Willdan (WLDN) 10-Q 31 Oct 24 2024 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Oct. 30, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 27, 2024
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-33076
Entity Registrant Name	WILLDAN GROUP, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	14-1951112
Entity Address, Address Line One	2401 East Katella Avenue
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 300
Entity Address, City or Town	Anaheim
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	92806
City Area Code	800
Local Phone Number	424-9144
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	WLDN
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		14,124,865
Entity Central Index Key	0001370450
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-27
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2024

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 53,106	$ 23,397
Restricted cash	0	0
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,465 and $866 at September 27, 2024 and December 29, 2023, respectively	63,109	69,677
Contract assets	104,236	93,885
Other receivables	2,359	1,169
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,329	3,888
Total current assets	228,139	192,016
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	28,955	27,097
Goodwill	131,144	131,144
Right-of-use assets	14,366	12,465
Other intangible assets, net	26,541	31,956
Other assets	3,447	4,949
Deferred income taxes, net	14,661	15,961
Total assets	447,253	415,588
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	38,007	33,193
Accrued liabilities	58,521	54,129
Contract liabilities	15,202	13,183
Notes payable	10,137	8,452
Finance lease obligations	1,175	1,186
Lease liability	5,509	4,537
Total current liabilities	128,551	114,680
Notes payable, less current portion	81,757	88,979
Finance lease obligations, less current portion	1,453	1,184
Lease liability, less current portion	10,593	9,758
Other noncurrent liabilities	938	1,142
Total liabilities	223,292	215,743
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 40,000 shares authorized; 14,117 and 13,682 shares issued and outstanding at September 27, 2024 and December 29, 2023, respectively	141	137
Additional paid-in capital	195,168	185,795
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(807)	(664)
Retained earnings	29,459	14,577
Total stockholders' equity	223,961	199,845
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 447,253	$ 415,588

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,465	$ 866
Preferred stock
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	14,117,000	13,682,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	14,117,000	13,682,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Contract revenue	$ 158,252	$ 132,738	$ 421,737	$ 354,418
Direct costs of contract revenue (inclusive of directly related depreciation and amortization):
Salaries and wages	24,088	21,856	69,247	63,568
Subcontractor services and other direct costs	82,563	67,454	204,667	165,508
Total direct costs of contract revenue	106,651	89,310	273,914	229,076
Gross profit	51,601	43,428	147,823	125,342
General and administrative expenses:
Salaries and wages, payroll taxes and employee benefits	25,876	23,805	78,449	68,606
Facilities and facility related	2,381	2,303	7,231	7,200
Stock-based compensation	2,020	1,244	5,355	4,064
Depreciation and amortization	3,716	4,190	10,937	12,518
Other	8,934	8,049	25,368	22,629
Total general and administrative expenses	42,927	39,591	127,340	115,017
Income (Loss) from operations	8,674	3,837	20,483	10,325
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net	(1,934)	(2,437)	(6,031)	(7,110)
Other, net	763	879	2,293	1,392
Total other expense, net	(1,171)	(1,558)	(3,738)	(5,718)
Income (Loss) before income taxes	7,503	2,279	16,745	4,607
Income tax (benefit) expense	157	713	1,863	1,712
Net income (loss)	7,346	1,566	14,882	2,895
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net of tax	(678)		(143)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 6,668	$ 1,566	$ 14,739	$ 2,895
Earnings (Loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.53	$ 0.12	$ 1.08	$ 0.22
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51	$ 0.11	$ 1.05	$ 0.21
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	13,930	13,462	13,753	13,357
Diluted (in shares)	14,358	13,709	14,130	13,563

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Total
Balance at Dec. 30, 2022	$ 133	$ 177,718		$ 3,651	$ 181,502
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2022	13,296
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan	$ 1	1,391			1,392
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	92
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants		(124)			(124)
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants (in shares)	(7)
Issuance of restricted stock award and units	$ 1	(1)
Issuance of restricted stock award and units (in shares)	108
Stock-based compensation expense		1,533			1,533
Net Income (Loss)				932	932
Balance at Mar. 31, 2023	$ 135	180,517		4,583	185,235
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2023	13,489
Balance at Dec. 30, 2022	$ 133	177,718		3,651	181,502
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2022	13,296
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net Income (Loss)					2,895
Balance at Sep. 29, 2023	$ 136	184,391		6,546	191,073
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 29, 2023	13,647
Balance at Mar. 31, 2023	$ 135	180,517		4,583	185,235
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2023	13,489
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan		7			7
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan (in shares)	2
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants		(64)			(64)
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants (in shares)	(4)
Issuance of restricted stock award and units (in shares)	17
Stock-based compensation expense		1,287			1,287
Net Income (Loss)				397	397
Balance at Jun. 30, 2023	$ 135	181,747		4,980	186,862
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2023	13,504
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan	$ 1	1,386			1,387
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	91
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan		31			31
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan (in shares)	9
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants		(17)			(17)
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants (in shares)	(1)
Issuance of restricted stock award and units (in shares)	44
Stock-based compensation expense		1,244			1,244
Net Income (Loss)				1,566	1,566
Balance at Sep. 29, 2023	$ 136	184,391		6,546	191,073
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 29, 2023	13,647
Balance at Dec. 29, 2023	$ 137	185,795	$ (664)	14,577	$ 199,845
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2023	13,682				13,682
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan	$ 1	1,401			$ 1,402
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	86
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan		281			281
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan (in shares)	19
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants	$ (1)	(778)			(779)
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants (in shares)	(32)
Issuance of restricted stock award and units	$ 1	(1)
Issuance of restricted stock award and units (in shares)	62
Stock-based compensation expense		1,390			1,390
Net Income (Loss)				2,942	2,942
Net unrealized gain on derivative contracts			434		434
Balance at Mar. 29, 2024	$ 138	188,088	(230)	17,519	205,515
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 29, 2024	13,817
Balance at Dec. 29, 2023	$ 137	185,795	(664)	14,577	$ 199,845
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 29, 2023	13,682				13,682
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net Income (Loss)					$ 14,882
Balance at Sep. 27, 2024	$ 141	195,168	(807)	29,459	$ 223,961
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 27, 2024	14,117				14,117
Balance at Mar. 29, 2024	$ 138	188,088	(230)	17,519	$ 205,515
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 29, 2024	13,817
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan	$ 1	855			856
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan (in shares)	86
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants		(6)			(6)
Issuance of restricted stock award and units (in shares)	13
Stock-based compensation expense		1,945			1,945
Net Income (Loss)				4,594	4,594
Net unrealized gain on derivative contracts			101		101
Balance at Jun. 28, 2024	$ 139	190,882	(129)	22,113	213,005
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 28, 2024	13,916
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan	$ 1	1,435			1,436
Shares of common stock issued in connection with employee stock purchase plan (in shares)	78
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan	$ 1	1,287			1,288
Shares of common stock issued in connection with incentive stock plan (in shares)	92
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants		(456)			(456)
Shares used to pay taxes on stock grants (in shares)	(12)
Issuance of restricted stock award and units (in shares)	43
Stock-based compensation expense		2,020			2,020
Net Income (Loss)				7,346	7,346
Net unrealized gain on derivative contracts			(678)		(678)
Balance at Sep. 27, 2024	$ 141	$ 195,168	$ (807)	$ 29,459	$ 223,961
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 27, 2024	14,117				14,117

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 14,882	$ 2,895
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	10,937	12,518
Other non-cash items	459	511
Deferred income taxes, net	1,300	1,196
(Gain) loss on sale/disposal of equipment	(13)	(63)
Provision for doubtful accounts	806	194
Stock-based compensation	5,355	4,064
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	5,762	(6,335)
Contract assets	(10,351)	4,530
Other receivables	(1,190)	3,306
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(1,441)	1,175
Other assets	1,456	(4,993)
Accounts payable	4,814	3,922
Accrued liabilities	3,910	(2,658)
Contract liabilities	2,019	2,821
Right-of-use assets	(94)	1,029
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	38,611	24,112
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of equipment, software, and leasehold improvements	(6,074)	(7,583)
Proceeds from sale of equipment	29	68
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(1,600)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(6,045)	(9,115)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on contingent consideration		(4,000)
Payment on restricted cash		(10,679)
Payments on notes payable	(190)	(1,463)
Payments on debt issuance costs		(1,114)
Borrowings under term loan facility and line of credit		105,000
Repayments under term loan facility and line of credit	(5,625)	(111,000)
Principal payments on finance leases	(1,064)	(951)
Proceeds from stock option exercise	2,425	38
Proceeds from sales of common stock under employee stock purchase plan	2,838	2,779
Cash used to pay taxes on stock grants	(1,241)	(205)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(2,857)	(21,595)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	29,709	(6,598)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	23,397	19,485
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	53,106	12,887
Cash paid (received) during the period for:
Interest	5,301	8,025
Income taxes	1,203	(3,154)
Supplemental disclosures of noncash investing and financing activities:
Equipment acquired under finance leases	$ 1,322	$ 652

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY
ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY	1. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPAN Y Willdan Group, Inc. (“Willdan” or the “Company”) is a provider of professional, technical and consulting services to utilities, private industry, and public agencies at all levels of government. As resource and infrastructure needs undergo continuous change, the Company helps organizations and their communities evolve and thrive by providing a wide range of technical services for energy solutions and government infrastructure. Through engineering, program management, policy advisory, and software and data management, the Company designs and delivers trusted, comprehensive, innovative, and proven solutions to improve efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability in energy and infrastructure. The Company’s broad portfolio of services operates within two financial reporting segments: (1) Energy and (2) Engineering and Consulting. The interfaces and synergies between these segments are important elements of the Company’s strategy to design and deliver trusted, comprehensive, innovative, and proven solutions for its customers. The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Part II, Item 8, Note 1, Organization and Operations of the Company Fiscal Years The Company operates and reports its annual financial results based on 52 or 53-week periods ending on the Friday closest to December 31. The Company operates and reports its quarterly financial results based on the 13-week period ending on the Friday closest to June 30, September 30, and December 31 and the 13 or 14-week period ending on the Friday closest to March 31, as applicable. Fiscal year 2024, which ends on December 27, 2024, will be comprised of 52 weeks, with all quarters consisting of 13 weeks each. Fiscal year 2023, which ended on December 29, 2023, was comprised of 52 weeks, with all quarters consisting of 13 weeks each. All references to years in the notes to consolidated financial statements represent fiscal years. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Estimates also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Reclassifications ​

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Accounting Pronouncements Recently Issued In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”). ASU 2023-09 amends the rules on income tax disclosures to require entities to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation, the income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit (separated between domestic and foreign) and income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations (separated by federal, state, and foreign). In addition, ASU 2023-09 requires entities to disclose their income tax payments to international, federal, state, and local jurisdictions, among other changes. The amendments can be applied on a prospective basis although retrospective application is permitted. The amendments are effective for the annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this update will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-07”). ASU 2023-07 expands segment disclosure requirements through enhanced disclosures related to significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and any additional measures of a segment’s profit or loss used by the CODM when deciding how to allocate resources. All disclosure requirements under ASU 2023-07 are also required for public entities with a single reportable segment. The amendments are effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this update will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, “Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative” (“ASU 2023-06”). ASU 2023-06 amends U.S. GAAP to reflect updates and simplifications to certain disclosure and presentation requirements referred to FASB by the SEC. The targeted amendments incorporate 14 of the 27 disclosures referred by the SEC into codification. Each amendment in ASU 2023-06 is effective on either the date on which the SEC’s removal of the related disclosure requirement from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective, or on June 30, 2027, if the SEC has not removed the requirements by that date. The Company does not believe the amendments in ASU 2023-06 will have a material impact in any of the Company’s current disclosures. ​

REVENUES

REVENUES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
REVENUES
REVENUES	3. REVENUES The Company enters into contracts with its clients that contain various types of pricing provisions, including fixed price, time-and-materials, and unit-based provisions. The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customer, codified as ASC Topic 606 and the related amendments (collectively “ASC 606”). As such, the Company identifies a contract with a customer, identifies the performance obligations in the contract, determines the transaction price, allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation in the contract and recognizes revenues when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The following table reflects the Company’s two reportable segments and the types of contracts that each most commonly enters into for revenue generating activities. ​ Segment Contract Type Revenue Recognition Method ​ Time-and-materials Time-and-materials Energy Unit-based Unit-based ​ Software license Unit-based ​ Fixed price Percentage-of-completion ​ Time-and-materials Time-and-materials Engineering and Consulting Unit-based Unit-based ​ Fixed price Percentage-of-completion ​ Revenue on the vast majority of the Company’s contracts is recognized over time because of the continuous transfer of control to the customer. Revenue on fixed price contracts is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method based generally on the ratio of direct costs incurred-to-date to estimated total direct costs at completion. The Company uses the percentage-of-completion method to better match the level of work performed at a certain point in time in relation to the effort that will be required to complete a project. In addition, the percentage-of-completion method is a common method of revenue recognition in the Company’s industry. Many of the Company’s fixed price contracts involve a high degree of subcontracted fixed price effort and, usually, are relatively short in duration, thereby lowering the risks of not properly estimating the percent complete. Revenue on time-and-materials and unit-based contracts is recognized as the work is performed in accordance with the specific rates and terms of the contract. The Company recognizes revenues for time-and-materials contracts based upon the actual hours incurred during a reporting period at contractually agreed upon rates per hour and also includes in revenue all reimbursable costs incurred during a reporting period. Certain of the Company’s time-and-materials contracts are subject to maximum contract values and, accordingly, when revenue is expected to exceed the maximum contract value, these contracts are generally recognized under the percentage-of-completion method, consistent with fixed price contracts. For unit-based contracts, the Company recognizes the contract price of units of a basic production product as revenue when the production product is delivered during a period. Revenue for amounts that have been billed but not earned is deferred, and such deferred revenue is referred to as contract liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company also derives revenue from software licenses and professional services and maintenance fees. In accordance with ASC 606, the Company performs an assessment of each contract to identify the performance obligations, determine the overall transaction price for the contract, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations, and recognize the revenue when the performance obligations are satisfied. The Company utilizes the residual approach by which it estimates the standalone selling price by reference to the total transaction price less the sum of the observable standalone selling prices of other goods or services promised in the contract. The software license revenue is typically recognized at a point in time when control is transferred to the client, which is defined as the point in time when the client can use and benefit from the license. The software license is delivered before related services are provided and is functional without services, updates, or technical support. Related professional services include training and support services in which the standalone selling price is determined based on an input measure of hours incurred to total estimated hours and is recognized over time, which usually is the life of the contract. To determine the proper revenue recognition method for contracts, the Company evaluates whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one single contract and whether the combined contract should be accounted for as one performance obligation. With respect to the Company’s contracts, it is rare that multiple contracts should be combined into a single performance obligation. This evaluation requires significant judgment and the decision to combine a group of contracts or separate a single contract into multiple performance obligations could change the amount of revenue and profit recorded in a given period. Contracts are considered to have a single performance obligation if the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts, which is mainly because the Company provides a significant service of integrating a complex set of tasks and components into a single project or capability. The Company may enter into contracts that include separate phases or elements. If each phase or element is negotiated separately based on the technical resources required and/or the supply and demand for the services being provided, the Company evaluates if the contracts should be segmented. If certain criteria are met, the contracts would be segmented which could result in revenues being assigned to the different elements or phases with different rates of profitability based on the relative value of each element or phase to the estimated total contract revenue. Segmented contracts may comprise up to approximately 2.0% to 3.0% of the Company’s consolidated contract revenue. Contracts that cover multiple phases or elements of the project or service lifecycle (development, construction and maintenance and support) may be considered to have multiple performance obligations even when they are part of a single contract. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation using the best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. For the periods presented, the value of the separate performance obligations under contracts with multiple performance obligations (generally measurement and verification tasks under certain energy performance contracts) were not material. In cases where the Company does not provide the distinct good or service on a standalone basis, the primary method used to estimate standalone selling price is the expected cost plus a margin approach, under which the Company forecasts the Company’s expected costs of satisfying a performance obligation and then adds an appropriate margin for the distinct good or service. The Company provides quality of workmanship warranties to customers that are included in the sale and are not priced or sold separately or do not provide customers with a service in addition to assurance of compliance with agreed-upon specifications and industry standards. The Company does not consider these types of warranties to be separate performance obligations. In some cases, the Company has a master service or blanket agreement with a customer under which each task order releases the Company to perform specific portions of the overall scope in the service contract. Each task order is typically accounted for as a separate contract because the task order establishes the enforceable rights and obligations, and payment terms. Under ASC 606, variable consideration should be considered when determining the transaction price and estimates should be made for the variable consideration component of the transaction price, as well as assessing whether an estimate of variable consideration is constrained. For certain of the Company’s contracts, variable consideration can arise from modifications to the scope of services resulting from unapproved change orders or customer claims. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. The Company estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on assessments of legal enforceability, the Company’s performance, and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to the Company. Due to the nature of the work required to be performed on many of the Company’s performance obligations, the estimation of total revenue and cost at completion is complex, subject to many variables and requires significant judgment. As a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of the Company’s contracts, the Company reviews and updates the Company’s contract-related estimates regularly through a company-wide disciplined project review process in which management reviews the progress and execution of the Company’s performance obligations and the estimate at completion (“EAC”). As part of this process, management reviews information including, but not limited to, any outstanding key contract matters, progress towards completion and the related program schedule and the related changes in estimates of revenues and costs. Management must make assumptions and estimates regarding labor productivity and availability, the complexity of the work to be performed, the cost and availability of materials, the performance of subcontractors, and the availability and timing of funding from the customer, among other variables. The Company recognizes adjustments in estimated profit on contracts under the cumulative catch-up method. Under this method, the impact of the adjustment on profit recorded to date is recognized in the period the adjustment is identified. Revenue and profit in future periods of contract performance is recognized using the adjusted estimate. If at any time the estimate of contract profitability indicates an anticipated loss on the contract, the Company recognizes the full amount of estimated loss in the period it is identified. Contracts are often modified to account for changes in contract specifications and requirements. The Company considers contract modifications to exist when the modification either creates new rights or obligations or changes the existing enforceable rights or obligations. Most of the Company’s contract modifications are for goods or services that are not distinct from existing contracts due to the significant integration provided in the context of the contract and are accounted for as if they were part of the original contract. The effect of a contract modification that is not distinct from the existing contract on the transaction price and the Company’s measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates is recognized as an adjustment to revenue (either as an increase in or a reduction of revenue) on a cumulative catch-up basis. For contract modifications that result in the promise to deliver goods or services that are distinct from the existing contract and the increase in price of the contract is for the same amount as the standalone selling price of the additional goods or services included in the modification, the Company accounts for such contract modifications as a separate contract. The Company includes claims to vendors, subcontractors and others as a receivable and a reduction in recognized costs when enforceability of the claim is established by the contract and the amounts are reasonably estimable and probable of being recovered. The amounts are recorded up to the extent of the lesser of the amounts management expects to recover or to costs incurred. Billing practices are governed by the contract terms of each project based upon costs incurred, achievement of milestones or pre-agreed schedules. Billings do not necessarily correlate with revenue recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition. Direct costs of contract revenue consist primarily of that portion of technical and nontechnical salaries and wages that has been incurred in connection with revenue producing projects. Direct costs of contract revenue also include production expenses, subcontractor services and other expenses that are incurred in connection with revenue producing projects. Direct costs of contract revenue exclude that portion of technical and nontechnical salaries and wages related to marketing efforts, vacations, holidays and other time not spent directly generating revenue under existing contracts. Such costs are included in general and administrative expenses. Additionally, payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefit costs for all Company personnel are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income since no allocation of these costs is made to direct costs of contract revenue. No allocation of facilities costs is made to direct costs of contract revenue. Other companies may classify as direct costs of contract revenue some of the costs that the Company classifies as general and administrative costs. The Company expenses direct costs of contract revenue when incurred. Included in revenue and costs are all reimbursable costs for which the Company has the risk or on which the fee was based at the time of bid or negotiation. No revenue or cost is recorded for costs in which the Company acts solely in the capacity of an agent and has no risks associated with such costs. Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based upon a review of all outstanding amounts on a quarterly basis. Management determines allowances for doubtful accounts through specific identification of amounts considered to be uncollectible and potential write-offs, plus a non-specific allowance for other amounts for which some potential loss has been determined to be probable based on current and past experience. The Company’s historical credit losses have been minimal with governmental entities and large public utilities, but disputes may arise related to these receivable amounts. Accounts receivable are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded when received. Retainage, included in contract assets, represents amounts withheld from billings to the Company’s clients pursuant to provisions in the contracts and may not be paid to the Company until specific tasks are completed or the project is completed and, in some instances, for even longer periods. As of September 27, 2024 and December 29, 2023, contract assets included retainage of approximately $18.9 million and $14.3 million, respectively.

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMEN

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA	4. SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA Restricted Cash The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated balance sheets to the total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ September 27, ​ December 29, ​ 2024 2023 ​ ​ (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents ​ $ 53,106 ​ $ 23,397 Restricted cash ​ — ​ — Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows ​ $ 53,106 ​ $ 23,397 ​ Under certain utility contracts, the Company periodically receives cash deposits to be held in trust for the payment of energy incentive rebates to be sent directly to the utility’s end-customer on behalf of the utility. The Company acts solely as the utility’s agent to distribute these funds to the end-customer and, accordingly, the Company classifies these contractually funds as restricted cash. Because these funds are held in trust for pass through to the utility’s customers and have no impact on the Company’s working capital or operating cash flows, these cash receipts are presented in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows as financing cash inflows, “Receipt of restricted cash”, with the subsequent payments classified as financing cash outflows, “Payment of restricted cash.” Equipment and Leasehold Improvements ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ September 27, ​ December 29, ​ 2024 2023 ​ ​ (in thousands) Furniture and fixtures ​ $ 4,501 ​ $ 4,379 Computer hardware and software ​ 50,070 ​ 44,594 Leasehold improvements ​ 3,551 ​ 3,382 Equipment under finance leases ​ 6,969 ​ 6,139 Automobiles, trucks, and field equipment ​ 3,551 ​ 3,373 Subtotal ​ 68,642 ​ 61,867 Accumulated depreciation and amortization ​ (39,687) ​ (34,770) Equipment and leasehold improvements, net ​ $ 28,955 ​ $ 27,097 ​ Included in accumulated depreciation and amortization is $1.1 million and $1.3 million of amortization expense related to equipment held under finance leases for the nine months ended September 27, 2024 and for fiscal year 2023, respectively. Accrued Liabilities ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ September 27, ​ December 29, ​ 2024 2023 ​ ​ (in thousands) Accrued subcontractor costs ​ $ 32,122 ​ $ 30,196 Accrued bonuses ​ ​ 13,331 ​ ​ 14,423 Employee withholdings ​ 4,079 ​ 3,123 Compensation and payroll taxes ​ 4,705 ​ 3,125 Rebate and other ​ ​ — ​ ​ 139 Accrued accounting costs and taxes ​ 4,284 ​ 3,123 Total accrued liabilities ​ $ 58,521 ​ $ 54,129 ​ Goodwill ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 29, ​ Additional ​ Additions / ​ September 27, ​ 2023 Purchase Cost Adjustments 2024 ​ ​ (in thousands) Reporting Unit: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Energy ​ $ 129,375 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 129,375 Engineering and Consulting ​ ​ 1,769 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 1,769 ​ ​ $ 131,144 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 131,144 ​ ​ The Company tests its goodwill at least annually for possible impairment. The Company completes its annual testing of goodwill as of the last day of the first month of its fourth fiscal quarter each year to determine whether there is a potential impairment. In addition to the Company’s annual test, it regularly evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that may indicate a potential impairment of goodwill. The Company evaluated the current economic environment and noted that it does not believe it is more likely than not that goodwill was impaired as of September 27, 2024. Intangible Assets ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ September 27, 2024 ​ December 29, 2023 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gross ​ Accumulated ​ Gross ​ Accumulated ​ Amortization ​ Amount Amortization Amount Amortization Period ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ (in years) Finite: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Backlog ​ $ 8,306 ​ $ 8,306 ​ $ 8,306 ​ $ 8,095 ​ 1.0 Tradename ​ ​ 15,936 ​ ​ 13,074 ​ ​ 15,936 ​ ​ 12,695 2.5 ​ - ​ 6.0 Non-compete agreements ​ ​ 1,613 ​ ​ 1,476 ​ ​ 1,613 ​ ​ 1,440 ​ 4.0 ​ - ​ 5.0 Developed technology ​ ​ 15,810 ​ ​ 15,121 ​ ​ 15,810 ​ ​ 14,521 ​ 8.0 Customer relationships ​ ​ 58,149 ​ ​ 35,296 ​ ​ 58,149 ​ ​ 31,107 ​ 5.0 ​ - ​ 8.0 Total intangible assets ​ $ 99,814 ​ $ 73,273 ​ $ 99,814 ​ $ 67,858 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	5. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company uses certain interest rate derivative contracts to hedge interest rate exposures on its variable rate debt. The Company’s hedging program is not designated for trading or speculative purposes. The Company recognizes derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The Company records changes in the fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of the derivatives that have been designated as cash flow hedges in its consolidated balance sheets as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and in its consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) as unrealized gain or loss on derivative contracts. All related cash flows are reported in the operating activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows. On November 30, 2023, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement that the Company designated as cash flow hedge to fix the variable interest rate on a portion of the Company’s term loan (see Note 6, “Debt Obligations” in the three nor nine months ended September 27, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fair Value of Derivative ​ ​ Instruments as of ​ ​ Balance Sheet Location ​ September 27, 2024 ​ December 29, 2023 ​ ​ ​ ​ (in thousands) Interest rate swap agreement ​ Current assets ​ $ — ​ $ 46 Interest rate swap agreement ​ Accrued liabilities ​ ​ (339) ​ ​ — Interest rate swap agreement ​ Other noncurrent liabilities ​ ​ (683) ​ ​ (887) ​ The impact of the effective portions of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships and fair value relationships on other comprehensive income (loss) were $(0.7) million and $(0.1) million for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2024. The accumulated balances and reporting period activities for the periods below related to reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are summarized as follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gain (Loss) on ​ Accumulated Other ​ Derivative Instruments Comprehensive Income (Loss) ​ ​ (in thousands) Balances at December 29, 2023 ​ $ (664) ​ $ (664) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications ​ ​ 549 ​ ​ 549 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments ​ ​ (115) ​ ​ (115) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) ​ ​ 434 ​ ​ 434 Balances at March 29, 2024 ​ $ (230) ​ $ (230) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications ​ ​ 127 ​ ​ 127 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments ​ ​ (26) ​ ​ (26) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) ​ ​ 101 ​ ​ 101 Balances at June 28, 2024 ​ $ (129) ​ $ (129) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications ​ ​ (858) ​ ​ (858) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments ​ ​ 180 ​ ​ 180 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) ​ ​ (678) ​ ​ (678) Balances at September 27, 2024 ​ $ (807) ​ $ (807) ​ ​

DEBT OBLIGATIONS

DEBT OBLIGATIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
DEBT OBLIGATIONS
DEBT OBLIGATIONS	6. DEBT OBLIGATIONS Debt obligations, excluding obligations under finance leases (see Note 7, “ Leases”, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ September 27, December 29, ​ ​ 2024 ​ 2023 ​ ​ (in thousands) Outstanding borrowings on Term Loan ​ $ 92,500 ​ $ 98,125 Outstanding borrowings on Revolving Credit Facility ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Other debt agreements ​ ​ 137 ​ ​ 327 Total debt ​ ​ 92,637 ​ ​ 98,452 Issuance costs and debt discounts ​ ​ (743) ​ ​ (1,021) Subtotal ​ ​ 91,894 ​ ​ 97,431 Less current portion of long-term debt ​ 10,137 ​ 8,452 Long-term debt portion ​ $ 81,757 ​ $ 88,979 ​ The credit agreement governing the Company’s Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility require the Company to comply with certain financial obligations, including a maximum Net Leverage Ratio and a minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the credit agreement governing the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility). The credit agreement also contains customary restrictive covenants. As of September 27, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all these covenants. In addition, as of September 27, 2024, the Company’s composite interest rate, exclusive of the effects of upfront fees, undrawn fees and issuance cost amortization, was 7.2% . ​ ​

LEASES

LEASES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
LEASES
LEASES	7. LEASES The Company leases certain office facilities under long-term, non-cancellable operating leases that expire at various dates through 2029. In addition, the Company is obligated under finance leases for certain furniture and office equipment that expire at various dates through 2029. From time to time, the Company enters into non-cancelable leases for some of its facility and equipment needs. These leases allow the Company to conserve cash by paying a monthly lease rental fee for the use of facilities and equipment rather than purchasing them. The Company’s leases typically have remaining terms ranging from one to eight years , some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to five years , and some of which may include options to terminate the leases within one year . Currently, all of the Company’s leases contain fixed payment terms. The Company may decide to cancel or terminate a lease before the end of its term, in which case the Company is typically liable to the lessor for the remaining lease payments under the term of the lease. Additionally, all of the Company’s month-to-month leases are cancelable by the Company or the lessor, at any time, and are not included in the Company’s right-of-use asset or lease liability. As of September 27, 2024, the Company had no leases with residual value guarantees. Typically, the Company has purchase options on the equipment underlying its long-term leases. The Company may exercise some of these purchase options when the need for equipment is on-going and the purchase option price is attractive. Nonperformance-related default covenants, cross-default provisions, subjective default provisions and material adverse change clauses contained in material lease agreements, if any, are also evaluated to determine whether those clauses affect lease classification in accordance with ASC Topic 842-10-25. Leases are accounted for as operating or financing leases, depending on the terms of the lease. Financing Leases The Company leases certain equipment under financing leases. The economic substance of the leases is a financing transaction for acquisition of equipment and leasehold improvements. Accordingly, the right-of-use assets for these leases are included in the balance sheets in equipment and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated depreciation, with a corresponding amount recorded in current portion of financing lease obligations or noncurrent portion of financing lease obligations, as appropriate. The financing lease assets are amortized over the life of the lease or, if shorter, the life of the leased asset, on a straight-line basis and included in depreciation expense. The interest associated with financing lease obligations is included in interest expense. Right-of-use assets Operating leases are included in right-of-use assets, and current portion of lease liability and noncurrent portion of lease liability, as appropriate. Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate to calculate present value, the Company determines this rate by estimating the Company’s incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset also includes any lease payments made and initial direct costs incurred at lease commencement and excludes lease incentives. The Company’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. ​ ​ The following is a summary of the Company’s lease expense: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Three Months Ended ​ Nine Months Ended ​ September 27, ​ September 29, ​ September 27, ​ September 29, ​ 2024 2023 2024 2023 ​ (in thousands) ​ (in thousands) Operating lease cost $ 1,522 ​ $ 1,464 ​ $ 4,579 ​ $ 4,621 Sublease Income ​ (14) ​ ​ (30) ​ ​ (42) ​ ​ (30) Finance lease cost: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Amortization of assets ​ 392 ​ ​ 340 ​ ​ 1,114 ​ ​ 969 Interest on lease liabilities ​ 46 ​ ​ 28 ​ ​ 112 ​ ​ 74 Total net lease cost $ 1,946 ​ $ 1,802 ​ $ 5,763 ​ $ 5,634 ​ The following is a summary of lease information presented on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ September 27, December 29, ​ ​ ​ 2024 ​ 2023 ​ ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ Operating leases: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Right-of-use assets ​ $ 14,366 ​ $ 12,465 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Lease liability ​ $ 5,509 ​ $ 4,537 ​ Lease liability, less current portion ​ 10,593 ​ 9,758 ​ Total lease liabilities ​ $ 16,102 ​ $ 14,295 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Finance leases (included in equipment and leasehold improvements, net): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Equipment and leasehold improvements, net ​ $ 6,969 ​ $ 6,139 ​ Accumulated depreciation ​ (4,458) ​ (3,837) ​ Total equipment and leasehold improvements, net ​ $ 2,511 ​ $ 2,302 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Finance lease obligations ​ $ 1,175 ​ $ 1,186 ​ Finance lease obligations, less current portion ​ ​ 1,453 ​ ​ 1,184 ​ Total finance lease obligations ​ $ 2,628 ​ $ 2,370 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating Leases ​ ​ 3.05 ​ ​ 3.43 ​ Finance Leases ​ ​ 2.49 ​ ​ 2.31 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted average discount rate: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating Leases ​ ​ 6.91 % ​ 6.09 % Finance Leases ​ ​ 6.68 % ​ 5.19 % ​ Rent expense was $1.7 million and $5.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2024, respectively, as compared to $1.7 million and $5.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2023, respectively. ​ The following is a summary of other information and supplemental cash flow information related to finance and operating leases: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Nine Months Ended ​ ​ September 27, ​ September 29, ​ ​ 2024 2023 ​ ​ (in thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating cash flow from operating leases ​ $ 4,707 ​ $ 4,318 Operating cash flow from finance leases ​ ​ 112 ​ ​ 74 Financing cash flow from finance leases ​ ​ 1,064 ​ ​ 951 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating leases ​ $ 5,757 ​ $ 4,316 ​ The following is a summary of the maturities of lease liabilities as of September 27, 2024: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating Finance ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ Fiscal year: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Remainder of 2024 ​ $ 1,588 ​ $ 438 ​ 2025 ​ 6,278 ​ 1,158 ​ 2026 ​ 5,100 ​ ​ 824 ​ 2027 ​ ​ 2,667 ​ ​ 313 ​ 2028 ​ ​ 1,673 ​ 94 ​ 2029 and thereafter ​ 750 ​ 27 ​ Total lease payments ​ ​ 18,056 ​ ​ 2,854 ​ Less: Imputed interest ​ (1,954) ​ ​ (226) ​ Total lease obligations ​ 16,102 ​ ​ 2,628 ​ Less: Current obligations ​ 5,509 ​ ​ 1,175 ​ Noncurrent lease obligations ​ $ 10,593 ​ $ 1,453 ​ ​ The imputed interest for finance lease obligations represents the interest component of finance leases that will be recognized as interest expense in future periods. The financing component for operating lease obligations represents the effect of discounting the operating lease payments to their present value. ​

COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTERE

COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	8. COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES Employee Benefit Plans The Company has a qualified profit sharing plan pursuant to Code Section 401(a) and qualified The Company’s defined contribution plan (the “Plan”) covers employees who have completed three months of service and who have attained 21 years of age. The Company elects to make matching contributions equal to 50% of the participants’ contributions to the Plan, up to 6% of the individual participant’s compensation, and subject to a maximum of $3,000 per employee. Under the Plan, the Company may make discretionary contributions to employee accounts. During the nine months ended September 27, 2024 and September 29, 2023, the Company made matching contributions of $2.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively. Variable Interest Entities On March 4, 2016, the Company and the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Willdan Energy Solutions, Inc. (“WES”), acquired substantially all of the assets of Genesys Engineering, P.C. (“Genesys”) and assumed certain specified liabilities of Genesys (collectively, the “Purchase”) pursuant to an Asset Purchase and Merger Agreement, dated as of February 26, 2016 (the “Agreement”), by and among Willdan Group, Inc., WES, WESGEN (as defined below), Genesys and Ronald W. Mineo (“Mineo”) and Robert J. Braun (“Braun” and, together with Mineo, the “Genesys Shareholders”). On March 5, 2016, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, WESGEN, Inc., a non-affiliated corporation (“WESGEN”), merged (the “Merger” and, together with the Purchase, the “Acquisition”) with Genesys, with Genesys remaining as the surviving corporation. Genesys was acquired to strengthen the Company’s power engineering capability in the northeastern U.S., and also to increase client exposure and experience with universities. Genesys continues to be a professional corporation organized under the laws of the State of New York, wholly-owned by one or more licensed engineers. Pursuant to New York law, the Company does not own capital stock of Genesys. The Company has entered into an agreement with the Shareholder of Genesys pursuant to which the Shareholder will be prohibited from selling, transferring or encumbering the Shareholder’s ownership interest in Genesys without the Company’s consent. Notwithstanding the Company’s rights regarding the transfer of Genesys’s stock, the Company does not have control over the professional decision making of Genesys’s engineering services. The Company has entered into an administrative services agreement with Genesys pursuant to which WES will provide Genesys with ongoing administrative, operational and other non-professional support services. Genesys pays WES a service fee, which consists of all of the costs incurred by WES to provide the administrative services to Genesys plus ten percent of such costs, as well as any other costs that relate to professional service supplies and personnel costs. As a result of the administrative services agreement, the Company absorbs the expected losses of Genesys through its deferral of Genesys’s service fees owed to WES. ​

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORM

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION	9. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Segment Information The Company’s two segments are Energy, and Engineering and Consulting, and the Company’s chief operating decision maker, which continues to be its chief executive officer, receives and reviews financial information in this format. There were no intersegment sales during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2024 and September 29, 2023. The Company’s chief operating decision maker evaluates the performance of each segment based upon income or loss from operations before income taxes. Certain segment asset information including expenditures for long-lived assets has not been presented as it is not reported to or reviewed by the chief operating decision maker. In addition, enterprise-wide service line contract revenue is not included as it is impracticable to report this information for each group of similar services. Financial information with respect to the reportable segments and reconciliation to the amounts reported in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements is as follows: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Engineering ​ Unallocated ​ ​ ​ ​ Consolidated ​ Energy & Consulting Corporate Intersegment Total ​ ​ (in thousands) Fiscal Three Months Ended September 27, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contract revenue ​ $ 134,036 ​ $ 24,216 ​ $ - ​ $ - ​ $ 158,252 Depreciation and amortization ​ ​ 3,337 ​ ​ 379 ​ ​ - ​ ​ - ​ ​ 3,716 Interest expense, net ​ ​ - ​ ​ - ​ ​ 1,934 ​ ​ - ​ ​ 1,934 Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense ​ ​ 6,176 ​ ​ 4,280 ​ ​ (2,953) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 7,503 Income tax expense (benefit) ​ ​ (25) ​ ​ 85 ​ ​ 97 ​ ​ - ​ ​ 157 Net income (loss) ​ ​ 6,202 ​ ​ 4,194 ​ ​ (3,050) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 7,346 Segment assets (1) ​ ​ 348,617 ​ ​ 29,523 ​ ​ 92,243 ​ ​ (23,130) ​ ​ 447,253 Fiscal Three Months Ended September 29, 2023 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contract revenue ​ $ 111,030 ​ $ 21,708 ​ $ - ​ $ - ​ $ 132,738 Depreciation and amortization ​ ​ 3,854 ​ ​ 336 ​ ​ - ​ ​ - ​ ​ 4,190 Interest expense, net ​ ​ 2 ​ ​ - ​ ​ 2,435 ​ ​ - ​ ​ 2,437 Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense ​ ​ 2,814 ​ ​ 2,853 ​ ​ (3,388) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 2,279 Income tax expense (benefit) ​ ​ 852 ​ ​ 728 ​ ​ (867) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 713 Net income (loss) ​ ​ 1,961 ​ ​ 2,127 ​ ​ (2,522) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 1,566 Segment assets (1) ​ ​ 340,422 ​ ​ 26,901 ​ ​ 57,427 ​ ​ (23,130) ​ ​ 401,620 Fiscal Nine Months Ended September 27, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contract revenue ​ $ 352,634 ​ $ 69,103 ​ $ - ​ $ - ​ $ 421,737 Depreciation and amortization ​ ​ 9,800 ​ ​ 1,137 ​ ​ - ​ ​ - ​ ​ 10,937 Interest expense, net ​ ​ - ​ ​ - ​ ​ 6,031 ​ ​ - ​ ​ 6,031 Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense ​ ​ 15,886 ​ ​ 9,608 ​ ​ (8,749) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 16,745 Income tax expense (benefit) ​ ​ 1,767 ​ ​ 1,069 ​ ​ (973) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 1,863 Net income (loss) ​ ​ 14,119 ​ ​ 8,539 ​ ​ (7,776) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 14,882 Segment assets (1) ​ ​ 348,617 ​ ​ 29,523 ​ ​ 92,243 ​ ​ (23,130) ​ ​ 447,253 Fiscal Nine Months Ended September 29, 2023 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contract revenue ​ $ 292,330 ​ $ 62,088 ​ $ - ​ $ - ​ $ 354,418 Depreciation and amortization ​ ​ 11,655 ​ ​ 863 ​ ​ - ​ ​ - ​ ​ 12,518 Interest expense, net ​ ​ 5 ​ ​ - ​ ​ 7,105 ​ ​ - ​ ​ 7,110 Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense ​ ​ 6,188 ​ ​ 8,658 ​ ​ (10,239) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 4,607 Income tax expense (benefit) ​ ​ 2,300 ​ ​ 3,218 ​ ​ (3,806) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 1,712 Net income (loss) ​ ​ 3,888 ​ ​ 5,440 ​ ​ (6,433) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 2,895 Segment assets (1) ​ ​ 340,422 ​ ​ 26,901 ​ ​ 57,427 ​ ​ (23,130) ​ ​ 401,620 (1) Segment assets are presented net of intercompany receivables. ​ The following tables provide information about disaggregated revenue by contract type, client type and geographical region: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Three months ended September 27, 2024 ​ Energy Engineering and Consulting Total ​ (in thousands) Contract Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Time-and-materials ​ $ 7,953 ​ $ 17,767 ​ $ 25,720 Unit-based ​ ​ 52,487 ​ ​ 4,993 ​ ​ 57,480 Fixed price ​ ​ 73,596 ​ ​ 1,456 ​ ​ 75,052 Total (1) ​ $ 134,036 ​ $ 24,216 ​ $ 158,252 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Client Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial ​ $ 7,964 ​ $ 1,968 ​ $ 9,932 Government ​ ​ 61,115 ​ ​ 22,155 ​ ​ 83,270 Utilities (2) ​ ​ 64,957 ​ ​ 93 ​ ​ 65,050 Total (1) ​ $ 134,036 ​ $ 24,216 ​ $ 158,252 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Geography (3) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Domestic ​ $ 134,036 ​ $ 24,216 ​ $ 158,252 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Nine months ended September 27, 2024 ​ Energy Engineering and Consulting Total ​ (in thousands) Contract Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Time-and-materials ​ $ 25,190 ​ $ 51,193 ​ $ 76,383 Unit-based ​ ​ 147,022 ​ ​ 14,375 ​ ​ 161,397 Fixed price ​ ​ 180,422 ​ ​ 3,535 ​ ​ 183,957 Total (1) ​ $ 352,634 ​ $ 69,103 ​ $ 421,737 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Client Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial ​ $ 23,858 ​ $ 5,281 ​ $ 29,139 Government ​ ​ 148,403 ​ ​ 63,614 ​ ​ 212,017 Utilities (2) ​ ​ 180,373 ​ ​ 208 ​ ​ 180,581 Total (1) ​ $ 352,634 ​ $ 69,103 ​ $ 421,737 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Geography (3) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Domestic ​ $ 352,634 ​ $ 69,103 ​ $ 421,737 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Three months ended September 29, 2023 ​ Energy Engineering and Consulting Total ​ (in thousands) Contract Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Time-and-materials ​ $ 9,382 ​ $ 16,629 ​ $ 26,011 Unit-based ​ ​ 42,119 ​ ​ 4,182 ​ ​ 46,301 Fixed price ​ ​ 59,529 ​ ​ 897 ​ ​ 60,426 Total (1) ​ $ 111,030 ​ $ 21,708 ​ $ 132,738 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Client Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial ​ $ 7,448 ​ $ 1,588 ​ $ 9,036 Government ​ ​ 52,410 ​ ​ 20,054 ​ ​ 72,464 Utilities (2) ​ ​ 51,172 ​ ​ 66 ​ ​ 51,238 Total (1) ​ $ 111,030 ​ $ 21,708 ​ $ 132,738 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Geography (3) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Domestic ​ $ 111,030 ​ $ 21,708 ​ $ 132,738 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Nine months ended September 29, 2023 ​ Energy Engineering and Consulting Total ​ (in thousands) Contract Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Time-and-materials ​ $ 26,038 ​ $ 47,626 ​ $ 73,664 Unit-based ​ ​ 126,946 ​ ​ 11,616 ​ ​ 138,562 Fixed price ​ ​ 139,346 ​ ​ 2,846 ​ ​ 142,192 Total (1) ​ $ 292,330 ​ $ 62,088 ​ $ 354,418 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Client Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial ​ $ 21,607 ​ $ 4,128 ​ $ 25,735 Government ​ ​ 119,028 ​ ​ 57,759 ​ ​ 176,787 Utilities (2) ​ ​ 151,695 ​ ​ 201 ​ ​ 151,896 Total (1) ​ $ 292,330 ​ $ 62,088 ​ $ 354,418 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Geography (3) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Domestic ​ $ 292,330 ​ $ 62,088 ​ $ 354,418 (1) Amounts may not add to the totals due to rounding. (2) Includes the portion of revenue related to small business programs paid by the end user/customer. (3) Revenue from the Company’s foreign operations were not material for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2024 and September 29, 2023. ​ Geographical Information ​ Substantially all of the Company’s consolidated revenue was derived from its operations in the U.S. The Company operates through a network of offices spread across 22 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and Canada. Revenues from the Company’s Puerto Rican and Canadian operations were not material for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2024, nor for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2023. Customer Concentration For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2024, the Company’s top 10 customers accounted for 49.1%, and 49.5%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated contract revenue. For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2023, the Company’s top 10 customers accounted for 52.9% , and 50.6% , respectively, of the Company’s consolidated contract revenue. For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2024 and September 29, 2023, the Company had no individual customers that accounted for more than 10% of its consolidated contract revenue . On a segment basis, the Company reports customers that accounted for more than 10% of its segment contract revenues. For the three months ended September 27, 2024, the Company derived 22.1% of its Energy segment revenues from two customers, Southern California Edison and Clark County School District. or the nine months ended September 27, 2024, no single customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s Energy segment revenues. For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2024, no single customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s Engineering and Consulting segment revenues. For the three months ended September 29, 2023, the Company derived 21.7% of its Energy segment revenues from two customers, Pueblo County School District and Dormitory Authority State of New York (“DASNY”). For the nine months ended September 29, 2023, the Company derived 22.7% of its Energy Segment revenues from two customers, LADWP”) and DASNY. For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2023, no single customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s Engineering and Consulting segment revenues. On a geographical basis, the Company’s largest clients are based in California and New York. For the three and nine months ended September 27, 2024, services provided to clients in California accounted for 42.2% and 43.3%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated contract revenue, and services provided to clients in New York accounted for 21.0% and 23.7%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated contract revenue. For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2023, services provided to clients in California accounted for 42.8% and 42.2%, respectively, of the Company’s contract revenue and services provided to clients in New York accounted for 23.6% and 24.7%, respectively, of the Company’s contract revenue.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
INCOME TAXES
INCOME TAXES	10. INCOME TAXES Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities, subject to a judgmental assessment of the recoverability of deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. Significant judgment is applied when assessing the need for valuation allowances and includes the evaluation of historical income (loss) adjusted for the effects of non-recurring items and the impact of recent business combinations. Areas of estimation include the Company’s consideration of future taxable income which is driven by verifiable signed contracts and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Should a change in circumstances lead to a change in judgment about the utilization of deferred tax assets in future years, the Company would adjust the related valuation allowances in the period that the change in circumstances occurs, along with a corresponding increase or charge to income. At the end of fiscal year 2023, the Company’s total valuation allowance was $1.2 million, remaining unchanged from the end of fiscal year 2022. As of September 27, 2024, the Company assessed all available positive and negative evidence available to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, there was a change in judgment related to the utilization of deferred tax assets in future years. The Company concluded that as of September 27, 2024, the valuation allowance for the Company’s deferred tax assets was appropriate in accordance with ASC 740. Consequently, there was no change to the valuation allowance during the three and nine months ended September 27, 2024. For acquired business entities, if the Company identifies changes to acquired deferred tax asset valuation allowances or liabilities related to uncertain tax positions during the measurement period and they relate to new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date, those changes are considered a measurement period adjustment, and the Company records the offset to goodwill. The Company records all other changes to deferred tax asset valuation allowances and liabilities related to uncertain tax positions in current period income tax expense. The Company recognizes the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions if it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on examination by the tax authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit is measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During the three and nine months ended September 27, 2024, and the three and nine months ended September 29, 2023, the Company did not record a liability for uncertain tax positions. Based on the Company’s estimates and determination of an effective tax rate for the year, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $0.2 million and $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2024, respectively, compared to an income tax expense of $0.7 million and $1.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 29, 2023, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 27, 2024, the difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate was primarily attributable to state taxes, nondeductible executive compensation, deductions related to stock option exercises, research and development tax credits, and the energy-efficiency building deduction. During the three and nine months ended September 29, 2023, the difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate was primarily attributable to state taxes, non-deductible stock compensation, nondeductible executive compensation, research and development tax credits, and the energy-efficiency building deduction. ​

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS")

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS")	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)
EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)	11. EARNINGS PER SHARE (“EPS”) Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive potential common shares for the period. Potential common shares include the weighted-average dilutive effects of outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards using the treasury stock method. The following table sets forth the number of weighted-average common shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted EPS: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Three months ended ​ Nine months ended ​ ​ September 27, ​ September 29, ​ September 27, ​ September 29, ​ 2024 2023 2024 2023 ​ ​ (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net income (loss) ​ $ 7,346 ​ $ 1,566 ​ $ 14,882 ​ $ 2,895 Weighted-average common shares outstanding ​ 13,930 ​ 13,462 ​ 13,753 ​ 13,357 Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards ​ 428 ​ 247 ​ 377 ​ 206 Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted ​ 14,358 ​ 13,709 ​ 14,130 ​ 13,563 Earnings (Loss) per share: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Basic ​ $ 0.53 ​ $ 0.12 ​ $ 1.08 ​ $ 0.22 Diluted ​ $ 0.51 ​ $ 0.11 ​ $ 1.05 ​ $ 0.21 ​ For the three months ended September 27, 2024, the Company did not exclude any shares subject to outstanding equity awards from the calculation of diluted shares. For the nine months ended September 27, 2024, the Company excluded 269,000 common shares subject to outstanding equity awards from the calculation of diluted shares because their impact would have been anti-dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 29, 2023, the Company excluded 363,000 and 389,000 common shares subject to outstanding equity awards, respectively, from the calculation of diluted shares because their impact would have been anti-dilutive. ​

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
CONTINGENCIES
CONTINGENCIES	12. CONTINGENCIES Claims and Lawsuits The Company is subject to claims and lawsuits from time to time, including those alleging professional errors or omissions that arise in the ordinary course of business against firms that operate in the engineering and consulting professions. The Company carries professional liability insurance, subject to certain deductibles and policy limits, for such claims as they arise and may from time to time establish reserves for litigation that is considered probable of a loss. In accordance with accounting standards regarding loss contingencies, the Company accrues an undiscounted liability for those contingencies where the incurrence of a loss is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated, and discloses the amount accrued and an estimate of any reasonably possible loss in excess of the amount accrued, if such disclosure is necessary for the Company’s financial statements not to be misleading. The Company does not accrue liabilities when the likelihood that the liability has been incurred is probable but the amount cannot be reasonably estimated, or when the liability is believed to be only reasonably possible or remote. Because litigation outcomes are inherently unpredictable, the Company’s evaluation of legal proceedings often involves a series of complex assessments by management about future events and can rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. If the assessments indicate that loss contingencies that could be material to any one of the Company’s financial statements are not probable, but are reasonably possible, or are probable, but cannot be estimated, then the Company will disclose the nature of the loss contingencies, together with an estimate of the possible loss or a statement that such loss is not reasonably estimable. While the consequences of certain unresolved proceedings are not presently determinable, and a reasonable estimate of the probable and reasonably possible loss or range of loss in excess of amounts accrued for such proceedings cannot be made, an adverse outcome from such proceedings could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s earnings in any given reporting period. However, in the opinion of the Company’s management, after consulting with legal counsel, and taking into account insurance coverage, the ultimate liability related to current outstanding claims and lawsuits is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial statements. ​

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS ​ In accordance with ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events, the Company evaluates subsequent events up until the date the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are issued. ​ On October 23, 2024 (the “Enica Closing Date”), the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, WES, acquired substantially all of the assets of Enica Engineering, PLLC. (“Enica”), pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2024 (the “Enica Agreement”), by and among the Company, WES, Genesys, Enica, and Reed Berinato (“Berinato”) and Mark Prewett (“Prewett” and, together with Berinato, the “Enica Members”). ​ Pursuant to the terms of the Enica Agreement, the purchase price consists of (i) $12.0 million to be paid in cash on the Enica Closing Date (subject to holdbacks and adjustments) and (ii) up to $6.0 million in cash if Enica exceeds certain financial targets during the two years after the Enica Closing Date; for a potential maximum purchase price of $18.0 million. The Enica Agreement contains customary representations and warranties regarding the Company, WES, Genesys, Enica, and the Enica members, indemnification provisions and other provisions customary for transactions of this nature. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Company, WES, and Genesys provided guarantees to the Enica Members which guarantee certain of Enica’s obligations under the Enica Agreement. The Company used cash on hand to fund the initial purchase price. Enica is an energy efficiency company that provides an array of services around energy projects, metering, and consulting services to help its customers drive energy efficiency, decarbonization, and energy reduction. Enica’s financial information will be included within the Company’s Energy segment beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 and the Company expects to finalize the purchase price allocation related to this transaction by the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2025. ​ ​ ​ ​

Pay vs Performance Disclosure

Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Jun. 28, 2024	Mar. 29, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Jun. 30, 2023	Mar. 31, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
Pay vs Performance Disclosure
Net Income (Loss)	$ 7,346	$ 4,594	$ 2,942	$ 1,566	$ 397	$ 932	$ 14,882	$ 2,895

Insider Trading Arrangements

Insider Trading Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
Trading Arrangements, by Individual
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS O_2

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY
Basis of Presentation	The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Part II, Item 8, Note 1, Organization and Operations of the Company
Fiscal Years	Fiscal Years The Company operates and reports its annual financial results based on 52 or 53-week periods ending on the Friday closest to December 31. The Company operates and reports its quarterly financial results based on the 13-week period ending on the Friday closest to June 30, September 30, and December 31 and the 13 or 14-week period ending on the Friday closest to March 31, as applicable. Fiscal year 2024, which ends on December 27, 2024, will be comprised of 52 weeks, with all quarters consisting of 13 weeks each. Fiscal year 2023, which ended on December 29, 2023, was comprised of 52 weeks, with all quarters consisting of 13 weeks each. All references to years in the notes to consolidated financial statements represent fiscal years.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Estimates also affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
Accounting Pronouncements Recently Issued	Accounting Pronouncements Recently Issued In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”). ASU 2023-09 amends the rules on income tax disclosures to require entities to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation, the income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit (separated between domestic and foreign) and income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations (separated by federal, state, and foreign). In addition, ASU 2023-09 requires entities to disclose their income tax payments to international, federal, state, and local jurisdictions, among other changes. The amendments can be applied on a prospective basis although retrospective application is permitted. The amendments are effective for the annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this update will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-07”). ASU 2023-07 expands segment disclosure requirements through enhanced disclosures related to significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and any additional measures of a segment’s profit or loss used by the CODM when deciding how to allocate resources. All disclosure requirements under ASU 2023-07 are also required for public entities with a single reportable segment. The amendments are effective for the fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this update will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, “Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative” (“ASU 2023-06”). ASU 2023-06 amends U.S. GAAP to reflect updates and simplifications to certain disclosure and presentation requirements referred to FASB by the SEC. The targeted amendments incorporate 14 of the 27 disclosures referred by the SEC into codification. Each amendment in ASU 2023-06 is effective on either the date on which the SEC’s removal of the related disclosure requirement from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective, or on June 30, 2027, if the SEC has not removed the requirements by that date. The Company does not believe the amendments in ASU 2023-06 will have a material impact in any of the Company’s current disclosures.
Revenue Recognition	3. REVENUES The Company enters into contracts with its clients that contain various types of pricing provisions, including fixed price, time-and-materials, and unit-based provisions. The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customer, codified as ASC Topic 606 and the related amendments (collectively “ASC 606”). As such, the Company identifies a contract with a customer, identifies the performance obligations in the contract, determines the transaction price, allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation in the contract and recognizes revenues when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The following table reflects the Company’s two reportable segments and the types of contracts that each most commonly enters into for revenue generating activities. ​ Segment Contract Type Revenue Recognition Method ​ Time-and-materials Time-and-materials Energy Unit-based Unit-based ​ Software license Unit-based ​ Fixed price Percentage-of-completion ​ Time-and-materials Time-and-materials Engineering and Consulting Unit-based Unit-based ​ Fixed price Percentage-of-completion ​ Revenue on the vast majority of the Company’s contracts is recognized over time because of the continuous transfer of control to the customer. Revenue on fixed price contracts is recognized on the percentage-of-completion method based generally on the ratio of direct costs incurred-to-date to estimated total direct costs at completion. The Company uses the percentage-of-completion method to better match the level of work performed at a certain point in time in relation to the effort that will be required to complete a project. In addition, the percentage-of-completion method is a common method of revenue recognition in the Company’s industry. Many of the Company’s fixed price contracts involve a high degree of subcontracted fixed price effort and, usually, are relatively short in duration, thereby lowering the risks of not properly estimating the percent complete. Revenue on time-and-materials and unit-based contracts is recognized as the work is performed in accordance with the specific rates and terms of the contract. The Company recognizes revenues for time-and-materials contracts based upon the actual hours incurred during a reporting period at contractually agreed upon rates per hour and also includes in revenue all reimbursable costs incurred during a reporting period. Certain of the Company’s time-and-materials contracts are subject to maximum contract values and, accordingly, when revenue is expected to exceed the maximum contract value, these contracts are generally recognized under the percentage-of-completion method, consistent with fixed price contracts. For unit-based contracts, the Company recognizes the contract price of units of a basic production product as revenue when the production product is delivered during a period. Revenue for amounts that have been billed but not earned is deferred, and such deferred revenue is referred to as contract liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company also derives revenue from software licenses and professional services and maintenance fees. In accordance with ASC 606, the Company performs an assessment of each contract to identify the performance obligations, determine the overall transaction price for the contract, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations, and recognize the revenue when the performance obligations are satisfied. The Company utilizes the residual approach by which it estimates the standalone selling price by reference to the total transaction price less the sum of the observable standalone selling prices of other goods or services promised in the contract. The software license revenue is typically recognized at a point in time when control is transferred to the client, which is defined as the point in time when the client can use and benefit from the license. The software license is delivered before related services are provided and is functional without services, updates, or technical support. Related professional services include training and support services in which the standalone selling price is determined based on an input measure of hours incurred to total estimated hours and is recognized over time, which usually is the life of the contract. To determine the proper revenue recognition method for contracts, the Company evaluates whether two or more contracts should be combined and accounted for as one single contract and whether the combined contract should be accounted for as one performance obligation. With respect to the Company’s contracts, it is rare that multiple contracts should be combined into a single performance obligation. This evaluation requires significant judgment and the decision to combine a group of contracts or separate a single contract into multiple performance obligations could change the amount of revenue and profit recorded in a given period. Contracts are considered to have a single performance obligation if the promise to transfer the individual goods or services is not separately identifiable from other promises in the contracts, which is mainly because the Company provides a significant service of integrating a complex set of tasks and components into a single project or capability. The Company may enter into contracts that include separate phases or elements. If each phase or element is negotiated separately based on the technical resources required and/or the supply and demand for the services being provided, the Company evaluates if the contracts should be segmented. If certain criteria are met, the contracts would be segmented which could result in revenues being assigned to the different elements or phases with different rates of profitability based on the relative value of each element or phase to the estimated total contract revenue. Segmented contracts may comprise up to approximately 2.0% to 3.0% of the Company’s consolidated contract revenue. Contracts that cover multiple phases or elements of the project or service lifecycle (development, construction and maintenance and support) may be considered to have multiple performance obligations even when they are part of a single contract. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation using the best estimate of the standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract. For the periods presented, the value of the separate performance obligations under contracts with multiple performance obligations (generally measurement and verification tasks under certain energy performance contracts) were not material. In cases where the Company does not provide the distinct good or service on a standalone basis, the primary method used to estimate standalone selling price is the expected cost plus a margin approach, under which the Company forecasts the Company’s expected costs of satisfying a performance obligation and then adds an appropriate margin for the distinct good or service. The Company provides quality of workmanship warranties to customers that are included in the sale and are not priced or sold separately or do not provide customers with a service in addition to assurance of compliance with agreed-upon specifications and industry standards. The Company does not consider these types of warranties to be separate performance obligations. In some cases, the Company has a master service or blanket agreement with a customer under which each task order releases the Company to perform specific portions of the overall scope in the service contract. Each task order is typically accounted for as a separate contract because the task order establishes the enforceable rights and obligations, and payment terms. Under ASC 606, variable consideration should be considered when determining the transaction price and estimates should be made for the variable consideration component of the transaction price, as well as assessing whether an estimate of variable consideration is constrained. For certain of the Company’s contracts, variable consideration can arise from modifications to the scope of services resulting from unapproved change orders or customer claims. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. The Company estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on assessments of legal enforceability, the Company’s performance, and all information (historical, current and forecasted) that is reasonably available to the Company. Due to the nature of the work required to be performed on many of the Company’s performance obligations, the estimation of total revenue and cost at completion is complex, subject to many variables and requires significant judgment. As a significant change in one or more of these estimates could affect the profitability of the Company’s contracts, the Company reviews and updates the Company’s contract-related estimates regularly through a company-wide disciplined project review process in which management reviews the progress and execution of the Company’s performance obligations and the estimate at completion (“EAC”). As part of this process, management reviews information including, but not limited to, any outstanding key contract matters, progress towards completion and the related program schedule and the related changes in estimates of revenues and costs. Management must make assumptions and estimates regarding labor productivity and availability, the complexity of the work to be performed, the cost and availability of materials, the performance of subcontractors, and the availability and timing of funding from the customer, among other variables. The Company recognizes adjustments in estimated profit on contracts under the cumulative catch-up method. Under this method, the impact of the adjustment on profit recorded to date is recognized in the period the adjustment is identified. Revenue and profit in future periods of contract performance is recognized using the adjusted estimate. If at any time the estimate of contract profitability indicates an anticipated loss on the contract, the Company recognizes the full amount of estimated loss in the period it is identified. Contracts are often modified to account for changes in contract specifications and requirements. The Company considers contract modifications to exist when the modification either creates new rights or obligations or changes the existing enforceable rights or obligations. Most of the Company’s contract modifications are for goods or services that are not distinct from existing contracts due to the significant integration provided in the context of the contract and are accounted for as if they were part of the original contract. The effect of a contract modification that is not distinct from the existing contract on the transaction price and the Company’s measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates is recognized as an adjustment to revenue (either as an increase in or a reduction of revenue) on a cumulative catch-up basis. For contract modifications that result in the promise to deliver goods or services that are distinct from the existing contract and the increase in price of the contract is for the same amount as the standalone selling price of the additional goods or services included in the modification, the Company accounts for such contract modifications as a separate contract. The Company includes claims to vendors, subcontractors and others as a receivable and a reduction in recognized costs when enforceability of the claim is established by the contract and the amounts are reasonably estimable and probable of being recovered. The amounts are recorded up to the extent of the lesser of the amounts management expects to recover or to costs incurred. Billing practices are governed by the contract terms of each project based upon costs incurred, achievement of milestones or pre-agreed schedules. Billings do not necessarily correlate with revenue recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of revenue recognition. Direct costs of contract revenue consist primarily of that portion of technical and nontechnical salaries and wages that has been incurred in connection with revenue producing projects. Direct costs of contract revenue also include production expenses, subcontractor services and other expenses that are incurred in connection with revenue producing projects. Direct costs of contract revenue exclude that portion of technical and nontechnical salaries and wages related to marketing efforts, vacations, holidays and other time not spent directly generating revenue under existing contracts. Such costs are included in general and administrative expenses. Additionally, payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefit costs for all Company personnel are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income since no allocation of these costs is made to direct costs of contract revenue. No allocation of facilities costs is made to direct costs of contract revenue. Other companies may classify as direct costs of contract revenue some of the costs that the Company classifies as general and administrative costs. The Company expenses direct costs of contract revenue when incurred. Included in revenue and costs are all reimbursable costs for which the Company has the risk or on which the fee was based at the time of bid or negotiation. No revenue or cost is recorded for costs in which the Company acts solely in the capacity of an agent and has no risks associated with such costs. Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based upon a review of all outstanding amounts on a quarterly basis. Management determines allowances for doubtful accounts through specific identification of amounts considered to be uncollectible and potential write-offs, plus a non-specific allowance for other amounts for which some potential loss has been determined to be probable based on current and past experience. The Company’s historical credit losses have been minimal with governmental entities and large public utilities, but disputes may arise related to these receivable amounts. Accounts receivable are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded when received. Retainage, included in contract assets, represents amounts withheld from billings to the Company’s clients pursuant to provisions in the contracts and may not be paid to the Company until specific tasks are completed or the project is completed and, in some instances, for even longer periods. As of September 27, 2024 and December 29, 2023, contract assets included retainage of approximately $18.9 million and $14.3 million, respectively.

REVENUES (Tables)

REVENUES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
REVENUES
Schedule of contracts by reportable segments and type of contracts	​ Segment Contract Type Revenue Recognition Method ​ Time-and-materials Time-and-materials Energy Unit-based Unit-based ​ Software license Unit-based ​ Fixed price Percentage-of-completion ​ Time-and-materials Time-and-materials Engineering and Consulting Unit-based Unit-based ​ Fixed price Percentage-of-completion

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEM_2

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA
Schedule of reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ September 27, ​ December 29, ​ 2024 2023 ​ ​ (in thousands) Cash and cash equivalents ​ $ 53,106 ​ $ 23,397 Restricted cash ​ — ​ — Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows ​ $ 53,106 ​ $ 23,397
Schedule of equipment and leasehold improvements	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ September 27, ​ December 29, ​ 2024 2023 ​ ​ (in thousands) Furniture and fixtures ​ $ 4,501 ​ $ 4,379 Computer hardware and software ​ 50,070 ​ 44,594 Leasehold improvements ​ 3,551 ​ 3,382 Equipment under finance leases ​ 6,969 ​ 6,139 Automobiles, trucks, and field equipment ​ 3,551 ​ 3,373 Subtotal ​ 68,642 ​ 61,867 Accumulated depreciation and amortization ​ (39,687) ​ (34,770) Equipment and leasehold improvements, net ​ $ 28,955 ​ $ 27,097
Schedule of accrued liabilities	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ September 27, ​ December 29, ​ 2024 2023 ​ ​ (in thousands) Accrued subcontractor costs ​ $ 32,122 ​ $ 30,196 Accrued bonuses ​ ​ 13,331 ​ ​ 14,423 Employee withholdings ​ 4,079 ​ 3,123 Compensation and payroll taxes ​ 4,705 ​ 3,125 Rebate and other ​ ​ — ​ ​ 139 Accrued accounting costs and taxes ​ 4,284 ​ 3,123 Total accrued liabilities ​ $ 58,521 ​ $ 54,129
Schedule of changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reporting unit	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ December 29, ​ Additional ​ Additions / ​ September 27, ​ 2023 Purchase Cost Adjustments 2024 ​ ​ (in thousands) Reporting Unit: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Energy ​ $ 129,375 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 129,375 Engineering and Consulting ​ ​ 1,769 ​ ​ — ​ ​ — ​ ​ 1,769 ​ ​ $ 131,144 ​ $ — ​ $ — ​ $ 131,144
Schedule of gross amounts and accumulated amortization of acquired identifiable intangible assets with finite useful lives	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ September 27, 2024 ​ December 29, 2023 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gross ​ Accumulated ​ Gross ​ Accumulated ​ Amortization ​ Amount Amortization Amount Amortization Period ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ (in years) Finite: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Backlog ​ $ 8,306 ​ $ 8,306 ​ $ 8,306 ​ $ 8,095 ​ 1.0 Tradename ​ ​ 15,936 ​ ​ 13,074 ​ ​ 15,936 ​ ​ 12,695 2.5 ​ - ​ 6.0 Non-compete agreements ​ ​ 1,613 ​ ​ 1,476 ​ ​ 1,613 ​ ​ 1,440 ​ 4.0 ​ - ​ 5.0 Developed technology ​ ​ 15,810 ​ ​ 15,121 ​ ​ 15,810 ​ ​ 14,521 ​ 8.0 Customer relationships ​ ​ 58,149 ​ ​ 35,296 ​ ​ 58,149 ​ ​ 31,107 ​ 5.0 ​ - ​ 8.0 Total intangible assets ​ $ 99,814 ​ $ 73,273 ​ $ 99,814 ​ $ 67,858 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_2

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Schedule of the fair values of outstanding derivatives designated as hedging instruments	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Fair Value of Derivative ​ ​ Instruments as of ​ ​ Balance Sheet Location ​ September 27, 2024 ​ December 29, 2023 ​ ​ ​ ​ (in thousands) Interest rate swap agreement ​ Current assets ​ $ — ​ $ 46 Interest rate swap agreement ​ Accrued liabilities ​ ​ (339) ​ ​ — Interest rate swap agreement ​ Other noncurrent liabilities ​ ​ (683) ​ ​ (887)
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gain (Loss) on ​ Accumulated Other ​ Derivative Instruments Comprehensive Income (Loss) ​ ​ (in thousands) Balances at December 29, 2023 ​ $ (664) ​ $ (664) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications ​ ​ 549 ​ ​ 549 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments ​ ​ (115) ​ ​ (115) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) ​ ​ 434 ​ ​ 434 Balances at March 29, 2024 ​ $ (230) ​ $ (230) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications ​ ​ 127 ​ ​ 127 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments ​ ​ (26) ​ ​ (26) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) ​ ​ 101 ​ ​ 101 Balances at June 28, 2024 ​ $ (129) ​ $ (129) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications ​ ​ (858) ​ ​ (858) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments ​ ​ 180 ​ ​ 180 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) ​ ​ (678) ​ ​ (678) Balances at September 27, 2024 ​ $ (807) ​ $ (807)

DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)

DEBT OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
DEBT OBLIGATIONS
Schedule of debt obligations, excluding obligations under capital leases	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ September 27, December 29, ​ ​ 2024 ​ 2023 ​ ​ (in thousands) Outstanding borrowings on Term Loan ​ $ 92,500 ​ $ 98,125 Outstanding borrowings on Revolving Credit Facility ​ ​ — ​ ​ — Other debt agreements ​ ​ 137 ​ ​ 327 Total debt ​ ​ 92,637 ​ ​ 98,452 Issuance costs and debt discounts ​ ​ (743) ​ ​ (1,021) Subtotal ​ ​ 91,894 ​ ​ 97,431 Less current portion of long-term debt ​ 10,137 ​ 8,452 Long-term debt portion ​ $ 81,757 ​ $ 88,979

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
LEASES
Summary of the Lease Expense	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Three Months Ended ​ Nine Months Ended ​ September 27, ​ September 29, ​ September 27, ​ September 29, ​ 2024 2023 2024 2023 ​ (in thousands) ​ (in thousands) Operating lease cost $ 1,522 ​ $ 1,464 ​ $ 4,579 ​ $ 4,621 Sublease Income ​ (14) ​ ​ (30) ​ ​ (42) ​ ​ (30) Finance lease cost: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Amortization of assets ​ 392 ​ ​ 340 ​ ​ 1,114 ​ ​ 969 Interest on lease liabilities ​ 46 ​ ​ 28 ​ ​ 112 ​ ​ 74 Total net lease cost $ 1,946 ​ $ 1,802 ​ $ 5,763 ​ $ 5,634
Summary of Lease Information Presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ September 27, December 29, ​ ​ ​ 2024 ​ 2023 ​ ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ Operating leases: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Right-of-use assets ​ $ 14,366 ​ $ 12,465 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Lease liability ​ $ 5,509 ​ $ 4,537 ​ Lease liability, less current portion ​ 10,593 ​ 9,758 ​ Total lease liabilities ​ $ 16,102 ​ $ 14,295 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Finance leases (included in equipment and leasehold improvements, net): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Equipment and leasehold improvements, net ​ $ 6,969 ​ $ 6,139 ​ Accumulated depreciation ​ (4,458) ​ (3,837) ​ Total equipment and leasehold improvements, net ​ $ 2,511 ​ $ 2,302 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Finance lease obligations ​ $ 1,175 ​ $ 1,186 ​ Finance lease obligations, less current portion ​ ​ 1,453 ​ ​ 1,184 ​ Total finance lease obligations ​ $ 2,628 ​ $ 2,370 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted average remaining lease term (in years): ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating Leases ​ ​ 3.05 ​ ​ 3.43 ​ Finance Leases ​ ​ 2.49 ​ ​ 2.31 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Weighted average discount rate: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating Leases ​ ​ 6.91 % ​ 6.09 % Finance Leases ​ ​ 6.68 % ​ 5.19 %
Summary of Other Information and Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Finance and Operating Leases	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Nine Months Ended ​ ​ September 27, ​ September 29, ​ ​ 2024 2023 ​ ​ (in thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating cash flow from operating leases ​ $ 4,707 ​ $ 4,318 Operating cash flow from finance leases ​ ​ 112 ​ ​ 74 Financing cash flow from finance leases ​ ​ 1,064 ​ ​ 951 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating leases ​ $ 5,757 ​ $ 4,316
Summary of the Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating Finance ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ Fiscal year: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Remainder of 2024 ​ $ 1,588 ​ $ 438 ​ 2025 ​ 6,278 ​ 1,158 ​ 2026 ​ 5,100 ​ ​ 824 ​ 2027 ​ ​ 2,667 ​ ​ 313 ​ 2028 ​ ​ 1,673 ​ 94 ​ 2029 and thereafter ​ 750 ​ 27 ​ Total lease payments ​ ​ 18,056 ​ ​ 2,854 ​ Less: Imputed interest ​ (1,954) ​ ​ (226) ​ Total lease obligations ​ 16,102 ​ ​ 2,628 ​ Less: Current obligations ​ 5,509 ​ ​ 1,175 ​ Noncurrent lease obligations ​ $ 10,593 ​ $ 1,453 ​
Summary of the Maturities of Finance Lease Liabilities	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Operating Finance ​ ​ (in thousands) ​ Fiscal year: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Remainder of 2024 ​ $ 1,588 ​ $ 438 ​ 2025 ​ 6,278 ​ 1,158 ​ 2026 ​ 5,100 ​ ​ 824 ​ 2027 ​ ​ 2,667 ​ ​ 313 ​ 2028 ​ ​ 1,673 ​ 94 ​ 2029 and thereafter ​ 750 ​ 27 ​ Total lease payments ​ ​ 18,056 ​ ​ 2,854 ​ Less: Imputed interest ​ (1,954) ​ ​ (226) ​ Total lease obligations ​ 16,102 ​ ​ 2,628 ​ Less: Current obligations ​ 5,509 ​ ​ 1,175 ​ Noncurrent lease obligations ​ $ 10,593 ​ $ 1,453 ​

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFO_2

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Schedule of financial information with respect to the reportable segments	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Engineering ​ Unallocated ​ ​ ​ ​ Consolidated ​ Energy & Consulting Corporate Intersegment Total ​ ​ (in thousands) Fiscal Three Months Ended September 27, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contract revenue ​ $ 134,036 ​ $ 24,216 ​ $ - ​ $ - ​ $ 158,252 Depreciation and amortization ​ ​ 3,337 ​ ​ 379 ​ ​ - ​ ​ - ​ ​ 3,716 Interest expense, net ​ ​ - ​ ​ - ​ ​ 1,934 ​ ​ - ​ ​ 1,934 Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense ​ ​ 6,176 ​ ​ 4,280 ​ ​ (2,953) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 7,503 Income tax expense (benefit) ​ ​ (25) ​ ​ 85 ​ ​ 97 ​ ​ - ​ ​ 157 Net income (loss) ​ ​ 6,202 ​ ​ 4,194 ​ ​ (3,050) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 7,346 Segment assets (1) ​ ​ 348,617 ​ ​ 29,523 ​ ​ 92,243 ​ ​ (23,130) ​ ​ 447,253 Fiscal Three Months Ended September 29, 2023 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contract revenue ​ $ 111,030 ​ $ 21,708 ​ $ - ​ $ - ​ $ 132,738 Depreciation and amortization ​ ​ 3,854 ​ ​ 336 ​ ​ - ​ ​ - ​ ​ 4,190 Interest expense, net ​ ​ 2 ​ ​ - ​ ​ 2,435 ​ ​ - ​ ​ 2,437 Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense ​ ​ 2,814 ​ ​ 2,853 ​ ​ (3,388) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 2,279 Income tax expense (benefit) ​ ​ 852 ​ ​ 728 ​ ​ (867) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 713 Net income (loss) ​ ​ 1,961 ​ ​ 2,127 ​ ​ (2,522) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 1,566 Segment assets (1) ​ ​ 340,422 ​ ​ 26,901 ​ ​ 57,427 ​ ​ (23,130) ​ ​ 401,620 Fiscal Nine Months Ended September 27, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contract revenue ​ $ 352,634 ​ $ 69,103 ​ $ - ​ $ - ​ $ 421,737 Depreciation and amortization ​ ​ 9,800 ​ ​ 1,137 ​ ​ - ​ ​ - ​ ​ 10,937 Interest expense, net ​ ​ - ​ ​ - ​ ​ 6,031 ​ ​ - ​ ​ 6,031 Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense ​ ​ 15,886 ​ ​ 9,608 ​ ​ (8,749) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 16,745 Income tax expense (benefit) ​ ​ 1,767 ​ ​ 1,069 ​ ​ (973) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 1,863 Net income (loss) ​ ​ 14,119 ​ ​ 8,539 ​ ​ (7,776) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 14,882 Segment assets (1) ​ ​ 348,617 ​ ​ 29,523 ​ ​ 92,243 ​ ​ (23,130) ​ ​ 447,253 Fiscal Nine Months Ended September 29, 2023 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Contract revenue ​ $ 292,330 ​ $ 62,088 ​ $ - ​ $ - ​ $ 354,418 Depreciation and amortization ​ ​ 11,655 ​ ​ 863 ​ ​ - ​ ​ - ​ ​ 12,518 Interest expense, net ​ ​ 5 ​ ​ - ​ ​ 7,105 ​ ​ - ​ ​ 7,110 Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense ​ ​ 6,188 ​ ​ 8,658 ​ ​ (10,239) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 4,607 Income tax expense (benefit) ​ ​ 2,300 ​ ​ 3,218 ​ ​ (3,806) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 1,712 Net income (loss) ​ ​ 3,888 ​ ​ 5,440 ​ ​ (6,433) ​ ​ - ​ ​ 2,895 Segment assets (1) ​ ​ 340,422 ​ ​ 26,901 ​ ​ 57,427 ​ ​ (23,130) ​ ​ 401,620 (1) Segment assets are presented net of intercompany receivables.
Schedule of disaggregation of revenue	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Three months ended September 27, 2024 ​ Energy Engineering and Consulting Total ​ (in thousands) Contract Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Time-and-materials ​ $ 7,953 ​ $ 17,767 ​ $ 25,720 Unit-based ​ ​ 52,487 ​ ​ 4,993 ​ ​ 57,480 Fixed price ​ ​ 73,596 ​ ​ 1,456 ​ ​ 75,052 Total (1) ​ $ 134,036 ​ $ 24,216 ​ $ 158,252 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Client Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial ​ $ 7,964 ​ $ 1,968 ​ $ 9,932 Government ​ ​ 61,115 ​ ​ 22,155 ​ ​ 83,270 Utilities (2) ​ ​ 64,957 ​ ​ 93 ​ ​ 65,050 Total (1) ​ $ 134,036 ​ $ 24,216 ​ $ 158,252 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Geography (3) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Domestic ​ $ 134,036 ​ $ 24,216 ​ $ 158,252 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Nine months ended September 27, 2024 ​ Energy Engineering and Consulting Total ​ (in thousands) Contract Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Time-and-materials ​ $ 25,190 ​ $ 51,193 ​ $ 76,383 Unit-based ​ ​ 147,022 ​ ​ 14,375 ​ ​ 161,397 Fixed price ​ ​ 180,422 ​ ​ 3,535 ​ ​ 183,957 Total (1) ​ $ 352,634 ​ $ 69,103 ​ $ 421,737 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Client Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial ​ $ 23,858 ​ $ 5,281 ​ $ 29,139 Government ​ ​ 148,403 ​ ​ 63,614 ​ ​ 212,017 Utilities (2) ​ ​ 180,373 ​ ​ 208 ​ ​ 180,581 Total (1) ​ $ 352,634 ​ $ 69,103 ​ $ 421,737 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Geography (3) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Domestic ​ $ 352,634 ​ $ 69,103 ​ $ 421,737 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Three months ended September 29, 2023 ​ Energy Engineering and Consulting Total ​ (in thousands) Contract Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Time-and-materials ​ $ 9,382 ​ $ 16,629 ​ $ 26,011 Unit-based ​ ​ 42,119 ​ ​ 4,182 ​ ​ 46,301 Fixed price ​ ​ 59,529 ​ ​ 897 ​ ​ 60,426 Total (1) ​ $ 111,030 ​ $ 21,708 ​ $ 132,738 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Client Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial ​ $ 7,448 ​ $ 1,588 ​ $ 9,036 Government ​ ​ 52,410 ​ ​ 20,054 ​ ​ 72,464 Utilities (2) ​ ​ 51,172 ​ ​ 66 ​ ​ 51,238 Total (1) ​ $ 111,030 ​ $ 21,708 ​ $ 132,738 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Geography (3) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Domestic ​ $ 111,030 ​ $ 21,708 ​ $ 132,738 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Nine months ended September 29, 2023 ​ Energy Engineering and Consulting Total ​ (in thousands) Contract Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Time-and-materials ​ $ 26,038 ​ $ 47,626 ​ $ 73,664 Unit-based ​ ​ 126,946 ​ ​ 11,616 ​ ​ 138,562 Fixed price ​ ​ 139,346 ​ ​ 2,846 ​ ​ 142,192 Total (1) ​ $ 292,330 ​ $ 62,088 ​ $ 354,418 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Client Type ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Commercial ​ $ 21,607 ​ $ 4,128 ​ $ 25,735 Government ​ ​ 119,028 ​ ​ 57,759 ​ ​ 176,787 Utilities (2) ​ ​ 151,695 ​ ​ 201 ​ ​ 151,896 Total (1) ​ $ 292,330 ​ $ 62,088 ​ $ 354,418 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Geography (3) ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Domestic ​ $ 292,330 ​ $ 62,088 ​ $ 354,418 (1) Amounts may not add to the totals due to rounding. (2) Includes the portion of revenue related to small business programs paid by the end user/customer. (3) Revenue from the Company’s foreign operations were not material for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2024 and September 29, 2023.

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") (Tab

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024
EARNINGS PER SHARE (EPS)
Schedule of number of weighted-average common shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted EPS	​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Three months ended ​ Nine months ended ​ ​ September 27, ​ September 29, ​ September 27, ​ September 29, ​ 2024 2023 2024 2023 ​ ​ (in thousands, except per share amounts) Net income (loss) ​ $ 7,346 ​ $ 1,566 ​ $ 14,882 ​ $ 2,895 Weighted-average common shares outstanding ​ 13,930 ​ 13,462 ​ 13,753 ​ 13,357 Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards ​ 428 ​ 247 ​ 377 ​ 206 Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted ​ 14,358 ​ 13,709 ​ 14,130 ​ 13,563 Earnings (Loss) per share: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Basic ​ $ 0.53 ​ $ 0.12 ​ $ 1.08 ​ $ 0.22 Diluted ​ $ 0.51 ​ $ 0.11 ​ $ 1.05 ​ $ 0.21

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS O_3

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY - Segment Information (Details) - segment	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
Segment Information
Number of reporting segments	2	2	2	2

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS O_4

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY - Fiscal Years (Details)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2024	Sep. 27, 2024	Jun. 28, 2024	Mar. 29, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023	Sep. 29, 2023	Jun. 30, 2023	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023
Entity Information
Length of fiscal period	91 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	91 days	364 days	364 days
Minimum
Entity Information
Length of fiscal period				91 days				91 days	364 days	364 days
Maximum
Entity Information
Length of fiscal period				98 days				98 days	371 days	371 days

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEME_2

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS (Details)	Sep. 27, 2024
Accounting Standards Update 2023-09
New Accounting Pronouncements
Change in Accounting Principle, Accounting Standards Update, Adopted	false
Accounting Standards Update 2023-07
New Accounting Pronouncements
Change in Accounting Principle, Accounting Standards Update, Adopted	false
Accounting Standards Update 2023-06
New Accounting Pronouncements
Change in Accounting Principle, Accounting Standards Update, Adopted	false

REVENUES - Segment Information

REVENUES - Segment Information (Details) - segment	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
Segment Information
Number of reporting segments	2	2	2	2

REVENUES - General Information

REVENUES - General Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Dec. 29, 2023
Revenue
Payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefit costs for all Company personnel	$ 25,876	$ 23,805	$ 78,449	$ 68,606
Revenue of the entity recorded in which it acts solely in the capacity of an agent			0
Retained accounts receivable	$ 18,900		$ 18,900		$ 14,300
Minimum
Revenue
Percent of revenue (as a percent)	2%		2%
Maximum
Revenue
Percent of revenue (as a percent)	3%		3%
Cost of Sales
Revenue
Payroll taxes, bonuses and employee benefit costs for all Company personnel			$ 0
Allocation of facilities costs to contract revenue			$ 0

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEM_3

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023	Sep. 29, 2023	Dec. 30, 2022
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 53,106	$ 23,397
Restricted cash	0	0
Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows	$ 53,106	$ 23,397	$ 12,887	$ 19,485
Restricted Cash, Statement of Financial Position	Restricted cash	Restricted cash

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEM_4

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net - Tabular Disclosure (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Equipment under finance leases	$ 6,969	$ 6,139
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross	68,642	61,867
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(39,687)	(34,770)
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	28,955	27,097
Furniture and Fixtures
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Equipment and leasehold improvements	4,501	4,379
Computer Hardware and Software
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Equipment and leasehold improvements	50,070	44,594
Leasehold Improvements
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Equipment and leasehold improvements	3,551	3,382
Automobiles Trucks and Field Equipment
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
Equipment and leasehold improvements	$ 3,551	$ 3,373

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEM_5

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, Net - Depreciation and Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Dec. 29, 2023
Amortization Expense
Amortization expense	$ 392	$ 340	$ 1,114	$ 969	$ 1,300

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEM_6

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued subcontractor costs	$ 32,122	$ 30,196
Accrued bonuses	13,331	14,423
Employee withholdings	4,079	3,123
Compensation and payroll taxes	4,705	3,125
Rebate and other		139
Accrued accounting costs and taxes	4,284	3,123
Total accrued liabilities	$ 58,521	$ 54,129

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEM_7

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024 USD ($)
Changes in carrying value of goodwill
Goodwill at beginning of period	$ 131,144
Goodwill at end of period	131,144
Energy
Changes in carrying value of goodwill
Goodwill at beginning of period	129,375
Goodwill at end of period	129,375
Engineering and Consulting
Changes in carrying value of goodwill
Goodwill at beginning of period	1,769
Goodwill at end of period	$ 1,769

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEM_8

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Finite-lived Intangible Assets - Gross Amounts and Accumulated Amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Amount	$ 99,814	$ 99,814
Accumulated Amortization	73,273	67,858
Backlog
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Amount	8,306	8,306
Accumulated Amortization	8,306	8,095
Tradename
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Amount	15,936	15,936
Accumulated Amortization	13,074	12,695
Non-compete agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Amount	1,613	1,613
Accumulated Amortization	1,476	1,440
Developed technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Amount	15,810	15,810
Accumulated Amortization	15,121	14,521
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Amount	58,149	58,149
Accumulated Amortization	$ 35,296	$ 31,107

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEM_9

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT DATA - Finite-lived Intangible Assets - Amortization Period (Details)	Sep. 27, 2024
Backlog
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Amortization Period	1 year
Tradename | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Amortization Period	2 years 6 months
Tradename | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Amortization Period	6 years
Non-compete agreements | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Amortization Period	4 years
Non-compete agreements | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Amortization Period	5 years
Developed technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Amortization Period	8 years
Customer relationships | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Amortization Period	5 years
Customer relationships | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Amortization Period	8 years

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_3

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - General Information (Details) - Interest Rate Swap - Cash Flow Hedging $ in Millions	Nov. 30, 2023 USD ($)
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative, inception date	Nov. 30, 2023
Notional amount	$ 50
Fixed rate (as a percent)	4.77%
Derivative, contract end date	Sep. 29, 2026

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_4

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Cash Flow Hedge Effectiveness (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 27, 2024
Derivative Financial Instruments
Other comprehensive income (loss), cash flow hedge, gain (loss), before reclassification and tax		$ (0.8)
Other comprehensive income (loss), cash flow hedge, gain (loss), reclassification, before tax		0
Other comprehensive income (loss), cash flow hedge, gain (loss), after reclassification, before tax, total	$ (0.7)	(0.1)
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) reclassification from accumulated OCI to income, estimated net amount to be transferred		$ 0.4
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) reclassification from accumulated OCI to income, estimate of time to transfer		12 months

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_5

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023
Derivative Assets
Derivative asset, current		$ 46
Derivative Asset, Current, Statement of Financial Position	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Derivative Liabilities
Derivative Liability, current	$ (339)
Derivative Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position	Accrued liabilities	Accrued liabilities
Derivative liability, noncurrent	$ (683)	$ (887)
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position	Other noncurrent liabilities	Other noncurrent liabilities

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_6

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Jun. 28, 2024	Mar. 29, 2024
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	$ 213,005	$ 205,515	$ 199,845
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(678)	101	434
Balance	223,961	213,005	205,515
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(129)	(230)	(664)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(858)	127	549
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments	180	(26)	(115)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(678)	101	434
Balance	(807)	(129)	(230)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(129)	(230)	(664)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(858)	127	549
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Income tax benefit (expense) related to derivative instruments	180	(26)	(115)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(678)	101	434
Balance	$ (807)	$ (129)	$ (230)

DEBT OBLIGATIONS - Composition

DEBT OBLIGATIONS - Composition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023
Debt Obligations
Total debt	$ 92,637	$ 98,452
Issuance costs and debt discounts	(743)	(1,021)
Subtotal	91,894	97,431
Notes Payable to Banks | Term Loan
Debt Obligations
Total debt	92,500	98,125
Notes Payable, Other Payables | Other Debt Agreements
Debt Obligations
Total debt	$ 137	$ 327

DEBT OBLIGATIONS - Classificati

DEBT OBLIGATIONS - Classification (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023
Debt Obligations
Subtotal	$ 91,894	$ 97,431
Less current portion of long-term debt	10,137	8,452
Long-term debt portion	$ 81,757	$ 88,979

DEBT OBLIGATIONS - New Credit F

DEBT OBLIGATIONS - New Credit Facilities (Details)	Sep. 27, 2024
Notes Payable to Banks | New Credit Facilities
Debt Obligations
Composite interest rate (as a percent)	7.20%

LEASES - General Information (D

LEASES - General Information (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024 USD ($)
Leases
Operating lease, option to extend	true
Operating lease, option to terminate	true
Residual value guarantee	$ 0
Minimum
Leases
Operating lease, remaining lease term	1 year
Maximum
Leases
Operating lease, remaining lease term	8 years
Operating lease, extension term	5 years
Operating lease, terminate term	1 year

LEASES - Lease Expense (Details

LEASES - Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Dec. 29, 2023
Lease cost
Operating lease cost	$ 1,522	$ 1,464	$ 4,579	$ 4,621
Sublease Income	(14)	(30)	(42)	(30)
Amortization of assets	392	340	1,114	969	$ 1,300
Interest on lease liabilities	46	28	112	74
Total net lease cost	$ 1,946	$ 1,802	$ 5,763	$ 5,634

LEASES - Consolidated Balance S

LEASES - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023
Operating leases:
Right-of-use assets	$ 14,366	$ 12,465
Operating leases, lease liabilities
Lease liability	5,509	4,537
Lease liability, less current portion	10,593	9,758
Total lease liabilities	16,102	14,295
Finance leases (included in equipment and leasehold improvements, net):
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	6,969	6,139
Accumulated depreciation	(4,458)	(3,837)
Total equipment and leasehold improvements, net	$ 2,511	$ 2,302
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position	Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	Equipment and leasehold improvements, net
Finance lease obligations
Finance lease obligations	$ 1,175	$ 1,186
Finance lease obligations, less current portion	1,453	1,184
Total finance lease obligations	$ 2,628	$ 2,370

LEASES - Additional Information

LEASES - Additional Information (Details)	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023
Leases
Operating leases, weighted average remaining lease term	3 years 18 days	3 years 5 months 4 days
Finance leases, weighted average remaining lease term	2 years 5 months 26 days	2 years 3 months 21 days
Operating leases, weighted average discount rate	6.91%	6.09%
Finance leases, weighted average discount rate	6.68%	5.19%

LEASES - Rent Expense (Details)

LEASES - Rent Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
LEASES
Rent expenses	$ 1.7	$ 1.7	$ 5.2	$ 5.1

LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow

LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flow from operating leases	$ 4,707	$ 4,318
Operating cash flow from finance leases	112	74
Financing cash flow from finance leases	1,064	951
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities for operating leases	$ 5,757	$ 4,316

LEASES - Operating Leases - Mat

LEASES - Operating Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024 USD ($)
Operating
Remainder of 2024	$ 1,588
2025	6,278
2026	5,100
2027	2,667
2028	1,673
2029 and thereafter	750
Total lease payments	$ 18,056

LEASES - Operating Leases - Gro

LEASES - Operating Leases - Gross Difference (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023
Operating
Total lease payments	$ 18,056
Less: Imputed interest	(1,954)
Total operating lease obligations	16,102	$ 14,295
Less: Current obligations	5,509	4,537
Noncurrent lease obligations	$ 10,593	$ 9,758

LEASES - Finance Leases - Matur

LEASES - Finance Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024 USD ($)
Finance
Remainder of 2024	$ 438
2025	1,158
2026	824
2027	313
2028	94
2029 and thereafter	27
Total lease payments	$ 2,854

LEASES - Finance Leases - Gross

LEASES - Finance Leases - Gross Difference (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023
Finance
Total lease payments	$ 2,854
Less: Imputed interest	(226)
Total finance lease obligations	2,628	$ 2,370
Less: Current obligations	1,175	1,186
Noncurrent lease obligations	$ 1,453	$ 1,184

COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTE_2

COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Employee Benefit Plans (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024 USD ($) Y	Sep. 29, 2023 USD ($)
Qualified Cash or Deferred Arrangement
Employee Benefit Plans
Defined Contribution Plan, Tax Status	us-gaap:QualifiedPlanMember
Maximum employee contribution as a percentage of compensation under 401(k) Plan (as a percent)	50%
Defined Contribution Plan
Employee Benefit Plans
Service period	3 months
Attained age | Y	21
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percent of match (as a percent)	50%
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percent of employees' gross pay (as a percent)	6%
Maximum employer contribution per employee	$ 3,000
Employer matching contributions	$ 2,100,000	$ 1,900,000

COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTE_3

COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Variable Interest Entities (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024 entity
COMMITMENTS AND VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
Percentage of costs reimbursed to WES by Genesys	10%
Number of VIEs	1

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFO_3

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Segment Information (Details) - segment	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
Segment Information
Number of reporting segments	2	2	2	2

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFO_4

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Statement of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Jun. 28, 2024	Mar. 29, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Jun. 30, 2023	Mar. 31, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue	$ 158,252			$ 132,738			$ 421,737	$ 354,418
Depreciation and amortization	3,716			4,190			10,937	12,518
Interest expense, net	1,934			2,437			6,031	7,110
Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense	7,503			2,279			16,745	4,607
Income tax expense (benefit)	157			713			1,863	1,712
Net Income (Loss)	7,346	$ 4,594	$ 2,942	1,566	$ 397	$ 932	14,882	2,895
Energy
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue	134,036			111,030			352,634	292,330
Engineering and Consulting
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue	24,216			21,708			69,103	62,088
Operating Segments | Energy
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue	134,036			111,030			352,634	292,330
Depreciation and amortization	3,337			3,854			9,800	11,655
Interest expense, net				2				5
Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense	6,176			2,814			15,886	6,188
Income tax expense (benefit)	(25)			852			1,767	2,300
Net Income (Loss)	6,202			1,961			14,119	3,888
Operating Segments | Engineering and Consulting
Segment reconciliation
Contract revenue	24,216			21,708			69,103	62,088
Depreciation and amortization	379			336			1,137	863
Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense	4,280			2,853			9,608	8,658
Income tax expense (benefit)	85			728			1,069	3,218
Net Income (Loss)	4,194			2,127			8,539	5,440
Corporate, Non-Segment
Segment reconciliation
Interest expense, net	1,934			2,435			6,031	7,105
Segment profit (loss) before income tax expense	(2,953)			(3,388)			(8,749)	(10,239)
Income tax expense (benefit)	97			(867)			(973)	(3,806)
Net Income (Loss)	$ (3,050)			$ (2,522)			$ (7,776)	$ (6,433)

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFO_5

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Segment Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023	Sep. 29, 2023
Segment Reporting
Segment assets	$ 447,253	$ 415,588	$ 401,620
Operating Segments | Energy
Segment Reporting
Segment assets	348,617		340,422
Operating Segments | Engineering and Consulting
Segment Reporting
Segment assets	29,523		26,901
Corporate, Non-Segment
Segment Reporting
Segment assets	92,243		57,427
Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting
Segment assets	$ (23,130)		$ (23,130)

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFO_6

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
Revenue
Revenue	$ 158,252	$ 132,738	$ 421,737	$ 354,418
Domestic
Revenue
Revenue	158,252	132,738	421,737	354,418
Energy
Revenue
Revenue	134,036	111,030	352,634	292,330
Energy | Domestic
Revenue
Revenue	134,036	111,030	352,634	292,330
Engineering and Consulting
Revenue
Revenue	24,216	21,708	69,103	62,088
Engineering and Consulting | Domestic
Revenue
Revenue	24,216	21,708	69,103	62,088
Commercial
Revenue
Revenue	9,932	9,036	29,139	25,735
Commercial | Energy
Revenue
Revenue	7,964	7,448	23,858	21,607
Commercial | Engineering and Consulting
Revenue
Revenue	1,968	1,588	5,281	4,128
Government
Revenue
Revenue	83,270	72,464	212,017	176,787
Government | Energy
Revenue
Revenue	61,115	52,410	148,403	119,028
Government | Engineering and Consulting
Revenue
Revenue	22,155	20,054	63,614	57,759
Utilities
Revenue
Revenue	65,050	51,238	180,581	151,896
Utilities | Energy
Revenue
Revenue	64,957	51,172	180,373	151,695
Utilities | Engineering and Consulting
Revenue
Revenue	93	66	208	201
Time-and-Materials Contract
Revenue
Revenue	25,720	26,011	76,383	73,664
Time-and-Materials Contract | Energy
Revenue
Revenue	7,953	9,382	25,190	26,038
Time-and-Materials Contract | Engineering and Consulting
Revenue
Revenue	17,767	16,629	51,193	47,626
Unit-based Contract
Revenue
Revenue	57,480	46,301	161,397	138,562
Unit-based Contract | Energy
Revenue
Revenue	52,487	42,119	147,022	126,946
Unit-based Contract | Engineering and Consulting
Revenue
Revenue	4,993	4,182	14,375	11,616
Fixed-Price Contract
Revenue
Revenue	75,052	60,426	183,957	142,192
Fixed-Price Contract | Energy
Revenue
Revenue	73,596	59,529	180,422	139,346
Fixed-Price Contract | Engineering and Consulting
Revenue
Revenue	$ 1,456	$ 897	$ 3,535	$ 2,846

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFO_7

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Geographical Information (Details)	Sep. 27, 2024 state
SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Number of states in which entity operates	22

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFO_8

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Concentration Risk (Details) - Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
Customer Concentration Risk | Top Ten Customers
Concentration Risk
Concentration risk (as a percent)	49.10%	52.90%	49.50%	50.60%
Customer Concentration Risk | Southern California Edison and Clark County School District | Energy
Concentration Risk
Concentration risk (as a percent)	22.10%
Customer Concentration Risk | Pueblo County School District and Dormitory Authority State of New York | Energy
Concentration Risk
Concentration risk (as a percent)		21.70%
Customer Concentration Risk | Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and The Dormitory Authority State of New York | Energy
Concentration Risk
Concentration risk (as a percent)				22.70%
Geographic Concentration Risk | California
Concentration Risk
Concentration risk (as a percent)	42.20%	42.80%	43.30%	42.20%
Geographic Concentration Risk | New York
Concentration Risk
Concentration risk (as a percent)	21%	23.60%	23.70%	24.70%

INCOME TAXES - Valuation Allowa

INCOME TAXES - Valuation Allowance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 27, 2024	Dec. 29, 2023
INCOME TAXES
Valuation allowance			$ 1,200
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	$ 0	$ 0

INCOME TAXES - Uncertain Tax Po

INCOME TAXES - Uncertain Tax Positions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued
Liability for uncertain tax positions	$ 0	$ 0

INCOME TAXES - Income Tax Expen

INCOME TAXES - Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 157	$ 713	$ 1,863	$ 1,712

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") - Co

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") - Computation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2024	Jun. 28, 2024	Mar. 29, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023	Jun. 30, 2023	Mar. 31, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
Net income (loss)
Net Income (Loss)	$ 7,346	$ 4,594	$ 2,942	$ 1,566	$ 397	$ 932	$ 14,882	$ 2,895
Net income (loss) - basic	7,346			1,566			14,882	2,895
Net income (loss) - diluted	$ 7,346			$ 1,566			$ 14,882	$ 2,895
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares)	13,930			13,462			13,753	13,357
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards (in shares)	428			247			377	206
Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted (in shares)	14,358			13,709			14,130	13,563
Earnings (Loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.53			$ 0.12			$ 1.08	$ 0.22
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.51			$ 0.11			$ 1.05	$ 0.21

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") - An

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") - Antidilutive Securities (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2023	Sep. 27, 2024	Sep. 29, 2023
Share-Based Payment Arrangement
Antidilutive securities
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	363,000	269,000	389,000

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - Subsequent Event - Enica Engineering, PLLC $ in Millions	Oct. 23, 2024 USD ($)
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Asset acquisition, effective date of acquisition	Oct. 23, 2024
Asset acquisition, date of acquisition agreement	Oct. 23, 2024
Purchase price	$ 18
Cash paid for initial purchase price	12
Contingent consideration payable on asset acquisition	$ 6
Earn-out measurement period	2 years