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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-K

 


 

x Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004.

 

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 or organization)

 

(IRS employer

identification no.)

 

149 Commonwealth Drive, Menlo Park, California 94025

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

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

 


 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Common Stock, $.001 par value

(Title of Class)

 


 

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the closing sale price of the Common Stock as reported on the NASDAQ National Market on July 2, 2004, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter, was $186,426,798.

 

The number of shares of the issuer’s Common Stock outstanding as of March 4, 2005 was 7,922,465.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 1, 2005, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 



Table of Contents

EXPONENT, INC.

FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page

PART I

         

Item 1.

   Business    3

Item 2.

   Properties    9

Item 3.

   Legal Proceedings    9

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    9

PART II

         

Item 5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters    9

Item 6.

   Selected Consolidated Financial Data    10

Item 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    10

Item 7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    19

Item 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    20

Item 9.

   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    20

Item 9A.

   Controls and Procedures    20

Item 9B.

   Other Information    20

PART III

         

Item 10.

   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant    20

Item 11.

   Executive Compensation    21

Item 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters    21

Item 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions    21

Item 14.

   Principal Accounting Fees and Services    21

PART IV

         

Item 15.

   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules    22

Signatures

   46

Exhibits

   48

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains, and incorporates by reference, 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 under) 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, and liabilities resulting from claims made against us. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in this Report under the heading “Factors That May Affect Future Operating Results and Market Price of Stock” and elsewhere. The inclusion of such forward-looking

 

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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. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such forward-looking statements.

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

GENERAL

 

The inception of Exponent, Inc. goes back to 1967, with the founding of the partnership Failure Analysis Associates which was incorporated the following year in California and reincorporated in Delaware as Failure Analysis Associates, Inc. in 1988. The Failure Group, Inc. was organized in 1989 as a holding company for Failure Analysis Associates, Inc. and changed its name to Exponent, Inc. in 1998. Exponent, Inc. (“Exponent”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), is a science and engineering consulting firm that provides solutions to complex problems. Our multidisciplinary team of scientists, physicians, engineers, business and regulatory consultants brings together more than 70 different technical disciplines to solve complicated issues facing industry and business today. Our professional staff can perform in-depth scientific research and analysis, or very rapid-response evaluations to provide our clients with the critical information they need.

 

CLIENTS

 

General

 

Exponent serves clients in automotive, aviation, chemical, construction, energy, government, health, insurance, manufacturing, technology and other sectors of the economy. Many of our engagements are initiated by lawyers or insurance companies, whose clients anticipate, or are engaged in, litigation over an alleged failure of their products, equipment or services. We have seen our services in failure prevention and technology evaluation grow as the technological complexity of products has increased over the years.

 

Pricing and Terms of Engagements

 

We provide our services on either a fixed-price basis or on a “time and expenses” basis, charging hourly rates for each staff member involved in a project, based on his or her skills and experience. Our standard rates for professionals range from $85 to $800 per hour. Our engagement agreements typically provide for monthly billing, require payment of our invoices within 30 days of receipt and permit clients to terminate an engagement at any time. Clients normally agree to indemnify our work and our personnel against liabilities arising out of the use or application of the results of our work or recommendations.

 

SERVICES

 

Exponent’s service offerings are provided through a practice-focused format. Many projects require support from multiple practices. We currently operate 14 practices, including:

 

    Biomechanics

 

    Civil Engineering

 

    Data/Risk Analysis

 

    EcoSciences

 

    Electrical Engineering

 

    Environmental Science

 

    Food & Chemicals

 

    Health Sciences

 

    Human Factors

 

    Industrial Structures

 

    Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science

 

    Technology Development

 

    Thermal Sciences

 

    Vehicle Analysis

 

Biomechanics

 

Exponent’s Biomechanics staff use engineering and biomedical science to explore the cause, nature, and severity of injuries. The type and distribution of injuries, combined with our extensive experience in human injury tolerance, allows us to determine forces and motions that must have occurred to produce the injuries. Through close interaction with our Vehicle Analysis and Human Factors practices, our consultants analyze the human’s overall role in an accident, including likelihood, causation, and severity.

 

For example, our medical device team utilized a Medicare database with over one billion records—the largest in Exponent history—to research specific health outcomes. This database was obtained with the support of a medical device client interested in learning how its product provided positive health outcomes for patients. With the information provided by the database, Exponent leveraged its

 

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expertise in health consulting, biomechanics, and statistics, to evaluate treatment patterns, costs, and outcomes using the Medicare data.

 

Civil Engineering

 

Exponent has over 25 years experience investigating all types of structural, hydrological, geotechnical, geological, geomechanical, construction and building problems, from major catastrophes to simple performance failures. The scientific investigation of these events provides our clients with a thorough assessment of damage, as well as expert analysis of causation to be used for purposes of retrofit, repair, claims adjustment, or litigation. Furthermore, we use our experience to help clients before failures occur, to determine the vulnerability of their facilities to damage, and to develop appropriate mitigation measures.

 

For example we were engaged by the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority to help identify potential errors and omissions by design firms and the construction manager for Boston’s Central Artery and Tunnel Project. Our efforts included identifying and evaluating design errors and omissions and their corresponding economic impact, including analysis of project delays and inefficiencies, determination of the root cause of design modifications, assignment of liability, and an assessment of the construction manager’s conduct.

 

Data/Risk Analysis

 

Exponent’s expertise in risk analysis helps quantify how machines, vehicles, consumer products, and components behave in the “real world”—the direct measurement of risk. We advise our clients on whether design changes may increase or decrease risk, or whether overall safety justifies a particular design. Using one of the largest collections of accident and incident data in the world, our Data/Risk Analysis practice reviews “real-world” performance of consumer products, transportation, and other human activity.

 

For example, our statisticians utilized the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Special Crash Investigations for Airbags database and Polk registration data, to show that the risk of fatal or serious injury caused by a passenger side airbag is significantly lower in a particular vehicle as compared to other vehicles.

 

EcoSciences

 

Exponent’s ecological scientists provide proven, cost-effective, and scientifically defensible solutions to complex issues. This multidisciplinary team includes terrestrial and aquatic ecologists, toxicologists, fishery scientists and resource management specialists. Our services include ecological risk assessment, natural resource damage assessment, toxicological reviews and analysis, water quality management, and design/monitoring of ecological restoration programs.

 

Exponent’s staff has worked on more than 30 natural resource damage cases nationwide. Through this work, we have gained valuable insights into the natural resource damage assessment process and a thorough understanding of the trustees’ perspectives. Our experience includes a wide variety of habitats (freshwater, estuarine, marine, and terrestrial) and substances of concern (PCBs, dioxins, PAH, metals, and petroleum hydrocarbons).

 

Electrical Engineering

 

In the age of electronics, Exponent continues to be a highly sought-after resource for understanding current and potential risks involving electrical and electronic components. Our team of electrical engineers performs a wide array of investigations ranging from electric power systems to semiconductor devices. We operate laboratories for testing both heavy equipment and light electronic equipment. Computers and specialized software are used to analyze electric power systems, circuits and other equipment configurations.

 

For example, Exponent is currently working with several electronics manufacturers to critically evaluate pre-production products as an independent third party. This role in the safety evaluation of the client’s pre-production products is important in minimizing risk and product recalls. These clients require an Exponent product safety evaluation report before the product can be released to the market. Products are evaluated based on the client’s safety specifications and also Exponent’s expertise in the field.

 

Environmental Science

 

Exponent’s environmental scientists and engineers provide proven, cost-effective, scientifically defensible and realistic assessments and solutions to complex environmental issues. We offer technical, regulatory, and litigation support to industries that include mining and minerals, petrochemicals, forest products, shipbuilding, railroads, aerospace, and defense and trade associations. Our consultants also address hydrological issues related to new housing and office complex developments around the country.

 

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In 2004, we added a new Vice President in the Environmental Sciences area. One of the projects that we are currently working on involves environmental assessment studies of Prince William Sound (Alaska) as a result of the Exxon Valdez oil spill 16 years ago.

 

Food & Chemicals

 

Our Food and Chemicals practice includes experienced staff of both technical and regulatory specialists who are experienced in dealing with foods, and with pesticide and non-pesticide products including conventional chemicals, biochemicals, microbials, and products of biotechnology. We provide practical, creative, scientific and regulatory support to meet global business objectives at every stage of the product cycle, from R&D to retail.

 

For example, we currently manage global regulatory and technical matters for a client’s four active ingredients and associated formulated products. These are multi-year, long-term projects, where the client has outsourced regulatory and technical matters for the compounds to Exponent. This work includes developing and executing global regulatory strategy, placing and monitoring studies, interfacing with the client’s regulatory staff as well as regulatory authorities in a particular country, and supporting Exponent’s client with their own client base.

 

Health Sciences

 

Our Health Sciences practice combines the expertise and experience of M.D.s and Ph.D.s to provide a comprehensive perspective on human health issues such as occupational and environmental health, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and the quality of health care. The practice utilizes our consultants’ expertise in occupational epidemiology to examine possible work-related diseases and injuries related to products such as asbestos, silica, and dioxin. Exponent’s team of toxicologists studies and analyzes industry and regulatory issues relating to products and processes and their effect on humans and their environment.

 

In 2004, we added additional staff in our Washington, D.C. office and were extremely active in the asbestos, perchlorate, and other toxic tort matters. For example, in response to community concerns due to certain chemicals in the soil from a manufacturing plant, Exponent was retained to conduct a cross-sectional biomonitoring study. Exponent designed the study, conducted most of the data collection, interacted with the laboratories for chemical analysis, conducted statistical analyses, interpreted the study results, and communicated the findings to an independent technical advisory panel of experts, participants, and the community.

 

Human Factors

 

Our Human Factors practice analyzes human cognition and behavior to guide product design decisions to provide better product safety and usability. Working in conjunction with other Exponent practices, our scientists look at ways to improve product design, as well as review safety information and training to help change human behavior and reduce accidents.

 

For example, our consultants analyzed the detectability of two sleeping children in the back of the vehicle and whether they could be seen by the driver during nighttime operation.

 

Industrial Structures

 

Our Industrial Structures practice, based in Düsseldorf, Germany, specializes in design and assessment of industrial concrete structures subject to extreme conditions. Exponent’s Düsseldorf office has provided design reviews and assessments on more than 800 structures around the world, and our staff has participated in the creation of several engineering standards.

 

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

 

Our mechanical engineers and materials scientists have both an academic and “real-world” understanding of their field, including reliability and hazard evaluation, design assessment and materials life prediction. We routinely work with manufacturers to assess risks to their products during their design and manufacturing phases of product development. In addition, we help manufacturers respond to allegations of defective design by the federal regulatory agencies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

 

For example, we were engaged to analyze potential workmanship and inspection irregularities during fabrication of an offshore petroleum pipeline. After fabrication, the pipeline failed three successive hydrostatic pressure tests as a result of cracking in faulty welds. Exponent consultants digitally scanned, evaluated, graded, and summarized electronic images of x-ray radiographs from a sample of welded pipe joints to characterize the quality of welding and x-ray inspections. Statistical analysis of the results of the radiograph sampling demonstrated the overall poor quality of the installation and inspection. Exponent prepared detailed primary and rebuttal reports and provided testimony at the arbitration held in New York and San Francisco.

 

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Technology Development

 

Drawing on our multidisciplinary engineering, testing, and failure analysis and prevention expertise, our Technology Development practice specializes in harnessing commercial technologies to develop effective military equipment and systems. In 2004, we continued to support the U.S. Army’s efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq. In the field, our engineers are assisting the Rapid Equipping Force develop technical solutions related to combat issues.

 

During the second half of 2004, we worked on the initial phase of a project for the U.S. Navy to mitigate the enemy submarine threat by detecting them when they pass an arbitrarily defined boundary. This phase demonstrated the on-sea ad-hoc networking necessary to coordinate the hundreds of semi-autonomous sensors required to secure the boundary. This initial phase was completed successfully toward the end of 2004.

 

Thermal Sciences

 

Exponent has investigated and analyzed thousands of fires and explosions ranging from high loss disasters at manufacturing facilities to small insurance claims. Information gained from these analyses has helped us assist clients in assessing preventative measures related to the design of their products.

 

For example, we provided an analysis of the cause of a fire and explosion onboard a containership, providing consulting support for both the investigation as well as two litigation matters; one in the U.S. and one abroad.

 

Vehicle Analysis

 

Our Vehicle Analysis practice provides design analysis, vehicle crash testing, component testing, and accident reconstruction services to clients developing new automotive products, facing unexpected performance issues, or seeking information on how an accident occurred. At our 147-acre Test and Engineering Center in Phoenix, we develop unique test protocols using proprietary tests developed by our consulting staff.

 

In 2004, we worked with a metropolitan transit agency to review aging vehicles to determine whether they could be effectively repaired or needed replacement. The results of our investigation allowed the agency to realize significant cost savings through more appropriate maintenance, instead of total equipment replacement.

 

COMPETITION

 

The marketplace for our services is fragmented and we face different sources of competition in providing various services. In addition, the services that we provide to some of our clients can be performed in-house by those clients. However, because of liability and independence concerns, clients that have the capability to perform such services themselves often retain Exponent or other independent consultants.

 

In each of the foregoing practices, we believe that the principal competitive factors are: technical capability and breadth of services, ability to deliver services on a timely basis, professional reputation and knowledge of the litigation process. Although we believe that we generally compete favorably in each of these areas, some of our competitors may be able to provide services acceptable to our clients at lower prices.

 

We believe that the barriers to entry in particular areas of engineering expertise are low and that for many of our technical disciplines, competition is increasing. In response to competitive forces in the marketplace, we continue to explore new markets for our various technical disciplines.

 

EMPLOYEES

 

As of December 31, 2004, we employed 743 full-time and part-time employees, including 471 engineering and scientific staff, 109 technical support staff and 163 administrative and support staff. Our highly skilled staff includes 390 employees with advanced degrees, of which 233 employees have achieved the level of Ph.D. or M.D.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

The address of our Internet website is www.exponent.com. We make available, free of charge through our website, access to our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other periodic SEC reports, along with amendments to all of those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we file the reports with the SEC.

 

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The executive officers of Exponent and their ages as of March 15, 2005 are as follows:

 

Name


  Age

  

Position


Roger L. McCarthy, Ph.D.

  56    Chairman of the Board of Directors

Michael R. Gaulke

  59    President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Subbaiah V. Malladi, Ph.D.

  58    Chief Technical Officer and Director

Larry W. Anderson, Ph.D.

  65    Group Vice President

Robert D. Caligiuri, Ph.D.

  53    Group Vice President

Paul R. Johnston, Ph.D.

  51    Chief Operating Officer

John E. Moalli, Sc.D.

  40    Group Vice President

Richard L. Schlenker, Jr.

  39    Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary

 

Executive officers of Exponent are appointed by the Board of Directors and serve at the discretion of the Board or until the appointment of their successors. There is no family relationship between any of the directors and officers of the Company.

 

Roger L. McCarthy, Ph.D., joined the Company in August 1978. Currently, Dr. McCarthy is Chairman of the Board of Directors and has been a Director of the Company since 1980. From June 1996 to October 1998, he served as Chief Technical Officer of the Company. He was Chief Executive Officer of the Company from 1982 to June 1996. He also served as President of the Company from 1986 to March 1993. Dr. McCarthy received his Ph.D. (1977), Mech.E. (1975) and S.M. (1973) from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his B.S.E. (1972) in Mechanical Engineering and A.B. (1972) in Philosophy from the University of Michigan. Dr. McCarthy is a Registered Professional Engineer in the states of California, Georgia and Arizona and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

 

Michael R. Gaulke joined the Company in September 1992, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He was named President in March 1993 and he was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company in January 1994. He assumed his current role of President and Chief Executive Officer in June 1996. From November 1988 to September 1992, Mr. Gaulke served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Raynet Corporation, a subsidiary of Raychem Corporation. Prior to joining Raynet, Mr. Gaulke was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Spectra Physics, Inc., where he was employed from 1979 to 1988. From 1972 to 1979, Mr. Gaulke served as a consultant with McKinsey & Company. Mr. Gaulke is a member of the Board of Directors of Cymer, Inc. and LECG Corporation and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Mr. Gaulke received an M.B.A. (1972) in Marketing and Operations from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a B.S. (1968) in Electrical Engineering from Oregon State University.

 

Subbaiah V. Malladi, Ph.D., joined the Company in 1982 as a Senior Engineer, becoming a Senior Vice President in January 1988 and a Corporate Vice President in September 1993. In October 1998, Dr. Malladi was appointed Chief Technical Officer of the Company. Dr. Malladi also served as a Director of the Company from March 1991 through September 1993. He was re-appointed as a Director in April 1996 and has remained on the Board since that date. He received a Ph.D. (1980) in Mechanical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology, M.Tech (1972) in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, B.E. (1970) in Mechanical Engineering from SRI Venkateswara University, India and B.S. (1966) in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics from Osmania University, India. Dr. Malladi is a Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer in the State of California.

 

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Larry W. Anderson, Ph.D., joined the Company in 1986. He was promoted to Principal Engineer in 1993 and Group Vice President in 1996. Dr. Anderson received his Ph.D. (1966), M.S. (1964) and B.S. (1961) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington. He is a Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer in the State of California.

 

Robert D. Caligiuri, Ph.D., joined the Company in 1987. He was promoted to Principal Engineer in 1990 and Group Vice President in 1999. Dr. Caligiuri received his Ph.D. (1977) and M.S. (1974) in Materials Science and Engineering from Stanford University and B.S. (1973) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Davis. Prior to joining the Company he was a Program Manager and Materials Scientist for SRI International. He is a Registered Professional Metallurgical Engineer in the State of California and a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Utah.

 

Paul R. Johnston, Ph.D., joined the Company in 1981, was promoted to Vice President in 1997 and appointed Chief Operating Officer in July 2003. He received his Ph.D. (1981) in Civil Engineering and M.S. (1977) in Structural Engineering from Stanford University, and his B.A.I. (1976) in Civil Engineering and B.A. (1976) in Mathematics from Trinity College, University of Dublin, Ireland. Dr. Johnston is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of California and a Chartered Engineer in Ireland.

 

John E. Moalli, Sc.D., joined the Company in 1992. He was promoted to Principal Engineer in 1997 and Group Vice President in 2002. Dr. Moalli received his Sc.D. (1992) in Polymers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and B.S. (1987) in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University. He is a member of the Society for the Plastics Industry; Society for Plastics Engineers and a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Medical Plastics and Biomaterials.

 

Richard L. Schlenker, Jr. joined the Company in October 1990. Mr. Schlenker is the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Company. He was appointed Chief Financial Officer in July 1999 and was appointed Secretary of the Company in November 1997. Mr. Schlenker was the Director of Corporate Development from 1998 until his appointment as CFO. He was the Manager of Corporate Development from 1996 until 1998. From 1993 to 1996, Mr. Schlenker was a Business Manager, where he managed the business activities for multiple consulting practices within the Company. Prior to 1993 he held several different positions in finance and accounting within the Company. Mr. Schlenker holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Southern California.

 

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Item 2. Properties

 

Our Silicon Valley office facilities consist of a 153,738 square foot building, with office and laboratory space located on a 6.3-acre tract of land we own in Menlo Park, California and an adjacent 27,000 square feet of leased warehouse storage space.

 

Our Test and Engineering Center (“TEC”) occupies 147 acres in Maricopa County, Arizona. We lease this land from the state of Arizona under a 30-year lease agreement that expires in January 2028 and have an option to renew for two fifteen-year periods. We constructed an indoor test facility as well as an engineering and test preparation building at the TEC.

 

In addition, we lease office, warehouse and laboratory space in 22 other locations in 14 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Germany and the United Kingdom. Leases for these offices, warehouse and laboratory facilities have terms generally ranging between one and ten years. Aggregate lease expense in fiscal 2004 for all leased properties was approximately $4,671,000.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

 

Exponent is not engaged in any material legal proceedings.

 

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

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004.

 

PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Exponent’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol “EXPO”. The following table sets forth for the fiscal periods indicated the high and low closing sales prices for our common stock.

 

Stock prices by quarter


   High

   Low

Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2004:

             

First Quarter

   $ 15.25    $ 12.96

Second Quarter

   $ 17.40    $ 12.90

Third Quarter

   $ 17.61    $ 15.31

Fourth Quarter

   $ 23.35    $ 16.70

Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004:

             

First Quarter

   $ 24.84    $ 21.33

Second Quarter

   $ 27.17    $ 22.52

Third Quarter

   $ 27.55    $ 24.50

Fourth Quarter

   $ 28.11    $ 26.58

Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2005:

             

First Quarter (through March 4, 2005)

   $ 29.50    $ 22.88

 

As of March 4, 2005, there were 360 holders of record of our common stock. Because many of the shares of our common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we believe that there are considerably more beneficial holders of our common stock than record holders.

 

We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock. See Item 7 of Part II “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

 

 

 

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Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data

 

The following selected consolidated financial data are derived from our consolidated financial statements. This data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, and with Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

     Fiscal Year

(In thousands, except per share data)


   2004

   2003

   2002

   2001

   2000

Consolidated Statements of Income Data:

                                  

Revenues before reimbursements

   $ 138,718    $ 125,943    $ 115,298    $ 104,497    $ 101,598

Revenues

   $ 151,509    $ 139,676    $ 126,055    $ 114,461    $ 113,027

Operating income

   $ 19,324    $ 16,902    $ 14,036    $ 9,779    $ 10,843

Income from continuing operations

   $ 12,040    $ 10,166    $ 7,924    $ 6,122    $ 7,428

Net income

   $ 12,040    $ 10,166    $ 7,924    $ 6,122    $ 7,782

Income per share from continuing operations:

                                  

Basic

   $ 1.56    $ 1.41    $ 1.16    $ 0.94    $ 1.12

Diluted

   $ 1.41    $ 1.27    $ 1.05    $ 0.85    $ 1.05

Net income per share:

                                  

Basic

   $ 1.56    $ 1.41    $ 1.16    $ 0.94    $ 1.17

Diluted

   $ 1.41    $ 1.27    $ 1.05    $ 0.85    $ 1.10

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:

                                  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 6,980    $ 19,490    $ 22,480    $ 7,815    $ 6,379

Short-term investments

   $ 53,066    $ 22,108    $ —      $ —      $ —  

Working capital

   $ 78,921    $ 57,519    $ 44,696    $ 31,747    $ 24,033

Total assets

   $ 144,081    $ 121,842    $ 107,216    $ 91,034    $ 85,626

Long-term liabilities

   $ 2,558    $ 2,411    $ 1,864    $ 1,192    $ 886

Total stockholders’ equity

   $ 116,984    $ 95,201    $ 83,786    $ 70,531    $ 65,337

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Forward-looking statements

 

The statements in this report that are not statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” and are based on current expectations and actual results may differ materially. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including but not limited to, the possibility that the demand for our services may decline as a result of changes in general and industry specific economic conditions and the effects of competitive services and pricing; one or more current or future claims made against us may result in substantial liabilities; and such other risks and uncertainties as are described in reports and other documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Overview

 

Exponent, Inc. is a science and engineering consulting firm that provides solutions to complex problems. Our multidisciplinary team of scientists, physicians, engineers, business and regulatory consultants brings together more than 70 different technical disciplines to solve complicated issues facing industry and government today. Our services include analysis of product development or product recall, regulatory compliance, discovery of potential problems related to products, people or property and impending litigation, as well as the development of highly technical new products.

 

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

In preparing our 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, estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts, accounting for income taxes and valuing goodwill have the greatest potential impact on our consolidated financial statements, so we consider these to be our critical accounting policies. We discuss below the critical accounting estimates associated with these policies. Historically, our assumptions, judgments and estimates relative to our critical accounting policies have not differed materially from actual results. For further information on the critical accounting policies, see Note 1 of our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Revenue recognition. We derive our revenues primarily from professional fees earned on consulting engagements and fees earned for the use of our equipment and facilities, as well as reimbursements for outside direct expenses associated with the services that are billed to our clients.

 

Substantially all of our 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 our fixed-price engagements we recognize revenue based on the relationship of incurred labor hours at standard rates to our estimate of the total labor hours at standard rates we expect to incur over the term of the contract. Our estimate of total labor hours we expect to incur over the term of the contract is based on the nature of the project and our past experience on similar projects. We believe this methodology achieves a reliable measure of the revenue from the consulting services we provide to our customers under fixed-price contracts.

 

Significant management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with the revenues 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 we made different judgments or utilized different estimates, the amount and timing of our 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, we determine that collection of revenue is not reasonably assured, we do not recognize the revenue until its collection becomes reasonably assured, which is generally upon receipt of cash. We assess collectibility based on a number of factors, including past transaction history with the client and project manager, as well as the credit-worthiness 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.

 

Estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts. We must make estimates of our ability to collect accounts receivable and our unbilled work-in-process. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to us, we record a specific allowance to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. For all other customers we recognize allowances for doubtful accounts based upon historical bad debts, customer concentration, customer credit-worthiness, current economic conditions and changes in customer payment terms. As of December 31, 2004, our accounts receivable balance was $38.6 million, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $1.5 million.

 

Accounting for income taxes. In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions where we operate. This process involves estimating actual current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our consolidated balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and, to the extent that we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance.

 

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Significant judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, such as current tax laws, our interpretation of current tax laws and possible outcomes of current and future audits conducted by foreign and domestic tax authorities. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates or the estimates are adjusted in future periods, then we may need to establish a valuation allowance, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations. Based on our current financial projections and operating plan for fiscal 2005, we currently believe that we will be able to utilize our deferred tax assets.

 

Valuing goodwill. We assess the impairment of goodwill annually or more frequently if certain triggering events occur indicating that the carrying value of goodwill may be impaired. Factors that we consider when evaluating for possible impairment include the following:

 

    significant under-performance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;

 

    significant changes in the manner of our use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business; and

 

    significant negative economic trends.

 

When evaluating our goodwill for impairment, based upon the existence of one or more of the above factors, we determine the existence of an impairment by assessing the fair value of the applicable reporting unit, including goodwill, using expected future cash flows to be generated by the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then an impairment loss is recognized.

 

We completed our annual impairment review as of the end of the 47th week of fiscal 2004 and determined that we had no impairment of our goodwill and therefore did not record an impairment charge. As of December 31, 2004, goodwill totaled $8.6 million.

 

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CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, the percentage of revenues of certain items in our consolidated statements of income and the percentage increase (decrease) in the dollar amount of such items year to year:

 

     PERCENTAGE OF REVENUES
FOR FISCAL YEARS


   

PERIOD TO

PERIOD CHANGE


 
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2004 vs. 2003

    2003 vs. 2002

 

Revenues

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   8.5 %   10.8 %

Operating expenses:

                              

Compensation and related expenses

   59.9     58.9     60.1     10.3     8.7  

Other operating expenses

   12.4     12.8     13.9     5.1     2.3  

Reimbursable expenses

   8.4     9.8     8.5     (6.9 )   27.7  

General and administrative expenses

   6.5     6.4     6.4     11.1     9.7  
    

 

 

 

 

     87.2     87.9     88.9     7.7     9.6  
    

 

 

 

 

Operating income

   12.8     12.1     11.1     14.3     20.4  

Other income, net

   0.7     0.6     0.5     35.9     31.5  
    

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   13.5     12.7     11.6     15.3     20.9  

Provision for income taxes

   5.6     5.4     5.3     11.1     12.1  
    

 

 

 

 

Net income

   7.9 %   7.3 %   6.3 %   18.4 %   28.3 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

OVERVIEW OF THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004

 

During fiscal 2004, we had growth in several of our practice areas resulting in an 8.5% increase in revenue as compared to fiscal 2003. Our revenue growth was the result of higher billing rates and an increase in billable hours for our other scientific and engineering segment. This segment has a higher average billing rate than our environmental and health segment. Total billable hours increased 4.0% to 678,000 during fiscal 2004 as compared to 652,000 during fiscal 2003. Technical full-time equivalents increased 5.3% to 499 for fiscal 2004 as compared to 474 during fiscal 2003. Utilization decreased to 65% for fiscal 2004 as compared to 66% during fiscal 2003. Through the management of our operating expenses we were able to leverage this revenue growth to improve operating income by 14.3% and net income by 18.4% as compared to fiscal 2003.

 

FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, AND JANUARY 2, 2004

 

Revenues

 

Our revenues consist of professional fees earned on consulting engagements, fees for use of our equipment and facilities, as well as reimbursements for outside direct expenses associated with the services performed that are billed to our clients. We operate on a 52-53 week fiscal year with each year ending on the Friday closest to December 31st. The fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004 included 52 weeks of activity. The fiscal year ended January 3, 2003 included 53 weeks of activity.

 

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     Fiscal Years

   

Percent

Change


 

(In thousands)

 

   2004

    2003

   

Other scientific and engineering

   $ 115,558     $ 103,283     11.9 %

Percentage of total revenues

     76.3 %     73.9 %      

Environmental and health

     35,951       36,393     (1.2 )%

Percentage of total revenues

     23.7 %     26.1 %      
    


 


     

Total revenues

   $ 151,509     $ 139,676     8.5 %
    


 


     

 

The increase in revenues for our other scientific and engineering segment during fiscal 2004 was the result of an increase in billable hours and higher billing rates. During fiscal 2004 billable hours for this segment increased by 8.6% to 505,000 as compared to 465,000 during fiscal 2003. This growth in billable hours was due to our ability to attract new and recurring engagements during fiscal 2004. Technical full-time equivalents for this segment increased by 8.2% to 358 during fiscal 2004 as compared to 331 during fiscal 2003. Utilization for this segment was 68% during fiscal 2004 and 2003.

 

The decrease in revenues for our environmental and health segment during fiscal 2004 was the result of a decrease in billable hours partially offset by higher billing rates. During fiscal 2004 billable hours for this segment decreased by 7.5% to 173,000 as compared to 187,000 during fiscal 2003. This decrease in billable hours was primarily due to a decrease in the volume and size of new and recurring engagements in our Environmental Practice. This practice operates in one of our more competitive markets. In addition, our limited backlog causes variability in our quarterly or annual revenues. Technical full-time equivalents for this segment decreased by 1.4% to 141 during fiscal 2004 as compared to 143 during fiscal 2003. Utilization for this segment was 59% for fiscal 2004 as compared to 63% for fiscal 2003.

 

Revenues are primarily derived from services provided in response to client requests or events that occur without notice and engagements are generally terminable or subject to postponement or delay at any time by our 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.

 

Compensation and Related Expenses

 

     Fiscal Years

   

Percent

Change


 

(In thousands)

 

   2004

    2003

   

Compensation and related expenses

   $ 90,760     $ 82,297     10.3 %

Percentage of total revenues

     59.9 %     58.9 %      

 

The increase in compensation and related expenses during fiscal 2004 was due to the effects of our annual salary increase, an increase in full-time equivalents, higher fringe benefits and an increase in bonuses. Our annual salary increase, which was approximately 5%, took effect at the beginning of April 2004. Technical full-time equivalents increased 5.3% during fiscal 2004 as compared to fiscal 2003. Fringe benefits increased $1.3 million due primarily to increases in health insurance, employer 401(k) contributions, workers compensation, and payroll taxes. Bonuses are based on profitability and increased by $1.3 million during fiscal 2004 as compared to fiscal 2003. We expect compensation and related expenses to increase due to the anticipated hiring of additional staff and the impact of our annual salary increases.

 

Other Operating Expenses

 

     Fiscal Years

   

Percent

Change


 

(In thousands)

 

   2004

    2003

   

Other operating expenses

   $ 18,801     $ 17,897     5.1 %

Percentage of total revenues

     12.4 %     12.8 %      

 

The increase in other operating expenses during fiscal 2004 was primarily due to the write-off of a foreign real estate investment for $230,000 during fiscal 2004. Other individually insignificant increases in computer expenses, technical materials, occupancy expenses, and office expenses contributed to the remaining increase. These increases were due to a corresponding increase in full-time equivalents. We anticipate other operating expenses to increase due to the support associated with the anticipated hiring of additional staff and the anticipated expansion of our offices.

 

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Reimbursable Expenses

 

     Fiscal Years

   

Percent

Change


 

(In thousands)

 

   2004

    2003

   

Reimbursable expenses

   $ 12,791     $ 13,733     (6.9 )%

Percentage of total revenues

     8.4 %     9.8 %      

 

The decrease in reimbursable expenses during fiscal 2004 was primarily due to a decrease in purchases of technical materials related to projects in our technology development practice.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

     Fiscal Years

   

Percent

Change


 

(In thousands)

 

   2004

    2003

   

General and administrative expenses

   $ 9,833     $ 8,847     11.1 %

Percentage of total revenues

     6.5 %     6.4 %      

 

The increase in general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2004 was primarily due to an increase in bad debt expense, outside consulting fees, marketing and business development, and other professional services. The increase in bad debt expense of $296,000 was due to an increase in write-offs during fiscal 2004 as compared to fiscal 2003 and an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts at year-end. Outside consulting fees increased by $262,000 during fiscal 2004 due primarily to $216,000 in sub-contractor fees related to a potential project with the United States government which was not executed by year-end. Marketing and business development increased by $216,000 due to our efforts to generate new and recurring engagements. Other professional services increased by $166,000 primarily due to corporate governance related expenses.

 

Other Income and Expense

 

     Fiscal Years

   

Percent

Change


 

(In thousands)

 

   2004

    2003

   

Other income and expense

   $ 1,079     $ 794     35.9 %

Percentage of total revenues

     0.7 %     0.6 %      

 

Other income and expense, net, consists primarily of investment income earned on available cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and rental income from leasing excess space in our Silicon Valley facility. The increase in other income and expense during fiscal 2004 was primarily due to an increase in interest income of $337,000 resulting from higher balances of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and an increase in short term interest rates. We anticipate an increase in interest income during 2005 due to expected higher average balances of our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments, and expected increases in short-term interest rates.

 

Income Taxes

 

     Fiscal Years

   

Percent

Change


 

(In thousands)

 

   2004

    2003

   

Income taxes

   $ 8,363     $ 7,530     11.1 %

Percentage of total revenues

     5.6 %     5.4 %      

Effective tax rate

     41.0 %     42.6 %      

 

The decrease in our effective tax rate during fiscal 2004 was primarily due to an increase in tax-exempt interest income and a change in our apportionment to states with lower statutory income tax rates. We do not expect a significant change to our income tax rate in fiscal 2005.

 

FISCAL YEARS ENDED JANUARY 2, 2004, AND JANUARY 3, 2003

 

Revenues

 

     Fiscal Years

   

Percent

Change


 

(In thousands)

 

   2003

    2002

   

Other scientific and engineering

   $ 103,283     $ 93,084     11.0 %

Percentage of total revenues

     73.9 %     73.8 %      

Environmental and health

     36,393       32,971     10.4 %

Percentage of total revenues

     26.1 %     26.2 %      
    


 


     

Total revenues

   $ 139,676     $ 126,055     10.8 %
    


 


     

 

The increase in revenues for our other scientific and engineering segment during fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002 was the result of an increase in billable hours and higher billing rates. During fiscal 2003 billable hours for this segment increased by 5.0% to 465,000 as compared to 443,000 during fiscal 2002. This increase in billable hours was driven by an increase in technical full-time equivalents to 331 as compared to 315 during fiscal 2002 and an increase in utilization to 68% during fiscal 2003 as compared to 67% during fiscal 2002.

 

The increase in revenues for our environmental and health segment during fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002 was the result of an increase in billable

 

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hours and higher billing rates. During fiscal 2003, billable hours for this segment increased by 2.7% to 187,000 as compared to 182,000 during fiscal 2002. This increase in billable hours was driven by an increase in technical full-time equivalents to 143 as compared to 134 during fiscal 2002 offset by a decrease in utilization to 63% during fiscal 2003 as compared to 65% during fiscal 2002.

 

Compensation and Related Expenses

 

     Fiscal Years

   

Percent

Change


 

(In thousands)

 

   2003

    2002

   

Compensation and related expenses

   $ 82,297     $ 75,699     8.7 %

Percentage of total revenues

     58.9 %     60.1 %      

 

The increase in compensation and related expenses during fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002 was due to the effects of our annual salary increase, an increase in full-time equivalents, and an increase in bonus expense partially offset by fiscal 2003 having one less week of activity than fiscal 2002. Technical full-time equivalents increased 5.6% during fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002. Bonuses are based on profitability and increased by $1.1 million during fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002.

 

Other Operating Expenses

 

     Fiscal Years

   

Percent

Change


 

(In thousands)

 

   2003

    2002

   

Other operating expenses

   $ 17,897     $ 17,501     2.3 %

Percentage of total revenues

     12.8 %     13.9 %      

 

The increase in other operating expenses during fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002 was primarily due to an increase in occupancy expense of $525,000. The increase in occupancy expense was due to the acquisition of three Novigen offices, the relocation of three existing offices and new lease agreements in several other locations during fiscal 2002. We realized the impact of this additional office space for all of fiscal 2003 as compared to a portion of fiscal 2002.

 

Reimbursable Expenses

 

     Fiscal Years

   

Percent

Change


 

(In thousands)

 

   2003

    2002

   

Reimbursable expenses

   $ 13,733     $ 10,757     27.7 %

Percentage of total revenues

     9.8 %     8.5 %      

 

The increase in reimbursable expenses during fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002 was primarily due to an increase in purchases of technical materials related to projects in our technology development practice.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

     Fiscal Years

   

Percent

Change


 

(In thousands)

 

   2003

    2002

   

General and administrative expenses

   $ 8,847     $ 8,062     9.7 %

Percentage of total revenues

     6.4 %     6.4 %      

 

The increase in general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002 was primarily due to an increase in travel and meals of $311,000, an increase in tax and license fees of $267,000, and an increase in bad debt expense of $143,000. The increase in travel and meals was due to increased proposal activity. The increase in tax and license fees was primarily due to a non-recurring credit of $310,000 recorded during fiscal 2002 related to the favorable completion of a sales tax audit, which we had previously recorded as an expense. The increase in bad debt expense was due to an increase in write-offs.

 

Other Income and Expense

 

     Fiscal Years

   

Percent

Change


 

(In thousands)

 

   2003

    2002

   

Other income and expense

   $ 794     $ 604     31.5 %

Percentage of total revenues

     0.6 %     0.5 %      

 

The increase in other income and expense during fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002 was primarily due to an increase in miscellaneous income of $174,000 and an increase in interest income of $16,000. The increase in miscellaneous income was due to the acquisition of two new tenants to lease space in our Silicon Valley facility during fiscal 2002 for which we realized a full year of rental income during 2003. The increase in interest income was due to higher average balances of our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments during fiscal 2003.

 

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Income Taxes

 

     Fiscal Years

   

Percent

Change


 

(In thousands)

 

   2003

    2002

   

Income taxes

   $ 7,530     $ 6,716     12.1 %

Percentage of total revenues

     5.4 %     5.3 %      

Effective tax rate

     42.6 %     45.9 %      

 

The decrease in our effective tax rate during fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002 was primarily due to the write-off of an expiring capital loss carry-forward of $349,000 during fiscal 2002. Our increase in tax-exempt interest income during fiscal 2003 also contributed to the decrease in our effective tax rate.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R) which will be effective in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. SFAS 123R will result in the recognition of substantial compensation expense relating to our employee stock options and employee stock purchase plans. We currently use the intrinsic value method to measure compensation expense for stock-based awards to our employees. Under this standard, we generally do not recognize any compensation related to stock option grants we issue under our stock option plans or related to the discounts we provide under our employee stock purchase plans. Under the new rules, we are required to adopt a fair-value-based method for measuring the compensation expense related to employee stock awards. This will lead to substantial additional compensation expense. The paragraph entitled Stock Based Compensation included in Note 1 to these consolidated financial statements provides the pro forma net income and earnings per share as if we had used a fair-value-based method similar to the methods required under SFAS 123R to measure the compensation expense for employee stock awards during fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

(in thousands)

 

   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Net cash provided by (used in):

                        

Operating activities

   $ 16,038     $ 21,664     $ 16,307  

Investing activities

   $ (34,240 )   $ (24,706 )   $ (4,365 )

Financing activities

   $ 5,646     $ 17     $ 2,687  

 

We financed our business in fiscal 2004 principally through available cash and cash flows from operating activities. We invest our excess cash in cash equivalents and short-term investments. At the end of fiscal 2004, we had $60.0 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments compared to $41.6 million at the end of the prior year. We also maintain a revolving reducing mortgage note, secured by our headquarters building. As of December 31, 2004, our available borrowings under this mortgage note were $22.9 million and the outstanding balance was $0.

 

The decrease in cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2004 as compared to fiscal 2003 was due to slower collections and a decrease in deferred revenue offset by an increase in net income. Accounts receivable related cash flow slowed as a result of higher days sales outstanding, which increased to 87 days in fiscal 2004 as compared to 82 days in fiscal 2003. The decrease in deferred revenues was due to fewer pre-billed fixed price projects in process at the end of fiscal 2004 as compared to fiscal 2003. These changes were offset by an increase in net income of $1.9 million during fiscal 2004 as compared to fiscal 2003.

 

The increase in cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002 was largely due to an increase in net income, improved collections, an increase in deferred revenues and an increase in accrued payroll and employee benefits. Accounts receivable related cash flow improved as a result of lower days sales outstanding, which were reduced to 82 days in fiscal 2003 as compared to 98 days in fiscal 2002. The increase in deferred revenues was due to more pre-billed fixed price projects in process at the end of fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. The increase in accrued payroll and employee benefits was due to an increase in accrued bonus, which is calculated based on pre-tax income.

 

During fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003 net cash used in investing activities primarily related to the purchase and sale/maturity of short-term investments. We did not purchase any short-term investments during fiscal 2002.

 

The increase in net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 2004 as compared to fiscal 2003 was due to an increase in proceeds from the issuance of common stock and a decrease in common stock repurchases. Proceeds from the issuance of common stock are primarily related to the exercise of employee stock options and the purchase of common stock under our employee stock purchase plan. The decrease in net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002 was due to a decrease in proceeds from the issuance of common stock and an increase in common stock repurchases.

 

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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 programs, to strategically acquire professional services firms that are complementary to our business and to pay dividends.

 

The following table represents the remaining authorization under our stock repurchase plans as of December 31, 2004 (in thousands):

 

Board Approval Date


   Authorized
Repurchases


   Repurchases
To Date


   Remaining
Authorization


February 2003

   $ 2,000    $ 289    $ 1,711

August 2003

   $ 3,000    $ —      $ 3,000

 

Between January 1, 2005 and March 15, 2005 we repurchased 130,415 shares of our common stock under our stock repurchase plans for $3,064,000.

 

The following schedule summarizes our principal contractual commitments as of December 31, 2004 (in thousands):

 

Fiscal year


   Operating
lease
commitments


   Capital
leases


   Purchase
obligations


   Total

2005

   $ 5,262    $ 60    $ 176    $ 5,498

2006

     3,955      55      —        4,010

2007

     3,246      46      —        3,292

2008

     2,628      5      —        2,633

2009

     2,332      —        —        2,332

Thereafter

     4,026      —        —        4,026
    

  

  

  

     $ 21,449    $ 166    $ 176    $ 21,791
    

  

  

  

 

We have a revolving reducing mortgage note with a total available borrowing amount of $21.2 million and an outstanding balance of $0 as of March 15, 2005. We believe that our existing revolving note, together with funds generated from operations, will provide adequate cash to fund our anticipated cash needs through at least the next twelve-month period.

 

In addition, we believe that the funds available under the revolving reducing mortgage note, together with 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. We believe the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements in excess of applicable insurance coverage is minimal.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As part of our ongoing business, we do not engage in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities.

 

FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE 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 the following:

 

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.

 

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

 

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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 clients, organizations and insurers related to the transportation industry. Transportation industry related engagements accounted for approximately 21% of our revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. In addition, we performed engagements for the government sector, which accounted for approximately 15% of our revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. The loss of any large client, organization or insurer related to either the transportation industry or government sector 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 predominately in the U.S., were to experience a prolonged slowdown, demand for our services could be reduced considerably.

 

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 the implementing 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.

 

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 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure 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. The average effective maturity of our investment portfolio of short-term investments and cash equivalents at December 31, 2004 was 0.65 years. 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.

 

19


Table of Contents

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.

 

Exponent has a revolving reducing mortgage note (the “Mortgage Note”) secured by our Silicon Valley headquarters building. The Mortgage Note had an initial borrowing amount up to $30.0 million and is subject to automatic annual reductions in the amount available to be borrowed of between $1.3 million to $2.1 million approximately per year until January 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2004 we had $0 outstanding and available borrowings of $22.9 million. As of March 15, 2005 our available borrowings under this note decreased to $21.2 million due to the annual reductions in the amount available to be borrowed. The Mortgage Note is subject to two interest rate options of either prime less 1.5% or the fixed LIBOR plus 1.25% with a term of one month, two months, three months, six months, nine months, or twelve months.

 

Any borrowings under the Mortgage Note would expose us to some interest rate risk. Our general policy for selecting among interest rate options and related terms will be to minimize interest expense. However, given the risk of interest rate fluctuations, we cannot be certain that the lowest rate option will always be obtained, thereby consistently minimizing our interest expense. No sensitivity analysis was performed on our exposure to interest rate fluctuations, however, given the historical low volatility of both the prime and LIBOR interest rates, we believe that any exposure would be minimal.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

See Item 15 of this Form 10-K for required financial statements and supplementary data.

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13(a)-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.

 

(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13(a)-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004.

 

Our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

 

Item 9B. Other Information

 

None.

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

The information required by this item with respect to our directors, code of ethics and compliance with section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is incorporated by reference to the sections of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”) entitled “Proposal No. 1: Election of Directors,” “Code of Ethics” and “Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.” See Item 1 for information regarding the executive officers of the Company.

 

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Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section of the Proxy Statement entitled “Executive Officer Compensation”.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section of the Proxy Statement entitled “Stock Ownership”.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

None.

 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

 

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section of the Proxy Statement entitled “Principal Accounting Fees and Services”.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

  1. Financial Statements

 

The following consolidated financial statements of Exponent, Inc. and subsidiaries and the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included herewith:

 

     Page

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2004,
January 2, 2004 and January 3, 2003

   23

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004

   24

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended
December 31, 2004, January 2, 2004 and January 3, 2003

   25

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2004,
January 2, 2004 and January 3, 2003

   26

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004,
January 2, 2004 and January 3, 2003

   27

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   28

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   44

 

  2. Financial Statement Schedules

 

The following financial statement schedule of Exponent, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2004, January 2, 2004 and January 3, 2003 is filed as part of this Report and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements of Exponent, Inc.

 

     Page

Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts

   47

 

Schedules other than those listed above have been omitted since they are either not required, not applicable, or the information is otherwise included elsewhere in the report.

 

  3. Exhibits

 

     Page

(a) Exhibit Index

   48

 

22


Table of Contents

Exponent, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands, except per share data)


   2004

   2003

   2002

Revenues:

                    

Revenues before reimbursements

   $ 138,718    $ 125,943    $ 115,298

Reimbursements

     12,791      13,733      10,757
    

  

  

Revenues

     151,509      139,676      126,055
    

  

  

Operating expenses:

                    

Compensation and related expenses

     90,760      82,297      75,699

Other operating expenses

     18,801      17,897      17,501

Reimbursable expenses

     12,791      13,733      10,757

General and administrative expenses

     9,833      8,847      8,062
    

  

  

       132,185      122,774      112,019
    

  

  

Operating income

     19,324      16,902      14,036

Other income:

                    

Interest income, net

     471      134      118

Miscellaneous income, net

     608      660      486
    

  

  

Income before income taxes

     20,403      17,696      14,640

Provision for income taxes

     8,363      7,530      6,716
    

  

  

Net income

   $ 12,040    $ 10,166    $ 7,924
    

  

  

Net income per share:

                    

Basic

   $ 1.56    $ 1.41    $ 1.16

Diluted

   $ 1.41    $ 1.27    $ 1.05

Shares used in per share computations:

                    

Basic

     7,707      7,196      6,802

Diluted

     8,531      7,996      7,538

 

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

 

23


Table of Contents

Exponent, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     Fiscal Years

 

(In thousands, except per share data)


   2004

    2003

 

Assets

                

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 6,980     $ 19,490  

Short-term investments

     53,066       22,108  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,503 and $1,248, respectively

     38,586       35,844  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     2,674       2,255  

Deferred income taxes

     2,154       2,052  
    


 


Total current assets

     103,460       81,749  
    


 


Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

     30,211       30,793  

Goodwill

     8,607       8,607  

Deferred income taxes

     130       —    

Other assets

     1,673       693  
    


 


     $ 144,081     $ 121,842  
    


 


Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

                

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   $ 4,330     $ 4,838  

Accrued payroll and employee benefits

     18,528       16,528  

Deferred revenues

     1,681       2,864  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     24,539       24,230  
    


 


Other liabilities

     1,471       169  

Deferred income taxes

     —         1,211  

Deferred rent

     1,087       1,031  
    


 


Total liabilities

     27,097       26,641  
    


 


Commitments and contingencies

                

Stockholders’ equity:

                

Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 2,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding

     —         —    

Common stock, $.001 par value; 20,000 shares authorized; 8,006 and 7,993 shares issued, respectively

     8       8  

Additional paid-in capital

     42,295       36,380  

Deferred stock-based compensation

     (907 )     (69 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     63       94  

Retained earnings

     75,525       64,237  

Treasury stock, at cost: 0 and 695 shares held, respectively

     —         (5,449 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     116,984       95,201  
    


 


     $ 144,081     $ 121,842  
    


 


 

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

 

24


Table of Contents

Exponent, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

   2002

Net income

   $ 12,040     $ 10,166    $ 7,924
    


 

  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                     

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     97       129      77

Unrealized (loss) gain arising during the period on short-term investments

     (128 )     4      —  
    


 

  

Comprehensive income

   $ 12,009     $ 10,299    $ 8,001
    


 

  

 

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

 

25


Table of Contents

Exponent, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

 

     Common Stock

  

Additional

paid-in

Capital


   

Deferred

stock-

based

compensation


   

Accumulated

other

Comprehensive

income (loss)


   

Retained

earnings


    Treasury Stock

   

Total


 

(In thousands)


   Shares

   Amount

           Shares

    Amount

   

Balance at December 28, 2001

   7,923    $ 8    $ 33,073     $ —       $ (116 )   $ 47,810     (1,435 )   $ (10,244 )   $ 70,531  

Employee stock purchase plan

   —        —        201       —         —         —       83       614       815  

Exercise of stock options

   —        —        (201 )     —         —         (828 )   591       4,874       3,845  

Tax benefit for stock option plans

   —        —        1,464       —         —         —       —         —         1,464  

Stock based compensation

   14      —        44       —         —         —       —         —         44  

Acquisition of Novigen

   55      —        725       —         —         —       —         —         725  

Purchase of treasury shares

   —        —        —         —         —         —       (127 )     (1,623 )     (1,623 )

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   —        —        —         —         77       —       —         —         77  

Other

   —        —        (16 )     —         —         —       —         —         (16 )

Net income

   —        —        —         —         —         7,924     —         —         7,924  
    
  

  


 


 


 


 

 


 


Balance at January 3, 2003

   7,992      8      35,290       —         (39 )     54,906     (888 )     (6,379 )     83,786  

Employee stock purchase plan

   —        —        55       —         —         —       89       1,017       1,072  

Exercise of stock options, net of swaps

   —        —        (55 )     —         —         (835 )   250       2,367       1,477  

Tax benefit for stock option plans

   —        —        924       —         —         —       —         —         924  

Stock based compensation

   1      —        157       (69 )     —         —       —         —         88  

Purchase of treasury shares

   —        —        —         —         —         —       (146 )     (2,454 )     (2,454 )

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   —        —        —         —         129       —       —         —         129  

Unrealized gain on investments

   —        —        —         —         4       —       —         —         4  

Other

   —        —        9       —         —         —       —         —         9  

Net income

   —        —        —         —         —         10,166     —         —         10,166  
    
  

  


 


 


 


 

 


 


Balance at January 2, 2004

   7,993      8      36,380       (69 )     94       64,237     (695 )     (5,449 )     95,201  

Employee stock purchase plan

   13      —        1,014       —         —         —       74       494       1,508  

Exercise of stock options, net of swaps

   —        —        —         —         —         (752 )   621       4,955       4,203  

Tax benefit for stock option plans

   —        —        2,864       —         —         —       —         —         2,864  

Stock based compensation

   —        —        (19 )     275       —         —       —         —         256  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   —        —        —         —         97       —       —         —         97  

Issuance of restricted stock units

   —        —        2,098       (1,113 )     —         —       —         —         985  

Unrealized loss on investments

   —        —        —         —         (128 )     —       —         —         (128 )

Other

   —        —        (42 )     —         —         —       —         —         (42 )

Net income

   —        —        —         —         —         12,040     —         —         12,040  
    
  

  


 


 


 


 

 


 


Balance at December 31, 2004

   8,006    $ 8    $ 42,295     $ (907 )   $ 63     $ 75,525     —       $ —       $ 116,984  
    
  

  


 


 


 


 

 


 


 

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

 

26


Table of Contents

Exponent, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     Fiscal Years

 

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                        

Net income

   $ 12,040     $ 10,166     $ 7,924  

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

                        

Depreciation and amortization

     4,088       3,368       3,420  

Deferred rent expense

     56       194       205  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     1,846       1,144       771  

Stock based compensation

     256       88       44  

Deferred income tax provision

     (1,443 )     227       683  

Tax benefit for stock option plans

     2,864       924       1,464  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                        

Accounts receivable

     (4,588 )     1,416       952  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     (369 )     1,465       (881 )

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (514 )     (542 )     224  

Accrued payroll and employee benefits

     2,985       1,861       1,432  

Deferred revenues

     (1,183 )     1,353       69  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     16,038       21,664       16,307  
    


 


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                        

Business acquisitions, net

     —         —         (2,134 )

Capital expenditures

     (2,616 )     (2,317 )     (2,137 )

Other assets

     264       (125 )     (94 )

Purchase of short-term investments

     (49,735 )     (24,070 )     —    

Sale/maturity of short-term investments

     17,847       1,806       —    
    


 


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (34,240 )     (24,706 )     (4,365 )
    


 


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                        

Repayments of borrowings and long-term obligations

     (65 )     (78 )     (350 )

Repurchase of common stock

     —         (2,454 )     (1,623 )

Issuance of common stock

     5,711       2,549       4,660  
    


 


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     5,646       17       2,687  
    


 


 


Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

     46       35       36  
    


 


 


Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (12,510 )     (2,990 )     14,665  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     19,490       22,480       7,815  
    


 


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 6,980     $ 19,490     $ 22,480  
    


 


 


 

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

 

27


Table of Contents

Exponent, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

Exponent, Inc. together with its subsidiaries (referred to as the “Company”) is a science and engineering consulting firm that provides solutions to complex problems. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The Company operates on a 52-53 week fiscal year with each year ending on the Friday closest to December 31st. Fiscal periods 2004 and 2003 were 52 weeks and ended on December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004, respectively. Fiscal period 2002 was 53 weeks and ended on January 3, 2003.

 

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 to its estimate of the total labor hours at standard rates 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 to measure progress toward completion;

 

    if either party terminates the contract 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.

 

28


Table of Contents

Gross revenues and reimbursements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, January 2, 2004 and January 3, 2003, respectively, were:

 

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

   2002

Gross revenues

   $ 159,017    $ 149,416    $ 134,307

Less: Subcontractor fees

     7,508      9,740      8,252
    

  

  

Revenues

     151,509      139,676      126,055

Reimbursements:

                    

Out-of-pocket travel reimbursements

     3,798      3,944      3,841

Other outside direct expenses

     8,993      9,789      6,916
    

  

  

       12,791      13,733      10,757
    

  

  

Revenues before reimbursements

   $ 138,718    $ 125,943    $ 115,298
    

  

  

 

Significant management judgments and estimates must be made in connection with the revenues 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 credit-worthiness 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.

 

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.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior period balances have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. Net losses (the differences between the treasury stock purchase price and the re-issuance price) related to the re-issuance of treasury stock during fiscal years ended January 2, 2004, January 3, 2003, and December 28, 2001, of $835,000, $828,000, and $564,000, respectively, were re-classified from additional paid-in capital to retained earnings.

 

Foreign Currency Translation

 

The Company translates the assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, whose functional currency is the local currency, at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. The adjustment resulting from translating the financial statements of such foreign subsidiaries is included in accumulated other comprehensive income, which is reflected as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

 

Cash Equivalents

 

Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments such as money market mutual funds, commercial paper and debt securities with original maturities of three months or less.

 

Short-Term Investments

 

Short-term investments consist of debt securities classified as available for sale and are carried at their fair value as of the balance sheet date. Short-term investments generally mature between three months and three years from the purchase date. Investments with maturities beyond one year are classified as short-term based on their highly liquid nature and because such marketable securities represent investments readily available for current operations. The amortized cost of securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. Such amortization is included in interest income. Realized gains or losses are determined on the specific identification method and are reflected in other income. Net unrealized gains and losses are recorded directly in stockholders’ equity except for unrealized losses that are deemed to be other than temporary, which are reflected in net income.

 

Short-term investments are reviewed on a regular basis to evaluate whether or not any security has experienced an other-than temporary decline in fair value. When assessing short-term investments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value, the Company considers the significance of the decline in

 

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value as a percentage of the original cost, how long the market value of the investment has been less than its original cost, and any news that has been released specific to the investee.

 

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts

 

The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to meet their financial obligations. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations a specific allowance is recorded to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. For all other customers the Company recognizes allowances for doubtful accounts based upon historical bad debts, customer concentration, customer credit-worthiness, current economic conditions and changes in customer payment terms.

 

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

 

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method. Buildings are depreciated over their estimated useful lives ranging from thirty to forty years. Equipment is depreciated over its estimated useful life, which generally ranges from two to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives, generally seven years, or the term of the related lease.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future cash flows to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. The Company has not recognized impairment losses on any long-lived assets in fiscal 2004, 2003 or 2002.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The Company assesses the impairment of goodwill annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. The Company’s annual goodwill impairment review is completed at the end of the 47th week of each fiscal year. The Company assesses the impairment of intangible assets that are subject to amortization in accordance with SFAS No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets”, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. Factors that the Company considers when evaluating for possible impairment include the following:

 

    significant under-performance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results;

 

    significant changes in the manner of use of the acquired assets or the strategy for overall business; and

 

    significant negative economic trends.

 

When evaluating the Company’s goodwill for impairment, based upon the existence of one or more of the above factors, the Company determines the existence of an impairment by assessing the fair value of the applicable reporting unit, including goodwill, using expected future cash flows to be generated by the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then an impairment loss is recognized.

 

When determining whether the carrying value of amortizable intangible assets is impaired, based upon the existence of one or more of the above factors, the Company determines the existence of an impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the undiscounted future cash flows to be generated by the asset. If such cash flows are less than the carrying amount, the assets are considered impaired and the impairment is measured and recognized as the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

 

Deferred Revenues

 

Deferred revenues represent amounts billed to clients in advance of services provided, primarily on fixed-price projects. The Company had $1.7 million and $2.9 million in deferred revenues as of December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004, respectively.

 

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the tax basis and the financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from changes in tax

 

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Table of Contents

rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, other assets, accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying amount of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, other assets, accounts payable and debt obligations approximates their fair values, which for debt is based upon current rates available to the Company.

 

Stock Based Compensation

 

During fiscal 2004, the Company implemented certain changes to its employee compensation designed to continue to attract and retain employees, and to better align employee interests with those of the Company’s stockholders. Up to 30% of a select group of principals’ and officers’ fiscal 2003 bonus was settled with fully vested restricted stock unit awards issued under the Company’s Restricted Stock Plan. 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. On March 12, 2004, fully vested restricted stock unit awards representing 43,273 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to a select group of principals and officers as a part of their bonus distribution for fiscal 2003. The value of these fully vested restricted stock unit awards as measured on March 12, 2004 was $985,000.

 

Each individual who received a fully vested restricted stock unit award was also granted a matching number of unvested restricted stock unit awards under the Company’s Restricted Stock Plan. These unvested restricted stock unit awards will vest on March 12, 2008, 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. Unvested restricted stock unit awards representing 43,273 shares of the Company’s common stock were granted to a select group of principals and officers on March 12, 2004. The value of these unvested restricted stock unit awards as measured on March 12, 2004 of $985,000 was recorded as deferred stock-based compensation. This deferred stock-based compensation is being amortized over the four-year vesting period of the awards. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company recognized $194,000 in stock-based compensation expense related to these awards, which was classified as compensation and related expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of net income.

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company granted 6,018 unvested restricted stock unit awards to certain members of the Board of Directors under the Company’s Restricted Stock Plan. These unvested restricted stock unit awards will vest ratably over a three-year period from the grant date. 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 the award meets certain service conditions during the vesting period. The value of these unvested restricted stock unit awards as measured on June 2, 2004 of $150,000 was recorded as deferred stock-based compensation. This deferred stock based compensation is being amortized over the three-year vesting period of the awards. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company recognized $29,000 in stock-based compensation expense related to these awards, which was classified as general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of net income.

 

The Company uses the intrinsic value method in accounting for its Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Stock Option Plans, collectively called “Options”. The Options are generally granted at exercise prices equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, requires the Company to disclose pro forma information regarding net income and net income per share as if the Company had accounted for its Options under the fair value method. Under the fair value method, compensation expense is calculated for options granted using a defined valuation technique. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the fair value of its options. In calculating the fair value of an option at the date of grant, the Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions. The Company used the following weighted average assumptions for 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 

    

Employee

Purchase Plan


    Stock Option Plan

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2004

    2003

    2002

 

Expected life (in years)

   0.6     0.6     0.6     4.9     5.6     5.6  

Risk-free interest rate

   2.6 %   1.0 %   2.0 %   3.7 %   3.3 %   4.2 %

Volatility

   29 %   38 %   37 %   47 %   51 %   62 %

Dividend yield

   0 %   0 %   0 %   0 %   0 %   0 %

 

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Using the above assumptions, the weighted average fair value of options granted during 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $12.43, $7.47 and $7.60, respectively.

 

Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the estimated fair value at the grant date for its Options under SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts indicated in the following table:

 

     Fiscal Years

 

(In thousands, except per share data)


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Net income, as reported:

   $ 12,040     $ 10,166     $ 7,924  

Add back:

                        

Intrinsic value stock-based compensation expense, net of tax

     151       51       24  

Deduct:

                        

Fair value stock-based compensation expense, net of tax

     (1,804 )     (2,192 )     (1,866 )
    


 


 


Net income, pro-forma:

   $ 10,387     $ 8,025     $ 6,082  
    


 


 


Net income per share:

                        

As reported:

                        

Basic

   $ 1.56     $ 1.41     $ 1.16  

Diluted

   $ 1.41     $ 1.27     $ 1.05  

Pro-forma:

                        

Basic

   $ 1.35     $ 1.12     $ 0.89  

Diluted

   $ 1.23     $ 1.03     $ 0.83  

Shares used in per share calculations:

                        

As reported:

                        

Basic

     7,707       7,196       6,802  

Diluted

     8,531       7,996       7,538  

Pro-forma:

                        

Basic

     7,707       7,196       6,802  

Diluted

     8,418       7,815       7,345  

 

Net Income Per Share

 

Basic per share amounts are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive per share amounts are computed using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and potentially dilutive securities, using the treasury stock method if their effect would be dilutive.

 

The following schedule reconciles the denominators of the Company’s calculation for basic and diluted net income per share:

 

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

   2002

Shares used in basic per share computation

   7,707    7,196    6,802

Effect of dilutive common stock options outstanding

   816    800    736

Effect of dilutive restricted stock units outstanding

   8    —      —  
    
  
  

Shares used in diluted per share computation

   8,531    7,996    7,538
    
  
  

 

There were no options excluded from the diluted per share calculation for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004. Common stock options to purchase 29,010 shares were excluded from the diluted per share calculation for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2003 due to their antidilutive effect.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R) which will be effective in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. SFAS 123R will result in the recognition of substantial compensation expense relating to our employee stock options and employee stock purchase plans. The Company currently uses the intrinsic value method to measure compensation expense for stock-based awards to its employees. Under this standard, the Company generally does not recognize any compensation related to stock option grants the Company issues under its stock option plans or related to the discounts the Company provides under its employee stock purchase plans. Under the new rules, the Company is required to adopt a fair-value-based method for measuring the compensation expense related to employee stock awards. This will lead to substantial additional compensation expense. The paragraph entitled Stock Based Compensation included in Note 1 to these consolidated financial statements provides the pro forma net income and earnings per share as if the Company had used a fair-value-based method similar to the methods required under SFAS 123R to measure the compensation expense for employee stock awards during fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

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Note 2: Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments consisted of the following as of December 31, 2004:

 

(In thousands)


  

Amortized

Cost


  

Unrealized

Gains


  

Unrealized

Losses


   

Estimated

Fair Value


          

Classified as current assets:

                            

Cash

   $ 4,637    $  —      $ —       $ 4,637
    

  

  


 

Cash equivalents:

                            

Money market securities

     43      —        —         43

State and municipal bonds

     2,300      —        —         2,300
    

  

  


 

Total cash equivalents

     2,343      —        —         2,343
    

  

  


 

Total cash and cash equivalents

     6,980      —        —         6,980
    

  

  


 

Short-term investments:

                            

State and municipal bonds

     53,190      1      (125 )     53,066
    

  

  


 

Total short-term investments

     53,190      1      (125 )     53,066
    

  

  


 

Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

   $ 60,170    $ 1    $ (125 )   $ 60,046
    

  

  


 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments consisted of the following as of January 2, 2004:

 

(in thousands)


   Amortized
Cost


   Unrealized
Gains


   Unrealized
Losses


    Estimated
Fair Value


Classified as current assets:

                            

Cash

   $ 5,056    $  —      $  —       $ 5,056
    

  

  


 

Cash equivalents:

                            

Money market securities

     114      —        —         114

State and municipal bonds

     14,320      —        —         14,320
    

  

  


 

Total cash equivalents

     14,434      —        —         14,434
    

  

  


 

Total cash and cash equivalents

     19,490      —        —         19,490
    

  

  


 

Short-term investments:

                            

Commercial paper

     500      —        —         500

State and municipal bonds

     21,604      8      (4 )     21,608
    

  

  


 

Total short-term investments

     22,104      8      (4 )     22,108
    

  

  


 

Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

   $ 41,594    $ 8    $ (4 )   $ 41,598
    

  

  


 

 

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Table of Contents

In accordance with EITF 03-1, the following table summarizes the fair value and gross unrealized losses related to available-for-sale securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2004:

 

     Less than 12 Months

    12 Months or More

   Total

 

(in thousands)


   Fair Value

   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


    Fair Value

   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


   Fair Value

   Gross
Unrealized
Losses


 

State and municipal bonds

   $ 39,557    $ (125 )   $  —      $  —      $ 39,557    $ (125 )

 

Market values were determined for each individual security in the investment portfolio. The declines in value of these investments are primarily related to changes in interest rates and are considered to be temporary in nature. All cash equivalents and short-term investments had effective maturities of three years or less, with an average effective maturity of 0.65 years as of December 31, 2004.

 

Note 3: Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

 

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

Property:

             

Land

   $ 4,450    $ 4,450

Buildings

     32,561      32,495

Construction in progress

     461      88

Equipment:

             

Machinery and equipment

     17,948      24,686

Office furniture and equipment

     5,070      5,577

Leasehold improvements

     5,722      5,603
    

  

       66,212      72,899

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     36,001      42,106
    

  

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

   $ 30,211    $ 30,793
    

  

 

Construction in progress relates to improvements to leased facilities and the Company’s Silicon Valley headquarters.

 

Depreciation and amortization for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, January 2, 2004 and January 3, was $3,232,000, $3,308,000 and $3,375,000, respectively.

 

Note 4: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

As of December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004, the Company had $8.6 million in goodwill. As of December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004, the Company also had $47,000 and $100,000, respectively, of other intangible assets that it will continue to amortize over the remaining useful lives. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment tests as of November 26, 2004 and November 28, 2003 and determined that the carrying amount of goodwill was not impaired.

 

At December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004, goodwill and intangible assets were comprised of the following:

 

     Fiscal Years

 

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

 

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

                

Non-competition agreements

   $ 236     $ 236  

Less accumulated amortization

     (189 )     (136 )
    


 


       47       100  

Goodwill

     8,607       8,607  
    


 


Total goodwill and intangible assets

   $ 8,654     $ 8,707  
    


 


 

Intangible assets subject to amortization are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of intangible assets was approximately $53,000 and $60,000 for fiscal 2004 and fiscal 2003, respectively. Amortization expense for these intangible assets is projected to be approximately $34,000 and $13,000 in fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2006, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

Below is a breakdown of goodwill, net of amortization, reported by segment as of December 31, 2004:

 

(In thousands)


   Environmental
and health


   Other scientific
and engineering


   Total

Goodwill, net of amortization

   $ 8,099    $ 508    $ 8,607

 

There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2004. There were no goodwill impairments or gains or losses on disposals for any portion of the Company’s reporting units during the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

Note 5: Long-term Obligations

 

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

Capital leases

   $ 166    $ 197

Deferred compensation

     1,337      —  

Other

     28      27
    

  

       1,531      224

Less current installments

     60      55
    

  

Long-term obligations, net of current portion

   $ 1,471    $ 169
    

  

 

Principal payments due on capital lease obligations are $60,000, $55,000, $46,000, $5,000 and $0 in fiscal 2005 through fiscal 2009, respectively, and $0 thereafter. See Note 9 for information regarding the Company’s deferred compensation plan.

 

The Company has a revolving reducing mortgage note (the “Mortgage Note”) secured by its Silicon Valley headquarters building. The Mortgage Note, which had an initial borrowing amount up to $30.0 million, is subject to automatic annual reductions in the amount available to be borrowed of between $1.3 million to $2.1 million approximately per year until January 31, 2008, as scheduled in the Mortgage Note agreement. As of December 31, 2004, $22.9 million was available to be borrowed and the outstanding balance was $0. Any outstanding amounts on the Mortgage Note are due and payable in full on January 31, 2009. The Company may from time to time during the term of the Mortgage Note borrow, partially or wholly repay its outstanding borrowings and re-borrow up to the maximum principal amounts, subject to the reductions in availability contained in the note. The Mortgage Note is also subject to two interest rate options of either prime less 1.5% or the fixed LIBOR plus 1.25% with a term option of one month, two months, three months, six months, nine months, or twelve months. Interest will be paid on a monthly basis. Principal amounts subject to the prime interest rate may be repaid at any time without penalty.

 

Principal amounts subject to the fixed LIBOR rate may also be repaid at any time but are subject to a prepayment penalty if paid before the fixed rate term, or additional interest if paid after the fixed rate term.

 

Note 6: Other Significant Balance Sheet Components

 

Account receivable, net

 

     Fiscal Years

 

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

 

Billed accounts receivable

   $ 27,291     $ 25,498  

Unbilled accounts receivable

     12,798       11,594  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (1,503 )     (1,248 )
    


 


Total accounts receivable, net

   $ 38,586     $ 35,844  
    


 


 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

Accounts payable

   $ 3,113    $ 3,380

Accrued liabilities

     1,217      1,458
    

  

Total accounts payable and other accrued liabilities

   $ 4,330    $ 4,838
    

  

 

Accrued payroll and employee benefits

 

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

Accrued bonuses payable

   $ 9,897    $ 8,648

Accrued 401(k) contributions

     4,320      4,006

Accrued vacation

     3,623      3,321

Other accrued payroll and employee benefits

     688      553
    

  

Total accrued payroll and employee benefits

   $ 18,528    $ 16,528
    

  

 

Other accrued payroll and employee benefits consist primarily of accrued wages, payroll taxes and disability insurance programs.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Note 7: Income Taxes

 

Total income tax expense for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, January 2, 2004 and January 3, 2003 consisted of the following:

 

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

   2002

Current

                     

Federal

   $ 8,039     $ 6,005    $ 4,926

State

     1,767       1,298      1,107
    


 

  

       9,806       7,303      6,033

Deferred

                     

Federal

     (1,184 )     182      554

State

     (259 )     45      129
    


 

  

       (1,443 )     227      683
    


 

  

Total

   $ 8,363     $ 7,530    $ 6,716
    


 

  

 

The Company’s effective tax rate differs from the statutory federal tax rate as shown in the following schedule:

 

     Fiscal Years

 

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Tax at federal statutory rate

   $ 7,141     $ 6,194     $ 5,124  

State taxes, net of federal benefit

     983       879       763  

Tax exempt interest income

     (165 )     (37 )     —    

Non-deductible expenses

     172       186       396  

Expiration of capital loss carryforward

     —         —         288  

Other

     232       308       145  
    


 


 


Tax expense

   $ 8,363     $ 7,530     $ 6,716  
    


 


 


Effective tax rate

     41.0 %     42.6 %     45.9 %
    


 


 


 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004 are presented in the following schedule:

 

     Fiscal Years

 

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

 

Deferred tax assets:

                

Deferred compensation

   $ 577     $ —    

Accrued liabilities and allowances

     3,269       2,108  
    


 


Total deferred tax assets

     3,846       2,108  
    


 


Deferred tax liabilities:

                

State taxes

     (146 )     (55 )

Deductible goodwill

     (872 )     (610 )

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements

     (526 )     (592 )

Other

     (18 )     (10 )
    


 


Total deferred tax liabilities

     (1,562 )     (1,267 )
    


 


Net deferred tax assets

   $ 2,284     $ 841  
    


 


 

Management believes it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the net deferred tax assets.

 

The Company is entitled to a deduction for federal and state tax purposes with respect to employees’ stock option activity. The net deduction in taxes otherwise payable arising from that deduction has been credited to additional paid-in capital. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, January 2, 2004 and January 3, 2003 the net deduction in tax payable arising from employees’ stock option activity was $2,864,000, $924,000 and $1,464,000 respectively.

 

Note 8: Stockholders’ Equity

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Board of Directors has the authority to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the shares, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption and liquidation preferences. There are no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains or losses on short-term investments.

 

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Table of Contents

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

The Company authorized 400,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the original 1992 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (The “Purchase Plan”). All shares initially authorized under the Purchase Plan were distributed by the second quarter of fiscal 1999. At the 1999 Stockholders’ Meeting an amendment to the Purchase Plan was approved. This amendment authorized an additional 400,000 shares for distribution and also inserted a clause in the Purchase Plan that states “that an annual increase can be added on each anniversary date of the adoption of the Plan equal to the lesser of: 200,000 shares, 3% of outstanding shares on such date or an amount determined by the Board of Directors.” The Board of Directors approved increases to this plan of 185,000 shares, 200,000 shares and 195,000 shares in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Qualified employees may elect to have a certain percentage (not to exceed 15%) of their salary withheld for purchase of stock pursuant to this plan. The Purchase Plan allows employees to purchase Company shares at 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the common stock at the beginning or ending of the offering period of up to one year. As of December 31, 2004, 917,054 shares have been sold and 672,946 shares were available for issuance under the Purchase Plan. Weighted average purchase prices for shares sold under the plan in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $17.36, $12.04 and $9.84, respectively.

 

Restricted Stock Plan

 

The Restricted Stock Plan was approved at the 1999 Stockholders’ Meeting. The terms of the restrictions are to be determined by the Board of Directors upon grant. This plan initially provided for 100,000 shares to be available for grant and includes a clause that states “an annual increase can be added on each anniversary date of the adoption of the plan equal to the lesser of: 200,000 shares, 2% of outstanding shares on such date or a lesser amount determined by the Board of Directors.” The Board of Directors approved increases of 152,000 shares, 143,000 shares and 130,000 shares in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. As of December 31, 2004, 92,564 shares have been granted under the 1999 Restricted Stock Plan and 696,228 shares were available for grant. The Company recognized $223,000 in stock-based compensation expense related to the Restricted Stock Plan in fiscal 2004.

 

Stock Option Plans

 

The 1999 Stock Option Plan was approved at the 1999 Stockholders’ Meeting. The 1999 Stock Option Plan is an incentive stock option plan, which provided initially for 400,000 shares to be available for grant. The plan includes a clause that states “that an annual increase can be added on each anniversary date of the adoption of the plan equal to the lesser of: 300,000 shares, 3% of outstanding shares on such date or an amount determined by the Board of Directors.” The Board of Directors approved increases of 228,000 shares, 215,000 shares and 195,000 shares in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The plan provides for a grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options and stock purchase rights at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant. Options are granted for terms of up to ten years and generally vest ratably over a four-year period from the grant date. As of December 31, 2004, the Company has granted 1,085,000 shares under the 1999 Stock Option Plan, 733,750 of which are outstanding.

 

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The 1998 Stock Option Plan is a non-statutory stock option plan, which initially covered up to an aggregate of 300,000 shares of common stock. The Board of Directors approved increases of 0 shares, 0 shares and 202,000 shares in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The 1998 Stock Option Plan provides for the grant of restricted stock or of non-qualified options. The non-qualified options are exercisable at a price not less than 85% of the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant. Options are granted for terms of up to ten years and generally vest ratably over a four-year period from the grant date. As of December 31, 2004, the Company has granted 762,884 shares under the 1998 Stock Option Plan, of which 35,998 were restricted shares. There were 241,188 shares outstanding under this plan at December 31, 2004. The Company recognized $33,000, $88,000 and $44,000 in stock-based compensation expense related to the 1998 Stock Option Plan in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

The 1990 Stock Option Plan is an incentive stock option plan, which covers up to an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of common stock. This plan expired in 2000. The 1990 Stock Option Plan provided for the grant of either incentive stock options, exercisable at a price equal to the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant, or non-qualified options, exercisable at a price not less than 85% of the fair market value of the shares at the date of grant. All 2,000,000 shares have been granted, of which 482,988 shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2004.

 

Option activity under the stock option plans is as follows1:

 

     Options
available
for grant


   

Number

of options
outstanding


    Weighted-
average
exercise
price


Balance as of December 28, 2001

   285,492     2,428,734     $ 7.29

Options granted

   (341,792 )   341,792       12.85

Options cancelled

   22,125     (22,125 )     9.69

Options exercised

   —       (590,944 )     6.51

Options expired

   (3,500 )   —         —  

Additional shares Reserved

   397,000     —         —  
    

 

 

Balance as of January 3, 2003

   359,325     2,157,457     $ 8.37

Options granted

   (248,459 )   248,459       14.05

Options cancelled

   41,250     (41,250 )     11.66

Options exercised

   —       (274,975 )     6.67

Options expired

   (1,500 )   —         —  

Additional shares Reserved

   215,000     —         —  
    

 

 

Balance as of January 2, 2004

   365,616     2,089,691     $ 9.20

Options granted

   (77,500 )   77,500       23.40

Options cancelled

   27,919     (27,919 )     9.23

Options exercised

   —       (681,346 )     7.76

Options expired

   —       —         —  

Additional shares Reserved

   228,000     —         —  
    

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2004

   544,035     1,457,926     $ 10.63
    

 

 


1 Does not include restricted stock or employee stock purchase plans

 

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Table of Contents

Information regarding options outstanding at December 31, 2004 is summarized below:

 

     Outstanding

   Exercisable

Range of exercise price


  

Number

of options


   Weighted-
average
remaining
life in years


   Weighted-
average
exercise
price


   Number of
shares


   Weighted
average
exercise
price


$5.12-$6.88

   321,688    3.17    $ 6.12    321,688    $ 6.12

$7.22-$8.88

   294,300    4.95    $ 7.98    294,300    $ 7.98

$9.00-$11.72

   317,125    5.36    $ 10.54    236,250    $ 10.35

$11.77-$13.98

   338,773    7.50    $ 13.18    102,500    $ 13.07

$14.03-$15.35

   108,540    8.24    $ 14.34    23,750    $ 14.38

$22.61-$27.52

   77,500    9.23    $ 23.40    —      $ —  
    
  
  

  
  

     1,457,926    5.71    $ 10.63    978,488    $ 8.63
    
  
  

  
  

 

Note 9: Retirement Plans

 

The Company provides a 401(k) plan for its employees whereby the Company contributes to each eligible employee’s 401(k) account, 7% of the employee’s eligible base salary plus overtime, regardless of the amount contributed by the employee. The employee does not need to make a contribution to the plan to be eligible for the Company’s 7% contribution. To be eligible under the plan, an employee must be at least 21 years of age and be either a full-time or part-time salaried employee. The 7% Company contribution will vest 20% per year for the first 5 years of employment and then immediately thereafter. The Company’s expenses related to this plan were $4,026,000, $3,633,000 and $3,539,000 in fiscal 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

On March 1, 2004, the Company adopted a nonqualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of a select group of highly compensated employees. The purpose of the plan is to offer those employees an opportunity to elect to defer the receipt of compensation in order to provide termination of employment and related benefits. Under this plan participants may elect to defer up to 100% of their compensation. Company assets that are earmarked to pay benefits under the plan are held by a rabbi trust and are subject to the claims of the Company’s creditors. As of December 31, 2004, the invested amounts under the plan totaled $1,337,000 and were recorded as a long-term asset on the Company’s balance sheet. 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 December 31, 2004, amounts due under the plan totaled $1,337,000 and were recorded as a long-term liability on the Company’s balance sheet. Changes in the liability were recorded as adjustments to compensation expense. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company recognized compensation expense of $110,000 as a result of an increase in the market value of the trust assets, with the same amount being recorded as other income.

 

Note 10: Commitments and Contingencies

 

The following is a summary of the future minimum payments, net of sub-lease income, required under non-cancelable operating leases, with terms in excess of one year, as of December 31, 2004:

 

(In thousands)

Fiscal year


   Lease
commitments


   Sub-lease
income


    Total

2005

   $ 5,262    $ (303 )   $ 4,959

2006

     3,955      (274 )     3,681

2007

     3,246      (180 )     3,066

2008

     2,628      (46 )     2,582

2009

     2,332      —         2,332

Thereafter

     4,026      —         4,026
    

  


 

     $ 21,449    $ (803 )   $ 20,646
    

  


 

 

As of December 31, 2004 the Company had outstanding purchase obligations of $176,000.

 

Total rent expense from property leases in 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $4,671,000, $4,745,000 and $4,344,000, respectively. Total expense from other operating leases and commitments in 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $1,018,000, $823,000 and $764,000, respectively.

 

From time to time, the Company may be subject to legal and other claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management,

 

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Table of Contents

there are currently no matters that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, if unfavorably resolved.

 

Note 11: Other Income, Net

 

Interest and other income, net, consisted of the following:

 

     Fiscal Years

 

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Interest income

   $ 489     $ 156     $ 141  

Interest expense

     (18 )     (22 )     (23 )

Rental income

     477       451       365  

Other

     131       209       121  
    


 


 


Total

   $ 1,079     $ 794     $ 604  
    


 


 


 

Note 12: Client and Industry Credit Risk

 

The Company serves clients in various segments of the economy. During 2004, 2003 and 2002 the Company provided services representing approximately 21%, 18% and 19%, respectively, of revenues to clients and to organizations and insurers acting on behalf of clients in the transportation industry. In addition, during 2004, 2003 and 2002 the Company derived approximately 15%, 13% and 7%, respectively, of revenues from professional services provided to government agencies and contractors.

 

The Company derived 11% of revenues from agencies of the federal government for the years ended December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004. No single customer comprised more than 10% of the Company’s revenues for the year ended January 3, 2003.

 

The majority of the Company’s clients are Fortune 500 companies or government agencies that pose minimal credit risk. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses.

 

Note 13: Acquisitions

 

On May 20, 2002, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of Novigen Sciences, Inc. (“Novigen”) for $2.1 million in cash and 55,443 shares of the Company common stock valued at $725,000. Novigen provides services that address complex safety and regulatory issues regarding food and pesticides

 

The purchase price was allocated to the net assets acquired based on the estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. Following the acquisition, the net assets and staff of Novigen became a new practice, called Food and Chemicals, within the Company’s environmental and health segment. The results of operations for Novigen have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Pro forma disclosures giving effect to the acquisition of Novigen do not differ materially from the Company’s historical results.

 

The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation (in thousands):

 

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 1,520  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     47  

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

     192  

Goodwill

     1,884  

Non-compete agreement

     136  

Other assets

     39  
    


Total assets acquired

     3,818  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (313 )

Current installments of long-term obligations

     (263 )

Accrued payroll and employee benefits

     (338 )

Deferred revenues

     (33 )

Long-term obligations, net of current installments

     (12 )
    


Total liabilities assumed

     (959 )
    


Net assets acquired

   $ 2,859  
    


 

Note 14: Related Party Transactions

 

Novigen Sciences, Inc. has a contract for software licensing from Durango Software LLC. The husband of Dr. Barbara Peterson, the former president of Novigen, owns Durango Software. Dr. Peterson is now a practice director in the Exponent organization. Exponent recorded software licensing expenses related to this contract and consulting fees of $165,000, $95,000 and $51,000 during fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The terms of this contract call for a payment of $135,000 in fiscal 2005.

 

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Table of Contents

Note 15: Supplemental Cash Flow Information

 

The following is supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

   2002

Cash paid during the year:

                     

Interest

   $ 13     $ 40    $ 57

Income taxes

   $ 6,726     $ 5,238    $ 5,312

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

                     

Capital leases for equipment

   $ 34     $ 72    $ 116

Common stock issued for acquisition of Novigen

   $ —       $ —      $ 725

Unrealized (loss) gain on short-term investments

   $ (128 )   $ 4    $ —  

Vested stock unit awards issued to settle accrued bonus

   $ 985     $ —      $ —  

Deferred stock-based compensation

   $ 1,094     $ —      $ —  

 

Note 16: 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 is presented for selected data from the statements of income and statements of cash flows for fiscal years 2004, 2003 and 2002. Segment information for selected data from the balance sheets is presented for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004, January 2, 2004 and January 3, 2003.

 

Revenues

 

     Fiscal Years

 

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Other scientific and engineering

   $ 115,558     $ 103,283     $ 93,084  

Environmental and health

     35,951       36,393       32,971  
    


 


 


Total revenues

   $ 151,509     $ 139,676     $ 126,055  
    


 


 


Operating Income

                        
     Fiscal Years

 

(In thousands)


   2004

    2003

    2002

 

Other scientific and engineering

   $ 27,905     $ 20,941     $ 18,787  

Environmental and health

     5,905       7,768       7,084  
    


 


 


Total segment operating income

     33,810       28,709       25,871  

Corporate operating expense

     (14,486 )     (11,807 )     (11,835 )
    


 


 


Total operating income

   $ 19,324     $ 16,902     $ 14,036  
    


 


 


 

Assets

 

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

Other scientific and engineering

   $ 47,114    $ 45,467

Environmental and health

     12,676      11,782
    

  

Total segment assets

     59,790      57,249

Corporate assets

     84,291      64,593
    

  

Total assets

   $ 144,081    $ 121,842
    

  

 

Capital Expenditures

 

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

   2002

Other scientific and engineering

   $ 1,949    $ 1,895    $ 1,593

Environmental and health

     123      164      184
    

  

  

Total segment capital expenditures

     2,072      2,059      1,777

Corporate capital expenditures

     544      258      360
    

  

  

Total capital expenditures

   $ 2,616    $ 2,317    $ 2,137
    

  

  

 

Depreciation and Amortization

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

   2002

Other scientific and engineering

   $ 2,175    $ 2,197    $ 2,288

Environmental and health

     172      196      218
    

  

  

Total segment depreciation and amortization

     2,347      2,393      2,506

Corporate depreciation and amortization

     1,741      975      914
    

  

  

Total depreciation and amortization

   $ 4,088    $ 3,368    $ 3,420
    

  

  

 

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Table of Contents

Information regarding Exponent’s operations in different geographical areas:

 

Revenues 1

 

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

   2002

United States

   $ 142,324    $ 134,251    $ 123,010

Foreign Countries

     9,185      5,425      3,045
    

  

  

Total

   $ 151,509    $ 139,676    $ 126,055
    

  

  

 

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, net

 

     Fiscal Years

(In thousands)


   2004

   2003

United States

   $ 30,073    $ 30,642

Foreign Countries

     138      151
    

  

Total

   $ 30,211    $ 30,793
    

  


1 Geographic revenues are allocated based on the location of the client.

 

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Table of Contents

Comparative Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

 

Summarized quarterly financial data is as follows:

 

Fiscal 2004

(In thousands, except per share data)


   April 2,
2004


   July 2,
2004


   October 1,
2004


   December 31,
2004


Revenues before reimbursements

   $ 35,925    $ 35,574    $ 35,170    $ 32,049

Revenues

     38,766      39,643      38,041      35,059

Operating income

     5,807      5,479      5,112      2,926

Income before income taxes

     5,971      5,725      5,378      3,329
    

  

  

  

Net income

   $ 3,521    $ 3,380    $ 3,173    $ 1,966
    

  

  

  

Net income per share

                           

Basic

   $ 0.48    $ 0.45    $ 0.41    $ 0.25

Diluted

   $ 0.43    $ 0.40    $ 0.37    $ 0.23

Shares used in per share computations

                           

Basic

     7,326      7,562      7,834      8,008

Diluted

     8,265      8,493      8,645      8,737

Fiscal 2003

(In thousands, except per share data)


   April 4,
2003


   July 4,
2003


   October 3,
2003


   January 2,
2004


Revenues before reimbursements

   $ 31,471    $ 31,808    $ 31,950    $ 30,714

Revenues

     34,815      34,922      35,657      34,282

Operating income

     4,155      4,572      4,711      3,464

Income before income taxes

     4,371      4,730      4,874      3,721
    

  

  

  

Net income

   $ 2,469    $ 2,674    $ 2,848    $ 2,175
    

  

  

  

Net income per share

                           

Basic

   $ 0.35    $ 0.37    $ 0.39    $ 0.30

Diluted

   $ 0.32    $ 0.34    $ 0.36    $ 0.27

Shares used in per share computations

                           

Basic

     7,113      7,215      7,212      7,246

Diluted

     7,790      7,932      7,986      8,173

 

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Exponent, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Exponent, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the accompanying financial statement schedule II. These consolidated financial statements and related schedule are the responsibility of the management of Exponent, Inc. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and related schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Exponent, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Exponent, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 14, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.

 

KPMG LLP

Mountain View, California

March 14, 2005

 

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders

Exponent, Inc.:

 

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, appearing under Item 9A, that Exponent, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management of Exponent, Inc. is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of Exponent, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

In our opinion, management’s assessment that Exponent, Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO. Also, in our opinion, Exponent, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Exponent, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004, and our report dated March 14, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedule.

 

KPMG LLP

Mountain View, California

March 14, 2005

 

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Table of Contents

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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: March 15, 2005

 

/s/ Richard L. Schlenker, Jr.


   

Richard L. Schlenker, Jr., Chief Financial Officer and

   

Corporate Secretary

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature


  

Title


 

Date


/s/ Michael R. Gaulke


   Chief Executive Officer, President and Director   March 15, 2005

Michael R. Gaulke

    

/s/ Richard L. Schlenker, Jr.


   Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)   March 15, 2005

Richard L. Schlenker, Jr.

    

/s/ Roger L. McCarthy


   Chairman of the Board   March 15, 2005

Roger L. McCarthy

    

/s/ Subbaiah V. Malladi


   Chief Technical Officer and Director   March 15, 2005

Subbaiah V. Malladi

    

/s/ Edward J. Keith


   Vice Chairman of the Board   March 15, 2005

Edward J. Keith

    

/s/ Samuel H. Armacost


   Director   March 15, 2005

Samuel H. Armacost

    

/s/ Barbara M. Barrett


   Director   March 15, 2005

Barbara M. Barrett

    

/s/ Leslie G. Denend


   Director   March 15, 2005

Leslie G. Denend

    

/s/ Jon R. Katzenbach


   Director   March 15, 2005

Jon R. Katzenbach

    

/s/ Stephen C. Riggins


   Director   March 15, 2005

Stephen C. Riggins

    

 

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Table of Contents

Schedule II

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

 

          Additions

   Deletions 1

     

(In thousands)


   Balance at
Beginning of
Year


   Provision
Charged to
Expenses/
Revenues


   Accounts
Written-off
Net of
Recoveries


    Balance
at End of
Year


Year Ended December 31, 2004 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

   $ 1,248    $ 1,846    $ (1,591 )   $ 1,503

Year Ended January 2, 2004 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

   $ 1,493    $ 1,144    $ (1,389 )   $ 1,248

Year Ended January 3, 2003 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

   $ 1,865    $ 771    $ (1,143 )   $ 1,493

1 Balance includes currency translation adjustments.

 

Schedules other than above have been omitted since they are either not required, not applicable, or the information is otherwise included in the Report.

 

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Table of Contents

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into (as indicated parenthetically), the Annual Report on Form 10-K:

 

3.1    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 as filed on June 25, 1990, registration number 33-35562).
3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration statement on Form S-1 as filed on June 25, 1990, registration number 33-35562).
4.1    Specimen copy of Common Stock Certificate of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Forms S-1 as filed on June 25, 1990, registration number 33-35562).
*10.1    1990 Stock Option and Rights Plan, as amended through March 31, 1993 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 28, 1993).
*10.2    Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 1990 Stock Option and Rights Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 as filed on June 25, 1990, registration number 33-35562).
*10.3    Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the 1990 Stock Option and Rights Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 as filed on June 25, 1990, registration number 33-35562).
*10.4    Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into or proposed to be entered into between the Company and its officers and directors (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 as filed on June 25, 1990, registration number 33-35562).
10.5    Zarnowicka Elektrownia Gazowa, joint venture, dated September 8, 1994 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 1994).
*10.6    Exponent, Inc. 1998 Non Statutory Stock Option Plan dated October 24, 1998 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 1999).
10.7    Revolving reducing note with Wells Fargo Bank dated January 27, 1999 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
10.8    Exponent, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan dated March 1, 1998 and restated effective January 2, 1999 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
10.9    Exponent, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended and restated March 23, 1999 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
10.10    Exponent, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).

 

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Table of Contents
*10.11    Exponent, Inc. 1999 Restricted Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999).
10.12    First Amendment to Exponent, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan dated March 1, 1998 and restated effective January 2, 1999 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2001).
10.13    Second Amendment to Exponent, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan dated March 1, 1998 and restated effective January 2, 1999 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2001).
10.14    Third Amendment to Exponent, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan dated March 1, 1998 and restated effective January 2, 1999 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2003).
10.15    Commercial Lease No. 03-53542 between the Company and the Arizona State Land Department, effective January 17, 1998 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2003).
10.16    Fourth Amendment to Exponent, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan dated March 1, 1998 and restated effective January 2, 1999 (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2004).
*10.17    Exponent Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan.
21.1    List of subsidiaries.
23.1    Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Consent.
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer as required by Rule 13a – 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer as required by Rule 13a – 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer as required by Rule 13a – 14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer as required by Rule 13a – 14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

* Indicates management compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.

 

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