Earnings call transcript: Exponent Q1 2026 sees stock rise post-earnings

Exponent, Inc. (EXPO) reported Q2 2026 net revenues of $148.9 million, up 12% from $132.9 million a year earlier, and net income of $29.4 million, up 11%. Diluted EPS was $0.60. Management raised FY 2026 revenue guidance to 9% to 10% growth and EBITDA margin to 27.8% to 28.1%, and authorized an additional $50 million for share repurchases.

Exponent (NASDAQ:EXPO) reported Q2 EBITDA up 16% to $42.7 million, with EBITDA margin at 28.7% of net revenue versus 27.8% a year earlier. Billable hours rose 8% to about 390,000 and utilization increased to 74%. The company repurchased $67.4 million of stock and paid $14.8 million in dividends. It raised 2026 outlook for net revenue growth of 9% to 10%.

Bloomberg reported the US Army plans to buy at least $400 million of AeroVironment counter-drone laser systems, citing a person familiar with the deal. The order would include dozens of LOCUST units that use AI to detect and track small to medium drones and then engage them with a high-energy laser. AeroVironment’s stock rose about 8% on Friday.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) said it won a $397 million U.S. Space Force contract to develop, launch, and operate multiple Flatellites for the SB-AMTI program. Flatellites are slimmer, stackable satellites intended to increase deployments per launch and integrate with Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket. The article cites analyst forecasts for revenue rising from $602M (2025) to $1.7B (2028).

Diversified Energy (LSE:DEC, NYSE:DEC) said it will shift from acquisition-led growth to drilling its own wells, launching a one-rig operated development programme in Oklahoma in 2H, spending $35m to $50m. It expects drilling to materially affect 2027 production. Q2 adjusted EBITDA fell 14% to $240m; guidance calls for $960m-$1.01b adjusted earnings and ~$440m free cash flow.

Bloomberg reports the Pentagon will buy laser-based counter-drone systems from AeroVironment Inc. in a deal valued at at least $400 million. The contract is expected to supply the Army with dozens of Locust systems, described as an AI-enabled laser system for tracking and disabling small and medium UAVs. AeroVironment shares rose 8.1% intraday, according to the report.