Figure Technology Solutions (Nasdaq: FIGR) announced that its subsidiary, Figure Certificate Company (FCC), plans to start minting $YLDS, a registered public debt security, natively on Solana. $YLDS is described as being a security-version of stablecoin, intended to maintain a fixed dollar price and offer a “continuous yield” that is said to be backed by U.S. Treasuries and Treasury repo agreements. Exponent Finance, a decentralized finance yield exchange platform on Solana, intends “to be the first user of ...

Exponent, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPO) is included among the 15 Overlooked Dividend Stocks to Buy Right Now. Truist Maintains Buy Rating on Exponent (EXPO) While Cutting Price Target to $90 On November 2, Truist lowered‍ its price targ‌et for Exponent, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPO) from $1​0‌0 to $90 while maintaining a Buy rating, according to a report by The Fly. The‍ analy⁠st noted that artific⁠ial intelligence could⁠ create new o‌pportu​nities for the company a‌s clients seek its expertise in failure analysis. However,⁠ ...

Core Insights - The article discusses overlooked dividend-paying stocks that present strong investment opportunities, emphasizing the historical performance of dividends in generating total returns across various market conditions [1][4]. Dividend Performance - Dividend-paying stocks have historically contributed nearly half (49.3%) of the broader market's total return since 1871, with the remainder coming from price appreciation [4]. - From May 1971 to February 2025, the S&P 500 delivered an average annual return of 118.6%, while reinvested dividends provided a return of 195.3%, highlighting the power of compounding [2]. Investment Methodology - The selection process focused on dividend-paying companies with a market capitalization above $2 billion that have raised their dividends for at least ten consecutive years, identifying firms with steady dividend policies and consistent shareholder returns [6]. Company Highlights - **California Water Service Group (NYSE:CWT)**: - Reported Q3 2025 revenue of $311.2 million, a 4% year-over-year increase, but fell short of analyst projections by over $10 million [11]. - Announced its 323rd consecutive quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, extending a 58-year streak of annual dividend increases, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7% over the past five years [12]. - Management indicated potential for a nearly 12% annualized growth in the regulated rate base if the proposed 2024 GRC and infrastructure improvement plan is approved [13]. - **Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA)**: - Reported Q3 2025 revenues of $403 million, a 2.35% increase from the previous year, but missed analyst expectations by $14.7 million [15]. - Plans to issue approximately $120 million in long-term debt and up to $80 million in common stock in 2026 [15]. - CFO highlighted $363 million in capital expenditures for the first three quarters of the year, with total spending expected to reach $525 million for 2025 [16]. - **Exponent, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPO)**: - Reported Q3 2025 total revenue of $147.1 million, an 8% increase, with revenue before reimbursements rising 10% to $137.1 million [21]. - Strong performance driven by growth in dispute-related work across various sectors, including energy and life sciences [20]. - The company is positioned to leverage opportunities from artificial intelligence while managing risks associated with technological changes [19].

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (Mark One) ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended October 3, 2025 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 (650) 326-9400 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant ...

Core Insights - Exponent (EXPO) reported quarterly earnings of $0.55 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.50 per share, and showing an increase from $0.50 per share a year ago, resulting in an earnings surprise of +10.00% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $137.07 million for the quarter ended September 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.38% and increasing from $125.08 million year-over-year [2] - Exponent has consistently surpassed consensus EPS and revenue estimates over the last four quarters [2] Financial Performance - The earnings surprise for the previous quarter was +8.33%, with actual earnings of $0.52 per share compared to an expected $0.48 per share [1] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.44, with projected revenues of $128.57 million, and for the current fiscal year, the EPS estimate is $1.97 on revenues of $530.2 million [7] Market Position - Exponent shares have declined approximately 26.6% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 17.2% [3] - The Zacks Rank for Exponent is currently 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Consulting Services industry, to which Exponent belongs, is currently ranked in the top 39% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to lower-ranked industries [8] - The performance of Exponent's stock may be influenced by the overall industry outlook and trends in earnings estimate revisions [5][8]

Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding company or industry insights [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues increased by 8% to $147.1 million, while net revenues rose by 10% to $137.1 million compared to the same period in 2024 [10] - Net income for the quarter increased to $28 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, compared to $26 million, or $0.50 per diluted share in the prior year [10] - EBITDA increased by 9% to $38.8 million, with a margin of 28.3% of net revenues, slightly down from 28.6% in the same period of 2024 [11] - Billable hours increased by 4% year-over-year to approximately 376,000 [11] - Utilization improved to 74.1%, up from 73.4% in the same period last year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The engineering and other scientific segment represented 84% of net revenues, with a 10% increase driven by demand in risk management and asset integrity services [14] - The environmental and health segment accounted for 16% of net revenues, increasing by 9% due to regulatory consulting engagements in the chemicals industry [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reactive engagements saw robust growth due to increased dispute-related activity across various sectors, particularly in energy, transportation, and life sciences [4][5] - Proactive engagements were led by risk management and asset integrity projects in the utility sector, with strong demand for regulatory consulting in the chemicals sector [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capturing demand in transformative technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence and human-machine interaction [8] - Exponent aims to leverage its expertise in failure analysis and risk management to navigate technological disruptions and drive sustained growth [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about improving demand trends in consumer electronics and highlighted the importance of their diversified portfolio [4][7] - The company anticipates low to mid-single-digit revenue growth for the 4th Quarter of 2025, with a year-over-year revenue headwind of approximately 7% due to fewer workdays [16] Other Important Information - The company distributed $15.1 million to shareholders through dividends and repurchased $40 million of common stock [13] - A $100 million increase in the stock repurchase program was approved, reflecting confidence in the company's long-term growth trajectory [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on 2026 hiring plans - Management indicated strong momentum in recruiting, targeting a headcount growth of 4% to 6% in 2026, focusing on areas with growth such as digital health and autonomous vehicles [22][23] Question: AI integration and growth potential - AI is significantly penetrating the business, with applications across various sectors, and is expected to be balanced between proactive and reactive engagements [24][25] Question: Growth between proactive and reactive practices - The reactive side of the business has been the primary growth driver, with an 18% increase in the reactive business and flat growth in proactive engagements [26][27] Question: Impact of regulatory environment - The regulatory environment remains dynamic, with strong growth in chemical regulatory work, despite some delays in feedback from agencies [29][30] Question: Government shutdown impact - The company expects minimal impact from the government shutdown, as most of its federal contracts are ongoing and under contract [32] Question: Preliminary thoughts on revenue growth for next year - Management is optimistic about growth in 2026 but will provide specific guidance at the end of January or early February [33]

Financial Performance - FY24 revenue reached $559 million[8] - FY24 EBITDA margin was 28%[8] - FY24 EPS was $2.11[8] - The company paid quarterly dividend of $0.30[8] - The company returned $278 million to shareholders through dividend payments and repurchased shares[46] Growth and Diversification - The company has expanded and diversified across disciplines and industries for over 50 years[6] - The company has a diversified portfolio across various sectors including construction, consumer products, energy, transportation, life sciences & healthcare, and chemicals[18] - The company served 2,000 clients and completed 10,000 engagements in FY24[21] Key Trends and Solutions - The company is positioned to capitalize on increasing demand for a safer, healthier, more sustainable world[10] - The company offers solutions related to automation, electrification, energy transition, climate resilience, digital health, and environmental impact[23] 2025 Performance (YTD as of October 3rd) - Revenues Before Reimbursements increased by 3% from $394.7 million to $407.4 million[49] - Net Income decreased by 5% from $85.4 million to $81.2 million[49] 2025 Q3 Performance - Revenues Before Reimbursements increased by 10% from $125.1 million to $137.1 million[50] - Net Income increased by 8% from $26.0 million to $28.0 million[50]

Financial Performance - Total revenues for Q3 2025 increased by 8% to $147.1 million compared to $136.3 million in Q3 2024[4] - Net income rose to $28.0 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, in Q3 2025, up from $26.0 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, in Q3 2024[5] - EBITDA increased to $38.8 million, representing 28.3% of revenues before reimbursements, compared to $35.8 million, or 28.6%, in Q3 2024[6] - Year-to-date revenues for the first three quarters of 2025 grew by 3% to $434.6 million, compared to $421.7 million in the same period of 2024[7] - Net income for the quarter ended October 3, 2025, was $28,044,000, representing an increase of 7.7% compared to $26,044,000 for the same quarter in 2024[31] - EBITDA for the quarter ended October 3, 2025, was $38,837,000, up from $35,767,000 in the prior year, reflecting a growth of 5.8%[31] - EBITDAS for the nine months ended October 3, 2025, was $132,133,000, slightly down from $134,207,000 for the same period in 2024, a decrease of about 1.5%[31] Revenue Segmentation - The engineering and other scientific segment accounted for 84% of revenues before reimbursements in Q3 2025, with a 10% increase in this segment compared to the prior year[12] - The environmental and health segment represented 16% of revenues before reimbursements in Q3 2025, with a 9% increase driven by regulatory consulting in the chemicals industry[13] Future Guidance - Exponent plans to maintain revenue guidance while raising margin guidance for the full year 2025[14] - For the full fiscal year 2025, Exponent anticipates revenue growth in the low to mid-single digits and EBITDA to be between 26.0% to 27.0% of revenues before reimbursements[17] Dividend and Stock Repurchase - The company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 to be paid on December 19, 2025, and intends to continue paying quarterly dividends[10] - Exponent's Board of Directors approved an increase in the stock repurchase program by $100 million, in addition to $21.6 million available for repurchase as of October 3, 2025[11] Asset and Liability Changes - Total current assets decreased from $446,881,000 on January 3, 2025, to $416,786,000 on October 3, 2025, a decline of approximately 6.7%[28] - Total liabilities increased from $356,202,000 on January 3, 2025, to $358,588,000 on October 3, 2025, an increase of approximately 0.7%[28] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $258,901,000 on January 3, 2025, to $207,380,000 on October 3, 2025, a decline of approximately 19.9%[28] - Accounts receivable increased from $161,407,000 on January 3, 2025, to $181,996,000 on October 3, 2025, an increase of about 12.9%[28] - The company reported a decrease in accrued payroll and employee benefits from $119,285,000 to $108,922,000, a reduction of approximately 8.4%[28] - Total stockholders' equity decreased from $421,068,000 on January 3, 2025, to $402,861,000 on October 3, 2025, a decline of about 4.3%[28] Retained Earnings - Retained earnings rose to $658,788,000 on October 3, 2025, compared to $624,151,000 on January 3, 2025, marking an increase of about 5.5%[28]

Core Viewpoint - Exponent, Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share, reflecting the Board's confidence in the company's strategy and strong cash flow generation [1][3] Dividend and Share Repurchase - The quarterly cash dividend will be paid on December 19, 2025, to stockholders of record as of December 5, 2025 [1] - Exponent plans to continue paying quarterly dividends each year in March, June, September, and December, subject to the Board's final determination [2] - The Board has increased the share repurchase authority by $100 million, in addition to the $21.6 million available for repurchase as of October 3, 2025 [2] Management Commentary - The President and CEO, Dr. Catherine Corrigan, emphasized that the combination of a consistent dividend and increased share repurchase authorization demonstrates the strength of Exponent's balance sheet and disciplined capital allocation approach [3] Company Overview - Exponent integrates over 90 technical disciplines with more than 950 consultants to assist clients across various industries, focusing on failure analysis and developing solutions for a safer and sustainable world [3][4] - The company's consultants leverage multidisciplinary expertise and resources globally, providing valuable insights to multinational companies, startups, law firms, insurance companies, and governments [4]