Exponent Reports Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Exponent, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPO) reported strong Q2 2021 results, with net revenue up 30% to $119.9 million, driven by robust demand post-pandemic. EBITDA margin expanded 630 basis points year-over-year, reaching 32.3% of net revenues. Net income increased to $25.4 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, compared to $16.3 million in Q2 2020. The company maintains a positive outlook for the remainder of the year, expecting low-double digit revenue growth and increased EBITDA margins. Exponent reported $240 million in cash and repurchased $7 million of stock.

Positive

• Net revenue increased 30% to $119.9 million in Q2 2021.
• EBITDA margin expanded 630 basis points to 32.3% of net revenues.
• Net income grew to $25.4 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, from $16.3 million in Q2 2020.
• The company anticipates low-double digit revenue growth for Q3 and full year 2021.

Negative

• Despite strong results, uncertainty remains due to COVID variants.

MENLO PARK, Calif., July 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exponent, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPO) today reported financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2021 ended July 2, 2021.

“During the second quarter, we saw broad-based strength across the business as pandemic-related restrictions eased, which supported a robust level of new assignments as well as ongoing work. As a result, net revenue increased 28% and EBITDA¹ margin expanded 630 basis points from the prior year period. Notably, our revenues from reactive engagements returned to pre-COVID-19 levels as seen in the second quarter of 2019, while revenues from proactive projects grew significantly compared to the same period,” commented Dr. Catherine Corrigan, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“Our portfolio of client work is highly diversified, including climate vulnerability assessments with utilities, risk assessments in chemicals, and ongoing energy storage-related work, as well as projects in the automotive and consumer products industries, further demonstrating the strength of our long-term strategy. As we look forward, while a degree of uncertainty remains surrounding the impact of coronavirus, we remain confident that our strong reputation, multidisciplinary expertise, world-class team and the durability of our market drivers uniquely position us for continued profitable growth,” continued Dr. Corrigan.

Second Quarter Financial Results

Total revenues and revenues before reimbursements for the second quarter of 2021 increased 30% to $119.9 million and 28% to $112.5 million, respectively, as compared to $92.0 million and $87.9 million in the second quarter of 2020.

Net income increased to $25.4 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to $16.3 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, in the same period of 2020. The tax benefit for the classification of tax adjustments associated with share-based awards realized in the second quarter of 2021 was approximately zero, as compared to $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2020.

EBITDA¹ increased to $36.3 million, or 32.3% of net revenues, in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to $22.8 million, or 26.0% of net revenues in the second quarter of 2020.

Year to Date Financial Results

Total revenues and revenues before reimbursements for the first half of 2021 increased 19% to $236.4 million and 18% to $222.0 million, respectively, as compared to $198.0 million and $187.6 million in same period one year ago.

Net income increased to $56.2 million, or $1.06 per diluted share, in the first half of 2021, as compared to $42.6 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, in the same period of 2020. The tax benefit for the classification of tax adjustments associated with share-based awards realized in the first half of 2021 was $8.8 million, as compared to $9.7 million in the first half of 2020.
Inclusive of the tax benefit, Exponent’s consolidated tax rate was 13.2% in the first half of 2021, as compared to 6.2% for the same period last year.

EBITDA¹ increased to $68.1 million, or 30.6% of net revenues, in the first half of 2021, as compared to $47.8 million, or 25.5% of net revenues, in the first half of 2020.

In the first half of 2021, Exponent paid $22.4 million in dividends. In addition, during the second quarter the Company repurchased $7 million of common stock, and closed the period with $240.0 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. 

Business Overview

Exponent’s engineering and other scientific segment represented 82% of the Company’s net revenues in the second quarter. Net revenues in this segment increased 33% in the second quarter as compared to the prior year period. Growth was driven by strong demand for Exponent's services across a broad range of industries and use cases. In addition to the steady increase in litigation support and human participant studies, our multidisciplinary battery team continues to see demand for its solutions in electric vehicles and energy storage. Our work in international arbitrations and integrity management advisory services continued at strong levels.

Exponent’s environmental and health segment represented 18% of the Company’s net revenues in the second quarter. Net revenues in this segment increased 9% in the second quarter as compared to the prior year period.   This segment also benefitted from increased activity in litigation related projects and support of human participant studies. The chemical regulation and food safety practice continued to grow as Exponent’s scientists evaluated the effects of chemicals and new products on human health and the environment.

Business Outlook

“The continued strong demand for our services, as well as the positive momentum we have experienced in the first half of 2021 gives us confidence as we look to the remainder of the year. However, we recognize that uncertainty remains as the spread of COVID variants is presenting challenges across the globe,” commented Richard Schlenker, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

For the third quarter of 2021 as compared to the same period one year prior, Exponent anticipates:

• Revenues before reimbursements to grow in the low-double digits; and,
• EBITDA¹ margin to increase 100 to 150 basis points.

For the full year 2021 as compared to the same period one year prior, Exponent anticipates:

• Revenues before reimbursements to grow in the low-double digits; and,
• EBITDA¹ margin to increase 225 to 250 basis points.

“The importance of scientific excellence and disciplinary diversity in advancing solutions to clients’ challenges has never been higher. At Exponent, we will continue to advance science with the same consistency, accuracy, and proficiency our clients trust from the brightest scientists, engineers, physicians and regulatory consultants in the world, all the while driving continuous growth and long-term shareholder value,” concluded Dr. Corrigan.

Today's Conference Call Information

Exponent will discuss its financial results in more detail on a conference call today, Thursday, July 29, 2021, starting at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time / 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time. The audio of the conference call is available by dialing (800) 700-1722 or (334) 781-6673. A live webcast of the call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.exponent.com/investors. For those unable to listen to the live webcast, a replay of the call will also be available on the Exponent website, or by dialing (888) 203-1112 or (719) 457-0820 and entering passcode 7087700#.

Footnotes

¹ EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure defined by the Company as net income before income taxes, interest income, depreciation and amortization. EBITDAS is a non-GAAP financial measure defined by the Company as EBITDA before stock-based compensation. The Company regards EBITDA and EBITDAS as useful measures of operating performance and cash flow to complement operating income, net income and other GAAP financial performance measures. Additionally, management believes that EBITDA and EBITDAS provide meaningful comparisons of past, present and future operating results. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position or cash flow that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. These measures, however, should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute or superior to, operating income, cash flows, or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the measures to GAAP is set forth below.

About Exponent

Exponent is an engineering and scientific consulting firm providing solutions to complex problems. Exponent's interdisciplinary organization of scientists, physicians, engineers, and business consultants draws from more than 90 technical disciplines to solve the most pressing and complicated challenges facing stakeholders today. The firm leverages over 50 years of experience in analyzing accidents and failures to advise clients as they innovate their technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.

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 general and industry specific economic conditions, the timing of engagements for our services, the effects of competitive services and pricing, the absence of backlog related to our business, our ability to attract and retain key employees, the effect of tort reform and government regulation on our business, and liabilities resulting from claims made against us. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10K 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.

Source: Exponent, Inc.

EXPONENT, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Quarters Ended July 2, 2021 and July 3, 2020
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
			Quarter Ended						Six Months Ended
			July 2,			July 3,			July 2,			July 3,
			2021			2020			2021			2020
Revenues
Revenues before reimbursements			$	112,468		$	87,863		$	222,047		$	187,583
Reimbursements			7,409			4,182			14,311			10,415
Revenues			119,877			92,045			236,358			197,998
Operating expenses
Compensation and related expenses			71,815			68,137			146,353			118,122
Other operating expenses			8,121			7,681			15,831			15,897
Reimbursable expenses			7,409			4,182			14,311			10,415
General and administrative expenses			3,160			2,925			6,433			8,456
			90,505			82,925			182,928			152,890
Operating income			29,372			9,120			53,430			45,108
Other income
Interest income, net			12			305			41			1,180
Miscellaneous income (expense), net			5,283			11,989			11,322			(819)
			5,295			12,294			11,363			361
Income before income taxes			34,667			21,414			64,793			45,469
Income taxes			9,267			5,068			8,545			2,841
Net income			$	25,400		$	16,346		$	56,248		$	42,628
Net income per share:
Basic			$	0.48		$	0.31		$	1.07		$	0.81
Diluted			$	0.48		$	0.31		$	1.06		$	0.80
Shares used in per share computations:
Basic			52,637			52,259			52,587			52,417
Diluted			53,285			53,139			53,313			53,404

EXPONENT, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
July 2, 2021 and January 1, 2021
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
				July 2,				January 1,
				2021				2021
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents				$	239,953			$	197,525
Short-term investments				-				45,001
Accounts receivable, net				142,743				111,565
Prepaid expenses and other assets				15,113				12,741
Total current assets				397,809				366,832
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net				60,329				59,823
Operating lease right-of-use asset				17,024				19,322
Goodwill				8,607				8,607
Other assets				135,102				125,512
				$	618,871			$	580,096
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities				$	26,973			$	16,327
Accrued payroll and employee benefits				79,050				83,194
Deferred revenues				10,984				11,800
Operating lease liability				5,959				5,987
Total current liabilities				122,966				117,308
Other liabilities				96,605				86,947
Operating lease liability				11,533				14,343
Total liabilities				231,104				218,598
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock				66				66
Additional paid-in capital				276,281				265,328
Accumulated other comprehensive loss				(1,786		)		(1,932		)
Retained earnings				454,583				421,809
Treasury stock, at cost				(341,377		)		(323,773		)
Total stockholders' equity				387,767				361,498
				$	618,871			$	580,096

EXPONENT, INC.
EBITDA and EBITDAS (1)
For the Quarters Ended July 2, 2021 and July 3, 2020
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
				Quarter Ended								Six Months Ended
				July 2,				July 3,				July 2,				July 3,
				2021				2020				2021				2020
Net Income				$	25,400			$	16,346			$	56,248			$	42,628
Add back (subtract):
Income taxes				9,267				5,068				8,545				2,841
Interest income, net				(12		)		(305		)		(41		)		(1,180		)
Depreciation and amortization				1,642				1,701				3,298				3,487
EBITDA (1)				36,297				22,810				68,050				47,776
Stock-based compensation				4,592				3,462				10,874				9,600
EBITDAS (1)				$	40,889			$	26,272			$	78,924			$	57,376
(1) EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure defined by the Company as net income before income taxes, interest income, depreciation and amortization.  EBITDAS is a non-GAAP financial measure defined by the Company as EBITDA before stock-based compensation.  The Company regards EBITDA and EBITDAS as useful measures of operating performance and cash flow to complement operating income, net income and other GAAP financial performance measures.  Additionally, management believes that EBITDA and EBITDAS provide meaningful comparisons of past, present and future operating results.  Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position or cash flow that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.  These measures, however, should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute or superior to, operating income, cash flows, or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

FAQ

What were Exponent's Q2 2021 earnings results?

Exponent reported net revenue of $119.9 million, a 30% increase from Q2 2020, with net income of $25.4 million, or $0.48 per diluted share.

What is Exponent's revenue guidance for Q3 2021?

Exponent anticipates revenue growth in the low-double digits for Q3 2021 compared to the same period last year.

How did Exponent's EBITDA perform in Q2 2021?

EBITDA increased to $36.3 million, or 32.3% of net revenues, up from 26.0% in Q2 2020.

What is Exponent's outlook for the full year 2021?

The company expects low-double digit revenue growth and an EBITDA margin increase of 225 to 250 basis points for the full year 2021.

What financial position does Exponent hold as of Q2 2021?

Exponent closed the period with $240 million in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments.