Shares of scientific and engineering consulting company Exponent experienced a decline in the late trading session following the release of its fourth-quarter financial results. Additionally, the company announced an increase in its quarterly dividend.
Stock Performance
After the market closed on Thursday, Exponent’s shares were down 5.8% to $84.12 each. Despite this decline, the stock had shown a 1.9% increase during the regular trading session, closing at $89.93.
Fourth-Quarter Financials
Exponent reported earnings per share of 41 cents for the fourth quarter, with revenue amounting to $122.9 million. In comparison, during the same period last year, the company had reported earnings per share of 44 cents on revenue of $127.4 million.
Future Outlook
Richard Schlenker, the Chief Financial Officer of Exponent, acknowledged the challenges faced by the company’s reactive business and ongoing headwinds in the consumer electronics industry, as well as macro-related uncertainty. As a result, he anticipates that revenue before reimbursements may remain flat or experience a modest decrease in 2024.
For the first quarter of this year and the full year, Exponent projects revenues before reimbursements to either remain flat or decline in the low-single digits.
Dividend Increase
In addition to its financial results, Exponent’s board has approved an increase in its quarterly dividend rate. The new dividend amount will be 28 cents per share and will be paid to common stockholders on March 22. The record date for determining eligibility for the dividend is on March 8.