Exponent Increases Quarterly Dividend Payment from $0.26 to $0.28 per Share for Q1 2024, Increases Stock Repurchase Authorization to $100 Million

Rhea-AI Summary

Exponent, Inc. (EXPO) has announced a raise in its quarterly dividend from $0.26 to $0.28 per share of common stock. The company has a track record of paying quarterly dividends and has increased its stock repurchase authorization to $100 million. Dr. Catherine Corrigan, President and CEO, emphasized the company's commitment to delivering long-term value for shareholders.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The increase in Exponent's quarterly dividend from $0.26 to $0.28 represents a commitment to shareholder returns, signaling confidence in the company's profitability and cash flow stability. This move can be seen as an attempt to enhance shareholder value and could potentially attract income-focused investors. The dividend yield, as a result, will see a slight uptick, which may influence the stock's attractiveness relative to its peers.

Furthermore, the additional $61.6 million allocated to stock repurchase authorization reflects a strategic use of capital, indicating that management believes the stock is undervalued or that it is an opportune time to return capital to shareholders. Stock repurchases can be accretive to earnings per share (EPS) by reducing the number of shares outstanding, which may lead to a positive market reaction. However, it is crucial to consider the opportunity cost of these buybacks, as the funds could alternatively be used for growth investments or debt reduction.

Market Research Analyst

Exponent's consistent history of increasing dividends can be viewed as a strong signal of its financial health and commitment to shareholders. A history of 11 consecutive years of dividend increases is likely to place Exponent in a favorable light among companies that are seen as reliable dividend payers, potentially making it a candidate for dividend growth investor portfolios.

It's also noteworthy to assess the company's cash and cash equivalents, which stood at $187.2 million at the year's end. This robust liquidity position provides Exponent with strategic flexibility, whether for further shareholder returns, R&D investments, or acquisitions. Investors may find this financial stability assuring, especially in uncertain economic climates.

Economist

The announcement comes amidst a broader economic context where interest rates and inflation trends affect investor preferences. In a rising interest rate environment, dividend-paying stocks might lose some appeal as fixed-income alternatives become more competitive. However, consistent dividend growth can counteract this effect to an extent. It is essential to analyze the broader economic indicators and sector performance to fully understand the potential impact on Exponent's stock performance in relation to market trends.

Additionally, the repurchase program's expansion should be contextualized within the current macroeconomic conditions. If the decision is based on a belief that the company's shares are undervalued due to market volatility, it could be a strategic move to capitalize on temporary market inefficiencies.

MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exponent, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPO) today announced that its Board of Directors has raised its quarterly dividend from $0.26 to $0.28 per share of common stock. The quarterly cash dividend of $0.28 per share of common stock is to be paid on March 22, 2024 to all common stockholders of record as of March 8, 2024.

Exponent has paid, and expects to continue to pay, quarterly dividends each year in March, June, September, and December. Future declarations of quarterly dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates are subject to the final determination of Exponent’s Board of Directors.

“This is the 11^th consecutive year of increasing our regular quarterly cash dividend. Additionally, our Board of Directors approved an increase of $61.6 million to our current stock repurchase authorization bringing our total authorization to $100 million, further illustrating their confidence in the business’s long-term trajectory,” commented Dr. Catherine Corrigan, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Exponent is proud to execute on our commitment to delivering long-term value for our shareholders. In 2023, we returned $78.2 million to shareholders through $54.0 million in dividends and $24.2 million in common stock repurchases, while ending the year with $187.2 million in cash and cash equivalents.”

About Exponent

Exponent brings together 90+ technical disciplines and 950+ consultants to help our clients navigate the increasing complexity of more than a dozen industries, connecting decades of pioneering work in failure analysis to develop solutions for a safer, healthier, more sustainable world.

Exponent’s consultants deliver the highest value by leveraging multidisciplinary expertise and resources from across Exponent’s offices in North America, Asia, and Europe. Exponent’s consultants, laboratories, databases, and computing resources work seamlessly together around the globe, enabling us to produce the breakthrough insights needed to help multinational companies, startups, law firms, insurance companies, governments, and society respond to incidents and push their products and processes forward.

Exponent may be reached at (888) 656­-EXPO, info@exponent.com, or www.exponent.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release 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) 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. When used in this document and in the documents incorporated herein by reference, the words “intend,” “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 generally applicable and industry-specific economic conditions, the timing of engagements for our services, the effects of competitive services and pricing, the absence of backlog related to our business, our ability to attract and retain key employees, the effect of tort reform and government regulation on our business, and liabilities resulting from claims made against us. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in the report. The inclusion of such forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such forward-looking statements.

FAQ

What is the new quarterly dividend for Exponent, Inc. (EXPO)?

The new quarterly dividend for Exponent, Inc. (EXPO) is $0.28 per share of common stock.

When will the new quarterly dividend be paid to common stockholders?

The new quarterly dividend of $0.28 per share of common stock will be paid on March 22, 2024.

How much has the stock repurchase authorization been increased to?

The stock repurchase authorization has been increased to $100 million.

Who commented on the increase in dividends and stock repurchase authorization?

Dr. Catherine Corrigan, President and CEO of Exponent, Inc., commented on the increase in dividends and stock repurchase authorization.