Latest news with #Exponent
Indianapolis Star
3 hours ago
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Purdue distances itself from student newspaper, will no longer help with campus distribution
Purdue University announced it will no longer help distribute its student newspaper on campus — one of a handful decisions distancing itself from the independent student publication. Student journalists working at the The Purdue Exponent, First Amendment advocacy organizations and community members say the decision is likely to suppress student journalism and readers' ability to access information — drawing concern over the freedom of the press enshrined in the First Amendment. "This goes back to Purdue trying to sideline the Exponent and control that source of information," former Exponent editor Seth Nelson said. "The more you separate the student newspaper from the campus ecosystem and from the Purdue brand, the easier it is for you to control the message." Purdue's Office of Legal Counsel told the Exponent's publisher and editor in an email sent May 30 that it would no longer help distribute the biweekly paper on campus, citing an expired facilities contract. Previously, the Exponent worked with university employees to deliver papers to racks during early morning hours when many campus buildings are locked. The letter said the Exponent still could deliver the papers to stands "on a non-exclusive, first-come, space-available basis." Purdue also told the 135-year-old publication, which is trademarked as "The Purdue Exponent" through 2029, that it should omit the university's name moving forward. It also pulled Exponent staff's ability to purchase parking passes at a campus garage. The university stood by its decision in a June 5 statement, saying the Exponent is a private business and Purdue doesn't provide such support to other media organizations. In the email, Purdue said the basis for its decision is a contract that expired in 2014. The parties had still honored the terms of the agreement for the last 11 years. The Exponent said in its statement it had attempted to renew the contract for years, while the university email said it has no intention to enter into a new contract. The day after the Exponent's June 5 public statement critiquing the decision, publisher Kyle Charters said the Exponent and Purdue have had "quality conversations" on the matter. The university's decision drew ire from many in the local community who say the publication, which is staffed by about 125 students during the school year, is one of the best outlets for in-depth Purdue coverage. Many local news outlets have experienced reductions in resources and staff needed to inform the area of about 110,000. Charters said this decision impact students who opt to write for the Exponent. Though independent, the student publication is lab for students to learn journalistic skills regardless of their major. The publication's work has often been recognized for excellence by the state chapter of the Society for Professional Journalists. Purdue's action also caught the attention of First Amendment watchdog organizations such as the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. "Purdue's actions reflect a betrayal of the press freedom our Constitution requires it to uphold," said Dominic Coletti, a program officer on FIRE's campus advocacy team. "The university's commitment to institutional neutrality does not require it to abandon its relationship with the Exponent." Nelson, the former editor who will be a senior at Purdue this fall, said the university's move isn't an act of overt censorship but demonstrates the university is attempting to hinder the independent publication's ability to do its job. There's not one news item he can point to that would have inspired this decision, but Nelson said it's rather the school's uneasiness with an independent news source so close to campus. "It's a larger multi-billion dollar organization that is leveraging its weight and power to suppress the voice of a student newspaper," he said. "Of course, that's a First Amendment issue." Despite the changes, the Exponent is planning for business as usual. The distribution plan has been shifted to address the new challenges in the interim, and the smaller team of student journalists will continue producing news over the summer. "We're going to continue to do what we do and that is cover the news," Charters said. The USA TODAY Network - Indiana's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exponent (NASDAQ:EXPO) Knows How To Allocate Capital
If we want to find a stock that could multiply over the long term, what are the underlying trends we should look for? Amongst other things, we'll want to see two things; firstly, a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and secondly, an expansion in the company's amount of capital employed. This shows us that it's a compounding machine, able to continually reinvest its earnings back into the business and generate higher returns. So, when we ran our eye over Exponent's (NASDAQ:EXPO) trend of ROCE, we really liked what we saw. Trump has pledged to "unleash" American oil and gas and these 15 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit. If you haven't worked with ROCE before, it measures the 'return' (pre-tax profit) a company generates from capital employed in its business. To calculate this metric for Exponent, this is the formula: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.21 = US$133m ÷ (US$763m - US$130m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to April 2025). Therefore, Exponent has an ROCE of 21%. In absolute terms that's a great return and it's even better than the Professional Services industry average of 14%. View our latest analysis for Exponent Above you can see how the current ROCE for Exponent compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free analyst report for Exponent . In terms of Exponent's history of ROCE, it's quite impressive. Over the past five years, ROCE has remained relatively flat at around 21% and the business has deployed 56% more capital into its operations. Returns like this are the envy of most businesses and given it has repeatedly reinvested at these rates, that's even better. You'll see this when looking at well operated businesses or favorable business models. In the end, the company has proven it can reinvest it's capital at high rates of returns, which you'll remember is a trait of a multi-bagger. However, over the last five years, the stock has only delivered a 8.7% return to shareholders who held over that period. So to determine if Exponent is a multi-bagger going forward, we'd suggest digging deeper into the company's other fundamentals. Exponent does have some risks though, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Exponent that you might be interested in. Exponent is not the only stock earning high returns. If you'd like to see more, check out our free list of companies earning high returns on equity with solid fundamentals. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Xeinadin reportedly gearing up for £800m private equity sale
UK professional services firm Xeinadin is preparing for a sale exceeding £800m (approximately $1.1bn) to private equity investors, The Times has reported. The firm, backed by UK-based private equity entity Exponent, has engaged Evercore's investment banking advisers to initiate the auction process. The auction is anticipated to commence in the coming weeks. Xeinadin was established in 2019 through the merger of over 100 accounting firms. The company, which employs a workforce of 2,000 people, offers a range of professional services including auditing, corporate finance, and tax work. It primarily serves small and medium-sized enterprises. Xeinadin has over 130 offices spread across London, Yorkshire, the Midlands, and Ireland. Citing sources, the publication said Xeinadin's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) stand at approximately £60m. Citing bankers, the publication added that accounting firms can command an EBITDA multiple of up to 14 times, potentially valuing Xeinadin at over £840m. Despite this, some others suggested the final sale price might fall short of these estimations. The company has pursued an aggressive expansion strategy, acquiring additional firms and consolidating them under the Xeinadin brand. The professional services firm has broadened its operations in the UK through the acquisition of accountancy firms JCS Accountants and Mudd Partners in April. In March this year, the firm also snapped up London-based Raffingers, building on the acquisition three Haines Watts offices in Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Hessle, UK in October last year. In a similar deal within the sector, Evelyn Partners divested its Professional Services business to funds advised by British private equity firm Apax in November 2024. "Xeinadin reportedly gearing up for £800m private equity sale" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EXPO Q1 Earnings Call: Resilient Results as Macro Uncertainty Impacts Guidance
Scientific consulting firm Exponent (NASDAQ:EXPO) announced better-than-expected revenue in Q1 CY2025, but sales were flat year on year at $137.4 million. On the other hand, next quarter's revenue guidance of $130 million was less impressive, coming in 0.6% below analysts' estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.63 per share was 20.4% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy EXPO? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $137.4 million vs analyst estimates of $134.6 million (flat year on year, 2.1% beat) Adjusted EPS: $0.63 vs analyst estimates of $0.52 (20.4% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $45.72 million vs analyst estimates of $34.59 million (33.3% margin, 32.2% beat) Revenue Guidance for the full year is $529 million at the midpoint, below analyst estimates of $532.6 million EBITDA guidance for the full year is $141 million at the midpoint, below analyst estimates of $143 million Operating Margin: 32.3%, up from 22.4% in the same quarter last year Free Cash Flow Margin: 4%, down from 6.5% in the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $3.95 billion Exponent's first quarter performance was shaped by a stable mix of demand across its reactive and proactive consulting services, with management highlighting continued strength in litigation-driven work. CEO Catherine Corrigan pointed out that while technical staff headcount began the year below typical levels due to prior resource alignment, sequential hiring and high utilization rates helped maintain revenue stability. Corrigan noted, 'Exponent's first quarter results exceeded expectations, reinforcing both the resilience of our diversified business model and the value we deliver.' Looking ahead, management cited macroeconomic uncertainty and client caution as drivers of a softer revenue outlook. CFO Rich Schlenker explained that some clients are delaying proactive projects, especially in regulated and consumer sectors, and that utilization rates will be affected by holiday timing and ongoing project delays. Corrigan emphasized that Exponent remains focused on hiring in areas with robust demand, particularly in advanced vehicle technology and digital health, even as clients navigate shifting supply chains and regulatory challenges. Exponent's leadership attributed its flat year-over-year revenue to steady demand for its dispute-focused (reactive) services and a modest decline in proactive consulting. Forward guidance was influenced by client caution and timing-related project delays. Reactive services stability: Litigation and failure analysis work, particularly in chemicals, transportation, and utilities, continued to drive activity, as these needs are less sensitive to economic cycles. Proactive services softness: Proactive engagements, including product development and regulatory support, experienced some delays as clients reconsidered project timing in light of macro uncertainty. Industry mix and supply chain shifts: Management observed that supply chain realignments—particularly clients diversifying away from China—created new opportunities for Exponent's advisory work, although these benefits take time to materialize. Headcount and utilization trends: Sequential headcount growth and utilization in the mid-70% range helped offset the initial staffing headwind; the company expects to finish the year with higher technical staff levels than at the start. Regulatory and policy environment: The evolving regulatory landscape, especially around chemicals and advanced technologies, is expected to sustain demand for Exponent's services, even as clients experience slower regulatory responses and heightened scrutiny in some sectors. Management sees the coming quarters defined by a mix of industry transformation, regulatory complexity, and shifting client priorities, all set against a backdrop of macroeconomic uncertainty. Reactive demand as buffer: Exponent's heavy weighting toward reactive services, such as litigation and dispute resolution, is expected to limit downside risk in periods of economic softness. Supply chain and regulatory shifts: Opportunities tied to clients' supply chain diversification and increased regulatory oversight, particularly in chemicals, energy, and life sciences, may drive new engagements as these trends accelerate. Strategic hiring in growth areas: Continued investment in talent for sectors like automated vehicles, digital health, and asset risk modeling is positioned to support long-term service demand, though management remains cautious about near-term visibility. Jasper Bibb (Truist): Asked about the relative growth of proactive versus reactive services. Management explained that reactive services grew modestly, offsetting a slight decline in proactive work. Andrew Nicholas (William Blair): Questioned the drivers of the softer utilization outlook for the next quarter. Management noted holiday timing and some client-initiated project delays as the primary factors. Andrew Nicholas (William Blair): Sought clarity on whether delays in proactive work might persist or resolve later in the year. Management said guidance assumes current trends persist, but improvement is possible if delayed projects resume. Josh Chan (UBS): Inquired about the impact of macroeconomic uncertainty on client decisions. Leadership responded that while some discretionary work is delayed, core reactive engagements remain steady. Josh Chan (UBS): Asked about FTE growth plans given a less predictable environment. Management stated it will continue targeted hiring in high-demand areas, aiming for net headcount growth by year-end. In the coming quarters, we will watch closely for (1) signs that delayed proactive projects—especially in consumer electronics and regulatory consulting—resume as client confidence improves, (2) continued sequential growth in technical headcount and utilization as hiring ramps up, and (3) evidence that supply chain realignments and regulatory shifts translate into new advisory work. The persistence of litigation-driven demand and Exponent's ability to navigate changing regulatory frameworks will also be key indicators of execution. Exponent currently trades at a forward P/E ratio of 37.9×. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? The answer lies in our free research report. Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. 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Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Genpact (G) Reports Q1: Everything You Need To Know Ahead Of Earnings
Business transformation services company Genpact (NYSE:G) will be announcing earnings results tomorrow afternoon. Here's what investors should know. Genpact beat analysts' revenue expectations by 1.7% last quarter, reporting revenues of $1.25 billion, up 8.9% year on year. It was a strong quarter for the company, with a solid beat of analysts' constant currency revenue estimates and an impressive beat of analysts' full-year EPS guidance estimates. Is Genpact a buy or sell going into earnings? Read our full analysis here, it's free. This quarter, analysts are expecting Genpact's revenue to grow 7% year on year to $1.21 billion, improving from the 3.9% increase it recorded in the same quarter last year. Adjusted earnings are expected to come in at $0.79 per share. Analysts covering the company have generally reconfirmed their estimates over the last 30 days, suggesting they anticipate the business to stay the course heading into earnings. Genpact has missed Wall Street's revenue estimates three times over the last two years. Looking at Genpact's peers in the business process outsourcing & consulting segment, some have already reported their Q1 results, giving us a hint as to what we can expect. CRA delivered year-on-year revenue growth of 5.9%, beating analysts' expectations by 3%, and Exponent reported flat revenue, topping estimates by 2.1%. CRA traded up 3.4% following the results while Exponent was down 1.3%. Read our full analysis of CRA's results here and Exponent's results here. There has been positive sentiment among investors in the business process outsourcing & consulting segment, with share prices up 11.2% on average over the last month. Genpact is up 5.9% during the same time and is heading into earnings with an average analyst price target of $56.13 (compared to the current share price of $49.57). Unless you've been living under a rock, it should be obvious by now that generative AI is going to have a huge impact on how large corporations do business. While Nvidia and AMD are trading close to all-time highs, we prefer a lesser-known (but still profitable) semiconductor stock benefiting from the rise of AI. Click here to access our free report on our favorite semiconductor growth story. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
