EXPONENT INC Revenue Disclosure
Note 2: Revenue Recognition
Substantially all of the Company’s engagements are performed under time and materials or fixed-price arrangements. For time and materials contracts, the Company utilizes the practical expedient under Accounting Standards Codification 606 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which states, if an entity has a right to consideration from a customer in an amount that corresponds directly with the value of the entity’s performance completed to date (for example, a service contract in which an entity bills a fixed amount for each hour of service provided), the entity may recognize revenue in the amount to which the entity has a right to invoice.
The following table discloses the percent of the Company’s revenue generated from time and materials contracts:
|
|
Fiscal Years |
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|
|
2025 |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Engineering & Other Scientific |
|
64% |
|
64% |
|
63% |
Environmental and Health |
|
14% |
|
15% |
|
15% |
Total time and materials revenues |
|
78% |
|
79% |
|
78% |
For fixed-price contracts, the Company recognizes revenue over time because of the continuous transfer of control to the customer. The customer typically controls the work in process as evidenced either by contractual termination clauses or by the Company’s rights to payment for work performed to date to deliver services that do not have an alternative use to the Company. Revenue for fixed-price contracts is recognized based on the relationship of incurred labor hours at standard rates to the Company’s estimate of the total labor hours at standard rates it expects to incur over the term of the contract. The Company believes this methodology achieves a reliable measure of the revenue from the consulting services it provides to its customers under fixed-price contracts given the nature of the consulting services the Company provides.
The following table discloses the percent of the Company’s revenue generated from fixed price contracts:
|
|
Fiscal Years |
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|
|
2025 |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
Engineering & Other Scientific |
|
21% |
|
20% |
|
20% |
Environmental and Health |
|
1% |
|
1% |
|
2% |
Total fixed price revenues |
|
22% |
|
21% |
|
22% |
Deferred revenues represent amounts billed to clients in advance of services provided. During 2025, $9,729,000 of revenues were recognized that were included in the deferred revenue balance at January 3, 2025. During 2024, $14,173,000 of revenues were recognized that were included in the deferred revenue balance at December 29, 2023. During 2023, $14,463,000 of revenues were recognized that were included in the deferred revenue balance at December 30, 2022.
Reimbursements, including those related to travel and other out-of-pocket expenses, and other similar third-party costs such as the cost of materials and certain subcontracts, are included in revenues, and an equivalent amount of reimbursable expenses are included in operating expenses. Any service fee associated with reimbursable expenses is included in revenues before reimbursements. The Company reports revenues net of subcontractor fees for certain subcontracts where the Company has determined that it is acting as an agent because its performance obligation is to arrange for and not control the provision of goods or services by another party. The total amount of subcontractor fees not included in revenues because the Company was acting as an agent were $14,289,000, $10,970,000 and $12,268,000 during 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Historical Timeline
| Fiscal Year | Filed | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Feb 27, 2026 | Showing above |
| 2025 | Feb 28, 2025 | |
| 2023 | Feb 23, 2024 | |
| 2022 | Feb 24, 2023 | |
| 2021 | Feb 25, 2022 | |
| 2020 | Feb 28, 2020 | |
| 2018 | Feb 22, 2019 | |
About Revenue Disclosures
Revenue disclosures under ASC 606 explain how a company identifies performance obligations, allocates transaction prices, and determines when revenue is recognized. This section is essential for understanding whether reported revenue reflects genuine economic activity or aggressive accounting choices. Analysts examine the mix of point-in-time versus over-time recognition, which directly affects revenue timing and comparability.
Key signals: rising contract liabilities (deferred revenue) suggest strong future revenue visibility, while declining contract assets may indicate slowing project milestones. Watch for variable consideration estimates — rebates, returns, and performance bonuses that require management judgment. Significant changes in disaggregated revenue by geography or product line can reveal shifting business mix before it appears in headline numbers. Compare revenue growth against contract liability growth to assess sustainability, and scrutinize any changes in the timing of recognition that coincide with earnings pressure.