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 30, 2022, which are contained in our fiscal 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 24, 2023 (our “2021 Annual Report”).
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 our management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to our 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 “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of us or our 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, our 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 any continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, 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 this Quarterly Report under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report. The inclusion of such forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by the us or any other person that the future events, plans, or expectations we contemplated 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. We do 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, 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 the discovery of potential problems related to products, people, property and impending litigation.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the critical accounting estimates disclosed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our 2022 Annual Report.
RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS
Executive Summary
Revenues for the first quarter of 2023 increased 9% to $140,309,000 as compared to $128,478,000 during the same period last year. Revenues before reimbursements for the first quarter of 2023 increased 9% to $128,705,000 as compared to $117,870,000 during the same period last year.
During the first quarter of 2023, our results were bolstered by increased demand for our reactive services. This work included robust litigation-related activity as well as product safety- and recall-related work. Our proactive engagements were driven by work in the consumer products, chemicals, utilities, automotive and life sciences sectors.
- 18 -
We continue to position ourselves for future growth by adding to our team of scientists and engineers, increasing headcount year-over-year by 12% through strong talent acquisition and improved retention.
Net income decreased 2% to $29,124,000 during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to $29,609,000 during the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share were $0.56 per share for both the first quarter of 2023 and 2022. The decrease in net income was due to a decrease in the excess tax benefit associated with stock-based awards partially offset by the increase in revenues before reimbursements. The excess tax benefit associated with stock-based awards decreased to $3,627,000 during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to $6,040,000 during the first quarter of 2022. The decrease in the excess tax benefit was due to a smaller increase in the value of our common stock between the grant date and the release date for the restricted stock units released during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to the first quarter of 2022.
We remain focused on selectively adding top talent and developing the skills necessary to expand our market position and providing clients with in-depth scientific research and analysis to determine what happened and how to prevent failures or exposures in the future. We also remain focused on 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.
Overview of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
During the first quarter of 2023, billable hours increased 3% to 385,000 as compared to 374,000 during the same period last year. Our utilization decreased to 70% during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to 77% during the same period last year. Technical full-time equivalent employees increased 12% to 1,052 during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to 939 during the same period last year. We continue to selectively hire key talent to expand our capabilities.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 compared to Three Months Ended April 1, 2022
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except percentages) |
|
March 31, 2023 |
|
|
April 1, 2022 |
|
|
Percent Change |
|
Engineering and Other Scientific |
|
$ |
117,048 |
|
|
$ |
104,615 |
|
|
|
11.9 |
% |
Percentage of total revenues |
|
|
83.4 |
% |
|
|
81.4 |
% |
|
|
|
Environmental and Health |
|
|
23,261 |
|
|
|
23,863 |
|
|
|
-2.5 |
% |
Percentage of total revenues |
|
|
16.6 |
% |
|
|
18.6 |
% |
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
$ |
140,309 |
|
|
$ |
128,478 |
|
|
|
9.2 |
% |
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 quarter of 2023, billable hours for this segment increased by 6% to 306,000 as compared to 290,000 during the same period last year. The increase in billable hours was driven by continued strong demand for our services from the transportation, utilities, consumer electronics, and life sciences industries. Utilization for this segment decreased to 72% during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to 78% during the same period last year. Technical full-time equivalent employees in this segment increased 14% to 819 during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to 718 for the same period last year due to our recruiting and retention efforts.
The decrease in revenues for our Environmental and Health segment was due to a decrease in billable hours partially offset by an increase in billing rates. During the first quarter of 2023, billable hours for this segment decreased by 6% to 79,000 as compared to 84,000 during the same period last year. Utilization in this segment decreased to 66% during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to 73% during the same period last year. Work in this segment was primarily driven by our safety-related engagements evaluating the impacts of chemicals on human health and the environment, as well as activity in the life sciences industry. Technical full-time equivalent employees in this segment
- 19 -
increased 5% to 233 during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to 221 during the same period last year due to our recruiting and retention efforts.
Compensation and Related Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except percentages) |
|
March 31, 2023 |
|
|
April 1, 2022 |
|
|
Percent Change |
|
Compensation and related expenses |
|
$ |
84,181 |
|
|
$ |
68,757 |
|
|
|
22.4 |
% |
Percentage of total revenues |
|
|
60.0 |
% |
|
|
53.5 |
% |
|
|
|
The increase in compensation and related expenses during the first quarter of 2023 was due to a change in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan, an increase in payroll expense, an increase in fringe benefits, and an increase in bonus expense. During the first quarter of 2023, deferred compensation expense increased by $8,617,000 with a corresponding increase to other income, net, as compared to the same period last year, due to the change in value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan. This increase consisted of an increase in the value of plan assets of $3,918,000 during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to a decrease in the value of plan assets of $4,699,000 during the same period last year. Payroll expense increased by $4,881,000 and fringe benefits increased by $478,000 during the first quarter of 2023 due to an increase in technical full-time equivalent employees. During the first quarter of 2023, bonus expense increased by $1,146,000 due to a corresponding increase in income before income taxes, before bonus expense and before stock-based compensation. We expect our compensation expense, excluding the change in value of deferred compensation plan assets, to increase as we selectively add new talent and adjust compensation to market conditions.
Other Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except percentages) |
|
March 31, 2023 |
|
|
April 1, 2022 |
|
|
Percent Change |
|
Other operating expenses |
|
$ |
9,561 |
|
|
$ |
8,165 |
|
|
|
17.1 |
% |
Percentage of total revenues |
|
|
6.8 |
% |
|
|
6.4 |
% |
|
|
|
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 quarter of 2023 was primarily due to an increase in information technology related expenses of $500,000, an increase in occupancy expense of $441,000, an increase in depreciation and amortization expense of $300,000, and an increase in office expenses of $165,000. The increase in information technology expenses and depreciation and amortization was due to continued investment in our corporate infrastructure. The increases in occupancy and office expenses were due to growth in technical full-time equivalent employees and the transition back to our offices from a remote work environment. We expect other operating expenses to grow as we selectively add new talent and make investments in our corporate infrastructure.
Reimbursable Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except percentages) |
|
March 31, 2023 |
|
|
April 1, 2022 |
|
|
Percent Change |
|
Reimbursable expenses |
|
$ |
11,604 |
|
|
$ |
10,608 |
|
|
|
9.4 |
% |
Percentage of total revenues |
|
|
8.3 |
% |
|
|
8.3 |
% |
|
|
|
- 20 -
The amount of reimbursable expenses will vary from quarter to quarter depending on the nature of our projects. The increase in reimbursable expenses during the first quarter of 2023 was primarily due to an increase in project-related travel and other project-related expenses as COVID-19 pandemic-related business and travel restrictions eased.
General and Administrative Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except percentages) |
|
March 31, 2023 |
|
|
April 1, 2022 |
|
|
Percent Change |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
$ |
5,843 |
|
|
$ |
4,231 |
|
|
|
38.1 |
% |
Percentage of total revenues |
|
|
4.2 |
% |
|
|
3.3 |
% |
|
|
|
The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to an increase in travel and meals of $754,000, an increase in marketing and business development expenses of $380,000 and an increase in recruiting expenses of $147,000. The increase in travel and meals was due to the easing of COVID-19 pandemic-related business and travel restrictions. The increases in marketing and business development expenses was due to an increase in our business development activities. The increase in recruiting expenses was due to the increase in technical full-time equivalent employees. We expect general and administrative expenses to increase as we selectively add new talent and expand our business development and staff development initiatives.
Operating Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
March 31, 2023 |
|
|
April 1, 2022 |
|
|
Percent Change |
|
Engineering and Other Scientific |
|
$ |
43,619 |
|
|
$ |
38,490 |
|
|
|
13.3 |
% |
Environmental and Health |
|
|
7,554 |
|
|
|
7,835 |
|
|
|
-3.6 |
% |
Total segment operating income |
|
|
51,173 |
|
|
|
46,325 |
|
|
|
10.5 |
% |
Corporate operating expense |
|
|
(22,053 |
) |
|
|
(9,608 |
) |
|
|
129.5 |
% |
Total operating income |
|
$ |
29,120 |
|
|
$ |
36,717 |
|
|
|
-20.7 |
% |
The increase in operating income for our Engineering and Other Scientific Segment during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to the same period last year was due to an increase in revenues. The increase in revenues was due to an increase in billable hours and an increase in billing rates. Growth during the first quarter of 2023 was driven by robust litigation-related activity as well as product safety- and recall-related work. Our proactive engagements were driven by work in the consumer products, chemicals, utilities, automotive and life sciences sectors.
The decrease in operating income for our Environmental and Health segment during the first quarter of 2023 was due to investments in recruiting and marketing in our Health Practice. The impact of foreign exchange rates also contributed to the decrease in operating income for this segment.
Certain operating expenses are excluded from the Company’s measure of segment operating income. These expenses include the costs associated with our human resources, finance, information technology, and business development groups; the deferred compensation expense/benefit due to the change in value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan; stock-based compensation associated with restricted stock unit and stock option awards; and the change in our allowance for contract losses and doubtful accounts.
The increase in corporate operating expenses during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to the same period last year was primarily due to an increase in deferred compensation expense and an increase in the costs associated with our human resources, finance, information technology and business development groups. During the first quarter of 2023, deferred compensation expense increased $8,617,000, with a corresponding increase to other income, net, as compared to the same period last year, due to the change in value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan. This increase consisted of an increase in the value of plan assets of $3,918,000 during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to a decrease in the value of plan assets of $4,699,000 during the same period last year.
- 21 -
Other Income, Net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except percentages) |
|
March 31, 2023 |
|
|
April 1, 2022 |
|
|
Percent Change |
|
Other income / (loss), net |
|
$ |
6,418 |
|
|
$ |
(3,910 |
) |
|
|
264.1 |
% |
Percentage of total revenues |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
-3.0 |
% |
|
|
|
Other income, net, consists primarily of changes in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan, interest income earned on available cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, and rental income from leasing space in our Silicon Valley and Natick facilities. The increase in other income, net, was primarily due to a change in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan and an increase in interest income. During the first quarter of 2023, other income, net, increased by $8,617,000 with a corresponding decrease to deferred compensation expense, as compared to the same period last year, due to a change in the value of assets associated with our deferred compensation plan. This increase consisted of an increase in the value of the plan assets of $3,918,000 during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to a decrease in the value of the plan assets of $4,699,000 during the same period last year. During the first quarter of 2023 interest income increased by $1,749,000 due to higher interest rates.
Income Taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
(in thousands, except percentages) |
|
March 31, 2023 |
|
|
April 1, 2022 |
|
|
Percent Change |
|
Income taxes |
|
$ |
6,414 |
|
|
$ |
3,198 |
|
|
|
100.6 |
% |
Percentage of total revenues |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
2.5 |
% |
|
|
|
Effective tax rate |
|
|
18.0 |
% |
|
|
9.7 |
% |
|
|
|
The excess tax benefit associated with stock-based awards was $3,627,000 during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to $6,040,000 during the same period last year. The decrease in the excess tax benefit was due to a smaller increase in the value of our common stock between the grant date and the release date for the restricted stock units released during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to the first quarter of 2022. Excluding the impact of the excess tax benefit, the effective tax rate would have been 28.3% during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to 28.2% during the same period last year.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We believe our existing balances of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, outstanding commitments, stock repurchases, dividends and other liquidity requirements over at least the next twelve months.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
(in thousands) |
|
March 31, 2023 |
|
|
April 1, 2022 |
|
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
$ |
(6,703 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,352 |
) |
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(5,668 |
) |
|
|
(2,606 |
) |
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
|
(23,740 |
) |
|
|
(73,408 |
) |
We financed our business during the first three months of 2023 through available cash. As of March 31, 2023, our cash and cash equivalents were $125,649,000 as compared to $161,458,000 at December 30, 2022.
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.
- 22 -
The increase in net cash used in investing activities during the first three months of 2023, as compared to the same period last year, was due to an increase in capital expenditures. The increase in capital expenditures was due to an increase in investment in our corporate infrastructure.
The decrease in net cash used in financing activities during the first three months of 2023, as compared to the same period last year, was due to a decrease in repurchases of our common stock and a decrease in payroll taxes for restricted stock units partially offset by an increase in dividends.
We expect to continue our investing activities, including capital expenditures. Furthermore, cash reserves may be used to repurchase shares of common stock under our stock repurchase programs, pay dividends, or strategically acquire professional service firms that are complementary to our business.
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 $101,330,000 were recorded as a long-term liability on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2023. Vested amounts due under the plan of $11,940,000 were recorded as a current liability on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2023. Our 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 March 31, 2023, invested amounts under the plan of $98,981,000 were recorded as a long-term asset on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of March 31, 2023, invested amounts under the plan of $13,350,000 were recorded as a current asset on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.
As permitted under Delaware law, we have agreements whereby we indemnify our officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was, serving at our request in such capacity. The indemnification period covers all pertinent events and occurrences during the officer’s or director’s lifetime. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, we have director and officer insurance coverage that reduces our exposure and enables us to recover a portion of any future amounts paid.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Regulation G, Conditions for Use of Non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("Non-GAAP") Financial Measures, and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“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 for 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 (determined as shown in the reconciliation table below) as a percentage of revenues before reimbursements for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2022:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
(in thousands, except percentages) |
|
March 31, 2023 |
|
|
April 1, 2022 |
|
Revenues before reimbursements |
|
$ |
128,705 |
|
|
$ |
117,870 |
|
EBITDA |
|
$ |
35,756 |
|
|
$ |
34,475 |
|
EBITDA as a % of revenues before reimbursements |
|
|
27.8 |
% |
|
|
29.2 |
% |
- 23 -
The decrease in EBITDA as a percentage of revenues before reimbursements during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to the same period last year was primarily due to a decrease in utilization and an increase in other operating and general and administrative expenses. Our utilization decreased to 70% during the first quarter of 2023 as compared to 77% during the same period last year. The decrease in utilization was due to a 12% increase in technical full-time equivalent employees. Other operating and general and administrative expenses increased during the first quarter of 2023 due to an increase in travel and meals associated with the easing of COVID-19 pandemic-related business and travel restrictions, an increase in technical full-time equivalent employees, investments in our corporate infrastructure, and an increase in marketing and business development activities.
The following table is a reconciliation of EBITDA and EBITDAS to the most comparable GAAP measure, net income, for the three months ended March 31, 2023:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
(in thousands) |
|
March 31, 2023 |
|
|
April 1, 2022 |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
29,124 |
|
|
$ |
29,609 |
|
Add back (subtract): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes |
|
|
6,414 |
|
|
|
3,198 |
|
Interest income, net |
|
|
(1,770 |
) |
|
|
(21 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
1,988 |
|
|
|
1,689 |
|
EBITDA |
|
|
35,756 |
|
|
|
34,475 |
|
Stock-based compensation |
|
|
7,063 |
|
|
|
6,870 |
|
EBITDAS |
|
$ |
42,819 |
|
|
$ |
41,345 |
|
- 24 -