other income, net

   $ 1,255     $ 2,147     (41.5 %)

Percentage of total revenues

     1.1 %     2.2 %  

Other income, 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. The increase in other income, net, was due to a change in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan. During the first six months of 2008 we recorded a decrease to other income, net, of $506,000 associated with a decrease in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan. During the first six months of 2007 we recorded an increase to other income, net, of $472,000 due to an increase in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan.

Income Taxes

 

     Six Months Ended        

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
    Percent
Change
 

Income taxes

   $ 8,019     $ 6,609     21.3 %

Percentage of total revenues

     7.2 %     6.6 %  

Effective tax rate

     39.8 %     39.7 %  

The increase in income tax expense was due to a corresponding increase in pre-tax income.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) (“SFAS 141R”), “Business Combinations” and SFAS No. 160 (“SFAS 160”), “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin, No. 51.” SFAS 141R will change how business acquisitions are accounted for and will impact financial statements both on the acquisition date and in subsequent periods. SFAS 160 will change the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. SFAS 141R and SFAS 160 are effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. We intend to adopt SFAS 141R and SFAS 160 in fiscal 2009.

 

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In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), “Fair Value Measurements,” which defines fair value, establishes guidelines for measuring fair value and expands disclosures regarding fair value measurements. SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurements but rather eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 157-2 which delays the effective date of SFAS 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. These nonfinancial items include assets and liabilities such as reporting units measured at fair value in a goodwill impairment test and nonfinancial assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Effective December 29, 2007, we adopted SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities recognized at fair value on a recurring basis. The partial adoption of SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of June 27, 2008, our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were $60.2 million compared to $63.7 million at December 28, 2007. We financed our business for the current period principally through operating cash.

 

     Six Months Ended  

(In thousands)

   June 27,
2008
    June 29,
2007
 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 10,411     $ 3,555  

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (3,796 )     5,100  

Net cash used in financing activities

     (10,164 )     (7,706 )

The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during the first six months of 2008 was primarily due to a smaller increase in accounts receivable and an increase in net income partially offset by the change in accrued payroll and employee benefits. The smaller increase in accounts receivable was due to a decrease in days sales outstanding. Days sales outstanding decreased to 96 days during the first six months of 2008 as compared to 104 days during the first six months of 2007. Accrued payroll and employee benefits decreased by $2.0 million during the first six months of 2008 as compared to an increase of $1.7 million during the first six months of 2007. The decrease in accrued payroll and employee benefits during the first six months of 2008 was due to an increase in the amount of accrued bonus paid during the first six months of 2008 as compared to the same period in 2007.

The decrease in net cash provided by investing activities was primarily due to net sales and maturities of short-term investments and an increase in capital expenditures. During the first six months of 2008, net purchases of short-term investments were $1.1 million as compared to net sales of $6.7 million during the same period last year. The net sales of short-term investments during the first six months of 2007 were to fund our share repurchases. Capital expenditures increased by $1.2 million during the first six months of 2008 due to leasehold improvements associated with a new lease for office and lab space.

The increase in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to a $4.1 million increase in treasury repurchases partially offset by a $2.5 million increase in the tax benefit for stock option plans during the first six months of 2008 as compared to the same period last year.

We expect to continue our investing activities, including purchases of short-term investments and capital expenditures. Furthermore, cash reserves may be used to repurchase common stock under our stock repurchase program or strategically acquire professional services firms that are complementary to our business.

 

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The following schedule summarizes our principal contractual commitments as of June 27, 2008 (in thousands):

 

Fiscal year

   Operating
lease
commitments
   Capital
leases
   Purchase
obligations
   Total

2008

   $ 2,921    $ 26    $ 1,976    $ 4,923

2009

     5,675      29      204      5,908

2010

     4,216      3      204      4,423

2011

     3,514      2      —        3,516

2012

     3,289      —        —        3,289

Thereafter

     5,423      —        —        5,423
                           
   $ 25,038    $ 60    $ 2,384    $ 27,482
                           

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 $5.1 million were recorded as a long-term liability on our condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 27, 2008. 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 June 27, 2008 invested amounts under the plan of $5.1 million were recorded as a long-term asset on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

We have a revolving reducing mortgage note with a total available borrowing amount of $15.4 million and an outstanding balance of $0 as of June 27, 2008. We believe that our existing revolving note, together with funds generated from operations, will provide adequate cash to fund our anticipated operating cash needs through at least the next twelve-month period.

In addition, we believe that the funds generated from operations will provide adequate cash to fund our anticipated long-term cash needs beyond the next twelve-month period; however, we intend to grow our business by pursuing potential acquisitions, which could increase the need for additional sources of funds over the long term.

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.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Exponent is 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 the Company’s investment policy. The maximum effective maturity of any issue in our portfolio of cash equivalents and short-term investments is 3 years and the maximum average effective maturity of the portfolio cannot exceed 12 months. Our exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to our short-term investments. We do not use derivative financial instruments in our short-term investment portfolio. 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 liquidity and credit risk associated with our student loan secured auction rate security. Included within our investment portfolio and classified as a long-term asset on our balance sheet at June 27, 2008 is one AA rated student loan secured auction rate security purchased and valued at $1.0 million. During the second quarter of 2008 the auction for this security failed. The issuer has expressed its intent to restructure this security and the next scheduled auction is in May of 2009. We will not have access to these funds until the security is

 

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restructured or a future auction is successful. If the issuer is unable to restructure this security or successfully close future auctions and its credit ratings deteriorate, we may be required to adjust the carrying value of this investment through an impairment charge. Based on our ability to access our cash and short-term investments, our expected operating cash flows, and our other sources of cash we do not expect any lack of liquidity related to this investment to negatively impact our ability to operate our business as usual.

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 would be 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

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 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 June 27, 2008, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

FACTORS AFFECTING OPERATING RESULTS AND MARKET PRICE OF STOCK

Exponent operates in a rapidly changing environment that involves a number of uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. These uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those mentioned elsewhere in this report and those set forth below. There are no material changes to the risk factors set forth below relative to those included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2007.

Absence of Backlog

Revenues are primarily derived from services provided in response to client requests or events that occur without notice, and engagements, generally billed as services are performed, are terminable or subject to postponement or delay at any time by clients. As a result, backlog at any particular time is small in relation to our quarterly or annual revenues and is not a reliable indicator of revenues for any future periods. Revenues and operating margins for any particular quarter are generally affected by staffing mix, resource requirements and timing and size of engagements.

 

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Attraction and Retention of Key Employees

Exponent’s business involves the delivery of professional services and is labor intensive. Our success depends in large part upon our ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified technical and managerial personnel. Qualified personnel are in great demand and are likely to remain a limited resource for the foreseeable future. We cannot provide any assurance that we can continue to attract sufficient numbers of highly qualified technical and managerial personnel and to retain existing employees. The loss of a significant number of our employees could have a material adverse impact on our business, including our ability to secure and complete engagements.

Competition

The markets for our services are highly competitive. In addition, there are relatively low barriers to entry into our markets and we have faced, and expect to continue to face, additional competition from new entrants into our markets. Competitive pressure could reduce the market acceptance of our services and result in price reductions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Customer Concentration

We currently derive, and believe that we will continue to derive, a significant portion of our revenues from organizations related to the transportation industry and the government sector. The loss of any large client could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Economic Uncertainty

The markets that we serve are cyclical and subject to general economic conditions, particularly in light of the labor-intensive nature of our business and our relatively high compensation expenses. If the economy in which we operate, which is predominantly in the U.S., were to experience a prolonged slowdown, demand for our services could be reduced considerably.

Professional Reputation

The professional reputation of Exponent and its consultants is critical to our ability to successfully compete for new client engagements and attract or retain professionals. Any factors that damage our professional reputation could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Regulation

Public concern over health, safety and preservation of the environment has resulted in the enactment of a broad range of environmental and/or other laws and regulations by local, state and federal lawmakers and agencies. These laws and regulations affect nearly every industry, as well as the agencies of federal, state and local governments charged with their enforcement. To the extent changes in such laws, regulations and enforcement or other factors significantly reduce the exposures of manufacturers, owners, service providers and others to liability, the demand for our services may be significantly reduced.

Tort Reform

Several of our practices have a significant concentration in litigation support consulting services. To the extent tort reform reduces the exposure of manufacturers, owners, service providers and others to liability, the demand for our litigation support consulting services may be significantly reduced.

 

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Variability of Quarterly Financial Results

Variations in our revenues and operating results occur from time to time, as a result of a number of factors, such as the significance of client engagements commenced and completed during a quarter, the timing of engagements, the number of working days in a quarter, employee hiring and utilization rates, and integration of companies acquired. Because a high percentage of our expenses, particularly personnel and facilities related, are relatively fixed in advance of any particular quarter, a variation in the timing of the initiation or the completion of our client assignments can cause significant variations in operating results from quarter to quarter.

 

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

The following table provides information on the Company’s share repurchases of the Company’s common stock for the three months ended June 27, 2008:

 

(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
Program (1)

March 29 to April 25

   —      $ —      —      $ 11,364

April 26 to May 23

   166      31.47    166    $ 6,145

May 24 to June 27

   186      32.20    186    $ 149

Additional funds authorized for share repurchases

            $ 35,000
                       

Total

   352    $ 31.85    352    $ 35,149

 

(1)

In May 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved up to $35 million for repurchases of the Company’s common stock. On May 29, 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $35 million for stock repurchases. These plans have no expiration date.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

At the Company’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 29, 2008 (the “Annual Meeting”), the following individuals were elected to the Board of Directors with the following number of votes cast for and withheld:

 

     Votes For    Votes Withheld

Samuel H. Armacost

   13,100,428    378,541

Michael R. Gaulke

   13,230,531    248,438

Jon R. Katzenbach

   13,202,494    276,475

Stephen C. Riggins

   13,263,632    215,337

John B. Shoven, Ph.D.

   13,271,187    207,782

 

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The stockholders at the Company’s Annual Meeting approved the following proposals with the following number of votes cast for and against, as well as the number of abstentions and broker non-votes:

 

1. Ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending January 2, 2009.

 

For

   13,107,815

Against

   326,513

Abstentions

   44,641

Broker non-votes

   0

 

2. To approve the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan.

 

For

   7,428,502

Against

   4,786,868

Abstentions

   64,257

Broker non-votes

   1,199,342

 

3. To approve the 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

For

   12,124,415

Against

   99,384

Abstentions

   55,828

Broker non-votes

   1,199,342

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

(a) Exhibits

 

    3.2(ii)    Certificate of Amendment of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Exponent, Inc. (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 6, 2008).
10.28    2008 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 4, 2008).
10.29    2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on From 8-K filed on June 4, 2008).
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.

 

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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: August 6, 2008     /s/ Michael R. Gaulke
      Michael R. Gaulke, Chief Executive Officer
      /s/ Richard L. Schlenker
    Richard L. Schlenker, Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

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