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Exponent

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FY2014 Annual Report · Exponent
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2014 
Annual Report 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dear Fellow Stockholders: 

We are pleased to have continued to grow our revenues while expanding our margins in 2014. 
This performance allowed us to increase shareholder value by growing earnings, raising the 
dividend and expanding stock repurchases.   

For the year, revenues before reimbursements increased 3% to $289.2 million and total revenues 
reached $304.7 million. Net income increased 5% to $40.7 million, or $2.94 per diluted share, 
and EBITDA increased 6% to $73.2 million. We generated $48.3 million in cash from 
operations, repurchased $30.9 million of common stock, paid dividends of $13.1 million and 
closed 2014 with $154.4 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.  

Throughout the year, we saw our reactive services continue to grow, as we were called upon to 
perform high profile accident and failure investigations, evaluate potentially significant product 
recalls, and assess environmental and health exposures. Our proactive services, particularly 
design evaluations of consumer electronics and medical devices and regulatory consulting for the 
chemicals and food industries, also grew nicely during the year.  

In 2015, we are continuing to strengthen our position as the go-to firm for engineering and 
scientific expertise when clients want to know what happened as they are facing a product recall, 
litigation, or regulatory enforcement. We are leveraging our experience and reputation with 
reactive services to further develop our proactive services, such as design evaluations, risk 
management, and regulatory consulting. We expect our underlying business growth to be in the 
high-single digits in 2015, partially offset by a significant decline in defense work related to the 
drawdown of troops in Afghanistan, as well as a step down in a major project in the second half 
of the year.  We believe we can continue to expand our unique market position in assessing the 
reliability, safety, human health, and environmental issues of increasingly complex technologies, 
products, and processes.  

In closing, we posted another solid year. Exponent remains focused on delivering continued 
revenue growth, profitability, and cash flow from operations, which is expected to drive common 
stock repurchase activity and dividend payments as we have repeatedly done in the past. We 
thank our employees, clients and investors for their contributions and continued support. We 
look forward to continuing to build upon our unique market position to deliver long-term value. 

With regards,  

Paul R. Johnston, Ph.D.  
President and Chief Executive Officer  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 January 2, 2015. 

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) 
________________________________ 

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 

Delaware 

77-0218904 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 

149 Commonwealth Drive, Menlo Park, California 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

94025 
(Zip Code) 

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

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

   Title of Each Class 

Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share 

    Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered 
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC 

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

Indicate by check  mark if the registrant is a  well-known  seasoned issuer, as defined in  Rule 405 of the Securities 
Act.   

Yes   X     

No          

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 
Act.   

No   X     

Yes          

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of 
the  Act  during  the  preceding  12  months  (or  for  such  shorter  period  that  the  registrant  was  required  to  file  such 
reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 

Yes   X    

No           

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if 
any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during 
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).   

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. [  ] 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 
or  a  smaller  reporting  company.    See  definitions  of  “large  accelerated  filer”,  “accelerated  filer”  and  “smaller 
reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.   

Large accelerated filer [X]  Accelerated filer [  ] 

Non-accelerated filer [  ] 
(Do not check if a smaller 
reporting company) 

Smaller reporting company [  ] 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). 

Yes          

No   X     

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the 
closing  sales  price  of  the  Common  Stock  as  reported  on  the  NASDAQ  National  Market  on  July  3,  2014,  the  last 
business  day  of  the  registrant’s  most  recently  completed  second  quarter,  was  $837,777,802.    Shares  of  the 
registrant’s  common  stock  held  by  each  executive  officer  and  director  and  by  each  entity  or  person  that,  to  the 
registrant’s knowledge, owned 10% or more of registrant’s outstanding common stock as of July 3, 2014 have been 
excluded in that such persons may be deemed to be affiliates of the registrant.  This determination of affiliate status 
is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.  

The number of shares of the issuer’s Common Stock outstanding as of February 20, 2015 was 12,870,974. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Portions of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the Registrant’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to 
be held on May 28, 2015 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXPONENT, INC. 
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT 
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 2, 2015 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Business 

PART I 
Item 1. 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors 
Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments 
Item 2.  
Item 3. 
Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosures 

Properties 
Legal Proceedings 

PART II 
Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 

  Purchases of Equity Securities 
Selected Financial Data 

Item 6. 
Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 
Item 8. 
Item 9. 
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures 
Item 9B.  Other Information 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

Page 

4 
15 
19 
19 
19 
19 

19 
22 
22 
31 
32 
32 
32 
32 

PART III 
32 
Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 
Item 11.  Executive Compensation 
33 
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters  33 
33 
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 
33 
Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

PART IV 
Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

Signatures  
Exhibit Index 

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),  including  but  not  limited  to 
statements  regarding  future  growth  and  market 
opportunities, 
headcount, 
utilization and operating expenses, 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 

revenue,  margins, 

3 

34 

61 
62 

in 

the  documents 

Reform  Act  of  1995.    When  used  in  this  document 
and 
incorporated  herein  by 
reference, statements other than statements of current 
or  historical  fact  are  forward-looking  statements.  
The  words  “anticipate,”  “believe,”  “estimate,” 
“expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to the 
Company or its management, identify certain of 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 
or 
results, 
Company’s 
achievements  could  differ  materially  from  those 
expressed  in,  or  implied  by,  any  such  forward-
looking  statements.    Factors  that  could  cause  or 

performance, 

actual 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
the 
specific  economic  conditions, 
timing  of 
engagements 
the  effects  of 
for  our  services, 
competitive  services  and  pricing,  tort  reform  and 
liabilities  resulting  from  claims  made  against  us.  
Additional  risks  and  uncertainties  are  discussed  in 
this  Report  under  the  heading  “Risk  Factors”  and 
elsewhere.    The  inclusion  of  such  forward-looking 
information 
a 
representation  by  the  Company  or  any  other  person 
that 
future  events,  plans,  or  expectations 
contemplated by the Company will be achieved.  The 
Company  undertakes  no  obligation  to  update  or 
revise any such forward-looking statements. 

should  not  be 

regarded 

the 

as 

PART I 

Item 1.  Business 

GENERAL 

Inc., 

The history 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.  
its  subsidiaries, 
together  with 
Exponent, 
(“Exponent”  or  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  90 
different  technical  disciplines  to  solve  complicated 
issues  facing  industry  and  government  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 

health, 

Exponent  serves  clients  in  automotive,  aviation, 
chemical,  construction,  consumer  products,  energy, 
government, 
insurance,  manufacturing, 
technology and other sectors of the economy.  Many 
of  our  engagements  are  initiated  directly  by  large 
corporations  or  by  lawyers  or  insurance  companies 
whose clients anticipate, or are engaged in, litigation 
related  to  their  products,  equipment,  processes  or 

services.    The  scope  of  our  services  in  failure 
prevention  and  technology  evaluation  has  grown  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 material basis, charging in the latter 
case 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 $160 
to  $650  per  hour.    Our  engagement  agreements 
require 
typically  provide 
payment of our invoices within 30 days of receipt and 
permit clients to terminate engagements at any time.  
Clients  normally  agree  to  indemnify  us  and  our 
personnel  against  liabilities  arising  out  of  the  use  or 
results  of  our  work  or 
application  of 
recommendations. 

for  monthly  billing, 

the 

SERVICES 

Exponent  provides  high  quality  engineering  and 
scientific  consulting  services  to  clients  around  the 
world.  Our  service  offerings  are  provided  on  a 
  Many  projects  require 
project-by-project  basis. 
support  from  multiple  practices. 
  We  currently 
operate  22  practices  and  centers  in  two  operating 
segments,  Engineering  and  Other  Scientific  and 
Environmental and Health: 

ENGINEERING AND OTHER SCIENTIFIC 

•  Biomechanics 
•  Biomedical Engineering 
•  Buildings & Structures 
•  Civil Engineering 
•  Construction Consulting 
•  Electrical Engineering & Computer Science 
•  Engineering Management Consulting 
•  Human Factors 
• 
•  Materials & Corrosion Engineering 
•  Mechanical Engineering 
•  Polymer Science & Materials Chemistry 
•  Statistical & Data Sciences 
•  Technology Development  
•  Thermal Sciences 
•  Vehicle Analysis 

Industrial Structures 

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH 

•  Chemical Regulation & Food Safety 
•  Ecological & Biological Sciences 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•  Environmental & Earth Sciences 
•  Epidemiology, Biostatistics & 
Computational Biology 

•  Exposure Assessment & Occupational 

Health 

•  Toxicology & Mechanistic Biology 

ENGINEERING AND OTHER SCIENTIFIC 

Biomechanics 

Our  biomechanics  staff  uses  engineering  and 
biomedical science to solve complex problems at the 
intersection  of  biology  and  engineering.  Our 
expertise  is  used  to  understand  and  evaluate  the 
interaction  between  the  human  body  as  a  biological 
system  and  the  physical  environment  to  explore  the 
cause, nature, and severity of injuries. 

During 
the  past  year,  our  biomechanics  staff 
performed  analyses  of  human  injury  related  to  a 
variety  of  products  including  recreational  vehicles, 
sporting  goods,  trucks,  trains,  aircraft,  industrial 
equipment, and automobiles.  They also looked at the 
implications  of  using  protective  devices  (such  as 
restraint  systems,  airbags,  and  helmets)  on  reducing 
the  potential  for  injury,  and  assessed  injuries  in  the 
workplace,  in  the  home,  and  during  recreational 
activities. 

Biomedical Engineering 

Our  Biomedical  Engineering  Practice  applies 
engineering principles to the medical field, including 
the evaluation of designs and performance of medical 
devices  and  biologics.    Our  engineers  and  scientists 
assist  clients  with  characterization  of  cells,  tissues, 
biomaterials,  and  medical  devices.  As  part  of  our 
regulatory  compliance,  we  can  perform  preclinical 
testing  and  formulate  a  related  regulatory  strategy, 
conduct design verification and validation, as well as 
design  and  manufacturing  failure  analyses,  recall 
management, and medical device explant analysis.  In 
addition,  our  staff  can  perform  analysis  of  clinical 
outcomes  for  medical  devices  using  administrative 
claims  databases.    Our  expertise  is  also  utilized  in 
product 
litigation, 
technology acquisition and due diligence matters. 

intellectual  property 

liability, 

Buildings & Structures 

The  basic  function  of  a  building  is  to  provide 
structurally  sound,  durable  and  environmentally 
controlled  space  to  house  and  protect  occupants  and 
contents.    If  this  basic  function  is  not  achieved,  it  is 
because one or more aspect(s) of the building design 

5 

its 

to  perform 

intended 
or  construction  failed 
function.    Our  architects,  engineers,  and  scientists 
have been investigating such failures for decades, and 
we  use  this  experience  to  solve  problems  with 
building  systems  and  components,  including  finding 
the  best  repair  options  and  mitigating  the  risk  of 
future failures. 

include  property 

During  the  past  year,  we  have  evaluated  numerous 
problems  with residential, commercial and industrial 
structures  for  insurers,  attorneys  and  owners.    Our 
evaluations  often 
inspections, 
testing, engineering analysis  and the development of 
  In  addition,  we  have 
repair  recommendations. 
worked with owners to assess and mitigate the risk of 
failure  associated  with  hazards  such  as  hurricanes, 
earthquakes,  tsunamis  and  aging  infrastructure.    We 
have  assessed  these  risks  to  high-rise  buildings, 
industrial facilities, pipelines and nuclear power plant 
structures.  

Civil Engineering 

Our  Civil  Engineering  Practice  provides  broad 
expertise  that  includes  geotechnical  engineering, 
geological  engineering,  engineering  geology,  and 
geology  to  address  a  host  of  geo-failures,  including 
landslides,  foundation  and  retaining  wall  failures, 
dam and levee failures and construction claims.  We 
also  provide  peer  review  services  for  complicated 
structures.   Our Water Resources staff specializes  in 
the  application  of  proven  hydrologic,  hydraulic, 
hydrodynamic,  and  sediment  transport  research  and 
science  to  provide  scientifically  sound  and  cost-
effective solutions to our clients.  

Over  the  past  year,  our  consultants  have  been 
engaged  in  a  number  of  investigations  related  to 
mining  issues,  wildland  fires,  landslides,  retaining 
wall  and  foundation  failures,  large  construction 
claims,  flooding  and  sediment  transport,  and  peer 
review  of  large  commercial  development  designs.  
This  practice  has  had  a  diverse  portfolio  of  projects 
and  clients  that  represent  a  broad  spectrum  of 
industries. 

Construction Consulting 

Our  Construction  Consulting  Practice  provides 
project  advisory,  risk  analysis,  strategic  planning, 
dispute  resolution,  and  financial  damages  services.  
During  the  past  year,  we  expanded  the  practice  by 
in  several 
leveraging  key  client 
construction  sectors  including  utilities  and  oil  and 
gas.    Our  multi-disciplinary  staff,  which  includes 
construction  managers, 
engineers, 

relationships 

architects, 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
schedulers,  accountants,  and  technical  specialists, 
provides these services to both the public and private 
sectors  for  clients  who  represent  a  diverse  mix  of 
companies and agencies. 

Our projects include many sectors of the construction 
and  engineering  industry  as  well  as  facilities  and 
systems  which  include  power  plants,  transmission 
and  distribution  facilities,  petrochemical  facilities, 
water/wastewater treatment plants, bridges and roads, 
rail systems, tunnels, airports, commercial buildings, 
institutional  buildings,  industrial  and  manufacturing 
facilities,  sporting  arenas  and  gaming  facilities.    We 
provide services to firms involved in the engineering 
including  construction 
and  construction 
owners, 
and 
engineering 
agencies, 
lending 
construction  contractors,  subcontractors,  designers, 
attorneys and insurance carriers. 

industry 

Electrical Engineering & Computer Science 

for 

consumer 

The  Electrical  Engineering  and  Computer  Science 
Practice  offers  a  broad  range  of  expertise  to  address 
complex issues for industrial, government and private 
clients.    Our  power  engineers  advise  and  offer 
guidance to clients on problems relating to electrical 
systems  including  power  generation,  transmission 
and  distribution.    Our  team  of  electrical  engineers 
robustness 
failure  analysis,  product 
works  on 
and reliability 
industrial 
and 
electronics.    Our  computer  engineers  and  scientists 
industries  and  computer 
work  with  high-tech 
controlled applications to evaluate product safety and 
software  reliability.    The  computer  engineering  and 
science expertise  we offer encompasses a  breadth of 
areas  including  information  and  numerical  sciences, 
algorithms  and  data  structures,  computer  graphics, 
and 
computer 
communications, 
and 
cryptography.    We  operate  laboratories  for  testing 
heavy  equipment  and  electronics  and  we  have  a 
broad capability in analyzing computer software. 

networking 
as 

architecture, 

as  well 

security 

ranging 

Over  the  past  year,  we  performed  a  wide  array  of 
from  assessing  electrical 
investigations 
damage  to  infrastructure  from  the  effect  of  weather 
related  events  to  working  with  clients  to  develop 
sophisticated  machine learning algorithms applied to 
large quantities of unstructured data.  We continue to 
work  with  consumer  electronics  manufacturers  and 
the  transportation  industry  on  the  reliability  and 
robustness of computer controlled equipment for user 
safety.    We  have  also  provided  our  expertise  to 
clients  in  intellectual  property  advising  them  on 
matters  of  integrated  circuit  design,  semiconductor 
fabrication and computer software implementations. 

6 

Engineering Management Consulting 

This  practice  provides  multi-disciplinary  expertise 
and rapid response to assist clients with management 
consulting  services  related  to  technical  issues.    Our 
consultants  provide  services  in  the  areas  of  asset 
strategy,  technology  strategy,  regulatory  strategy, 
asset  planning,  project  management,  engineering, 
construction, 
operations, 
maintenance, 
environmental,  and  risk  analysis.    This  practice 
primarily  services 
the  electric  and  gas  utility 
industries, including transmission, distribution, fossil 
fuel  generation,  nuclear  generation,  and  renewable 
generation. 

We  provide  unique  and  advanced  services  including 
risk  and  reliability  assessment  and  mitigation.    Our 
scientists  and  engineers  assist  our  clients 
in 
minimizing  losses  related  to  asset  failures  and/or 
business operations.  Accidents, unanticipated events, 
and  system  failures  are  the  primary  causes  of 
deferred  or  lost  production  interruptions  and  may 
lead  to  loss  of  life,  injury,  property  damage,  and 
undesired  releases.    Our  multi-disciplinary  staff  has 
business 
also 
interruption, 
and 
reliability  assessments  for  chemical,  petrochemical, 
petroleum, and manufacturing clients worldwide. 

diverse 
technical, 
compliance-related 

performed 
and 

risk 

Human Factors 

staff 

evaluates  human 
Our  Human  Factors 
performance  and  safety  in  product  and  system  use.  
Our  consultants  study  how  the  limitations  and 
capabilities of people, including memory, perception, 
reaction  time,  judgment,  physical  size  and  dexterity, 
affect  the  way  they  use  a  product,  interact  with  an 
organization  or  environment,  process  information  or 
participate in an activity.  

We  address  the  reliability  of  human  memory  and 
retrospective reporting in the  gathering of fact-based 
evidence.    We  review  warnings  and  labeling  issues 
related to consumer products, pharmaceuticals, motor 
vehicles, medical devices and industrial products.  In 
addition, we assist manufacturers with compliance of 
regulatory  guidelines  related  to  products  and  work 
with them regarding analysis of adverse event reports 
in  publicly  available 
and  consumer  complaints 
databases  overseen  by  the  Consumer  Product  Safety 
Commission and the Food and Drug Administration.  
We  also  provide  support  assessing  alleged  false 
advertising  claims  for  consumer  products,  foods  and 
pharmaceuticals. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Industrial Structures 

Our 
in 
Industrial  Structures  Practice,  based 
Düsseldorf  and  Berlin,  Germany,  specializes  in 
design and assessment of industrial structures subject 
to extreme conditions.  Our staff has provided design 
reviews  and  assessments  on  more 
than  1,000 
structures  around  the  world,  and  our  staff  has 
participated  in  the  creation  of  several  engineering 
standards. 

Our Industrial Structures Practice provides planning, 
assessment, rehabilitation and dismantling analysis of 
in  four  particular  areas:  
load-bearing  structures 
antenna  masts,  power  plants,  buildings  and  special 
structures like refractories or  tanks.  One  service  we 
provide  in  over  900  locations  throughout  the  year  is 
quality  assurance  of  antenna  masts  for  a  variety  of 
facilities including telecommunications, wind energy 
and  industrial  chimneys.    Our  consultants  provide 
inspection  services  related  to  new  construction  and 
assess design deficiencies related to new and existing 
facilities,  as  well  as  assist  our  clients  with  on-time, 
quality construction on their projects. 

With the use of our self-developed computer software 
for non-linear material behavior, we provide close-to-
reality assessment of a wide variety of structures such 
as cracked reinforced concrete structures, multi-layer 
refractories  or  masonry  towers.    Beyond  industrial 
structures,  more  and  more  commercial  property 
projects are becoming part of this practice. 

Materials & Corrosion Engineering 

in-depth  knowledge  of  materials  science, 
Our 
corrosion,  and  metallurgical  engineering,  combined 
with  the  breadth  of  our  collective  experience  across 
many  industries  and  disciplines  gives  our  Materials 
and  Corrosion  Engineering  Practice  a  unique  ability 
to  efficiently  provide  our  clients  with  solutions  to 
their complex materials-based problems.  We use our 
knowledge  and  experience  to  understand  how  and 
why  materials,  products,  and  processes  may  not 
perform their intended function, as well as to prevent 
future problems.  In the past  year, our Materials and 
Corrosion  Engineering  Practice  helped  clients  solve 
critical  materials-related  issues  in  the  consumer 
electronics,  medical  device,  chemical  processing, 
transportation,  energy,  and  aerospace  fields,  among 
others. 

Mechanical Engineering 

We provide clients with a thorough comprehension of 
current  or  alternative  designs  to  determine  potential 

failures  occur,  develop 
vulnerabilities  before 
appropriate risk mitigation methods, and provide post 
failure  investigations.    Our  consultants  review  the 
safety and reliability of processes and products.  We 
assist in performing product recall investigations and 
reviewing  internal  compliance  programs  as  part  of 
the  implementation  of  corrective  action  plans.    We 
have performed these activities in the transportation, 
heavy industry, energy, and consumer product areas. 

Our  staff  develop  and  utilize  detailed,  validated 
computational  models 
to  evaluate  equipment, 
consumer  products  and  medical  devices  to  solve  a 
variety  of  technical  challenges  associated  with  their 
design  and  optimization. 
  Our  scientists  and 
engineers  also  provide  services  in  the  area  of 
intellectual  property  and  are  often  asked  to  interpret 
the  language  of  a  patent  from  a  scientific  and 
engineering perspective and provide insight regarding 
the  proper  technical  interpretation  of  patent  claims.  
During  the  past  year  our  mechanical  engineers 
worked  on  a  wide  variety  of  projects  ranging  from 
high profile consumer product recall investigations to 
pipeline  integrity  evaluations  and  worker  safety 
issues. 

analysis 

integrity 

equipment 

in  manufacturing. 

and 
Industrial 
management  is  a  growing  part  of  our  business 
involved  with  increasing  productivity  and  lowering 
  We  advise  clients  on 
risk 
mitigating  engineering  asset  failures, 
improving 
equipment  reliability,  and  better  understanding  their 
risk  profile.    Our  approach  combines  engineering 
mechanics  with  computational  algorithms,  industry-
accepted standards, and operational data. 

Polymer Science & Materials Chemistry 

Our  Polymer  Science  and  Materials  Chemistry  staff 
consults  with  industrial,  government,  and  insurance 
clients,  as  well  as  their  outside  counsels,  regarding 
polymers and textiles used in diverse applications and 
chemical aspects of batteries, drug delivery systems, 
and  other  products  that  depend  on  highly  controlled 
manufacturing  environments.    We  assist  clients  in 
understanding  the  short-  and  long-term  performance 
of  plastic,  rubber,  adhesive,  coating,  composite  and 
electrochemical  energy  systems  when  challenged  by 
physical,  chemical,  thermal  and  other  operational 
stressors.  

Our  consultants  participate  in  product  development 
programs,  perform  failure  analyses  and  provide 
support  to  clients  involved  in  regulatory  and  legal 
proceedings.    Clients  value  our  technical  expertise 
related to chemistry, formulation, manufacturing and 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  During 

their  businesses. 

materials  performance,  our  understanding  of  the 
history  and  evolution  of  these  materials,  and  our 
ability to assist them in identifying and incorporating 
emerging  materials  and  manufacturing  technologies 
into 
the  past  year, 
significant  program  activities  addressed  components 
of  consumer  electronics,  wearable  devices,  battery 
medical 
technology, 
devices, 
combination  drug  delivery 
systems,  historical 
formulations  and  components,  performance  and 
industrial  textiles,  high  performance  coatings,  food 
packaging,  building  materials, 
technical  due 
diligence, technology scouting, and materials science 
life  prediction, 
aspects  of  health  risk,  service 
sustainability, 
intellectual 
and 
property, including trade secrets.  

polymer-related 

implantable 

Statistical & Data Sciences 

in 

core 

capabilities 

  The  practice  specializes 

Our  Statistical  &  Data  Sciences  staff  comprises  our 
company’s 
statistical 
methodology  and  offers  its  expertise  to  serve  clients 
at any and all stages of the empirical research process 
including  product  development,  manufacturing,  and 
regulatory  stages. 
in 
determining  whether  a  particular  activity  or  product 
poses an unreasonable risk.  Risk estimation involves 
establishing  a  reference  period  and  then  collecting 
information  about  the  number  of  injuries  (or  other 
adverse events) suffered and the amount of exposure 
during this period.  Through analysis and synthesis of 
client-supplied data, combined with information from 
public  sources,  we  help  clients  measure  their  own 
risk  in  the  context  of  similar  risks  and  determine 
appropriate courses of action.   

data 

industry,  and 
and 

legal  clients. 
scientists 

During  the  past  year,  we  worked  on  a  variety  of 
engineering,  health,  and  environmental  projects  for 
government, 
  Our 
performed 
statisticians 
assessments  of  manufacturing  quality  systems, 
applied  data  mining  methods  to  the  analysis  of 
medical  device  complaints,  examined 
the  field 
reliability  of  electronic  networks  and  computer 
equipment,  and  assessed  the  effects  of  selected 
factors  on  industrial  exposure  to  environmental 
contaminants. 

Technology Development 

on 

our  multidisciplinary 

Drawing 
science, 
engineering,  testing,  failure  analysis  and  failure 
prevention  expertise,  our  Technology  Development 
Practice 
advanced 
in 
technologies  and  concepts  from  our  experience  with 
to  deliver 
the  commercial  and  defense  sectors 

specializes 

harnessing 

fully 

innovation  to  our  clients.    We  identify  and  leverage 
the  best  in  off-the-shelf  technologies  combined  with 
custom  development  to  deliver  solutions  ranging 
from 
concept 
architectures.    Our  focus  is  on  a  close  collaboration 
with  the  end  user,  ease  of  use,  reliability,  high 
quality,  and  speed  of  engineering  design  and 
execution.  

integrated 

systems 

to 

Historically,  Technology  Development  has  focused 
its efforts in the defense  sector; in 2014 the Practice 
significantly  expanded  its  commercial  work  and 
made  some  structural  changes  to  more  closely  align 
with  the  commercial  side  of  the  company.    Some 
examples of this broader focus include: new work in 
the oil & gas industry, working directly with a major 
client  on  prototyping  and  validating  cutting-edge 
safety  technologies;  partnering  with  a  geophysical 
survey  company  to  help  them  more  fully  leverage 
state-of-the-art 
processing 
techniques  in  their  services  business;  and  working 
with a small business on the design and field test of a 
nascent  trace  chemical  vapor  sensor.    The  Practice 
continued  to  grow  its  expertise  and  presence  in  the 
area of security and identity, with a concentration on 
digital  and  physical  credentials.    Our  technology 
development experts are prominent on the numerous 
relevant  government  and  industry  standards  and 
policy committees.   

sensing 

data 

and 

Commensurate  with  the  U.S.  military  drawdown  in 
Afghanistan,  we  wrapped  up  our  activities  with 
forward  deployed  embedded  engineering  support  to 
the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force and associated 
rapid fielding initiatives.  We continued to engage in 
applied  early  stage  development  activities  with  the 
U.S.  Army’s  Night  Vision  and  Electronic  Sensors 
Directorate 
landmine  detection 
technologies.  Similarly,  our  work  with  the  U.K. 
from  deployed 
Ministry  of  Defence  evolved 
operational  support  of  Exponent’s  landmine  and 
improvised  explosive  device  (IED)  detection  sensor 
systems 
long-term  planning  and  sustainment 
activities.  

the  area  of 

to 

in 

Thermal Sciences 

fire  protection 

Our  Thermal  Sciences 
staff  provides  multi-
disciplinary  expertise  to  assist  clients  in  chemical 
engineering, 
and 
mechanical  engineering.    We  have  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  with 
preventive  measures  related  to  the  design  of  their 

engineering, 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
products.  We assist clients in minimizing the risk of 
fires  and  explosions,  we  provide 
regulatory 
consulting for permitting new industrial facilities, and 
we assist manufacturers in addressing the risk of fires 
associated  with  consumer  products.    Our  engineers 
use  fire  modeling  and  other  computational  fire 
dynamics  modeling 
supplement  our 
tools 
analytical,  experimental,  and  field-based  activities.  
Preventive  services  include  process  safety  hazard 
analysis  for  the  chemical  and  oil  and  gas  industries, 
fire  protection  engineering  and  dust  explosion 
consulting. 

to 

During  the  past  year,  our  work  in  exploration  and 
production,  Liquefied  Natural  Gas  (LNG)  and 
downstream  oil  and  gas  sectors  has  continued  to 
remain  active.    Our  services  in  these  areas  include 
assessing new oil well control technologies, assessing 
potential  fire  and  explosion  risks  and  consequences 
and 
integrity 
downstream 
management strategies.  We have seen growth in our 
non-litigation fire protection engineering services.  In 
addition,  the  Thermal  Sciences  Practice  continues  to 
develop tools to assist in the evaluation of fire risk of 
lithium-ion  batteries,  and 
in 
consumer products.  

their  performance 

developing 

asset 

Vehicle Analysis 

trucking, 

We  have  performed  thousands  of  investigations  for 
the  automotive, 
recreational  vehicle, 
marine,  aerospace,  and  rail  industries.    Internal 
research programs and client projects have resulted in 
technological  contributions 
that  have  assisted 
manufacturers 
the  understanding  of  product 
performance  and  provided  insight  to  government 
agencies  in  establishing  policy  and  regulations.  
Information  gained  from  these  analyses  has  also 
assisted  clients  in  assessing  preventive  measures 
related  to  the  design  of  their  products,  as  well  as 
evaluating failures.  

in 

Our Test and Engineering Center located in Phoenix, 
Arizona,  is  the  setting  for  our  most  complex  tests, 
along  with  rigorous  analysis  of  results.    We  have 
gained  a  worldwide  reputation  for  our  ability  to 
mobilize  resources  expeditiously  and  efficiently, 
integrate  a  broad  array  of  technical  disciplines,  and 
is  objective  and 
provide  valuable 
withstands  rigorous  scrutiny.    Many  of  our  projects 
involve  addressing  the  cause  of  accidents  and  our 
clients  rely  on  us  to  determine  what  happened  in  an 
accident  and  why  it  happened.    In  many  cases,  they 
also want us to assess what could have been done to 
reduce  the  severity  of  the  accident  or  to  mitigate 
occupant  injuries  to  those  involved.    Whether  the 

insight 

that 

objective  is  design  analysis,  component  testing,  or 
accident  reconstruction,  our  knowledge  of  vehicle 
systems and engineering principles coupled with our 
experience  from  conducting  full-scale  tests  add 
insight and proficiency to every project. 

ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH 

Chemical Regulation & Food Safety 

Our Center for Chemical Regulation and Food Safety 
includes  both  technical  and  regulatory  specialists 
who are experienced in dealing with foods, and with 
including 
pesticide  and  non-pesticide  products 
biochemicals, 
conventional 
antimicrobials/biocides, 
of 
biotechnology,  cosmetics  and  industrial  chemicals.  
We  provide  practical,  scientific  and  regulatory 
support  to  meet  global  business  objectives  at  every 
stage  of  the  product  cycle,  from  research  and 
development to retail and beyond. 

chemicals, 
and 

products 

from 

regulatory 

submissions, 

During  the  past  year  our  Chemical  Regulation  and 
Food  Safety  staff  have  conducted  a  wide  array  of 
work.    The  European  and  U.S.  sides  of  the  Center 
were  jointly  involved  with  the  ongoing  support  of  a 
new pesticide active ingredient and end-use product.  
The European side of our business was involved with 
many projects related to plant protection and biocidal 
product 
active 
substances  under  review  to  product-specific  dossiers 
for  individual  European  member  states.   In  addition, 
we  provided  many  specialist  assessments  relating  to 
human  and  environmental  exposure  and  product 
efficacy  and  national  and  international  Maximum 
Residue  Limit/import  tolerance  submissions.    We 
continue  to  support  safety  assessments  for  food  and 
cosmetics  products  and  industrial  chemicals.    In  the 
U.S.  we  continued  to  provide  services  related  to 
ingredient  and  end-use  product 
pesticide  active 
development  and  registrations 
the  U.S.  and 
in 
Canada, registration review, import tolerances  in the 
U.S.  and  Canada,  due  diligence,  and  data 
compensation,  as  well  as  the  approval  of  new 
pesticide  inert  ingredients  and  new  non-pesticide 
chemical  approvals.    Our  food  safety  consultants 
continued  to  assist  clients  with  food  additives,  food 
contact  notifications,  and  nutrition-related  analyses, 
as  well  as  product  safety  proactive  and  reactive 
support services, recall and litigation support. 

Ecological & Biological Sciences 

Our  ecological  and  biological  scientists  provide 
strategic support on issues related to natural resources 
damages  associated  with  chemicals  and  forest  fires, 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
international  environmental  disputes,  ecosystem 
service  assessments  for  businesses,  climate  change, 
ecological 
remediation 
risk  assessment,  novel 
methods,  restoration  of  wetlands  and  other  natural 
resources, 
large  development  projects,  resource 
utilization (mineral  mining, oil and gas,  wood pulp), 
and  the  use  of  chemicals  and  other  products  in 
commerce.  The practice specializes in assessing the 
effects of chemical, biological, and physical stressors 
on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.  The practice is 
comprised of nationally recognized experts that cover 
disciplines related to the ecological implications and 
risks associated with these projects.  

Environmental & Earth Sciences  

and 

chemistry 

Our  environmental  scientists  and  engineers  provide 
cost-effective,  scientifically  defensible  and  realistic 
assessments and solutions to complex environmental 
issues.    We  offer  technical,  regulatory  and  litigation 
support to industries that include oil and gas, mining 
and  minerals,  chemicals,  forest  products,  railroads, 
aerospace,  and  trade  associations,  and  to  municipal 
and  government  clients.    Our  consultants  specialize 
in  the  areas  of  environmental  fate  and  transport, 
environmental 
forensics, 
hydrogeology,  air  toxics,  modeling  and  monitoring, 
water  quality  and  water  supply,  data  analytics, 
remediation  consulting,  environmental  engineering 
and  waste  management,  climate 
impacts,  and 
evaluation  of  environmental  and  social  risks.    Our 
work  often  involves  complex  and  high  visibility 
environmental  problems  and  issues,  often  the  focus 
tort  claims,  where 
toxic 
of  environmental  or 
evaluation 
historical 
contamination 
reconstruction of events, releases, and doses, as well 
as  water  resource  issues  are  central  to  problem 
  We  provide  strategic  and  advisory 
resolution. 
consulting  on 
risk  mitigation,  planning,  and 
regulatory issues. 

and 

of 

Epidemiology,  Biostatistics  &  Computational 
Biology 

Our health scientists apply epidemiology to examine 
and  address  complex  health  issues  in  a  variety  of 
settings.  Through the principles of epidemiology, we 
analyze 
interaction  of  host,  agent,  and 
environment  to  reach  conclusions  about  the  causes 
and occurrence of disease in human populations. 

the 

specialties, 

Our  consultants  combine  the  expertise  of  several 
assessment 
medical 
professionals, and other scientists who have advanced 
degrees  in  statistics  and  public  health.    All  of  our 
physicians  have  graduate  training  in  epidemiology 

exposure 

and  biostatistics.    Our  research  work  has  included 
numerous  community  health  assessments,  disease 
cluster  investigations,  survey  research,  occupational 
cohort and case-control studies, exposure assessment 
studies,  cancer  modeling,  meta-analyses,  and  state-
of-the-art reviews. 

Exposure Assessment & Occupational Health 

it  describes 

In  the  Exposure  Assessment  &  Occupational  Health 
Center,  we  apply  scientific  processes  to  characterize 
and estimate health risks from exposures to chemical, 
physical,  and  biological  agents  in  the  workplace, 
  Exposure 
home,  and  outdoor  environment. 
assessment  is  integral  to  the  health  assessment 
process  as 
the  characteristics  and 
concentrations  of  hazardous  agents  or  substances  in 
the air, soil, specific product or other media, as  well 
the  frequency,  magnitude,  and  duration  of 
as 
exposure events.  Exposure assessments provide key 
data to characterize health risks and can also be used 
to recommend controls or other approaches to lower 
exposures.  
or 
Exposure  estimates  can  be  used  to  calculate  the 
likelihood  of  a  particular  health  risk  occurring  or  be 
compared 
toxicity  benchmarks,  workplace 
standards  or  other  applicable  guidelines  to  assess 
potential 
  Exposure 
assessments  also  are  critical  components  of  human 
epidemiology  studies  and  regulatory  compliance 
evaluations. 

eliminate  potentially 

to  human  health. 

excessive 

risks 

to 

industrial 

Our 
microbiologists, 
hygienists, 
environmental  chemists,  environmental  and  health 
scientists,  physicians,  and  air  quality  modelers 
evaluate  health  risks  posed  by  chemical,  physical  or 
biological  agents.    We  are  skilled  in  estimating 
multiple  routes  of  exposure  from  manufacturing 
operations,  use  (and  misuse)  of  consumer  products, 
indoor air / ambient releases, contaminated foods and 
environmental  media 
soils,  and 
sediments)  and  environmental  releases  of  various 
chemicals  and  substances. 
these 
evaluations  to  help  clients  evaluate  product  safety 
questions; issues evolving from litigation claims; and 
compliance with the growing number of occupational 
health,  product  safety,  and  other  environmental 
regulations.    We  have  also  assisted  companies  with 
their  preventive  health  and  safety  program  needs  in 
the  workplace  and  can  provide  external  verification 
of health services performance. 

  We  apply 

(e.g.,  water, 

Our  multidisciplinary  team  has  extensive  experience 
investigating a broad variety of health concerns such 
as  claims  of  illnesses  from  exposures  to  ionizing 
radiation and electromagnetic fields, chemicals, dusts 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
and  other  airborne  particulates,  smoke  and  fumes, 
nanoparticles,  molds  and  other  micro-organisms.  
Together,  we develop strategies to aid in controlling 
such exposures,  when  needed.   In addition, our  staff 
has  extensive  experience  in  addressing  health  issues 
to  medical  devices,  consumer  products, 
related 
manufacturing  processes,  and  sanitation. 
  Our 
atmospheric  scientists  provide  air  quality  and 
meteorological  modeling,  permitting,  and  licensing 
support  services.    Our  environmental  and  health 
scientists investigate accidental releases of chemicals, 
evaluate  transport  and  fate  of  chemical  substances, 
simulate  home  and  workplace  exposures  as  well  as 
develop  measures  of  prevention  and  control 
exposure,  and  assist  clients  with  emergency 
preparedness and response.  

Toxicology & Mechanistic Biology 

We  have  exceptional  expertise  and  depth 
in 
toxicology  and  mechanistic  biology.    We  provide 
knowledge  and  experience  that  improve  decisions 
affecting  the  regulation  of  important  substances  in 
commerce.    We  work  with  our  clients  to  resolve 
important  issues  that  affect  the  safe  use  of  a  wide 
variety  of  substances.    We  evaluate  the  mechanisms 
by  which  substances  can  affect  complex  biological 
systems,  provide  perspectives  on  potential  effects  at 
realistic  human  and  environmental  exposure  levels, 
and  develop  strategies  to  manage  human  health  and 
environmental  risks.    We  are  recognized  for  our 
outstanding  credentials  and  decades  of  experience 
from government, academia and industry. 

We  have  assisted  clients  on  industrial  chemicals, 
pesticides,  drugs,  medical  devices,  nanotechnology, 
and other agents.  During the past year we continued 
to  provide  experimental  and  clinical  toxicology 
support  in  nearly  all  phases  of  pharmaceutical  and 
combination  drug  development  from  preclinical 
studies  to  post-marketing  safety  assessments.   We 
reviewed existing data and developed new studies on 
potential  endocrine  toxicity  of  various  chemical 
substances.    We  continue  to  be  very  active  in 
the  U.S. 
reviewing  data 
developing  and 
Protection  Agency  Endocrine 
Environmental 
Disruptor  Screening  Program. 
  We  also  have 
developed various detailed reviews on toxicity mode 
of  action  assessments,  specifically  how  substances 
cause  harm  and  whether  or  not  laboratory  data  are 
relevant to human risks. 

for 

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.    Clients  that  have  the 
capability  to  perform  such  services  themselves  will 
retain  Exponent  or  other  independent  consultants 
because of independence concerns. 

In each of our practices and centers,  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  and  regulatory 
processes.    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 are low and that 
for  many of our technical disciplines, competition is 
increasing.    In  response  to  competitive  forces  in  the 
marketplace, we continue to look for new markets for 
our various technical disciplines. 

BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC 
OPERATIONS OVERVIEW 

We  report  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  engineering.    Our 
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.    For  more  information 
about the financial condition and results of operations 
of  each  segment,  please  see  Part  II  -  “Item  7: 
Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial 
Condition  and  Results  of  Operations”  and  “Item  8: 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”  For 
information  about  the  Company’s  operations  in 
different  geographical  areas,  please  see  “Note  16: 
Segment  Reporting”  of  our  Notes  to  Consolidated 
Financial  Statements.    For  information  about  the 
Company’s  disclosures  regarding  foreign  currency 
exchange rate risk, please see “Item 7A. Quantitative 
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” 

EMPLOYEES 

As  of  January  2,  2015,  we  employed  981  full-time, 
including  756 
part-time  and  hourly  employees, 
engineering  and  scientific  staff,  65  technical  support 
staff  and  160  administrative  and  support  staff.    Our 
staff includes 678 employees with advanced degrees, 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of  which  453  employees  have  achieved  the  level  of 
Ph.D., Sc.D. or M.D. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

of 

our 

address 

Internet  website 

is 
The 
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  and  current  Securities  and  Exchange 
Commission  (SEC)  reports,  along  with  amendments 
to  all  of  those  reports,  as  soon  as  reasonably 
practicable  after  we  file  the  reports  with  the  SEC.  
Additionally, copies of materials filed by us with the 

at 

http://www.sec.gov. 

SEC may be accessed at the SEC’s Public Reference 
Room at 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. or at the 
SEC’s  website 
For 
information about the SEC’s Public Reference Room, 
the  public  may  contact  1-800-SEC-0330.  Copies  of 
material  filed  by  us  with  the  SEC  may  also  be 
obtained  by  writing 
to  us  at  our  corporate 
headquarters,  Exponent,  Inc.,  Attention:  Investor 
Relations,  149  Commonwealth  Drive,  Menlo  Park, 
CA  94025,  or  by  calling  (650)  326-9400.    The 
content  of  our  Internet  website  is  not  incorporated 
into  and  is  not  part  of  this  Annual  Report  on  Form 
10-K. 

12 

 
 
 
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT 

The executive officers of Exponent and their ages as of February 27, 2015 are as follows: 

Name 

Age 

Position 

Paul R. Johnston, Ph.D. 

Elizabeth L. Anderson, Ph.D. 

Paul D. Boehm, Ph.D. 

Robert D. Caligiuri, Ph.D.  

Catherine Ford Corrigan, Ph.D. 

Subbaiah V. Malladi, Ph.D. 

Steven J. Murray, Ph.D. 

John D. Osteraas, Ph.D. 

Richard Reiss, Sc.D. 

Richard L. Schlenker, Jr. 

61 

74 

66 

63 

46 

68 

40 

60 

48 

49 

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. 

for 

responsibility 

Paul  R.  Johnston,  Ph.D.,  joined  the  Company  in 
1981,  was  promoted  to  Principal  Engineer  in  1987, 
and to Vice President in 1996.  In 1997, he assumed 
responsibility  for  the  firm’s  network  of  offices.    In 
July 2003, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer 
and  added 
the  Health  and 
Environmental  Groups.    In  2006,  he  assumed  line 
responsibility for all of the firm’s consulting groups.  
Dr. Johnston was named President in May 2007.  He 
was  named  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  elected  to 
the  Board  of  Directors  in  May  2009.    Dr.  Johnston 
received  his  Ph.D.  (1981)  in  Civil  Engineering  and 
M.S. (1977) in Structural Engineering from Stanford 
University.    He  received  his  B.A.I.  (1976)  in  Civil 
Engineering  with  First  Class  Honors  from  Trinity 
College, University of Dublin, Ireland where he was 
elected a Foundation Scholar in 1975.  Dr. Johnston 
is  a  Registered  Professional  Civil  Engineer  in  the 
State  of  California  and  a  Chartered  Engineer  in 
Ireland. 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director 

Chief Science Officer 

Group Vice President 

Group Vice President 

Group Vice President 

Chief Technical Officer 

Group Vice President 

Group Vice President 

Interim Group Vice President 

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and 
Corporate Secretary 

Elizabeth L. Anderson, Ph.D., joined the Company 
in June 2006 as a Group Vice President and Principal 
Scientist.    In  January  2015,  Dr.  Anderson  was 
appointed  Chief  Science  Officer.    Prior  to  joining 
Exponent,  Dr.  Anderson  was  President  and  CEO  of 
Sciences  International,  a  health  and  environmental 
consulting  firm.    Dr.  Anderson  received  her  Ph.D. 
(1970)  in  Organic  Chemistry  from  The  American 
University,  M.S.  (1964)  in  Organic  Chemistry  from 
the  University  of  Virginia  and  B.S.  (1962)  in 
Chemistry  from  the  College  of  William  and  Mary.  
Dr.  Anderson  is  a  Fellow  of  the  Academy  of 
Toxicological Sciences, a founder and past-President 
of  the  Society  for  Risk  Analysis  and  former  Editor-
in-Chief  of 
journal,  Risk  Analysis:  An 
International Journal.  

the 

Paul D. Boehm, Ph.D., joined the Company in April 
2004  as  a  Group  Vice  President  and  Principal 
Scientist.  Prior to joining the Company, Dr. Boehm 
was Vice President and Market Manager, Oil and Gas 
Sector,  at  Battelle  Memorial  Institute  from  2001  to 
2004.    From  1999  to  2001,  Dr.  Boehm  was  Vice 
President  and  Managing  Director,  Environmental 
Health and Safety Consulting at Arthur D. Little, Inc.  
Dr.  Boehm  received  his  Ph.D.  (1977)  and  M.S. 
(1973)  in  Oceanography  from  the  University  of 
Rhode 
in  Chemical 
Engineering  from  the  University  of  Rochester.    Dr. 

Island  and  B.S. 

(1970) 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Boehm has published more than 100 articles in peer-
reviewed journals and authored numerous reports on 
environmental forensics and impact assessments.  Dr. 
Boehm has been chosen to serve on several National 
Research Council panels. 

and  B.S. 

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 
in  Mechanical 
Engineering from the University of California, Davis.  
Prior  to  joining  the  Company  he  was  a  Program 
Manager 
for  SRI 
and  Materials  Scientist 
International. 
  He  is  a  Registered  Professional 
Metallurgical  Engineer  in  the  States  of  California, 
Utah,  Michigan,  North  Carolina  and  Texas  and  a 
Fellow of ASM International. 

(1973) 

joined 

Catherine  Ford  Corrigan,  Ph.D., 
the 
Company in 1996.  She was promoted to Principal in 
in  2002,  and  was 
the  Biomechanics  practice 
appointed  Group  Vice  President  in  May  2012.    Dr. 
Corrigan  earned  her  Ph.D.  (1996) 
in  Medical 
Engineering and Medical Physics and M.S. (1992) in 
Mechanical  Engineering  from  the  Massachusetts 
Institute 
in 
Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania.  
Prior  to  joining  Exponent,  Dr.  Corrigan  was  a 
researcher 
the  Orthopaedic  Biomechanics 
Laboratory  at  Beth  Israel  Hospital  and  Harvard 
Medical School. 

of  Technology 

her  B.S. 

and 

in 

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  served  on  the  Board  until  May  2005.    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. 

Steven  J.  Murray,  Ph.D.,  joined  the  Company  in 
2001.    He  was  promoted  to  Principal  Engineer  in 
2008.    Dr.  Murray  was  promoted  to  Corporate  Vice 

14 

President  in  May  2014  and  Group  Vice  President  in 
January 2015.  Dr. Murray received his Ph.D. (2000) 
in  Materials  Science  and  Engineering  (Electronic 
Materials  Panel)  from  the  Massachusetts  Institute  of 
Technology,  B.S.  (1996)  in  Materials  Science  and 
Mineral  Engineering  and  B.S.  (1996)  in  Mechanical 
Engineering  from 
the  University  of  California, 
Berkeley.  He is a Registered Professional Electrical 
Engineer  in  the  State  of  Oregon  and  Registered 
Professional  Mechanical  Engineer  in  the  State  of 
California.   

John  D.  Osteraas,  Ph.D.,  worked  for  the  Company 
from 1982 to 1985 as a Senior Engineer.  He rejoined 
the  Company  in  1990  as  a  Managing  Engineer.    He 
was  promoted  to  Principal  Engineer  in  1992  and 
Group Vice President in 2006.  Dr. Osteraas received 
his Ph.D. (1990) in Civil Engineering, M.S. (1977) in 
from 
Civil  Engineering:  Structural  Engineering 
Stanford  University  and  B.S.  (1976)  in  Civil  and 
Environmental  Engineering  from  the  University  of 
Wisconsin.  Dr. Osteraas is a Registered Professional 
Engineer in 17 states and is a Fellow of the American 
Society of Civil Engineers. 

Richard  Reiss,  Sc.D.,  joined  the  Company  in  2006 
as a Principal Scientist.  He was promoted to Interim 
Group  Vice  President  in  January  2015.    Dr.  Reiss 
earned  his  Sc.D.  (1994)  in  Environmental  Health 
from the Harvard University School of Public Health, 
M.S.  (1991)  in  Environmental  Engineering  from 
in 
Northwestern  University  and  B.S. 
Chemical  Engineering 
the  University  of 
California, Santa Barbara.  Prior to joining Exponent 
he  was a Vice President  with Sciences International. 
Dr. Reiss is a Fellow of the Society of Risk Analysis. 

(1989) 

from 

the  Company 

Richard  L.  Schlenker,  Jr.  joined  the  Company  in 
1990.  Mr. Schlenker is the Executive Vice President, 
Chief  Financial  Officer  and  Corporate  Secretary  of 
the  Company.    He  was  appointed  Executive  Vice 
President  in  April  2010,  Chief  Financial  Officer  in 
July  1999  and  Secretary  of 
in 
November 1997.  Mr. Schlenker was the Director of 
Human Resources from 1998 until his appointment as 
Chief  Financial  Officer.    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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors 

Exponent operates in a rapidly changing environment 
that  involves  a  number  of  uncertainties,  some  of 
which  are  beyond  our  control.    These  uncertainties 
include,  but  are  not  limited  to,  those  mentioned 
elsewhere in this report and those set forth below.   

The  unpredictable  and  reactive  nature  of  our 
business  can  create  uneven  performance  in  any 
given quarter or fiscal year. 

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. 

Our  financial  results  could  suffer  if  our  clients’ 
needs  change  more  rapidly  than  we  are  able  to 
secure  the  appropriate  mix  of  trained,  skilled  and 
experienced personnel. 

As  our  clients’  needs  change,  new  technologies 
develop,  and  legal  and  regulatory  processes  change, 
we  may  be  unable  to  timely  hire  or  train  personnel 
with the appropriate new set of skills and experience 
which  could  negatively  impact  our  growth  and 
profitability. 

Competition could reduce our pricing and adversely 
affect our business. 

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. 

The loss of a large client could adversely affect our 
business. 

We  currently  derive  a  significant  portion  of  our 
revenues  from  clients  in  the  consumer  electronics, 
insurance,  petrochemical,  transportation  and  utilities 
industries  and  the  government  sector.    The  loss  of 
any large client, organization or insurer could have a 
material  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  financial 
condition or results of operations. 

Our clients may be unable to pay for our services. 

If  a  client's  financial  difficulties  become  severe,  the 
client may be unwilling or unable to pay our invoices 
in  the  ordinary  course  of  business,  which  could 
adversely  affect  collections  of  both  our  accounts 
receivable and unbilled services.  On occasion, some 
of  our  clients  have  entered  bankruptcy,  which  has 
prevented  us  from  collecting  amounts  owed  to  us.  
The  bankruptcy  of  a  client  with  substantial  accounts 
receivable could have a material adverse effect on our 
financial condition and results of operations. 

Failure  to  attract  and  retain  key  employees  may 
adversely affect our business. 

We  hold  substantial  investments  that  could  present 
liquidity risks. 

involves 

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

to 

Our  cash  equivalent  and  short-term 
investment 
portfolio as of January 2, 2015, consisted primarily of 
obligations  of  state  and  local  government  agencies 
and  the  U.S.  Treasury.    We  follow  an  established 
investment  policy  to  monitor,  manage  and  limit  our 
exposure  to  interest  rate  and  credit  risk.  The  policy 
sets  forth  credit  quality  standards  and  limits  our 
exposure to any one issuer, as well as our maximum 
exposure to various asset classes. 

Investments  in  some  financial  instruments  may  pose 
risks  arising  from  liquidity  and  credit  concerns.    As 
of  January  2,  2015,  we  had  no  impairment  charge 
associated  with  our  investment  portfolio  relating  to 
such  adverse  financial  market  conditions.  Although 
we believe our current investment portfolio has a low 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
risk  of  impairment,  we  cannot  predict  future  market 
conditions  or  market  liquidity  and  can  provide  no 
assurance  that  our  investment  portfolio  will  remain 
unimpaired. 

Our  business  is  dependent  on  our  professional 
reputation. 

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

Our  business  can  be  adversely 
deregulation or reduced regulatory enforcement. 

impacted  by 

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 implementation of new 
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 can reduce demand for our services. 

in 

significant 
Several  of  our  practices  have  a 
concentration 
consulting 
support 
litigation 
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. 

Our  engagements  may  result  in  professional  or 
other liability.  

Our  services  typically  involve  difficult  engineering 
and  scientific  assignments  and  carry  risks  of 
liability.  Many  of  our 
professional  and  other 
engagements involve matters that could have a severe 
impact  on  a  client's  business,  cause  a  client  to  lose 
significant  amounts  of  money,  or  prevent  a  client 
from  pursuing  desirable  business  opportunities.  
Accordingly,  if  a  client  is  dissatisfied  with  our 
performance,  the  client  could  threaten  or  bring 
litigation in order to recover damages or to contest its 

16 

obligation to pay our fees.  Litigation alleging that we 
performed  negligently,  disclosed  client  confidential 
information,  lost  or  damaged  evidence,  infringed  on 
patents,  or  otherwise  breached  our  obligations  to  a 
client could expose us to significant liabilities to our 
clients or other third parties or tarnish our reputation. 

Potential conflicts of interest may preclude us from 
accepting some engagements.  

We  provide  litigation  support  consulting  and  other 
services  primarily  in  connection  with  significant 
disputes, or other matters that are usually adversarial 
or  that  involve  sensitive  client  information.  The 
nature  of  our  consulting  services  may  preclude  us 
from  accepting  engagements  with  other  potential 
clients because of conflicts.  Accordingly, the nature 
of  our  business  limits  the  number  of  both  potential 
clients and potential engagements.  

We are subject to unpredictable risks of litigation. 

Although  we  seek  to  avoid  litigation  whenever 
possible,  from  time  to  time  we  are  party  to  various 
lawsuits and claims. Disputes may arise, for example, 
from employment issues, regulatory actions, business 
acquisitions  and  real  estate  and  other  commercial 
transactions.  There  can  be  no  assurances  that  any 
lawsuits  or  claims  will  be  immaterial  in  the  future. 
Any  material  lawsuits  or  claims  could  adversely 
affect our business and reputation.  

We  may  experience  security  breaches  that  could 
lead 
to  protect  confidential 
information. 

inability 

the 

to 

Despite the implementation of security measures, our 
operating  systems  are  vulnerable 
to  electronic 
breaches  of  security.  Such  breaches  could  lead  to 
and  potential 
disruptions  of  our  operations 
unauthorized  disclosure  of  confidential  information, 
which  could  result  in  legal  claims  or  proceedings. 
While we have taken reasonable steps to prevent and 
mitigate 
the  damage  of  a  security  breach  by 
continuously  improving  our  design  and  coordination 
of  security  controls  across  our  business,  those  steps 
may  not  be  effective  and  there  can  be  no  assurance 
that  any  such  steps  can  be  effective  against  all 
possible risks.  

Impairment of goodwill may require us to record a 
significant charge to earnings.  

On  our  balance  sheet,  we  have  $8,607,000  of 
goodwill 
for 
impairment.    Failure  to  achieve  sufficient  levels  of 

to  periodic 

evaluation 

subject 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
cash  flow  at  reporting  units,  the  loss  of  key 
employees, changes to the scope of operations of our 
business or a significant and sustained decline in our 
stock  price  could  result  in  goodwill  impairment 
charges.  During times of financial market volatility, 
significant  judgment  is  required  to  determine  the 
underlying  cause  of  the  decline  and  whether  stock 
price declines are short-term in nature or indicative of 
an event or change in circumstances.   

Impairment  of  long-lived  assets  or  restructuring 
activities  may  require  us  to  record  a  significant 
charge to earnings. 

Our  long-lived  assets,  including  our  office  and 
laboratory  space  in  Menlo  Park,  California  and  our 
test  and  engineering  center  in  Phoenix,  Arizona,  are 
subject to periodic testing for impairment.  Failure to 
achieve  sufficient  levels  of  cash  flow  at  reporting 
units  could  result  in  impairment  of  our  long-lived 
assets. 
lease 
  In  addition,  we  have  operating 
commitments  for  office,  warehouse  and  laboratory 
space of $20,432,000 as of January 2, 2015.  Changes 
in the business environment could lead to changes in 
the  scope  of  operations  of  our  business.    These 
changes, including the closure of one or more offices, 
could  result  in  restructuring  and/or  asset  impairment 
charges.   

Our  international  operations  create  special  risks 
that could adversely affect our business.  

in 

the  future. 

In  addition  to  our  offices  in  the  United  States,  we 
have  physical  offices 
the  United  Kingdom, 
in 
Germany,  Switzerland,  Hong  Kong  and  China  and 
conduct  business  in  several  other  countries.    We 
expect  to  continue  to  expand  globally  and  our 
international revenues may account for an increasing 
  Our 
portion  of  our  revenues 
financial, 
international  operations  carry  special 
business  and  legal  risks,  including  cultural  and 
language  differences;  employment  laws  and  related 
factors  that  could  result  in  lower  utilization,  higher 
staffing  costs,  and  cyclical  fluctuations  of  utilization 
and  revenues;  currency  fluctuations  that  adversely 
affect  our  financial  position  and  operating  results; 
burdensome 
requirements  and  other 
barriers  to  conducting  business;  managing  the  risks 
associated  with  engagements  with  foreign  officials 
and  governmental  agencies, 
the  risks 
arising  from  the  Foreign  Corrupt  Practices  Act; 
greater  difficulties  in  managing  and  staffing  foreign 
operations;  successful  entry  and  execution  in  new 
markets;  restrictions  on  the  repatriation  of  earnings; 
and potentially adverse tax consequences.  

regulatory 

including 

17 

Inherent risks related to government contracts may 
adversely affect our business. 

to 

and 

criminal 
sanctions,  which  may 

We  work  for  various  United  States  and  foreign 
governmental  entities  and  agencies.    Government 
entities  reserve  the  right  to  audit  our  contracts  and 
conduct  inquiries  and  investigations  of  our  business 
practices  with  respect 
to  government  contracts.  
Findings  from  an  audit  may  result  in  fees  being 
the  government  or  prospective 
refunded 
adjustment  to  previously  agreed  upon  rates  that  will 
affect  future  margins. 
  If  a  government  client 
discovers  improper  or  illegal  activities  in  the  course 
of audits or investigations, we may become subject to 
and 
various 
civil 
administrative 
include 
termination  of  contracts, 
forfeiture  of  profits, 
suspension  of  payments,  fines  and  suspensions  or 
debarment  from  doing  business  with  other  agencies 
of  the  government.    The  inherent  limitations  of 
internal  controls  may  not  prevent  or  detect  all 
improper  or  illegal  activities,  regardless  of  the 
adequacy  of  such  controls.    Government  contracts, 
and  the  proceedings  surrounding  them,  are  often 
subject to more extensive scrutiny and publicity than 
other  commercial  contracts. 
  Negative  publicity 
related  to  our  government  contracts,  regardless  of 
whether  it  is  accurate,  may  further  damage  our 
business by affecting our ability to compete for new 
contracts. 

penalties 

A  decline  in  the  U.S.  Government  defense  budget, 
changes in budgetary priorities or timing of contract 
awards may adversely affect our business. 

levels 

Our operating results could be adversely affected by 
spending  caps  or  changes  in  the  budgetary  priorities 
of  the  U.S.  Government  or  the  Department  of 
Defense (DoD), as well as delays in program starts or 
the award of contracts or task orders under contracts. 
Current  U.S.  Government  spending 
for 
defense-related  programs  may  not  be  sustained  and 
future  spending and program  authorizations  may  not 
increase or may decrease or shift to programs in areas 
in which we do not provide services or are less likely 
to  be  awarded  contracts.  Such  changes  in  spending 
authorizations and budgetary  priorities  may occur as 
a  result  of  the  rapid  growth  of  the  federal  budget 
deficit,  increasing  political  pressure  and  legislation.  
The U.S. Government also conducts periodic reviews 
of  U.S.  defense  strategies  and  priorities,  which  may 
shift  DoD  budgetary  priorities,  reduce  overall  U.S. 
Government spending or delay contract or task order 
awards  for  defense-related  programs.  In  addition, 
changes 
the  DoD  acquisition  system  and 
contracting models could affect whether and how we 

to 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
pursue  certain  opportunities  and  the  terms  under 
which  we  are  able  to  do  so. A  significant  decline  in 
overall  U.S.  Government  spending,  the  substantial 
reduction or elimination of particular defense-related 
programs  or  significant  delays  in  contract  or  task 
order awards could adversely affect our business. 

Governments  may  terminate,  cancel,  modify  or 
curtail  our  contracts  at  any  time  prior  to  their 
completion.  

Under our government contracts, the client generally 
has  the  right  not  to  exercise  options  to  extend  or 
expand  our  contracts  and  may  otherwise  terminate, 
cancel,  modify  or  curtail  our  contracts  at 
its 
convenience.  Any  decision  by  the  client  not  to 
exercise  contract  options  or  to  terminate,  cancel, 
modify  or  curtail  our  programs  or  contracts  would 
adversely  affect  our  revenues,  revenue  growth  and 
profitability. 

We  could  incur  significant  liabilities  and  suffer 
negative publicity if people or properties are harmed 
by  the  products  and  systems  we  sell  or  the  services 
we offer. 

We  design,  develop,  manufacture,  sell,  service  and 
maintain  various  products  and  systems.    In  some 
instances,  we  also  train  operators  of  such  products 
and  systems.    Many  of  these  products  and  systems 
utilize  software  algorithms  that  are  probabilistic  in 
nature and subject to significant technical limitations.  
There  are  many  factors,  some  of  which  are  beyond 
our  control,  which  could  result  in  the  failure  of  our 
products  or  systems.    The  failure  of  our  products  or 
systems  could  lead  to  injury,  death,  or  extensive 
property  damage  and  may  lead  to  product  liability, 
professional  liability,  or  other  claims  against  us.  
Further,  if  our  products  or  systems  fail,  or  are 
perceived to have failed, the  negative publicity  from 
such incident could have a material adverse effect on 
our business. 

in,  or 

Changes 
interpretations  of,  accounting 
principles  could  have  a  significant  impact  on  our 
financial position and results of operations. 

We  prepare  our  consolidated  financial  statements  in 
accordance  with  accounting  principles  generally 
accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). 
These  principles  are  subject  to  interpretation  by  the 
SEC  and  various  bodies  formed  to  interpret  and 
create appropriate accounting principles. A change in 
these  principles  can  have  a  significant  effect  on  our 
reported  results  and  may  even  retroactively  affect 
previously  reported  transactions.  Additionally,  the 

adoption of new or revised accounting principles may 
require  that  we  make  significant  changes  to  our 
systems, processes and controls. 

For  example,  the  U.S.-based  Financial  Accounting 
Standards  Board  (“FASB”)  is  currently  working 
together with the International Accounting Standards 
Board  (“IASB”)  on  several  projects  to  further  align 
accounting principles and facilitate more comparable 
financial  reporting  between  companies  who  are 
required to follow GAAP under SEC regulations and 
those  who  are  required  to  follow  International 
Financial  Reporting  Standards  outside  of  the  U.S. 
These  efforts  by  the  FASB  and  IASB  may  result  in 
different accounting principles under GAAP that may 
result in materially different financial results for us in 
areas  including,  but  not  limited  to,  principles  for 
recognizing revenue and lease accounting. 

Our  business  can  be  adversely  affected  by 
downturns in the overall economy. 

The markets that we serve are cyclical and subject to 
general  economic  conditions.    The  direction  and 
relative  strength  of  the  global  economy  continues  to 
be  uncertain.    If  economic  growth  in  the  United 
States, where we primarily operate, slows, our clients 
may  consolidate  or  go  out  of  business  and  thus 
demand 
reduced 
significantly.  

services  could  be 

for  our 

Our quarterly results may vary. 

as 

the 

such 

significance  of 

Variations  in  our  revenues  and  operating  results 
occur  from  time  to  time,  as  a  result  of  a  number  of 
client 
factors, 
engagements  commenced  and  completed  during  a 
quarter,  the  timing  of  engagements,  the  number  of 
working  days  in  a  quarter,  employee  hiring  and 
integration  of  companies 
utilization  rates,  and 
acquired. 
  Because  a  high  percentage  of  our 
expenses, particularly personnel and facilities related 
expenses,  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. 

The  market  price  of  our  common  stock  may  be 
volatile. 

Many  factors  could  cause  the  market  price  of  our 
common stock to rise and fall.  These include the risk 
factors listed above and below; changes in estimates 
of our performance or recommendations by securities 
analysts;  future  sales  of  shares  of  common  stock  in 

18 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the  public  market;  market  conditions  in  the  industry 
and  economy  as  a  whole;  acquisitions  or  strategic 
alliances involving us or our competitors; restatement 
of  financial  results;  and  changes  in  accounting 
principles or methods.  In addition, the stock market 
often  experiences  significant  price  fluctuations.  
These  fluctuations  are  often  unrelated 
the 
operating  performance  of  particular  companies.  
These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect 
the  market  price  of  our  common  stock.    When  the 
market  price  of 
stock  drops 
significantly,  shareholders  often  institute  securities 
class  action  litigation  against  that  company.    Any 
incur 
litigation  against  us  could  cause  us 
substantial costs, divert the time and attention of our 
management  and  other  resources,  or  otherwise  harm 
our business.  

company's 

to 

to 

a 

There can be no assurance that we will continue to 
declare cash dividends or repurchase our  shares at 
all or in any particular amounts. 

Our  Board  of  Directors  has  declared  quarterly 
dividends  since  March  2013.  Our  intent  to  continue 
to  pay  quarterly  dividends  and  to  repurchase  our 
shares  is  subject  to  capital  availability  and,  in  the 
case  of  dividends,  periodic  determinations  by  our 
Board of Directors that cash dividends are in the best 
interest  of  our  stockholders  and  are  in  compliance 
with  all  laws  and  agreements  applicable  to  the 
declaration  and  payment  of  cash  dividends  by  us. 
Future  dividends  and  share  repurchases  may  also  be 
affected  by,  among  other  factors:  our  views  on 
potential future capital requirements for investments, 
including  acquisitions;  legal  risks;  stock  repurchase 
programs;  changes  in  federal  and  state  income  tax 
laws  or  corporate  laws;  contractual  restrictions;  and 
changes 
to  our  business  model.  Our  dividend 
payments  and  share  repurchases  may  change  from 
time  to  time,  and  we  cannot  provide  assurance  that 
we  will  continue  to  declare  dividends  or  repurchase 
shares at all or in any particular amounts. A reduction 
or  suspension  in  our  dividend  payments  or  share 
repurchase  activity  could  have  a  negative  effect  on 
our stock price. 

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments 

None. 

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  Phoenix,  Arizona.    We  lease  this  land  from 
the state of Arizona under a 30-year lease agreement 
that  expires  in  January  2028  and  have  options  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 18 other locations in 13 states and 
the  District  of  Columbia,  as  well  as  in  Germany, 
China,  Hong  Kong,  Switzerland  and  the  United 
Kingdom.    Leases  for  these  offices,  warehouse  and 
laboratory  facilities  have  terms  generally  ranging 
between one and ten years.  Aggregate lease expense 
leased  properties  was 
in 
$5,951,000. 

fiscal  2014 

for  all 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings 

Exponent  is  not  engaged  in  any  material  legal 
proceedings. 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not applicable. 

PART II 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, 
Related 
Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities 

Stockholder  Matters 

and 

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

Stock prices by quarter 

High 

Low 

Fiscal Year Ended January 3, 2014: 
  First Quarter 
  Second Quarter 
  Third Quarter 
  Fourth Quarter 

Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2015: 
  First Quarter 
  Second Quarter 
  Third Quarter 
  Fourth Quarter 

  $  57.23 
  $  59.78 
  $  72.62 
  $  80.50 

 $  47.17 
 $  50.42 
 $  59.13 
 $  67.81 

  $  77.89 
  $  76.31 
  $  77.64 
  $  84.01 

 $  65.71 
 $  64.81 
 $  69.84 
 $  70.61 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As  of  February  20,  2015,  there  were  208  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. 

anticipate  paying  quarterly  dividends  each  year  in 
March,  June,  September  and  December,  subject  to 
declaration  by  our  Board  of  Directors.    See  Part  II, 
“Item  7:  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of 
Financial  Condition  and  Results  of  Operations  – 
Liquidity and Capital Resources.” 

We paid $13.0 million and $7.9 million of dividends 
during  fiscal  2014  and  2013,  respectively.    We  paid 
no  dividends  during  fiscal  2012.    On  February  4, 
2015,  our  Board  of  Directors  announced  a  cash 
dividend  of  $0.30  per  share  of  the  Company’s 
common  stock,  payable  March  27,  2015, 
to 
stockholders  of  record  as  of  March  6,  2015.    We 

20 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table provides information on the Company’s share repurchases (of Company common stock) for the 
quarter ended January 2, 2015 (in thousands, except price per share): 

Total Number 
of Shares 
Purchased 

Average 
Price Paid 
Per Share   

Total Number of 
Shares Purchased 
as Part of Publicly 
Announced Plans 
or Programs 

Approximate Dollar 
Value of Shares That 
May Yet Be Purchased 
Under the Plan or 
Program  

October 4 to October 31 
November 1 to November 28 
November 29 to January 2 
Total 

42 
- 
- 
42 

    $  72.17     
-     
    $ 
-     
    $  72.17     

42 
- 
- 
42 

$35,078 
$35,078 
$35,078 

The  foregoing  repurchases  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  were  effected  pursuant  to  a  repurchase  program 
authorized  by  the  Company’s  Board  of  Directors.    On  February  9,  2012,  the  Board  of  Directors  authorized 
$35,000,000 for the repurchase of the  Company’s common  stock.   On February 15, 2013, the Board of Directors 
authorized an additional $35,000,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock.  On May 29, 2014, the 
Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $35,000,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common 
stock.   These repurchase programs have  no expiration dates.   As of January  2, 2015, there remained $35,078,000 
available for repurchases under these authorizations. 

COMPANY STOCK PRICE PERFORMANCE GRAPH 

The graph compares the  Company’s cumulative total stockholder return calculated on a  dividend-reinvested basis 
from 2009 through 2014 with those of the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index and the S&P SmallCap 600 Index.  
The Company does not  have  a comparable peer group and thus has  selected the S&P Small Cap 600 Index.  The 
graph assumes that $100 was invested on the last day of 2009.  Note that the historic stock price performance is not 
necessarily indicative of future stock price performance. 

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURNS 

350

300

250

200

s
r
a
l
l

o
D

150

100

50

0
Dec 09

Dec 10

Dec 11

Dec 12

Dec 13

Dec 14

Years Ending 

S&P 500 Index

S&P SmallCap 600 Index

Exponent, Inc.

21 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6.  Selected 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 Part II - “Item 
7: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  

(In thousands, except per share data) 

2014 

2013 

Fiscal Year 
2012 

2011 

2010 

Consolidated Statements of Income Data: 

Revenues before reimbursements 
Revenues 
Operating income  
Net income 

Net income per share: 

Basic 
Diluted 

  $ 289,209 
  $ 304,704 
  $  63,549 
  $  40,701 

  $ 280,043 
  $ 296,168 
  $  55,946 
  $  38,640 

  $ 266,562 
  $ 292,653 
  $  57,620 
  $  37,225 

  $ 246,667  
  $ 272,446  
  $  53,460  
  $  32,695  

$ 221,860 
$ 248,753 
$  43,241 
$  27,521 

Cash dividends declared per share 

  $ 

1.00 

  $ 

0.60 

  $ 

- 

  $ 

-  

  $ 
  $ 

3.02 
2.94 

  $ 
  $ 

2.84 
2.76 

  $ 
  $ 

2.70 
2.60 

  $ 
  $ 

2.31  
2.22  

$ 
$ 

$ 

1.92 
1.83 

- 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Short-term investments 
Working capital 
Total assets 
Long-term liabilities 
Total stockholders’ equity 

  $ 129,490 
  $  24,913 
  $ 187,155 
  $ 365,299 
  $  41,666 
  $ 244,288 

  $ 122,948 
  $  33,171 
  $ 179,537 
  $ 344,166 
  $  36,960 
  $ 235,059 

  $ 113,268 
  $  20,881 
  $ 163,673 
  $ 315,417 
  $  27,217 
  $ 216,429 

  $  84,439  
  $  25,260  
  $ 137,803  
  $ 268,788  
  $  21,298  
  $ 186,715  

$ 106,549 
- 
$ 
$ 136,860 
$ 258,892 
$  17,358 
$ 183,800 

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

OVERVIEW 

Inc. 

is  a  science  and  engineering 
Exponent, 
consulting  firm  that  provides  solutions  to  complex 
problems.    Our  multidisciplinary  team  of  scientists, 
physicians,  engineers,  business  and 
regulatory 
consultants  brings  together  more  than  90  different 
technical  disciplines  to  solve  complicated  issues 
facing industry and government today.  Our services 
include  analysis  of  products,  people,  property, 
processes  and  finances  related  to  litigation,  product 
recall,  regulatory  compliance,  research,  development 
and design. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES 

In  preparing  our  consolidated  financial  statements, 
we  make  assumptions,  judgments  and  estimates  that 
can  have  a  significant  impact  on  our  revenue, 

22 

operating  income  and  net  income,  as  well  as  on  the 
liabilities  on  our 
value  of  certain  assets  and 
consolidated  balance 
  We  base  our 
sheet. 
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 
judgments  and 
believe 
estimates 
revenue 
recognition and estimating the allowance for doubtful 
accounts  and  contract 
the  greatest 
losses  have 
impact  on  our  consolidated  financial 
potential 
statements,  so  we  consider  these  to  be  our  critical 
accounting  policies. 
the 
assumptions,  judgments  and  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 our critical 

  We  discuss  below 

the  assumptions, 

in  accounting 

involved 

that 

for 

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
different  estimates,  the  amount  and  timing  of  our 
revenue for any period could be materially different. 

requires  a  positive  assessment  of 

All  contracts  are  subject  to  review  by  management, 
which 
the 
collectability  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  in  those  situations  would 
generally  be  upon  receipt  of  cash.    We  assess 
collectability based on a number of factors, including 
past transaction history with the client, 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 
and  contract  losses.    We  make  estimates  of  our 
ability to collect accounts receivable and our unbilled 
but  recognized  work-in-process.    In  circumstances 
where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability 
to meet its financial obligations to us or for disputes 
with customers that affect our ability to fully collect 
our  accounts  receivable  and  unbilled  work-in-
process, we record a specific allowance to reduce the 
net 
the  amount  we 
reasonably  believe  will  be  collected.    For  all  other 
customers  we  recognize  allowances  for  doubtful 
accounts and contract losses taking into consideration 
factors  such  as  historical  write-offs,  customer 
concentration,  customer  credit-worthiness,  current 
economic conditions, and aging of amounts due.   

recognized 

receivable 

to 

accounting  policies,  see  “Note  1:  Summary  of 
Significant  Accounting  Policies”  of  our  Notes  to 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Revenue  recognition.    We  derive  our  revenues 
primarily from professional fees earned on consulting 
engagements,  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. 

fixed-price 

all  of  our 

Substantially  all  of  our  engagements  are  service 
contracts performed under time and material or fixed-
price billing arrangements.  For time and material and 
fixed-price  service  projects,  revenue  is  generally 
recognized  as  the  services  are  performed.    For 
substantially 
service 
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 
collectability  and,  for  fixed-price  engagements,  an 
estimate as to the total effort required to complete the 
project.    If  we  made  different  judgments  or  utilized 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
2013 

2014 

2012 

PERIOD TO 
PERIOD CHANGE 
2014 vs. 2013  2013 vs. 2012 

Revenues 

100.0% 

100.0% 

100.0% 

2.9% 

1.2% 

Operating expenses: 
  Compensation and related expenses 
  Other operating expenses 
  Reimbursable expenses 
  General and administrative expenses 

Operating income  

Other income, net 

Income before income taxes 

Provision for income taxes 

60.2 
8.6 
5.1 
5.2 
79.1 
20.9 

1.4 

22.3 

8.9 

62.2 
8.5 
5.4 
5.0 
81.1 
18.9 

2.7 

21.6 

8.5 

58.7 
8.1 
8.9 
4.6 
80.3 
19.7 

1.4 

21.1 

8.4 

(0.3) 
3.9 
(3.9) 
7.7 
0.4 
13.6 

7.1 
7.3 
(38.2) 
8.5 
2.2 
(2.9) 

(44.8) 

93.7 

6.3 

7.7 

3.6 

3.2 

Net income  

13.4% 

13.0% 

12.7% 

5.3% 

3.8% 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

Revenues for fiscal 2014 increased 3% and revenues 
before reimbursements increased 3% as compared to 
the  prior  year.  The  increase  in  revenues  before 
reimbursements  was  due  to  an  increase  in  billable 
hours and an increase in billing rates partially offset 
by  fiscal 2014 having one less  week of activity than 
fiscal  2013. 
  We  experienced  demand  for  our 
consulting  services  from  a  diverse  set  of  clients  for 
both reactive and proactive projects.   

During  fiscal  2014,  we  experienced  demand  for  our 
reactive  services  performing  high  profile  accident 
and  failure  investigations  and  evaluating  potentially 
significant product recalls. 

We  also  experienced  demand  for  our  proactive 
consulting services, performing design evaluations of 
consumer electronics and medical devices in addition 
to  regulatory  consulting  for  the  chemical  and  food 
industries. 

During  fiscal  2014,  we  had  notable  performances  in 
several practices including our materials & corrosion 
engineering, 
polymer 
science  &  materials  chemistry,  human  factors,  and 

engineering, 

biomedical 

construction  consulting  practices,  as  well  as  our 
environmental group. 

in  net 

in  a  5% 

The  increase  in  revenues  before  reimbursements 
resulted 
to 
increase 
$40,701,000  during  fiscal  2014  as  compared  to 
$38,640,000 during the prior  year.  Diluted earnings 
per share increased to $2.94 per share as compared to 
$2.76 during the prior year due to the increase in net 
income and our ongoing share repurchase program.  

income 

We  remain  focused  on  selectively  adding  top  talent 
and  developing  the  skills  necessary  to  expand  upon 
our  market  position,  providing  clients  with  in-depth 
scientific  research  and  analysis  to  determine  what 
happened and how to prevent failures or exposures in 
the  future,  capitalizing  on  emerging  growth  areas, 
managing  other  operating  expenses,  generating  cash 
from  operations,  maintaining  a  strong  balance  sheet 
and  undertaking  activities  such  as  share  repurchases 
and  dividends  to  enhance  shareholder  value.    We 
continue to expect one of our major investigations to 
step  down  from  its  elevated  level  of  activity  as  it 
moves  through  its  project  life  cycle.    We  also 
continue to expect a step down in the level of activity 
in  our  technology  development  practice  due  to  the 
constraints  on  defense  spending  and  the  withdrawal 

24 

 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of United States and United Kingdom combat troops 
from Afghanistan. 

FISCAL  YEARS  ENDED  JANUARY  2,  2015, 
AND JANUARY 3, 2014 

OVERVIEW OF THE YEAR ENDED  
JANUARY 2, 2015 

Revenues 

Our  revenues  consist  of  professional  fees  earned  on 
consulting  engagements, 
for  use  of  our 
equipment  and  facilities,  and  reimbursements  for 
outside  direct  expenses  associated  with  the  services 
performed that are billed to our clients.   

fees 

We  operate  on  a  52-53  week  fiscal  year  with  each 
year  ending  on  the  Friday  closest  to  December  31st.  
The  fiscal  year  ended  January  2,  2015  included  52 
weeks  of  activity.    The  fiscal  year  ended  January  3, 
2014 included 53 weeks of activity.  The fiscal  year 
ended  December  28,  2012  included  52  weeks  of 
activity.    Fiscal  2015  will  end  on  Friday,  January  1, 
2016. 

During  fiscal  2014,  billable  hours  increased  1.8%  to 
1,107,000  as  compared  to  1,087,000  during  fiscal 
2013.  The  increase  in  billable  hours  was  due  to 
continued  demand  for  our  proactive  and  reactive 
consulting  services.    The  increase  in  billable  hours 
was  partially  offset  by  fiscal  2014  having  one  less 
week  of  activity  than  fiscal  2013.    Total  billable 
hours during the 53rd week of fiscal 2013 were 9,804. 

Our  utilization  increased  to  72%  for  fiscal  2014  as 
compared to 71% during fiscal 2013.  The increase in 
utilization  was  due  to  demand  for  our  consulting 
services from a diverse set of clients for both reactive 
and  proactive  projects  and  our  management  of 
resources  with  anticipated 
headcount 
demand.    Technical  full-time  equivalent  employees 
increased  3.1% 
to  741  during  fiscal  2014  as 
compared  to  719  during  fiscal  2013  due  to  our 
recruiting  and  retention  efforts.  We  continue  to 
selectively hire key talent to expand our capabilities.   

to  align 

(In thousands except 
  percentages) 

Fiscal Years 

2014 

2013 

Percent 
Change 

Engineering 
  and Other Scientific  $  223,384  $  215,972 
Percentage of 

3.4% 

total revenues 
Environmental  
  and Health 
Percentage of 

total revenues 

73.3%   

72.9%   

81,320    

80,196 

1.4% 

26.7%   

27.1%   

  Total revenues 

$  304,704  $  296,168 

2.9% 

The  increase  in  revenues  for  our  Engineering  and 
Other  Scientific  segment  was  due  to  an  increase  in 
billable hours and an increase in billing rates partially 
offset by fiscal 2014 having one less week of activity 
than  fiscal  2013.    During  fiscal  2014,  billable  hours 
for  this  segment  increased  by  2.1%  to  794,000  as 
compared to 778,000 during fiscal 2013. The increase 
was  due  to  demand  for  services  in  our  materials  & 
corrosion 
engineering, 
polymer  science  &  materials  chemistry,  human 
factors,  and  construction  consulting  practices.  
Utilization  was  74%  for  both  fiscal  2014  and  fiscal 
2013.    Technical  full-time  equivalents  increased 
4.6% to 519 for fiscal 2014 from 496 for fiscal 2013 
due to our recruiting and retention efforts.  

engineering,  biomedical 

The increase in revenues from our Environmental and 
Health  segment  was  due  to  an  increase  in  billable 
hours and an increase in billing rates partially offset 
by  fiscal 2014 having one less  week of activity than 
fiscal  2013.    During  fiscal  2014,  billable  hours  for 
this  segment  increased  by  1.3%  to  313,000  as 
compared to 309,000 during fiscal 2013.  Utilization 
increased to 68% for fiscal 2014 as compared to 65% 
for  fiscal  2013.    The  increase  in  billable  hours  and 
utilization was due to demand for our services in our 
environmental  sciences  and  ecological  sciences 
practices.    Technical  full-time  equivalents  were  222 
during  fiscal  2014  as  compared  to  223  for  fiscal 
2013. 

from  services 
Revenues  are  primarily  derived 
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. 

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation and Related Expenses 

Reimbursable Expenses 

(In thousands except 
  percentages) 

Fiscal Years 

2014 

2013 

Percent 
Change 

(In thousands except 
  percentages) 

Fiscal Years 

2014 

2013 

Percent 
Change 

Compensation 
  and related expenses 
Percentage of 

total revenues 

$  183,533  $  184,084 

(0.3)% 

60.2%   

62.2%   

The  decrease  in  compensation  and  related  expenses 
during fiscal 2014 was due to a change in the value of 
assets  associated  with  our  deferred  compensation 
plan  partially  offset  by  an  increase  in  payroll  and 
  During  fiscal  2014,  deferred 
bonus  expense. 
compensation  expense  decreased  $3,519,000  with  a 
corresponding  decrease  to  other  income  (expense), 
net,  as  compared  with  the  prior  year  due  to  the 
change in value of assets associated with our deferred 
compensation  plan.  This  decrease  consisted  of  an 
increase in the value of the plan assets of $2,525,000 
during fiscal 2014 as compared to an increase in the 
value  of  the  plan  assets  of  $6,044,000  during  fiscal 
2013.    Payroll  increased  $1,657,000  due  to  a  3.1% 
increase  in  technical  full-time  equivalent  employees 
and  the  impact  of  our  annual  salary  increases 
partially  offset  by  fiscal  2014  having  one  less  week 
of  activity  than  fiscal  2013.  Bonuses  increased 
$1,503,000  due  to  a  corresponding  increase  in 
profitability.  We  expect  our  compensation  expense, 
in  value  of  deferred 
excluding 
compensation  plan  assets, 
increase  as  we 
selectively add new talent. 

the  change 

to 

Other Operating Expenses 

Reimbursable expenses 
Percentage of 

 $  15,495 

 $  16,125 

(3.9)% 

total revenues 

  5.1% 

  5.4% 

The decrease in reimbursable expenses was primarily 
due  to  a  decrease  in  project-related  costs  in  our 
technology  development  practice  in  our  Engineering 
and  Other  Scientific  segment.  The  amount  of 
reimbursable  expenses  will  vary  from  year  to  year 
depending on the nature of our projects. 

General and Administrative Expenses 

(In thousands except 
  percentages) 

Fiscal Years 

2014 

2013 

Percent 
Change 

General and  
  administrative expenses   $ 15,842 
Percentage of 

 $ 14,714 

7.7% 

total revenues 

5.2% 

5.0% 

The  increase  in  general  and  administrative  expenses 
during fiscal 2014 was primarily due to an increase in 
travel  and  meals  of  $561,000  and  an  increase  in 
contributions of $506,000. The increase in travel and 
meals  was  due  to  a  firm-wide  managers’  meeting 
held  during  the  third  quarter  of  2014.  We  expect 
general and administrative expenses to increase as we 
selectively  add  new  talent,  expand  our  business 
development  efforts,  and  pursue  staff  development 
initiatives. 

(In thousands except 
  percentages) 

Fiscal Years 

2014 

2013 

Percent 
Change 

Other Income (Expense), Net 

Other operating 
  expenses 
Percentage of 

total revenues 

 $ 26,285 

 $ 25,299 

3.9% 

8.6% 

8.5% 

Other  operating  expenses  include  facilities-related 
costs, technical  materials, computer-related expenses 
and  depreciation  and  amortization  of  property, 
equipment and leasehold improvements. The increase 
in  other  operating  expenses  was  primarily  due  to  an 
increase  in  occupancy  expense  of  $514,000  and  an 
in  depreciation  and  amortization  of 
increase 
$454,000.  The  increases  in  occupancy  expense  and 
depreciation  and  amortization  were  due  to  the 
continued expansion of our facilities to accommodate 
full-time  equivalent 
the 
employees.  We  expect  other  operating  expense  to 
grow  as  we  selectively  add  new  talent  and  make 
investments in our corporate infrastructure. 

technical 

increase 

in 

(In thousands except 
  percentages) 

Fiscal Years 

2014 

2013 

Percent 
Change 

Other income 
  and expense, net 
Percentage of 

total revenues 

 $  4,416 

 $  7,999 

(44.8)% 

1.4% 

2.7% 

Other  income  (expense),  net,  consists  primarily  of 
interest  income  earned  on  available  cash,  cash 
equivalents  and  short-term  investments,  changes  in 
the  value  of  assets  associated  with  our  deferred 
compensation  plan  and  rental  income  from  leasing 
excess  space  in  our  Silicon  Valley  facility.  The 
decrease 
income  (expense),  net,  was 
primarily  due  to  the  change  in  value  of  assets 
associated with our deferred compensation plan. This 
change  consisted  of  an  increase  in  the  value  of  the 
plan  assets  of  $2,525,000  during  fiscal  2014  as 

in  other 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
compared  to  an  increase  in  the  value  of  the  plan 
assets of $6,044,000 during fiscal 2013.  

Income Taxes 

(In thousands except 
  percentages) 

Fiscal Years 

2014 

2013 

Percent 
Change 

Income taxes 
Percentage of 

total revenues 
Effective tax rate 

$ 27,264  $ 25,305 

7.7% 

8.9% 
  40.1% 

8.5% 
  39.6% 

in 

income 

increase 

taxes  was  due 

The 
to  a 
corresponding  increase  in  pre-tax  income.    The 
increase  in  our  effective  tax  rate  was  due  to 
manufacturing  deductions  claimed  in  fiscal  2013.  
These manufacturing deductions were non-recurring. 

FISCAL  YEARS  ENDED  JANUARY  3,  2014, 
AND DECEMBER 28, 2012 

Revenues 

(In thousands except 
  percentages) 

Fiscal Years 

2013 

2012 

Percent 
Change 

Engineering 
  and Other Scientific  $  215,972  $  213,304 
Percentage of 

1.3% 

total revenues 
Environmental  
  and Health 
Percentage of 

total revenues 

72.9%   

72.9%   

80,196    

79,349 

1.1% 

27.1%   

27.1%   

  Total revenues 

$  296,168  $  292,653 

1.2% 

in  our 

in  product  sales 

The  increase  in  revenues  for  our  Engineering  and 
Other  Scientific  segment  was  due  to  an  increase  in 
billable hours and an increase in billing rates partially 
offset  by  a  decrease  in  reimbursable  expenses  and  a 
technology 
decrease 
development  practice.  During  fiscal  2013,  billable 
hours for this segment increased by 5.4% to 778,000 
as  compared  to  738,000  during  fiscal  2012.  The 
increase was due to strong demand for services in our 
polymer science, mechanical engineering, biomedical 
engineering, 
and 
construction  consulting  practices.  The  increase  in 
billable hours was also due to fiscal 2013 having one 
fiscal  2012. 
additional  week  of  activity 
Utilization  decreased  to  74%  for  fiscal  2013  as 
compared  to  75%  during  fiscal  2012  due  to  the 
anticipated  step  down  in  our  elevated  levels  of 
activity  on  several  major  investigations.  Technical 
full-time equivalents increased 4.6% to 496 for fiscal 
2013  from  474  for  fiscal  2012  due  to  our  recruiting 

engineering  management, 

than 

and  retention  efforts.  Product  sales  in  technology 
development  decreased  to  $486,000  during  fiscal 
2013  as  compared  to  $9,213,000  during  fiscal  2012 
due  to  lower  sales  of  surveillance  systems  to  the 
United States Army. 

The increase in revenues from our Environmental and 
Health  segment  was  due  to  an  increase  in  billing 
rates,  revenues  of  $1.4  million  related  to  services 
performed  in  prior  periods  for  a  foreign  client  for 
which  we deferred revenue  until receipt of payment, 
and  fiscal  2013  having  one  additional  week  of 
activity  than  fiscal  2012,  partially  offset  by  a 
decrease  in  billable  hours.  During  fiscal  2013, 
billable hours for this segment decreased by 1.6% to 
309,000  as  compared  to  314,000  during  fiscal  2012.  
Utilization  decreased  to  65%  for  fiscal  2013  as 
compared  to  69%  for  fiscal  2012.  The  decrease  in 
billable hours and utilization was due to a step down 
from  the  elevated  levels  of  activity  on  a  number  of 
major  investigations  that  engage  consultants  across 
many  of  our  environmental  and  health  practices  and 
centers.    The  decrease  in  utilization  was  also  due  to 
our  investment  in  hiring  experienced  consultants.  
Technical full-time equivalents increased by 2.3% to 
223 during fiscal 2013 as compared to 218 for fiscal 
2012 due to our recruiting and retention efforts. 

Compensation and Related Expenses 

(In thousands except 
  percentages) 

Fiscal Years 

2013 

2012 

Percent 
Change 

Compensation 
  and related expenses 
Percentage of 

total revenues 

$  184,084  $  171,809 

7.1% 

62.2%   

58.7%   

increased  $5,719,000  and 

The  increase  in  compensation  and  related  expenses 
during fiscal 2013 was due to an increase in payroll, 
bonuses, fringe benefits and a change in the value of 
assets  associated  with  our  deferred  compensation 
plan.  Payroll 
fringe 
benefits increased $730,000 due to a 3.9% increase in 
technical  full-time  equivalent  employees,  the  impact 
of our annual salary increases, and fiscal 2013 having 
one  additional  week  of  activity  than  fiscal  2012. 
Bonuses  increased  $992,000  due  to  a  corresponding 
increase in profitability. During fiscal 2013, deferred 
compensation  expense  increased  $3,886,000  with  a 
corresponding  increase  to  other  income  (expense), 
net,  as  compared  with  the  prior  year  due  to  the 
change in value of assets associated with our deferred 
compensation  plan.  This  increase  consisted  of  an 
increase in the value of the plan assets of $6,044,000 
during fiscal 2013 as compared to an increase in the 

27 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
recruiting  expenses  of  $259,000.  The  increase  in 
legal  expenses  was  due  to  an  increase  in  costs 
associated  with  legal  claims  during  fiscal  2013  as 
compared to the same period last year.  The increase 
in  recruiting  costs  was  due  to  our  efforts  to  hire 
experienced consultants. 

Other Income (Expense), Net 

(In thousands except 
  percentages) 

Fiscal Years 

2013 

2012 

Percent 
Change 

Other income 
  and expense, net 
Percentage of 

total revenues 

 $  7,999 

 $  4,129 

93.7% 

2.7% 

1.4% 

Other  income  (expense),  net,  consists  primarily  of 
interest  income  earned  on  available  cash,  cash 
equivalents  and  short-term  investments,  changes  in 
the  value  of  assets  associated  with  our  deferred 
compensation  plan  and  rental  income  from  leasing 
excess  space  in  our  Silicon  Valley  facility.  The 
income  (expense),  net,  was 
increase 
primarily  due  to  the  change  in  value  of  assets 
associated with our deferred compensation plan. This 
change  consisted  of  an  increase  in  the  value  of  the 
plan  assets  of  $6,044,000  during  fiscal  2013  as 
compared  to  an  increase  in  the  value  of  the  plan 
assets of $2,158,000 during fiscal 2012.  

in  other 

Income Taxes 

(In thousands except 
  percentages) 

Fiscal Years 

2013 

2012 

Percent 
Change 

Income taxes 
Percentage of 

total revenues 
Effective tax rate 

$ 25,305  $ 24,524 

3.2% 

8.5% 
  39.6% 

8.4% 
  39.7% 

in 

income 

increase 

taxes  was  due 

to  a 
The 
corresponding  increase  in  pre-tax  income.    During 
fiscal  2011  our  effective  tax  rate  was  40.4%.    The 
decrease in our effective tax rate for fiscal 2012 was 
primarily due to a change in estimate associated with 
the Company’s apportionment of income between the 
states.  Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2013 remained 
below  our  historical  average  due  to  manufacturing 
in 
deductions 
the 
apportionment 
manufacturing deductions were non-recurring. 

  Both 
the 

change 
and 

the 
states 

claimed. 

between 

value  of  the  plan  assets  of  $2,158,000  during  fiscal 
2012. 

Other Operating Expenses 

(In thousands except 
  percentages) 

Fiscal Years 

2013 

2012 

Percent 
Change 

Other operating 
  expenses 
Percentage of 

total revenues 

 $ 25,299 

 $ 23,574 

7.3% 

8.5% 

8.1% 

Other  operating  expenses  include  facilities-related 
costs, technical  materials, computer-related expenses 
and  depreciation  and  amortization  of  property, 
equipment and leasehold improvements. The increase 
in  other  operating  expenses  was  primarily  due  to  an 
increase  in  occupancy  expenses  of  $579,000,  an 
increase  in  computer  expenses  of  $359,000,  an 
increase  in  technical  materials  of  $275,000,  an 
increase 
in  depreciation  and  amortization  of 
$241,000,  and  an  increase  in  office  expenses  of 
$223,000.  The  increase  in  occupancy  expenses, 
computer  expenses,  technical  materials,  depreciation 
and  amortization,  and  office  expenses  were  due  to 
costs  associated  with  the  increase  in  technical  full-
time  equivalent  employees  and  the  extra  week  of 
activity during fiscal 2013.  

Reimbursable Expenses 

(In thousands except 
  percentages) 

Fiscal Years 

2013 

2012 

Percent 
Change 

Reimbursable expenses 
Percentage of 

 $  16,125 

 $  26,091 

(38.2)% 

total revenues 

  5.4% 

  8.9% 

The decrease in reimbursable expenses was primarily 
due  to  a  decrease  in  project-related  costs  in  our 
technology  development  practice  in  our  Engineering 
and  Other  Scientific  segment.  The  amount  of 
reimbursable  expenses  will  vary  from  year  to  year 
depending on the nature of our projects. 

General and Administrative Expenses 

(In thousands except 
  percentages) 

Fiscal Years 

2013 

2012 

Percent 
Change 

General and  
  administrative expenses   $ 14,714 
Percentage of 

 $ 13,559 

8.5% 

total revenues 

5.0% 

4.6% 

The  increase  in  general  and  administrative  expenses 
during fiscal 2013 was primarily due to an increase in 
legal  expense  of  $857,000  and  an  increase  in 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES 

(In thousands) 

2014 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2012 

Net cash provided 
  by (used in): 
Operating activities  $  48,252  $  61,792  $  48,505 
Investing activities 
$  2,435  $ (18,880)  $  (1,169) 
Financing activities  $ (43,128)  $ (33,769)  $ (18,859) 

The  increase  in  net  cash  used  in  financing  activities 
during  fiscal  2014,  as  compared  to  fiscal  2013,  was 
due to an increase in our quarterly dividend payments 
and an increase in repurchases of our common stock.  
The  increase  in  net  cash  used  in  financing  activities 
during  fiscal  2013,  as  compared  to  fiscal  2012,  was 
due to our quarterly dividend payments which started 
in the first quarter of 2013, an increase in repurchases 
of common stock, and an increase in payroll taxes for 
restricted stock units. 

We  financed  our  business  in  fiscal  2014  through 
available  cash  and  cash  flows  from  operating 
activities.    We  invest  our  excess  cash  in  cash 
equivalents  and  short-term 
investments.  As  of 
January 2, 2015, our cash, cash equivalents and short-
term  investments  were  $154,403,000  compared  to 
$156,119,000  at  January  3,  2014.    We  believe  our 
existing balances of cash, cash equivalents and short-
term  investments  will  be  sufficient  to  satisfy  our 
expenditures, 
working 
outstanding 
repurchases, 
dividends  and  other  liquidity  requirements  over  at 
least the next 12 months. 

capital 
stock 

commitments, 

capital 

needs, 

Generally,  our  net  cash  provided  by  operating 
activities  is  used  to  fund  our  day-to-day  operating 
activities.  First  quarter  operating  cash  requirements 
are  generally  higher  due  to  payment  of  our  annual 
bonuses  accrued  during  the  prior  year.    Our  largest 
source  of  operating  cash  flows  is  cash  collections 
from  our  clients.   Our  primary  uses  of  cash  from 
operating 
employee-related 
are 
expenditures,  leased  facilities,  taxes,  and  general 
operating expenses including marketing and travel. 

activities 

for 

in 

Net  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  was  $48.3 
million for fiscal 2014 as compared to $61.8 million 
and  $48.5  million 
fiscal  2013  and  2012, 
respectively.  The  decrease  in  net  cash  provided  by 
operating  activities  during  fiscal  2014,  as  compared 
to fiscal 2013, was due to a decrease in cash receipts 
from  clients.    Accounts  receivable  increased  during 
fiscal  2014  as  compared  to  a  decrease  during  fiscal 
2013. The increase in net cash provided by operating 
activities  during  fiscal  2013  as  compared  to  fiscal 
2012  was  primarily  due  to  an  increase  in  cash 
receipts from clients.  Accounts receivable decreased 
during fiscal 2013 as compared to an increase during 
fiscal 2012.  

During fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, net cash provided 
by (used in) investing activities was primarily related 
to  the  purchase  and  sale  or  maturity  of  short-term 
investments.  

29 

We  expect  to  continue  our  investing  activities, 
including  capital  expenditures.  Furthermore,  cash 
reserves  may  be  used  to  repurchase  common  stock 
under our stock repurchase programs, pay dividends, 
procure  facilities  and  equipment  or  strategically 
acquire  professional 
are 
service 
complementary to our business.   

firms 

that 

The  following  schedule  summarizes  our  principal 
contractual  commitments  as  of  January  2,  2015  (in 
thousands): 

Fiscal 
year 

2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
Thereafter 

Operating 
lease 

Purchase 

commitments  Obligations 
  $  7,612 
  5,889 
  3,802 
  2,173 
  1,069 
  2,107 
   $ 22,652 

  $  320 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
  $  320 

Total 
$  7,932 
  5,889 
  3,802 
  2,173 
  1,069 
  2,107 
$ 22,972 

The  above  table  does  not  reflect  unrecognized  tax 
benefits  of  $1,546,000,  the  timing  of  which  is 
uncertain.    Refer  to  “Note  7:  Income  Taxes”  of  the 
Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  for 
additional discussion on unrecognized tax benefits. 

We  maintain  nonqualified  deferred  compensation 
plans  for  the  benefit  of  a  select  group  of  highly 
compensated employees.  Vested amounts due under 
the  plans  of  $37,745,000  were  recorded  as  a  long-
term  liability  on  our  consolidated  balance  sheet  at 
January 2, 2015.  Company assets that are earmarked 
to  pay  benefits  under  the  plans  are  held  in  a  rabbi 
trust  and  are  subject  to  the  claims  of  our  creditors.  
As  of  January  2,  2015,  invested  amounts  under  the 
plans  of  $36,195,000  were  recorded  as  a  long-term 
asset on our consolidated balance sheet.  

law,  we  have 
As  permitted  under  Delaware 
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 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures 

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 
relationships  with 
generate 
transactions 
unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such 
as  entities  often  referred  to  as  structured  finance  or 
special purpose entities. 

that 

Regulation  G,  conditions  for  use  of  Non-Generally  Accepted  Accounting  Principles  (“Non-GAAP”)  financial 
measures,  and  other  SEC  regulations  define  and  prescribe  the  conditions  for  use  of  certain  Non-GAAP  financial 
information.    Generally,  a  Non-GAAP  financial  measure  is  a  numerical  measure  of  a  company's  performance, 
financial position or cash flow that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in 
the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.  We closely monitor two 
financial  measures,  EBITDA  and  EBITDAS,  which  meet  the  definition  of  Non-GAAP  financial  measures.  We 
define  EBITDA  as  net  income  before  income  taxes,  interest  income,  depreciation  and  amortization.    We  define 
EBITDAS as EBITDA before stock-based compensation.  We regard 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.  These measures are used to evaluate our financial results, 
develop  budgets  and  determine  employee  compensation.    These  measures,  however,  should  be  considered  in 
addition  to,  and  not  as  a  substitute  or  superior  to,  operating  income,  cash  flows,  or  other  measures  of  financial 
performance  prepared  in  accordance  with  GAAP.  A  reconciliation  of  the  Non-GAAP  measures  to  the  nearest 
comparable GAAP measure is set forth below. 

The following table shows EBITDA as a percentage of revenues before reimbursements for fiscal years 2014, 2013 
and 2012: 

(in thousands, except percentages) 

2014 

 Fiscal Years  
2013 

2012 

Revenues before reimbursements 

  $  289,209 

  $  280,043 

  $  266,562 

EBITDA 

  $  73,219 

  $  68,769 

  $  66,132 

EBITDA as a % of revenues 
  before reimbursements 

25.3% 

24.6% 

24.8% 

The increase in EBITDA as a percentage of revenues before reimbursements for fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 
2013 was primarily due to an increase in utilization.  Utilization for fiscal 2014 increased to 72% as compared to 
71%  during  fiscal  2013  due  to  strong  demand  for  our  consulting  services  from  a  diverse  set  of  clients  for  both 
reactive and proactive projects and our management of headcount to align resources with anticipated demand. 

The decrease in EBITDA as a percentage of revenues before reimbursements for fiscal 2013, as compared to fiscal 
2012, was primarily due to a decrease in utilization and a decrease in product sales in our technology development 
practice.    Our  utilization  decreased  to  71%  during  fiscal  2013  as  compared  to  73%  during  fiscal  2012  due  to  the 
anticipated step down in our elevated levels of activity on several major investigations and due to our investment in 
hiring technical consultants. 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
The  following  table  is  a  reconciliation  of  EBITDA  and  EBITDAS  to  the  most  comparable  GAAP  measure,  net 
income, for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012: 

(in thousands) 

2014 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2012 

Net Income 

  $ 

40,701 

  $ 

38,640 

  $ 

37,225 

Add back (subtract): 

  Income taxes 
  Interest income, net 
Depreciation and 
  amortization 

EBITDA  

Stock-based compensation 

27,264 
(150) 

5,404 

73,219 

13,079 

25,305 
(127) 

4,951 

68,769 

13,168 

24,524 
(328) 

4,711 

66,132 

12,378 

EBITDAS 

  $ 

86,298 

  $ 

81,937 

  $ 

78,510 

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 
relatively  short  average  effective 
quality  and 
maturities 
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. 

in  accordance  with 

If  interest  rates  were  to  instantaneously  increase  or 
decrease  by  100  basis  points,  the  change  in  the  fair 
value of our portfolio of cash equivalents and  short-
term  investments  would  not  have  a  material  impact 
on our financial statements.  We do not use derivative 
financial  instruments  in  our  investment  portfolio.  
Notwithstanding  our  efforts  to  manage  interest  rate 
risk,  there  can  be  no  assurances  that  we  will  be 
adequately protected against the risks associated with 
interest rate fluctuations. 

We have foreign currency risk related to our revenues 
and  expenses  denominated  in  currencies  other  than 
the U.S. dollar, primarily the British Pound, the Euro, 
and  the  Chinese  Yuan.  Accordingly,  changes  in 
exchange  rates  may  negatively  affect  the  revenues 

and  net  income  of  our  foreign  subsidiaries  as 
expressed in U.S. dollars.  Our foreign currency risk 
in  our  Environmental  and  Health 
is  primarily 
operating segment.   

At  January  2,  2015,  we  had  net  assets  of 
approximately  $17.1  million  with  a  functional 
the  British  Pound,  net  assets  of 
currency  of 
approximately  $2.5  million  with  a 
functional 
currency of the Euro, and net assets of approximately 
$2.1  million  with  a  functional  currency  of  the 
Chinese  Yuan  associated  with  our  operations  in  the 
United Kingdom, Germany, and China, respectively. 

We also have foreign currency risk related to foreign 
transactions  and  monetary  assets  and 
currency 
liabilities  denominated  in  currencies  that  are  not  the 
functional  currency.  We  have  experienced  and  will 
continue to experience fluctuations in our net income 
as a result of gains (losses) on these foreign currency 
transactions  and  the  remeasurement  of  monetary 
assets and liabilities.  At January 2, 2015, we had net 
assets denominated in the non-functional currency of 
approximately  $4.4  million.  As  such,  a  ten  percent 
change in the value of the local currency would result 
in $0.44 million foreign currency gain or loss in our 
results of operations. 

We  do  not  use  foreign  exchange  contracts  to  hedge 
any foreign currency exposures. To date, the impacts 
of  foreign  currency  exchange  rate  changes  on  our 
consolidated  revenues  and  consolidated  net  income 

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
have  not  been  material.  However,  our  continued 
international  expansion  increases  our  exposure  to 
exchange  rate  fluctuations  and  as  a  result  such 
fluctuations  could  have  a  significant  impact  on  our 
future results of operations. 

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 

KPMG  LLP,  an 
independent  registered  public  
accounting firm, has audited  the Company’s internal 
control  over  financial  reporting,  as  stated  in  their 
report  which  is  included  in  Part  IV,  Item  15  of  this 
Form 10-K. 

(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. 

is  designed 

Our  management  is  responsible  for  establishing  and 
maintaining  adequate  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting,  as  such  term  is  defined  in  Exchange  Act 
Rule  13a-15(f).    Our  internal  control  over  financial 
reasonable 
reporting 
assurance,  but  not  absolute  assurance,  regarding  the 
reliability  of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation 
of  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  U.S. 
generally  accepted  accounting  principles.    There  are 
inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system 
of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting.    These 
limitations include the possibility of human error, the 

to  provide 

that 

limitations,  our 

in  conditions,  or 

circumvention  or  overriding  of  the  system  and 
reasonable  resource  constraints.    Because  of  its 
inherent 
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 
the  degree  of 
compliance  with  the  policies  or  procedures  may 
deteriorate.    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 
the 
-  Integrated  Framework  (1992) 
issued  by 
Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of 
the 
Treadway  Commission.    Based  on  our  evaluation 
under the framework in Internal Control - Integrated 
Framework  (1992),  our  management  concluded  that 
our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was 
effective  at  the  reasonable  assurance  level  as  of 
January 2, 2015. 

(c)  Changes in Internal Control Over Financial 

Reporting. 

There  have  not  been  any  changes  in  the  Company’s 
internal control over financial reporting, as such term 
is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act, 
during  the  most  recent  fiscal  quarter  that  have 
materially  affected,  or  are  reasonably  likely  to 
materially affect, the Company’s internal control over 
financial reporting. 

Item 9B.  Other Information 

None. 

PART III 

Certain  information  required  by  Part  III  is  omitted 
from  this  Annual  Report  on Form  10-K.    We  intend 
to  file  a  definitive  Proxy  Statement  pursuant  to 
Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end 
of  the  fiscal  year  covered  by  this  Annual  Report  on 
Form 10-K, and certain information included therein 
is incorporated herein by reference.  

Item  10. 
Corporate Governance 

  Directors,  Executive  Officers  and 

The information required by this item with respect to 
our  directors,  audit  committee,  code  of  ethics  and 
compliance with section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is 
incorporated  by  reference  to  the  sections  of  the 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company’s  definitive  Proxy  Statement  for  its  2015 
Annual  Meeting  of  Stockholders 
(the  "Proxy 
Statement")  entitled  "Proposal  No.  1:  Election  of 
Directors,” “Board Meetings, Committees, and Board 
Leadership,”  “Code  of  Business  Conduct  and 
Corporate  Governance”  and  “Compliance  with 
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.”  See Item 1 for 
information  regarding  the  executive  officers  of  the 
Company.  

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  sections  of  the  Proxy  Statement 

“Stock  Ownership” 
entitled 
Compensation Plan Information.” 

and 

“Equity 

Item  13.    Certain  Relationships  and  Related 
Transactions, and Director Independence 

The information required by this item is incorporated 
by  reference  to  the  sections  of  the  Proxy  Statement 
entitled  “Related  Party  Transactions”  and  “Proposal 
No. 1 – Election of Directors.” 

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.” 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART IV 

Item 15.  Exhibits, 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 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included herewith: 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended January 2, 2015, 
  January 3, 2014 and December 28, 2012 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended 
  January 2, 2015, January 3, 2014 and December 28, 2012 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 2, 2015 and January 3, 2014 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended January 2, 2015, 
  January 3, 2014 and December 28, 2012 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended January 2, 2015, 
  January 3, 2014 and December 28, 2012 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

2.  Financial Statement Schedules 

Page 

35 

37 

38 

39 

40 

42 

43 

The following financial statement schedule of Exponent, Inc. for the years ended January 2, 2015, 
January 3, 2014 and December 28, 2012 is filed as part of this Report and should be read in conjunction with 
the consolidated financial statements of Exponent, Inc. and subsidiaries: 

  Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 

Page 

60 

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  

(a) 

Exhibit Index 

Page 

62 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 (the Company) as 
of January 2, 2015 and January 3, 2014, 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  January  2,  2015.    In 
connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we have also audited the accompanying financial 
statement  schedule  II.  We  also  have  audited  the  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  of  Exponent,  Inc.  as  of 
January 2, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework  (1992) issued by the 
Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO).  The  Company’s  management  is 
responsible  for  these  consolidated  financial  statements,  for  maintaining  effective  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting,  and  for  its  assessment  of  the  effectiveness  of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting,  included  in  the 
accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, appearing under Item 9A(b). Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule, and 
an opinion on the internal control over financial reporting of Exponent, Inc. 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  audits  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about 
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial 
reporting  was  maintained  in  all  material  respects.  Our  audits  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements  included 
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the 
accounting  principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by  management,  and  evaluating  the  overall  financial 
statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of 
internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating 
the  design  and  operating  effectiveness  of  internal  control  based  on  the  assessed  risk.  Our  audits  also  included 
performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide 
a reasonable basis for our opinions. 

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,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  referred  to  above  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the 
financial position of Exponent, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 2, 2015 and January 3, 2014, and the results of their 
operations  and  their  cash  flows  for  each  of  the  years  in  the  three-year  period  ended  January  2,  2015,  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  

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
respects, the information set forth therein.  Also, in our opinion, Exponent, Inc.  maintained, in all material respects, 
effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 2, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal 
Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by COSO . 

/s/ KPMG LLP 
San Francisco, California  
February 27, 2015  

36 

 
 
 
 
Exponent, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Consolidated Statements of Income 

(In thousands, except per share data) 

Revenues: 

Revenues before reimbursements 
Reimbursements 
Revenues 

Operating expenses: 

Compensation and related expenses 
Other operating expenses 
Reimbursable expenses 
General and administrative expenses 

Operating income 

Other income: 

Interest income 
Miscellaneous income, net 

Income before income taxes 

Provision for income taxes 

Net income 

Net income per share: 

Basic 
Diluted 

Shares used in per share computations: 

Basic 
Diluted 

2014 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2012 

  $ 289,209 
  15,495 
  304,704 

  $ 280,043 
  16,125 
  296,168 

  $ 266,562 
  26,091 
  292,653 

  183,533 
  26,285 
  15,495 
  15,842 
  241,155 
  63,549 

  184,084 
  25,299 
  16,125 
  14,714 
  240,222 
  55,946 

  171,809 
  23,574 
  26,091 
  13,559 
  235,033 
  57,620 

150 
4,266 
  67,965 

127 
7,872 
  63,945 

328 
3,801 
  61,749 

  27,264 
  $  40,701 

  25,305 
  $  38,640 

  24,524 
  $  37,225 

  $ 
  $ 

3.02 
2.94 

  $ 
  $ 

2.84 
2.76 

  $ 
  $ 

2.70 
2.60 

  13,455 
  13,833 

  13,616 
  14,025 

  13,780 
  14,293 

Cash dividends declared per common share 

  $ 

1.00 

  $ 

0.60 

  $ 

- 

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exponent, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income  

(In thousands) 

Net income 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax 
  of $304, $(187), and $(184), respectively 
Unrealized gain (loss) arising during the period 
  on investments, net of tax of $(3), $10, and 
  $19, respectively  
Comprehensive income 

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

2014 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2012 

$  40,701 

$  38,640 

$  37,225 

(1,017) 

373 

249 

4 
$  39,688 

(14) 
$  38,999 

(28) 
$  37,446 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exponent, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 

(In thousands, except par value) 

Assets 

Current assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Short-term investments 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for contract losses and   

doubtful accounts of $3,386 and $2,771, respectively 

Prepaid expenses and other assets 
Deferred income taxes 

Total current assets 

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net 
Goodwill 
Deferred income taxes 
Deferred compensation plan assets 
Other assets 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 

Current liabilities: 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Accrued payroll and employee benefits 
Deferred revenues 

Total current liabilities 

Other liabilities 
Deferred compensation 
Deferred rent 

Total liabilities 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) 

Stockholders’ equity: 

Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 5,000 shares authorized; 

no shares outstanding 

Common stock, $.001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 

16,427 shares issued 
Additional paid-in capital 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)  
Investment securities, available for sale 
Foreign currency translation adjustments 

Retained earnings 
Treasury stock, at cost: 3,556 and 3,363 shares held, respectively 

Total stockholders’ equity 

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

39 

Fiscal Year Ended 

January 2, 
2015 

January 3, 
2014 

  $ 129,490 
  24,913 

  $ 122,948 
  33,171 

  86,368 
  14,727 
  11,002 
 266,500 

  28,264 
8,607 
  24,612 
  36,195 
1,121 
   $ 365,299 

  $ 

8,935 
  62,184 
8,226 
  79,345 

1,862 
  37,745 
2,059 
 121,011 

  76,980 
  10,450 
8,135 
 251,684 

  28,721 
8,607 
  21,102 
  33,501 
551 
  $ 344,166 

  $ 

8,442 
  56,934 
6,771 
  72,147 

1,181 
  33,447 
2,332 
 109,107 

- 

- 

16 
 160,225 

16 
 141,250 

14 
(918) 
(904) 
 246,961 
(162,010) 
244,288 
   $ 365,299 

10 
99 
109 
 226,040 
(132,356) 
235,059 
  $ 344,166 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Exponent, Inc. and Subsidiaries  
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 

(In thousands) 

Balance at  
  December 30, 2011 

Employee stock  
  purchase plan 
Exercise of stock options, 
  net of swaps 
Excess tax benefit for  
  equity incentive plans 
Amortization of unrecognized 
  stock-based compensation 
Purchase of treasury shares 
Foreign currency translation 
  adjustments 
Grant of restricted stock units 
to settle accrued bonus 

Settlement of restricted 
  stock units 
Unrealized loss 
  on investments 
Net income 
Balance at  
  December 28, 2012 

Employee stock  
  purchase plan 
Exercise of stock options, 
  net of swaps 
Excess tax benefit for  
  equity incentive plans 
Amortization of unrecognized 
  stock-based compensation 
Purchase of treasury shares 
Foreign currency translation 
  adjustments 
Grant of restricted stock units 
to settle accrued bonus 

Settlement of restricted 
  stock units 
Unrealized loss 
  on investments 
Dividends and 
  dividend equivalent rights 
Net income 
Balance at  
  January 3, 2014 

  Additional 

  Accumulated 
other 

Common Stock 
Shares  Amount 

paid-in 
capital 

Treasury Stock 
comprehensive  Retained 
income (loss)  earnings  Shares  Amount 

Total 

  16,427    $ 

16    $108,071 

  $ 

(471) 

 $ 179,432 

3,127  $ (100,333) $ 186,715 

(28) 
- 

- 
37,225 

- 
- 

- 
- 

(28) 
37,225 

  16,427    $ 

16    $123,693 

  $ 

(250) 

 $ 206,057 

3,221  $ (113,087) $ 216,429 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

400 

(358) 

3,948 

6,289 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

249 

5,343 

- 

- 
- 

648 

(302) 

4,267 

7,107 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

373 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5,807 

(273) 

- 

303 
- 

- 

(20) 

608 

1,008 

(3,123) 

(200) 

6,088 

2,607 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
480 

- 

- 

- 

3,948 

- 
(23,395) 

6,289 
(23,395) 

- 

- 

249 

5,343 

(7,477) 

(166) 

3,945 

(3,532) 

- 

(19) 

518 

1,166 

(1,031) 

(61) 

1,627 

294 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
438 

- 

- 

- 

4,267 

- 
(25,011) 

7,107 
(25,011) 

- 

- 

373 

5,807 

(9,352) 

(216) 

3,597 

(6,028) 

(14) 

- 

- 
- 

(8,274) 
38,640 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

(14) 

(7,971) 
38,640 

  16,427    $ 

16    $141,250 

  $ 

109 

 $ 226,040 

3,363  $ (132,356) $ 235,059 

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
(In thousands) 

Balance at  
  January 3, 2014 

Employee stock  
  purchase plan 
Exercise of stock options, 
  net of swaps 
Excess tax benefit for  
  equity incentive plans 
Amortization of unrecognized 
  stock-based compensation 
Purchase of treasury shares 
Foreign currency translation 
  adjustments 
Grant of restricted stock units 
to settle accrued bonus 

Settlement of restricted 
  stock units 
Unrealized gain 
  on investments 
Dividends and 
  dividend equivalent rights 
Net income 
Balance at  
  January 2, 2015 

  Additional 

  Accumulated 
other 

Common Stock 
Shares  Amount 

paid-in 
capital 

comprehensive  Retained 
Treasury Stock 
income (loss)  earnings  Shares  Amount 

Total 

  16,427    $ 

16    $141,250 

  $ 

109 

 $ 226,040 

3,363  $ (132,356) $ 235,059 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

810 

67 

5,100 

6,792 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

(1,017) 

6,008 

(343) 

- 

541 
- 

- 

- 

4 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(16) 

(42) 

- 

- 
425 

- 

- 

337 

1,147 

893 

960 

- 

5,100 

- 
(30,921) 

6,792 
(30,921) 

- 

- 

(1,017) 

6,008 

(6,050) 

(174) 

37 

(6,356) 

- 

(13,730) 
40,701 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

4 

(13,189) 
40,701 

  16,427    $ 

16    $160,225 

  $ 

(904) 

 $ 246,961 

3,556  $ (162,010) $ 244,288 

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Exponent, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

(In thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities: 

 Net income 
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash 

 provided by operating activities: 

2014 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2012 

  $  40,701 

 $  38,640 

 $  37,225 

 Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment 

and leasehold improvements 

5,404 

4,951 

4,711 

 Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts 
   on short-term investments 
 Deferred rent expense 
 Provision for doubtful accounts 
 Stock-based compensation 
 Deferred income tax provision 
 Excess tax benefit for equity incentive plans 
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 

 Accounts receivable 
 Prepaid expenses and other assets 
 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
 Accrued payroll and employee benefits 
 Deferred revenues 

 Net cash provided by operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities: 

 Capital expenditures 
 Purchase of short-term investments 
 Maturity of short-term investments 
 Sale of short-term investments 

Net cash provided by (used in)  
  investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities: 

 Excess tax benefit for equity incentive plans 
 Payroll taxes for restricted stock units 
 Repurchase of common stock 
 Exercise of share-based payment awards 
 Dividends and dividend equivalent rights 

Net cash used in financing activities  

Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash 

and cash equivalents 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

See accompanying notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

885 
(273) 
1,718 
  13,079 
(6,077) 
(5,100) 

  (11,106) 
(5,320) 
6,142 
6,744 
1,455 
  48,252 

340 
800 
1,705 
  13,168 
(3,398) 
(4,267) 

6,676 
(4,596) 
3,002 
4,665 
106 
  61,792 

560 
(310) 
1,763 
  12,378 
(4,194) 
(3,948) 

  (14,059) 
(3,379) 
7,374 
9,667 
717 
  48,505 

(4,947) 
(5,260) 
  11,642 
1,000 

(6,226) 
  (33,422) 
  19,190 
1,578 

(4,942) 
(515) 
3,770 
518 

2,435 

  (18,880) 

(1,169) 

5,100 
(6,356) 
(30,921) 
2,107 
  (13,058) 
  (43,128) 

4,267 
(6,402) 
(25,519) 
1,812 
(7,927) 
  (33,769) 

3,948 
(3,531) 
(22,887) 
3,611 
- 
(18,859) 

(1,017) 

537 

352 

6,542 
  122,948 
  $ 129,490 

9,680 
  113,268 
 $  122,948 

    28,829 
    84,439 
 $ 113,268 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exponent, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Note 1:  Summary of Significant Accounting 
Policies 

its 

Inc. 

Basis of Presentation 
Exponent, 
subsidiaries 
together  with 
(collectively  referred  to  as  the  “Company”)  is  a 
science and engineering consulting firm that provides 
solutions  to  complex  problems.    The  accompanying 
consolidated 
the 
accounts  of  the  Company  and  its  wholly  owned 
intercompany 
subsidiaries. 
transactions  and  balances  have  been  eliminated  in 
consolidation. 

statements 

significant 

financial 

include 

  All 

The  Company  operates  on  a  52-53  week  fiscal  year 
with  each  year  ending  on  the  Friday  closest  to 
December  31st.    Fiscal  period  2014  included  52 
weeks  of  activity  and  ended  on  January  2,  2015.  
Fiscal period 2013 included 53 weeks of activity and 
ended  on  January  3,  2014.    Fiscal  period  2012 
included  52  weeks  of  activity  and  ended  on 
December 28, 2012.  Fiscal period 2015 will end on 
January 1, 2016. 

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

to 

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. 

Revenue Recognition 
The  Company  derives  its  revenues  primarily  from 
professional  fees  earned  on  consulting  engagements, 
fees earned for the use of its equipment and facilities, 
and  reimbursements  for  outside  direct  expenses 
associated  with  the  services  that  are  billed  to  its 
clients.    Any  taxes  assessed  on  revenues  relating  to 
services provided to its clients are recorded on a net 
basis. 

The  Company  reports  service  revenues  net  of 
subcontractor  fees.    The  Company  has  determined 
that it is not the primary obligor with respect to these 
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. 

engagements, 

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 
it 
fixed-price 
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 
reliable 
this  methodology  achieves  a 
measure  of  the  revenue  from  the  consulting  services 
its  customers  under  fixed-price 
it  provides 
contracts  given  the  nature  of  the  consulting  services 
the  Company  provides  and  the  following  additional 
considerations: 

to 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

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 the contract is terminated early, the 
customer is required to pay the Company for 
time at standard rates plus materials incurred 
to date; 
the Company does not recognize revenue for 
award fees or bonuses until specific 
contractual criteria are met; 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

• 

• 

the Company does not include revenue for 
unpriced change orders until the customer 
agrees with the changes; 
historically the Company has not had 
significant accounts receivable write-offs or 
cost overruns; and  
its contracts are typically progress billed on 
a monthly basis. 

Product  revenue  is  recognized  when  both  title  and 
risk  of  loss  transfer  to  the  customer  and  customer 
acceptance has occurred, provided that no significant 
obligations remain.   

Gross  revenues  and  reimbursements  for  the  fiscal 
years  ended  January  2,  2015,  January  3,  2014  and 
December 28, 2012, respectively, were: 

(In thousands) 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2012 

2014 

Gross revenues 
Less: Subcontractor fees    
  Revenues 

$ 313,723  $ 302,742  $ 298,818 
6,165 
   304,704     296,168     292,653 

9,019    

6,574    

Reimbursements: 
  Out-of-pocket 

reimbursements 

5,862    

6,619    

6,426 

  Other outside  

    direct expenses 

Revenues before 

9,633    

9,506     19,665 
   15,495     16,125     26,091 

reimbursements 

 $ 289,209   $ 280,043   $ 266,562 

in  any  accounting  period. 

Significant  management  judgments  and  estimates 
must  be  made  in  connection  with  the  revenues 
recognized 
  These 
judgments  and  estimates  include  an  assessment  of 
collectability  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 collectability 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 
those 
reasonably  assured,  which 
situations  would  generally  be  upon  receipt  of  cash.  
The  Company  assesses  collectability  based  on  a 
number  of  factors,  including  past  transaction  history 
with the client, as well as the credit-worthiness of the 
client.  Losses on fixed-price contracts are recognized 

in 

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. 

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 
in  accumulated  other 
subsidiaries 
comprehensive  income,  which  is  reflected  as  a 
separate component of stockholders’ equity.  

included 

is 

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

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 
represent 
investments readily available for current operations.   

such  marketable 

securities 

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 
other 
in 
comprehensive  income  except  for  unrealized  losses 
that  are  deemed  to  be  other-than-temporary,  which 
are reflected in net income. 

accumulated 

directly 

investments 

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 
for  other-than-temporary 
declines  in  fair  value,  the  Company  considers  the 
significance of the decline in value as a percentage of 
the  original  cost,  how  long  the  market  value  of  the 
investment  has  been  less  than  its  original  cost,  any 
news  that  has  been  released  specific  to  the  investee, 
and  the  Company’s  intent  to  sell,  or  whether  it  is 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
more  likely  than  not  it  will  be  required  to  sell  the 
investment  before  recovery  of  the  investments  cost 
basis. 

Allowances  for  Doubtful  Accounts  and  Contract 
Losses  
The  Company  maintains  allowances  for  estimated 
losses  resulting  from  the  inability  of  customers  to 
meet  their  financial  obligations  or  for  disputes  that 
affect  our  ability  to  fully  collect  amounts  due.    In 
circumstances  where  the  Company  is  aware  of  a 
specific  customer’s  inability  to  meet  its  financial 
obligations  or  aware  of  a  dispute  with  a  specific 
customer  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 
recognizes 
the  Company 
for  doubtful  accounts  based  upon 
allowances 
concentration, 
historical  write-offs, 
customer 
economic 
conditions,  aging  of  amounts  due  and  changes  in 
customer payment terms. 

credit-worthiness, 

customer 

current 

Property, Equipment and Leasehold 
Improvements 
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are 
stated  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and 
amortization.    Depreciation  and  amortization  are 
recognized 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. 

events  or 

long-lived  assets 
changes 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets  
for 
The  Company  evaluates 
in 
impairment  whenever 
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 undiscounted 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 2014, 2013 or 2012. 

Goodwill 
The  Company  assesses  the  impairment  of  goodwill 
annually  and  whenever  events  or  changes 
in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may 

45 

the 

limited 

to  perform 

be  impaired.    The  Company’s  annual  goodwill 
impairment  review  is  completed  during  the  fourth 
quarter  of  each  year.    The  Company  evaluates 
goodwill  for  each  reporting  unit  for  impairment  by 
assessing  qualitative  factors  to  determine  whether  it 
two-step  goodwill 
is  necessary 
impairment test.  The Company considers events and 
circumstances, 
to, 
including  but  not 
industry  and  market 
macroeconomic  conditions, 
financial 
factors,  overall 
considerations, 
performance,  changes 
in  management  or  key 
personnel, changes in strategy, changes in customers, 
a change in the composition or carrying amount of a 
reporting unit’s net assets and changes in the price of 
its  common  stock.    If,  after  assessing  the  totality  of 
events  or  circumstances,  the  Company  determines 
that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a 
reporting  unit  is  greater  than  its  carrying  amount, 
then  the  two-step  goodwill  impairment  test  is  not 
performed.  

cost 

If  the  two-step  goodwill  test  is  performed,  the 
Company determines the existence of 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,  an  impairment  loss  is  recognized  for  any 
excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s 
goodwill over the implied fair value of the goodwill.  
The  implied  fair  value  of  goodwill  is  determined  by 
allocating  the  fair  value  of  the  reporting  unit  in  a 
manner  similar  to  a  purchase  price  allocation.    The 
residual fair value after this allocation is the implied 
value of the reporting unit goodwill.   

the 

totality  of 

The Company completed its annual assessment for all 
reporting  units  with  goodwill  for  fiscal  2014  and 
determined,  after  assessing 
the 
qualitative factors, that it is more likely than not that 
the fair value of each reporting unit is greater than its 
respective  carrying  amount.  Accordingly  there  was 
no  indication  of  impairment  of  goodwill  for  any  of 
the  Company’s  reporting  units  and  the  two-step 
goodwill  impairment  test  was  not  performed.    The 
Company did not recognize any goodwill impairment 
losses in fiscal years 2014, 2013 or 2012.  

Deferred Revenues 
Deferred revenues represent amounts billed to clients 
in  advance  of  services  provided,  primarily  on  fixed-
price projects.   

Income Taxes 
Income  taxes  are  accounted  for  under  the  asset  and 
liability  method.    Deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities 

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

(In thousands) 

Shares used in basic 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2014 

2012 

per share computation 

  13,455    13,616    13,780 

Effect of dilutive common 

stock options outstanding 

68    

82    

150 

Effect of unvested restricted  
stock units outstanding 

Shares used in diluted 

310    

327    

363 

per share computation 

  13,833    14,025    14,293 

There  were  no  equity  awards  excluded  from  the 
diluted  per  share  calculation  for  the  fiscal  years 
ended  January  2,  2015,  January  3,  2014  and 
December 28, 2012.   

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements 
the  Financial  Accounting 
On  May  28,  2014, 
Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, 
Revenue  from  Contracts  with  Customers,  which 
requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue 
to  which  it  expects  to  be  entitled  for  the  transfer  of 
promised goods or services to customers.   The  ASU 
will  replace  most  existing  revenue  recognition 
guidance  in  U.S.  generally  accepted  accounting 
principles (“GAAP”) when it becomes effective.  The 
new standard is effective for the Company on the first 
day  of  fiscal  2017  (December  31,  2016)  unless  an 
extension  of  the  effective  date  is  granted  by  the 
FASB.    Early  application  is  not  permitted.    The 
standard permits the use of either the retrospective or 
cumulative  effect  transition  method.    The  Company 
is  evaluating  the  effect  that  ASU  No.  2014-09  will 
have  on  its  consolidated  financial  statements  and 
related  disclosures.    The  Company  has  not  yet 
selected a transition method nor has it determined the 
effect  of  the  standard  on  its  ongoing  financial 
reporting. 

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 
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.    U.S.  income  taxes  are 
provided  on  the  earnings  of  foreign  subsidiaries 
unless  the  subsidiaries’  earnings  are  considered 
permanently  reinvested  outside 
  An 
uncertain tax position is recognized if it is determined 
that  it  is  more  likely  than  not  to  be  sustained  upon 
examination.  The  tax  position  is  measured  as  the 
largest  amount  of  benefit  that  is  greater  than  fifty 
percent 
likely  of  being  realized  upon  ultimate 
settlement.    The  Company’s  policy  is  to  recognize 
interest  and  penalties  related  to  unrecognized  tax 
benefits as income tax expense.  Accrued interest and 
penalties  are  insignificant  at  January  2,  2015  and 
January 3, 2014. 

the  U.S. 

short-term 

investments, 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 
Financial  instruments  consist  of  cash  and  cash 
equivalents, 
accounts 
receivable, other assets and accounts payable.  Cash, 
cash  equivalents  and  short-term  investments  are 
recorded  at  fair  value.    The  carrying  amount  of  the 
Company’s  accounts  receivable,  other  assets  and 
accounts  payable  approximates  their  fair  values  due 
to their short maturities. 

Stock-Based Compensation 
Stock-based  compensation  is  measured  at  the  grant 
date  based  on  the  fair  value  of  the  award  and  is 
recognized  as  expense  on  a  straight-line  basis  over 
the requisite service period of the entire award.  The 
Company  estimates  the  number  of  awards  that  are 
expected  to  vest  and  revises  the  estimate  as  actual 
forfeitures  differ  from  that  estimate.    Estimated 
forfeiture rates are based on the Company’s historical 
experience. 

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

common 

46 

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

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments consisted of the following as of January 2, 2015: 

(In thousands) 

Classified as current assets: 
  Cash 

  Cash equivalents: 

  Money market securities 
  Total cash equivalents 

  Total cash and cash equivalents 

  Short-term investments: 

  State and municipal bonds 

  Total short-term investments 

Total cash, cash equivalents 
  and short-term investments 

Amortized   Unrealized  Unrealized  Estimated 
Fair Value 

Losses 

Gains 

Cost 

  $  84,012 

  $ 

- 

  $ 

- 

  $  84,012 

45,478 
45,478 
  129,490 

24,890 
24,890 

- 
- 
- 

27 
27 

- 
- 
- 

45,478 
45,478 
    129,490 

(4) 
(4) 

24,913 
24,913 

  $ 154,380 

  $ 

27 

  $ 

(4) 

  $ 154,403 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments consisted of the following as of January 3, 2014: 

(In thousands) 

Classified as current assets: 
  Cash 

  Cash equivalents: 

  Money market securities 
  Total cash equivalents 

  Total cash and cash equivalents 

  Short-term investments: 

  State and municipal bonds 

  Total short-term investments 

Total cash, cash equivalents 
  and short-term investments 

Amortized   Unrealized  Unrealized  Estimated 
Fair Value 

Losses 

Gains 

Cost 

  $  85,849 

  $ 

- 

  $ 

- 

  $  85,849 

37,099 
37,099 
  122,948 

33,155 
33,155 

- 
- 
- 

25 
25 

- 
- 
- 

37,099 
37,099 
    122,948 

(9) 
(9) 

33,171 
33,171 

  $ 156,103 

  $ 

25 

  $ 

(9) 

  $ 156,119 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 3:  Fair Value Measurements 

The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including available-
for-sale fixed income securities, trading fixed income and equity securities held in its deferred compensation plan 
and the liability associated  with its deferred compensation  plan.  There have been  no transfers between fair  value 
measurement levels during the years ended January 2, 2015 and January 3, 2014.  Any transfers between fair value 
measurement levels would be recorded on the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the 
transfer.  The fair value of these certain financial assets and liabilities was determined using the following inputs at 
January 2, 2015 (in thousands):  

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets for 
Identical Assets 
(Level 1) 

Significant Other 
Observable Inputs 
(Level 2) 

Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs 
(Level 3) 

Total 

  $ 

45,478 

  $   

45,478 

  $   

- 

  $   

- 

Assets 
Money market  
securities (1) 

Fixed income available  
for sale securities (2) 

Fixed income trading 
securities held in deferred 
compensation plan (3) 

Equity trading securities 
held in deferred 
compensation plan (3) 

24,913 

- 

    24,913 

9,672 

9,672 

34,176 

34,176 

- 

- 

  Total 

  $    114,239 

  $ 

89,326 

  $   

24,913 

  $   

Liabilities 
Deferred compensation 
plan (4) 

45,394 

45,394 

  Total 

  $   

45,394 

  $   

45,394 

  $   

- 

- 

  $   

(1)  Included in cash and cash equivalents on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  
(2)  Included in short-term investments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  
(3)  Included in other current assets and deferred compensation plan assets on the Company’s consolidated balance 

sheet.  

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

48 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

The fair value of these certain financial assets and liabilities was determined using the following inputs at January 3, 
2014 (in thousands):  

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using 

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets for 
Identical Assets 
(Level 1) 

Significant Other 
Observable Inputs 
(Level 2) 

Significant 
Unobservable 
Inputs 
(Level 3) 

Total 

  $ 

37,099 

  $   

37,099 

  $   

- 

  $   

- 

Assets 
Money market  
securities (1) 

Fixed income available  
for sale securities (2) 

Fixed income trading 
securities held in deferred 
compensation plan (3) 

Equity trading securities 
held in deferred 
compensation plan (3) 

33,171 

- 

    33,171 

9,535 

9,535 

28,444 

28,444 

- 

- 

  Total 

  $    108,249 

  $ 

75,078 

  $   

33,171 

  $   

Liabilities 
Deferred compensation 
plan (4) 

37,926 

37,926 

  Total 

  $   

37,926 

  $   

37,926 

  $   

- 

- 

  $   

(1)  Included in cash and cash equivalents on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  
(2)  Included in short-term investments on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.  
(3)  Included in other current assets and deferred compensation plan assets on the Company’s consolidated balance 

sheet.  

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

Fixed income available-for-sale securities as of January 2, 2015 and January 3, 2014 represent primarily obligations 
of state and local government agencies. Fixed income and equity trading securities represent mutual funds held in 
the Company’s deferred compensation plan. See Note 11 for additional information about the Company’s deferred 
compensation plan. 

The following table summarizes the cost and estimated fair value of short-term fixed income securities classified as 
short-term investments based on remaining effective maturities as of January 2, 2015: 

(In thousands) 

Due within one year 
Due between one and two years 

Total 

Amortized  
Cost 

$ 

$ 

20,719 
4,171 
24,890 

Estimated 
Fair Value 

$  20,741 
4,172 
$  24,913 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At January 2, 2015 and January 3, 2014, the Company did not have any assets or liabilities valued using significant 
unobservable inputs. 

The following financial instruments are not measured at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheet at 
January 2, 2015, but require disclosure of their fair values: accounts receivable, other assets and accounts payable. 
The estimated fair value of such instruments at January 2, 2015 approximates their carrying value as reported on the 
consolidated balance sheet.   

There were no other-than-temporary impairments or credit losses related to available-for-sale securities during the 
years ended January 2, 2015, January 3, 2014 and December 28, 2012. 

Note 4: Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements 

(In thousands) 

Property: 
  Land 
  Buildings  
  Construction in progress 
Equipment: 
  Machinery and equipment 
  Office furniture and equipment 
Leasehold improvements 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net 

Fiscal Years 

2014 

2013 

$  4,450 
  35,570 
12 

  35,131 
7,714 
  13,169 
  96,046 

  67,782 

$ 28,264 

$  4,450 
  34,928 
51 

  32,046 
7,542 
  12,745 
  91,762 

  63,041 

$ 28,721 

Depreciation and amortization for the fiscal years ended January 2, 2015, January 3, 2014 and December 28, 2012, 
was $5,404,000, $4,951,000 and $4,711,000, respectively. 

Note 5: Goodwill 

Below is a breakdown of goodwill, reported by segment as of January 2, 2015 and January 3, 2014: 

(In thousands) 

Goodwill 

Environmental 
and Health 

  Engineering and   
  Other Scientific   

Total 

$  8,099 

$ 

508 

$  8,607 

There were no changes in the carrying amount of  goodwill for the fiscal  years ended January 2, 2015, January 3, 
2014 and December 28, 2012.  There were no goodwill impairments or gains or losses on disposals for any portion 
of the Company’s reporting units during the fiscal years ended January 2, 2015, January 3, 2014 and December 28, 
2012. 

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
  
   
  
   
 
   
  
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 6: Other Significant Balance Sheet 
Components 

(In thousands) 

2014 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2012 

Account receivable, net 

(In thousands) 

Billed accounts receivable 
Unbilled accounts receivable 
Allowance for contract losses 
  and doubtful accounts 
  Total accounts  

Fiscal Years 

2014 

2013 

  $ 63,331 
    26,423 

  $ 52,674 
    27,077 

    (3,386) 

    (2,771) 

receivable, net 

  $ 86,368 

  $ 76,980 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 

(In thousands) 

Fiscal Years 

2014 

2013 

Accounts payable 
Accrued liabilities 
  Total accounts payable and 
  other accrued liabilities 

  $  2,230 
6,705 

  $  2,798 
5,644 

  $  8,935 

  $  8,442 

Accrued payroll and employee benefits 

(In thousands) 

Accrued bonuses payable 
Accrued 401(k) contributions 
Accrued vacation 
Deferred compensation 
Other accrued payroll  
  and employee benefits 
  Total accrued payroll and 
  employee benefits 

Fiscal Years 

2014 

2013 

  $ 37,010 
6,887 
8,277 
7,648 

  $ 35,370 
6,976 
8,004 
4,478 

2,362 

2,106 

  $ 62,184 

  $ 56,934 

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

Note 7: Income Taxes 

Income  before  income  taxes  includes  income  from 
foreign  operations  of  $4,157,000,  $6,007,000  and 
fiscal  2014,  2013  and  2012, 
$3,423,000 
respectively. 

for 

Total  income  tax  expense  for  the  fiscal  years  ended 
January 2, 2015, January 3, 2014 and  December 28, 
2012 consisted of the following: 

Current 
  Federal 
  Foreign 
  State 

Deferred 
  Federal 
  State 

Total  

  $ 26,647 
896 
5,798 
    33,341 

  $ 22,468 
1,411 
4,824 
    28,703 

  $ 23,562 
852 
4,304 
    28,718 

    (2,703) 
    (5,059) 
(695) 
    (1,018)     
    (6,077)      (3,398) 
  $ 25,305 
  $ 27,264 

    (3,378) 
(816) 
    (4,194) 
  $ 24,524 

The  Company’s  effective  tax  rate  differs  from  the 
statutory  federal  tax  rate  of  35%  as  shown  in  the 
following schedule: 

(In thousands) 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2012 

2014 

Tax at federal statutory rate  $23,788  $22,381  $21,612 
State taxes, net of federal 
  benefit 
Tax exempt interest income 
Non-deductible expenses 
Non-deductible 
  stock-based compensation 
Other 
  Tax expense 

(40) 
351 
$27,264  $25,305  $24,524 

3,226 
(44) 
289 

2,409 
(104) 
296 

2,819 
(36) 
226 

(79) 
(6) 

- 
5 

Effective tax rate 

   40.1%     39.6%     39.7% 

The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise 
to  significant  portions  of  the  deferred  tax  assets  and 
deferred tax liabilities at January 2, 2015 and January 
3, 2014 are presented in the following schedule: 

(In thousands) 

Deferred tax assets: 
  Accrued liabilities 
  and allowances 

  Deferred compensation 
  Other 
Total deferred tax assets 

Fiscal Years 

2014 

2013 

  $ 17,244 
    26,873 
28 
    44,145 

  $ 15,539 
    22,373 
- 
    37,912 

Deferred tax liabilities: 
  State taxes 
  Deductible goodwill 
  Property, equipment and 

leasehold improvements 
  Unrealized gain of deferred 
  compensation plan assets 

  Other 
Total deferred tax liabilities 
Net deferred tax assets 

    (1,717) 
    (2,978) 

    (1,519) 
    (2,925) 

(459) 

(622) 

    (3,377) 
- 
    (8,531) 
  $ 35,614  

    (3,215) 
(394) 
    (8,675) 
  $ 29,237  

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
results  of 

Management  believes  it  is  more  likely  than  not  that 
the 
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  award  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  January  2,  2015,  January  3,  2014 
and  December  28,  2012,  the  net  deduction  in  tax 
payable arising from employees’ stock award activity 
and  $3,948,000, 
was  $5,100,000,  $4,267,000 
respectively. 

The  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  file  income  tax 
returns  in  the  United  States  federal  jurisdiction, 
California  and  various  other  state  and  foreign 
jurisdictions.    The  Company  is  no  longer  subject  to 
United  States  federal  income  tax  examination  for 
years  prior  to  2011.    The  Company  is  no  longer 
subject  to  California  franchise  tax  examinations  for 
years  prior  to  2010.    With  few  exceptions,  the 
Company  is  no  longer  subject  to  state  and  local  or 
non-United  States  income  tax  examination  by  tax 
authorities for years prior to 2010.   

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount 
of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: 

Balance at December 28, 2012 
Additions based on tax positions 
  related to the current year 
Additions for tax positions  
  of prior years 
Reductions due to lapse of   
  statute of limitations 
Reductions due to change in   
  accounting method 
Settlements 

Balance at January 3, 2014 
Additions based on tax positions 
  related to the current year 
Additions for tax positions  
  of prior years 
Reductions due to lapse of   
  statute of limitations 
Reductions due to change in   
  accounting method 
Settlements 

$  908,000 

  316,000 

- 

(77,000) 

- 
- 

$1,147,000 

  486,000 

- 

(87,000) 

- 
- 

Balance at January 2, 2015 

$1,546,000 

Unrecognized  tax  benefits  are  included  in  other 
liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet.  To the 
extent these  unrecognized tax benefits are ultimately 
recognized, they will impact the effective tax rate in a 
future  period.    There  are  no  uncertain  tax  positions 
whose resolution in the next 12 months is expected to 
materially affect operating results.  

Deferred income taxes have not been provided on the 
undistributed  earnings  of  foreign  subsidiaries.    The 
amount  of  such  earnings  at  January  2,  2015  was 
$3,920,000.    These  earnings  have  been  permanently 
reinvested and the Company does not plan to initiate 
any  action  that  would  precipitate  the  payment  of 
income taxes thereon.  The unrecognized deferred tax 
liability  for 
to  be 
approximately $313,000.  

these  earnings 

is  estimated 

Note 8: Stockholders’ Equity 

Preferred Stock 
The  Company  has  authorized  5,000,000  shares  of 
undesignated  preferred  stock  with  a  par  value  of 
$0.001  per  share.    The  Company  committed  to 
stockholders  in  a  letter  dated  May  23,  2006  to  limit 
its  use  to  2,000,000  preferred  shares,  unless  the 
approval  of  the  Company’s  stockholders  is  obtained 
subsequently,  such  as  through  a  further  amendment 
to the Company’s authorized capital stock.  None of 
the  preferred  shares  were  issued  and  outstanding  at 
January 2, 2015 and January 3, 2014. 

Dividends 
The  Company  declared  and  paid  cash  dividends  per 
common  share  during  the  periods  presented  as 
follows: 

First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

Fiscal Year 2014 

Dividends 
Per Share 
$  0.25 
$  0.25 
$  0.25 
$  0.25 

Amount 
(in thousands) 
$  3,262 
  3,270 
  3,262 
  3,216 
     $ 13,010  

Fiscal Year 2013 

Dividends 
Per Share 
$  0.15 
$  0.15 
$  0.15 
$  0.15 

Amount 
(in thousands) 
$  1,969 
  1,998 
  1,945 
  1,965 
$  7,877 

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior  to  2013  the  Company  had  never  paid  cash 
dividends on its common stock.  On February 4, 2015 
the Company’s Board of Directors announced a cash 
dividend  of  $0.30  per  share  of  the  Company’s 
common  stock,  payable  March  27,  2015, 
to 
stockholders  of  record  as  of  March  6,  2015.    The 
Company  expects 
to  continue  paying  quarterly 
dividends in the  future,  subject to declaration by the 
Company’s Board of Directors. 

Treasury Stock 
Net losses related to the re-issuance of treasury stock 
to settle restricted stock unit and stock option awards 
of  $6,050,000,  $10,383,000  and  $10,600,000  were 
recorded  as  a  reduction  to  retained  earnings  during 
fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 

Repurchase of Common Stock  
The  Company  repurchased  425,000  shares  of  its 
common stock for $30,921,000 during the fiscal year 
ended  January  2,  2015.    The  Company  repurchased 
438,000 shares of its common stock for $25,011,000 
during  the  fiscal  year  ended  January  3,  2014.    The 
Company repurchased 480,000 shares of its common 
stock  for  $23,395,000  during  the  fiscal  year  ended 
December 28, 2012.  On May 29, 2014 the Board of 
Directors  authorized  an  additional  $35,000,000  for 
the  repurchase  of  Exponent’s  common  stock.  On 
February 15, 2013 the Board of Directors authorized 
an  additional  $35,000,000  for  the  repurchase  of 
Exponent’s common stock. On February 9, 2012 the 
Board  of  Directors  authorized  $35,000,000  for  the 
repurchase  of  Exponent’s  common  stock.    These 
repurchase programs have no expiration dates.  As of 
January  2,  2015, 
the  Company  had  remaining 
authorization  under  its  stock  repurchase  plan  of 
$35,078,000 to repurchase shares of common stock.  

Note 9: Stock-Based Compensation 

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

The 2008 Equity Incentive Plan allows for the award 
of stock options, stock awards (including stock units, 
stock  grants  and  stock  appreciation  rights  or  other 

similar  equity  awards)  and  cash  awards  to  officers, 
employees,  consultants  and  non-employee  members 
of the Board of Directors.  The total number of shares 
reserved for issuance under the 2008 Equity Incentive 
Plan is 2,414,075 shares of common stock, subject to 
adjustment  resulting  from  a  stock  split  or  the 
payment of a stock dividend or any other increase or 
decrease  in  the  number  of  issued  shares  of  the 
Company’s  stock  effected  without 
receipt  of 
consideration  by  the  Company.    As  of  January  2, 
2015,  717,671  shares  were  available  for  grant  under 
the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan. 

The  ESPP  allows  for  officers  and  employees  to 
purchase  common  stock  through  payroll  deductions 
of up to 15% of a participant’s eligible compensation.  
Shares  of  common  stock  are  purchased  under  the 
ESPP  at  95%  of  the  fair  market  value  of  the 
Company’s  common  stock  on  each  purchase  date.  
Subject  to  adjustment  resulting  from  a  stock  split  or 
the payment of a stock dividend or any other increase 
or  decrease  in  the  number  of  issued  shares  of  the 
receipt  of 
Company’s  stock  effected  without 
consideration  by  the  Company,  the  total  number  of 
shares  reserved  for  issuance  under  the  ESPP  was 
200,000  shares  of  common  stock.    As  of  January  2, 
2015,  46,533  shares  were  available  for  grant.  
Weighted  average  purchase  prices  for  shares  sold 
under  the  ESPP  plan  in  fiscal  2014,  2013  and  2012 
were $71.35, $60.64 and $50.26, respectively. 

Restricted Stock Units 
The  Company  grants  restricted  stock  units 
to 
employees  and  outside  directors.    These  restricted 
stock  unit  grants  are  designed  to  attract  and  retain 
employees,  and  to  better  align  employee  interests 
with  those  of  the  Company’s  stockholders.    For  a 
select group of employees, up to 40% of their annual 
bonus is settled with fully vested restricted stock unit 
awards.  Under these fully vested restricted stock unit 
awards,  the  holder  of  each  award  has  the  right  to 
receive  one  share  of  the  Company’s  common  stock 
for  each  fully  vested  restricted  stock  unit  four  years 
from the date of grant.  Each individual who received 
a fully vested restricted stock unit award is granted a 
matching  number  of  unvested  restricted  stock  unit 
awards.  These unvested restricted stock unit awards 
cliff vest four years from the date of grant, at which 
time  the  holder  of  each  award  will  have  the  right  to 
receive  one  share  of  the  Company’s  common  stock 
for  each  restricted  stock  unit  award,  provided  the 
holder  of  each  award  has  met  certain  employment 
conditions.  In the case of retirement at 59 ½ years or 
older,  all  unvested  restricted  stock  unit  awards  will 
continue  to  vest  provided  the  holder  of  each  award 
does  all  consulting  work  through  the  Company  and 

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
does  not  become  an  employee  for  a  past  or  present 
client, beneficial party or competitor of the Company. 

All  restricted  stock  units  granted  have  dividend 
equivalent  rights  (“DER”),  which  entitle  holders  of 
restricted stock  units  to the same dividend  value per 
share as holders of common stock.  DER are subject 
to the same vesting and other terms and conditions as 
the  corresponding  unvested  RSUs. 
  DER  are 
accumulated  and  paid  in  additional  restricted  stock 
units  when  the  underlying  shares  vest  and  are 
forfeited if the underlying shares are forfeited. 

the  market  price  of 

The  value  of  these  restricted  stock  unit  awards  is 
determined  based  on 
the 
Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  The 
value  of  fully  vested  restricted  stock  unit  awards 
issued is recorded as a reduction to accrued bonuses.  
The  portion  of  bonus  expense  that  the  Company 
expects to settle with fully vested restricted stock unit 
awards  is  recorded  as  stock-based  compensation 
during the period the bonus is earned.  For the fiscal 

years  ended  January  2,  2015,  January  3,  2014  and 
December  28,  2012,  the  Company  recorded  stock-
based compensation expense associated with accrued 
bonus  awards  of  $6,287,000,  $6,061,000  and 
$6,089,000, respectively.   

The  Company  recorded  stock-based  compensation 
expense associated with the unvested restricted stock 
unit 
and 
awards  of  $6,103,000,  $6,030,000 
$5,650,000  during  the  fiscal  years  ended  January  2, 
2015,  January  3,  2014  and  December  28,  2012, 
respectively.    The  total  fair  value  of  restricted  stock 
unit  awards  vested  during  the  fiscal  years  ended 
January 2, 2015, January 3, 2014 and December 28, 
2012  was  $16.5  million,  $15.4  million  and  $11.3 
million,  respectively.    The  weighted-average  grant 
date  fair  values  of  restricted  stock  unit  awards 
granted  during  the  fiscal  years  ended  January  2, 
2015, January 3, 2014 and December 28, 2012 were 
$74.58, $54.17 and $48.04, respectively. 

The number of unvested restricted stock unit awards outstanding as of January 2, 2015 is as follows (1): 

Number  Weighted-average 
of awards 
outstanding 

grant date 
fair value 

Weighted-average 
remaining 
contractual 
term (years) 

Aggregate 
 intrinsic value  
  (in thousands) (2) 

Balance as of January 3, 2014 
  Awards granted 
  Awards vested 
  Awards forfeited 

478,347 
189,174 
(221,599) 
(2,532) 

Balance as of January 2, 2015 

443,390 

$  42.14 
74.58 
48.29 
59.07 

$  52.81 

Expected to vest as of 
  January 2, 2015 

437,319 

$  52.75 

1.6 

1.5 

$  35,954 

$  35,462 

(1) Does not include employee stock purchase plans or stock option plans. 
(2) The intrinsic value is calculated as the market value as of the end of the fiscal period.  As reported by the NASDAQ Global    

Select Market, the market value as of January 2, 2015 was $81.09. 

54 

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Options 
The  Company  currently  grants  stock  options  under 
the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan.  Options are granted 
for terms of ten years and generally vest ratably over 
a four-year period from the grant date.  The Company 
grants  options  at  exercise  prices  equal  to  the  fair 
value of the Company’s common stock on the date of 
grant.    All  stock  options  have  dividend  equivalent 
rights  (“DER”),  which  entitle  holders  of  stock 
options  to  the  same  dividend  value  per  share  as 

Option activity is as follows(1): 

holders  of  common  stock.    DER  are  subject  to  the 
same  vesting  terms  as  the  corresponding  stock 
options.    DER  are  accumulated  and  paid  in  cash 
when  the  underlying  stock  options  vest  and  are 
forfeited if the  underlying  stock options do  not vest.  
During  the  fiscal  years  ended  January  2,  2015, 
January  3,  2014  and  December  28,  2012,  the 
Company 
compensation 
expense  of  $689,000,  $1,077,000  and  $639,000, 
respectively, associated with stock options. 

stock-based 

recorded 

Balance as of January 3, 2014 
  Options granted 
  Options forfeited and expired 
  Options exercised 

Balance as of January 2, 2015 
Vested and expected to vest 
  as of January 2, 2015 

Number 
of shares 
outstanding 

Weighted- 
average 
exercise 
price 

Weighted- 
average 
remaining 
contractual 
term (years) 

Aggregate 
intrinsic 
value 
(in 
thousands) 

217,000 
22,500 
- 
(42,000) 

  $  32.06 
70.80 
              - 
22.86 

197,500 

  $  38.43 

5.85 

  $  8,426 

195,507 

  $  38.22 

5.83 

  $  8,382 

Exercisable at January 2, 2015 

134,375 

  $  30.35 

4.83 

  $  6,819 

(1) Does not include restricted stock or employee stock purchase plans. 

The  total  intrinsic  value  of  options  exercised  during 
the  fiscal  years  ended  January  2,  2015,  January  3, 
2014  and  December  28,  2012  was  $1,975,000, 
$3,177,000  and  $7,484,000,  respectively. 
  The 
aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents 
the  total  pre-tax  intrinsic  value  (the  difference 
between  the  Company’s  closing  stock  price  on  the 
last  trading  day  of  the  fiscal  year  ended  January  2, 
2015,  and  the  exercise  price,  multiplied  by  the 
number  of  in-the-money  options)  that  would  have 
been  received  by  the  option  holders  had  all  option 
holders  exercised  their  options  on  January  2,  2015. 
This  amount  changes  based  on  the  fair-value  of  the 
Company’s stock.  

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing 
model to determine the fair value of options granted.  
The  determination  of  the  fair  value  of  stock-based 
payment awards on the date of grant using an option-
pricing  model  is  affected  by  the  Company’s  stock 
price  as  well  as  assumptions  regarding  a  number  of 
complex  and  subjective  variables.    These  variables 
include  expected  stock  price  volatility  over  the  term 
of  the  award,  actual  and  projected  employee  stock 

55 

option  exercise  behaviors,  the  risk-free  interest  rate 
and expected dividends. 

The  Company  used  historical  exercise  and  post-
vesting  forfeiture and expiration data to estimate the 
expected  term  of  options  granted.    The  historical 
volatility  of  the  Company’s  common  stock  over  a 
period  of  time  equal  to  the  expected  term  of  the 
options  granted  was  used  to  estimate  expected 
volatility.    The  risk-free  interest  rate  used  in  the 
option-pricing  model  was  based  on  United  States 
Treasury  zero  coupon  issues  with  remaining  terms 
similar  to  the  expected  term  on  the  options.    The 
Company  is  required  to  estimate  forfeitures  at  the 
time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent 
periods 
those 
if  actual  forfeitures  differ  from 
estimates.    Historical  data  was  used  to  estimate  pre-
vesting 
stock-based 
forfeitures 
compensation  expense  was  recorded  only  for  those 
awards  that  are  expected  to  vest.    All  share-based 
payment  awards  are  recognized  on  a  straight-line 
basis over the requisite service periods of the awards. 

option 

and 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  assumptions  used  to  value  option  grants  for  the  fiscal  years  ended  January  2,  2015,  January  3,  2014  and 
December 28, 2012 are as follows: 

Expected life (in years) 
Risk-free interest rate 
Volatility 
Dividend yield 

2014 

6.1 
1.8% 
32% 
0% 

Stock Option Plan 
2013 

6.4 
1.4% 
36% 
0% 

2012 

6.4 
1.4% 
39% 
0% 

The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the fiscal years ended January 2, 2015, January 
3, 2014 and December 28, 2012 were $24.47, $18.78 and $19.51, respectively. 

The amount of stock-based compensation expense and the related income tax benefit recognized in the Company’s 
consolidated statements of income for the fiscal  years ended January 2, 2015, January  3, 2014 and December 28, 
2012 is as follows: 

(In thousands) 
Compensation and related expenses: 
  Restricted stock units 
  Stock option grants 

Sub-total  

General and administrative expenses: 
  Restricted stock units 

Sub-total 

  $ 

Total stock-based compensation expense 

  $ 

2014 

2013 

2012 

11,889 
689 
12,578 

501 
501 
13,079 

   $ 

   $ 

11,680 
1,077 
12,757 

411 
411 
13,168 

   $ 

   $ 

11,345 
639 
11,984 

394 
394 
12,378 

Income tax benefit 

  $ 

5,141 

   $ 

5,195 

   $ 

4,844 

As of January 2, 2015, there was $5,863,000 of unrecognized compensation cost, expected to be recognized over a 
weighted average period of 2.5 years, related to unvested restricted stock unit awards and $352,000 of unrecognized 
compensation cost, expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years, related to unvested stock 
options.  Total unrecognized compensation costs will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures. 

Note 10: Retirement Plans 

Note 11: Deferred Compensation Plans 

The  Company  provides  a  defined  contribution 
retirement  plan  for  its  employees  whereby  the 
Company  contributes  to  each  eligible  employee’s 
account  7%  of  the  employee’s  eligible  base  salary 
plus overtime.  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 
  The  Company’s 
thereafter. 
expenses  related  to  this  plan  were  $6,954,000, 
$6,564,000, and $6,573,000 in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 
2012, respectively.  

immediately 

  Company  assets 

The  Company  maintains  nonqualified  deferred 
compensation  plans  for  the  benefit  of  a  select  group 
of  highly  compensated  employees.    Under  these 
plans,  participants  may  elect  to  defer  up  to  100%  of 
their  compensation. 
that  are 
earmarked to pay benefits under the plans are held in 
a  rabbi  trust  and  are  subject  to  the  claims  of  the 
Company’s  creditors.    As  of  January  2,  2015  and 
January 3, 2014 the invested amounts under the plans 
totaled  $43,848,000  and  $37,979,000,  respectively.  
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  January  2,  2015  and  January  3,  2014,  vested 
amounts due under the plans totaled $45,394,000 and 

56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the  Company 

recorded  as  adjustments 

$37,926,000,  respectively.  Changes  in  the  liability 
are 
to  compensation 
expense.  During  the  fiscal  years  2014,  2013  and 
2012, 
recognized  compensation 
expense  of  $2,525,000,  $6,044,000,  and  $2,158,000, 
respectively,  as  a  result  of  changes  in  the  market 
value of the trust assets with the same amount being 
recorded as other income, net.  

Note 12: Commitments and Contingencies 

The  following  is  a  summary  of  the  future  minimum 
payments,  required  under  non-cancelable  operating 
leases, with terms in excess of one year, as of January 
2, 2015: 

(In thousands) 

Fiscal year 
2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
Thereafter 

$ 

Lease 
commitments 
7,612 
5,889 
3,802 
2,173 
1,069 
2,107 
$  22,652 

Total  rent  expense  from  property  leases  in  fiscal 
2014,  2013,  and  2012  was  $5,951,000,  $5,929,000 
and  $5,481,000,  respectively.    Total  expense  from 
other operating leases in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 
and  $1,754,000, 
was  $1,965,000,  $1,704,000 
respectively. 
in 
outstanding  purchase  commitments  as  of  January  2, 
2015.    These  commitments  are  expected  to  be 
fulfilled by the end of fiscal 2015. 

  The  Company  had  $320,000 

The Company is a party to various legal actions from 
time  to  time  and  may  be  contingently  liable  in 
connection  with  claims  and  contracts  arising  in  the 
normal course of business, the outcome of which the 
Company  believes,  after  consultation  with  legal 
counsel, will not have a material adverse effect on its 
financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.  
However,  due  to  the  risks  and  uncertainties  inherent 
in legal proceedings, actual results could differ from 
current  expected  results.    All  legal  costs  associated 
with litigation are expensed as incurred.   

Note 13: Miscellaneous Income, Net  

Miscellaneous income, net, consisted of the 
following: 

(In thousands) 

Rental income 
Gain (loss) on deferred 
  compensation 
investments 

(Loss) gain on foreign  
  exchange 
Other 

Total 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2014 

2012 

  2,003 

  1,913 

  1,671 

  2,525 

  6,044 

  2,158 

(293) 
31 
  $ 4,266 

(89) 
4 
  $ 7,872 

(61) 
33 
  $ 3,801 

Note 14: Industry and Client Credit Risk 

services 

provided 

The  Company  serves  clients  in  various  segments  of 
the economy.  During fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 the 
Company 
representing 
approximately  7%,  9%  and  10%,  of  revenues  to 
clients  and  to  organizations  and  insurers  acting  on 
behalf  of  clients  in  the  transportation  industry.  
During  fiscal  2014,  2013  and  2012  the  Company 
derived 
13%, 
respectively,  of  revenues  from  government  agencies 
and contractors.  

approximately 

7%, 

and 

8% 

No single customer comprised more than 10% of the 
Company’s  revenues  for  the  years  ended  January  2, 
2015,  January  3,  2014  and  December  28,  2012.    No 
single  customer  comprised  more  than  10%  of  the 
Company’s  accounts  receivable  at  January  2,  2015 
and January 3, 2014.  

Note 15: Supplemental Cash Flow Information 

The following is supplemental disclosure of cash 
flow information: 

(In thousands) 
Cash paid during the year: 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2012 

2014 

Income taxes 

 $27,421   $24,701   $24,104 

Non-cash investing and 
financing activities: 
Unrealized gain (loss) on    

investments 

 $ 

4   $ 

(14)  $ 

(28) 

Vested stock unit awards 
  granted to settle  
  accrued bonus 
Stock repurchases payable   

 $  6,008   $  5,807   $  5,343 

to broker 

 $ 

-   $ 

-   $  508 

57 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 16: Segment Reporting 

primarily 

The  Company  has  two  operating  segments  based  on 
two  primary  areas  of  service.    The  Engineering  and 
Other Scientific operating segment is a broad service 
group  providing  technical  consulting  in  different 
  The 
practices 
engineering. 
in 
Environmental  and  Health  operating 
segment 
provides  services  in  the  area  of  environmental, 
  This 
epidemiology  and  health 
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.   

risk  analysis. 

Segment  information  is  presented  for  selected  data 
from the statements of income and statements of cash 
flows for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012.  Segment 
information for selected data from the balance sheets 
is  presented  for  the  fiscal  years  ended  January  2, 
2015  and  January  3,  2014.    The  chief  operating 
decision  maker  does  not  review  total  assets  in  his 
evaluation  of  segment  performance  and  capital 
allocation.  

Revenues 

(In thousands) 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2012 

2014 

Engineering and 
  Other Scientific 
Environmental and Health    81,320    80,196 

$ 223,384 $ 215,972  $ 213,304 
79,349 

  Total revenues 

$ 304,704 $ 296,168  $ 292,653 

Capital Expenditures 

(In thousands) 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2012 

2014 

Engineering and 
  Other Scientific 
Environmental and Health  

 $  3,719 
211 

 $  5,180   $  3,264 
289 

148    

Total segment capital 
  expenditures 

Corporate capital 
  expenditures 

  Total capital 

  expenditures 

   3,930 

   5,328     3,553 

   1,017 

898     1,389 

 $  4,947 

 $  6,226   $  4,942 

Depreciation and Amortization 

(In thousands) 

Engineering and 
  Other Scientific 
Environmental and Health  

Total segment depreciation 
  and amortization 

Corporate depreciation and 
  amortization 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2012 

2014 

 $  3,637 
197 

 $  3,097   $  2,831 
286 

299    

   3,834 

   3,396     3,117 

   1,570 

   1,555     1,594 

  Total depreciation and 

  amortization 

 $  5,404 

 $  4,951   $  4,711 

Information regarding the Company’s operations in 
different geographical areas: 

Operating Income 

(In thousands) 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2012 

2014 

(In thousands) 

Fiscal Years 

2014 

2013 

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, net 

Engineering and 
  Other Scientific 
Environmental and Health  

  $ 72,207    $ 67,070    $ 62,852 
25,752 

25,145 

25,072 

United States  
Foreign Countries 

  $  27,761 
503 

  $  28,076 
645 

Total 

  $  28,264 

  $  28,721 

Total segment operating 

income 

97,352 

92,142 

88,604 

Corporate operating 
  expense 

Total operating 

income 

(33,803) 

(36,196) 

(30,984) 

  $ 63,549    $ 55,946    $ 57,620 

Revenues (1) 

(In thousands) 

United States  
Foreign Countries 

2014 

Fiscal Years 
2013 

2012 

 $ 273,635   $ 263,341   $ 260,760 
31,893 

31,069    

32,827    

Total 

 $ 304,704   $ 296,168   $ 292,653 

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

the 

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparative Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) 

Summarized quarterly financial data is as follows: 

Fiscal 2014 
(In thousands, except per share data) 

April 4, 
2014 

July 4, 
2014 

October 3, 
2014 

January 2, 
2015 

Revenues before reimbursements 
Revenues 
Operating income 
Income before income taxes 

  $ 72,967 
  75,962 
  14,094 
  15,365 

  $ 72,331 
  76,574 
  16,084 
  18,398 

  $ 74,264 
    78,557 
    19,238 
  18,375 

  $ 69,647 
  73,611 
  14,133 
  15,827 

Net income 

  $  9,154 

  $ 11,264 

  $ 11,040 

  $  9,243 

Net income per share 
  Basic 
  Diluted 
Shares used in per share computations 
  Basic 
  Diluted 

  $ 
  $ 

0.68 
0.66 

  $ 
  $ 

0.83 
0.81 

  $ 
  $ 

0.82 
0.80 

  $ 
  $ 

0.70 
0.68 

  13,537 
  13,940 

  13,520 
  13,873 

  13,469 
  13,824 

  13,293 
  13,659 

Fiscal 2013 
(In thousands, except per share data) 

March 29, 
2013 

June 28, 
2013 

September 27, 
2013 

January 3, 
2014 

Revenues before reimbursements 
Revenues 
Operating income 
Income before income taxes 

  $ 68,992 
  72,660 
  10,851 
  13,505 

  $ 71,919 
  75,505 
  17,593 
  18,271 

  $ 70,096 
    75,231 
    15,160 
  17,515 

  $ 69,036 
  72,772 
  12,342 
  14,654 

Net income 

  $  7,976 

  $ 10,848 

  $ 11,094 

  $  8,722 

Net income per share 
  Basic 
  Diluted 
Shares used in per share computations 
  Basic 
  Diluted 

  $ 
  $ 

0.58 
0.56 

  $ 
  $ 

0.80 
0.77 

  $ 
  $ 

0.82 
0.79 

  $ 
  $ 

0.64 
0.63 

  13,667 
  14,125 

  13,637 
  14,007 

  13,598 
  13,993 

  13,556 
  13,949 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule II 
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 

(In thousands) 
Year Ended January 2, 2015 
  Allowance for bad debt 
  Allowance for contract losses 

Year Ended January 3, 2014 
  Allowance for bad debt 
  Allowance for contract losses 

Year Ended December 28, 2012 
  Allowance for bad debt 
  Allowance for contract losses 

Additions 

Balance at 

Provision 
Provision 
Beginning of   Charged to  Charged to 
Revenues 
Expense 

Year 

Deletions (1) 
Accounts 
  Written-off 

Net of  

   Recoveries 

Balance 
at End of  
Year 

  $ 
942 
  $  1,829 

  $ 
  $ 

264 
- 

  $ 
- 
  $  1,454 

    $ 
    $ 

(190) 
(913) 

  $  1,016 
  $  2,370 

  $ 
933 
  $  1,733 

  $ 
  $ 

515 
- 

  $ 
- 
  $  1,189 

    $ 
(506) 
    $  (1,093) 

  $ 
942 
  $  1,829 

  $ 
819 
  $  1,520 

  $ 
  $ 

483 
- 

  $ 
- 
  $  1,280 

    $ 
(369) 
    $  (1,067) 

  $ 
933 
  $  1,733 

(1) Balance includes currency translation adjustments. 

Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off were $135,000, $50,000 and $110,000 for the years ended 
January 2, 2015, January 3, 2014 and December 28, 2012, respectively. 

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

60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
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: February 27, 2015 

/s/ Richard L. Schlenker, Jr. 
Richard L. Schlenker, Jr., Executive Vice President,  
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/ Paul R. Johnston 
Paul R. Johnston, Ph.D. 

/s/ Richard L. Schlenker, Jr.   
Richard L. Schlenker, Jr. 

/s/ Michael R. Gaulke 
Michael R. Gaulke 

/s/ Karen A. Richardson 
Karen A. Richardson 

/s/ Stephen C. Riggins 
Stephen C. Riggins 

/s/ John B. Shoven 
John B. Shoven, Ph.D. 

/s/ Debra L. Zumwalt 
Debra L. Zumwalt 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director 

February 27, 2015 

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and 
Corporate Secretary (Principal Financial and 
Accounting Officer) 

February 27, 2015 

Chairman of the Board of Directors  

February 27, 2015 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

February 27, 2015 

February 27, 2015 

February 27, 2015 

February 27, 2015 

61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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(i)  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of  the  Company  (incorporated  by  reference  from  the  Company’s 

Registration Statement on Form S-1 as filed on June 25, 1990, registration number 33-35562). 

3.1(ii)  Certificate  of  Amendment  of  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of  the  Company  (incorporated  by 

reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 24, 2006). 

3.2(i)  Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, as amended and restated May 29, 2014 (incorporated by 

reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K as filed on May 30, 2014). 

4.1 

Specimen  copy  of  Common  Stock  Certificate  of  the  Company  (incorporated  by  reference  from  the 
Company’s  Registration  Statement  on  Forms  S-1  as  filed  on  June  25,  1990,  registration  number  33-
35562). 

 *10.6 

Exponent, Inc. 1998 Non Statutory Stock Option Plan dated October 24, 1998 (incorporated by reference 
from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 1999). 

  10.10  Exponent, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report 

on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999). 

 *10.11  Exponent,  Inc.  1999  Restricted  Stock  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  from  the  Company’s  Annual 

Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999). 

  10.15  Commercial  Lease  No.  03-53542  between  the  Company  and  the  Arizona  State  Land  Department, 
effective January 17, 1998 (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K 
for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2003). 

 *10.17  Exponent  Nonqualified  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  from  the  Company’s 

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004). 

 *10.19 

Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into or proposed to be entered into between the Company 
and its officers and directors (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 
10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2006). 

  10.20 

Services  Agreement  between  the  Company  and  Exponent  Engineering  P.C.  (incorporated  by  reference 
from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2006). 

 *10.21  Employment Offer Letter between the Company and Dr. Elizabeth Anderson (incorporated by reference 

from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 9, 2006). 

  10.24  Amendment  No.  1  to  Exponent,  Inc.  1998  Nonstatutory  Stock  Option  Plan  dated  January  29,  2007 
(incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
December 29, 2006). 

  10.25  Amendment No. 1 to Exponent, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan dated January 29, 2007 (incorporated by 
reference  from  the  Company’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  December  29, 
2006). 

  10.26  Amendment No. 1 to Exponent, Inc. 1999 Restricted Stock Plan dated January 29, 2007 (incorporated by 
reference  from  the  Company’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  December  29, 
2006). 

  10.28 

2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on 
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2009). 

62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 *10.31 

 *10.32 

 *10.33 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Employee Bonus Grant Agreement under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan 
(incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
January 1, 2009). 

Form  of  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Employee  Matching  Grant  Agreement  under  the  2008  Equity  Incentive 
Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  from  the  Company’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year 
ended January 1, 2009). 

Form  of  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Director  Grant  Agreement  under  the  2008  Equity  Incentive  Plan 
(incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
January 1, 2009). 

 *10.34  Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Unit Bonus Grant Agreement under the 1999 Restricted Stock 
Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  from  the  Company’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year 
ended January 1, 2009). 

 *10.35  Amended  and  Restated  Restricted  Stock  Unit  Matching  Grant  Agreement  under  the  1999  Restricted 
Stock Plan (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal 
year ended January 1, 2009). 

 *10.36  Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Unit Director Grant Agreement under the 1999 Restricted Stock 
Plan  (incorporated  by  reference  from  the  Company’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year 
ended January 1, 2009). 

 *10.37  Exponent,  Inc.  Amended  and  Restated  2008  Equity  Incentive  Plan  (filed  as  Appendix  A  to  the 

Company’s Schedule 14A filed on April 19, 2012). 

  10.38 

  10.39 

  10.40 

Exponent, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2010 (incorporated by 
reference  from  the  Company’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  December  31, 
2010). 

First Amendment to the Exponent, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (as amended and restated January 1, 2010) 
(incorporated  by  reference  from  the  Company’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  for  the  fiscal  period 
ended July 1, 2011). 

Second  Amendment  to  the  Exponent,  Inc.  401(k)  Savings  Plan  (as  amended  and  restated  January  1, 
2010) (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 
ended December 30, 2011). 

 *10.41 

Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from 
the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2011). 

  10.42  Third Amendment to the Exponent, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (as amended and restated January 1, 2010) 
(incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
December 28, 2012). 

 *10.43  Amendment to Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by 
reference  from  the  Company’s  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  December  28, 
2012). 

  10.44 

Fourth Amendment to the Exponent, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (as amended and restated January 1, 2010) 
(incorporated by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
January 3, 2014). 

  10.45 

Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into or proposed to be entered into between the Company 
and its officers and directors (incorporated by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-
K as filed on May 30, 2014). 

  21.1 

List of subsidiaries. 

63 

 
 
 
 
 
  23.1 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 

  31.1 

  31.2 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934. 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a – 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934. 

  32.1 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. 

  32.2 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. 

 101.INS  XBRL Instance Document 

 101.SCH  XBRL Taxonomy Schema Document 

 101.CAL  XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document 

 101.LAB  XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document 

 101.PRE  XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document 

 101.DEF  XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document 

* Indicates management compensatory plan, contract or arrangement 

64