consideration which is deductible only when paid.

 thunderdome:item
 utr: Y
 utr: Rate

 UNITED STATES
 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 FORM 10-K

 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023

 OR

 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 For the transition period from __________ to __________

 Commission file number 1-10245

 RCM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
 (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 Nevada

 95-1480559

 (State or Other Jurisdiction of
 Incorporation or Organization)

 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 2500 McClellan Avenue, Suite 350,
 Pennsauken, New Jersey

 08109-4613

 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 (Zip Code)

 Registrant's telephone number, including area code:

 ( 856) 356-4500

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 Title of Each Class

 Trading Symbol

 Name of Each Exchange
 on Which Registered

 Common Stock, par value $0.05 per share

 RCMT

 The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 None

 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No

 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. (See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). (Check one):

 Large Accelerated Filer

 Accelerated Filer

 Non-Accelerated Filer

 Smaller Reporting Company

 Emerging Growth Company

 If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

 If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.

 Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No

 The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $ 81.9 million based upon the closing price of $18.40 per share of the registrant's common stock on June 30, 2023 on The NASDAQ Global Market. For purposes of making this calculation only, the registrant included all directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Common Stock of the Company as affiliates.

 The number of shares of registrant's common stock (par value $0.05 per share) outstanding as of March 13, 2024: 7,939,419.

 Documents Incorporated by Reference

 Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the registrant's 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "2024 Proxy Statement") are incorporated by reference into Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 in Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If the 2024 Proxy Statement is not filed by April 29, 2024 (the first business day following the day that is 120 days after the last day of the registrant's 2023 fiscal year), an amendment to this annual report on Form 10-K setting forth this information will be duly filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 RCM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 FORM 10-K

 Item 1.

 Business

 Item 1A.

 Risk Factors

 Item 1B.

 Unresolved Staff Comments

 Item 1C.

 Cybersecurity

 Item 2.

 Properties

 Item 3.

 Legal Proceedings

 Item 4.

 Mine Safety Disclosures

 Item 5.

 Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
 Purchases of Equity Securities

 Item 6.

 Reserved

 Item 7.

 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 Item 7A.

 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 Item 8.

 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 Item 9.

 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 Item 9A.

 Controls and Procedures

 Item 9B.

 Other Information

 Item 9C.

 Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions That Prevent Inspections

 Item 10.

 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 Item 11.

 Executive Compensation

 Item 12.

 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
 Stockholder Matters

 Item 13.

 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 Item 14.

 Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 Item 15.

 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 Item 16.

 Form 10-K Summary

 Signatures

 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act Safe Harbor Statement

 Certain statements included herein and in other reports and public filings made by RCM Technologies, Inc. ("RCM" or the "Company") are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the adoption by businesses of new technology solutions; the use by businesses of outsourced solutions, such as those offered by the Company, in connection with such adoption; the Company's strategic and business initiatives and growth strategies; and the outcome of litigation (at both the trial and appellate levels) and arbitrations, or other business disputes, involving the Company. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements, as well as others made by the Company, which may be identified by words such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," "believe," and similar expressions, are only predictions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results and financial position to differ materially from such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: (i) unemployment and general economic conditions affecting the provision of life sciences, information technology and engineering services and solutions and the placement of temporary staffing personnel; (ii) the Company's ability to continue to attract, train and retain personnel qualified to meet the requirements of its clients; (iii) the Company's ability to identify appropriate acquisition candidates, complete such acquisitions and successfully integrate acquired businesses; (iv) the Company's relationships with and reliance upon significant customers, and ability to collect accounts receivable from such customers; (v) risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations and changes in exchange rates, particularly with respect to the Canadian dollar; (vi) uncertainties regarding amounts of deferred consideration and earnout payments to become payable to former shareholders of acquired businesses; (vii) the adverse effect a potential decrease in the trading price of the Company's common stock would have upon the Company's ability to acquire businesses through the issuance of its securities; (viii) the Company's ability to obtain financing on satisfactory terms; (ix) the reliance of the Company upon the continued service of its executive officers; (x) the Company's ability to remain competitive in the markets that it serves; (xi) the Company's ability to maintain its unemployment insurance premiums and workers compensation premiums; (xii) the risk of claims being made against the Company associated with providing temporary staffing services; (xiii) the Company's ability to manage significant amounts of information and periodically expand and upgrade its information processing capabilities; (xiv) the risk of cyber attacks on our information technology systems or those of our third party vendors; (xv) the Company's ability to remain in compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws and regulations; (xvi) uncertainties in predictions as to the future need for the Company's services; (xvii) uncertainties relating to the allocation of costs and expenses to each of the Company's operating segments; (xviii) the costs of conducting and the outcome of litigation, arbitrations and other business disputes involving the Company, and the applicability of insurance coverage with respect to any such litigation; (ixx) the results of, and costs relating to, any interactions with shareholders of the Company who may pursue specific initiatives with respect to the Company's governance and strategic direction, including without limitation a contested proxy solicitation initiated by such shareholders, or any similar such interactions; and (xx) other geopolitical, economic, competitive, health and governmental factors affecting the Company's operations, markets, products and services. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revision of these forward-looking statements to reflect these trends or circumstances after the date they are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 General

 RCM Technologies, Inc. is a premier provider of business and technology solutions designed to enhance and maximize the operational performance of its customers. The Company provides these services through the deployment of specialty health care, engineering, life sciences, information technology services, data management and solutions. For over 50 years, the Company has developed and assembled an extensive portfolio of capabilities, service offerings and delivery options with world class technical talent in key end markets and high-growth industries. This combination, paired with RCM's efficient pricing structure and global reach, offers clients a compelling value proposition.

 RCM consists of three operating segments: Specialty Health Care, Engineering, and Life Sciences and Information Technology services.

 The Specialty Health Care segment provides staffing solutions including medical health care professionals, health information management professionals, nurses, paraprofessionals, physicians and therapists for many of the largest healthcare institutions and school districts across the United States. The segment also provides Teletherapy services targeting the education sector with an emphasis on behavioral health.

 The Engineering segment provides a comprehensive portfolio of engineering and design services across three verticals: (1) Energy Services, (2) Process & Industrial and (3) Aerospace. The segment also offers a complementary suite of consulting solutions and services to augment its engineering portfolio, including design and supply of high-quality engineered process solutions and equipment, data management, technical writing and digital documentation across marine, locomotive, transportation and aerospace markets, integrated design and construction, and engineering, procurement and construction management ("EPC"), as well as demand side management/energy conservation services. The business segment staffs engineers to design and build critical infrastructure projects for clients with international coverage.

 The Life Sciences and Information Technology, or LS&IT, segment provides enterprise business solutions, application services, IT infrastructure solutions, life sciences solutions and other vertical-specific offerings. The business segment includes data solutions, digitization, recruiting process outsourcing, human capital management solutions, workforce management and consulting services.

 The Company services some of the largest national and international companies in North America as well as a lengthy roster of Fortune 1000 and mid-sized global businesses in such industries as Aerospace/Defense, Educational Institutions, the Energy Sector, Financial Services, Health Care, Life Sciences, Manufacturing & Distribution, the Public Sector and Technology. RCM sells and delivers its services through a network of approximately 29 offices in selected regions throughout North America and Europe. The Company has staffed key personnel to design and build internationally recognized critical infrastructure projects and retained strategic partners and client accounts for decades.

 During the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, approximately 51.7% of RCM's total revenue were derived from Specialty Health Care services, 32.2% from Engineering services, and the remaining 16.1% from Life Sciences and Information Technology services.

 Industry Overview

 Businesses today face intense competition, the challenge of constant technological change and the ongoing need for business process optimization. To address these issues and to compete more effectively, companies are continually evaluating the need for implementing innovative solutions to upgrade their systems, applications and processes. As a result, the ability of an organization to integrate and align advanced technologies with new business objectives is critical.

 Industry Overview (Continued)

 In the health care services industry, a shortage of nurses and other medical personnel in the United States has led to increases in business activity for health care service companies, including the Company's Specialty Health Care group. Due in part to an aging population and improved medical technology, the demand for selected health care professionals is expected to continue over the next several years, with an emphasis on leveraging technology to expand access to care. The increased adoption of telemedicine, an area in which the Specialty Health Care group has developed new service offerings, is a primary example. In addition, public educational institutions are outsourcing their requirements for school nurses, therapists and paraprofessionals to lower their costs and it is expected that this will continue and grow. Each of these dynamics have been exacerbated by COVID-19. Various factors, including the pandemic, technological advances and patient habits, have also altered patterns in health care delivery, with newer delivery models gaining traction, namely telemedicine. Given federal and state regulatory changes as well as private insurer reimbursement methods, utilization of telemedicine services increased significantly. CDC researchers stated that maintaining the expansion of telehealth remains critical to providing access to care. It is expected the total addressable market opportunity will continue to expand and grow. Expanding access to behavioral health and mental well-being is also a priority for public health officials. Increasing and maintaining access to proper care remains a top priority and the market opportunity for these services is expected to continue to grow. While the Company believes that the demand for Healthcare related services remains historically high, the Company also believes this demand subsided some as COVID-19 shifted from a pandemic to an endemic.

 The Company's Engineering group remains focused on areas of growth, primarily within the utility/electric power, aerospace, marine and transportation, commercial and industrial, oil and gas, as well as biofuel industries. Given the current composition of its customer base, the Engineering group's performance is well balanced between its three segments. In recent years, many electric utilities have prioritized transitioning their power generation assets to cleaner sources of energy. Much of this transformation is being driven by investments in renewable energy. The Energy Information Administration ("EIA") estimates that 38% of the United States' electric generation capacity will be comprised of wind and solar assets by 2050. This expansion will require extensive investment in the nation's transmission infrastructure to interconnect these renewable resources to the energy grid. Projects of this scale will require engineering and design expertise, as well as the utilization of integrated design and EPC services. As the world's industrial output rebounds from pandemic-related weakness in 2020 and 2021, the Company believes its Process and Industrial group is positioned well to take advantage. Companies in the chemical industry are reprioritizing spending towards decarbonization technologies, with many U.S. chemical companies expecting to place an emphasis on renewable feedstocks and new carbon recycling technologies. The Company believes its process engineering services can play a vital role across this multibillion-dollar opportunity.

 Companies must integrate and manage computing environments consisting of multiple computing platforms, operating systems, databases and networking protocols and off-the-shelf software applications to support business objectives. Companies also need to keep pace with new technology developments, which often rapidly render existing equipment and internal skills obsolete. At the same time, varied factors have caused many organizations to focus on core competencies and trim workforces in the IT and data management area. Accordingly, these organizations often lack the quantity, quality and variety of IT skills necessary to design and support IT and data solutions. IT managers are charged with supporting increasingly complex systems and applications of significant strategic value, while working under budgetary, personnel and expertise constraints within their own organizations.

 The Company believes its target market for IT services and data solutions is among middle-market companies, which typically lack the time and technical resources to satisfy all of their IT needs internally. These companies commonly require sophisticated, experienced IT assistance to achieve their business objectives and often rely on IT service providers to help implement and manage their systems. RCM is structured to provide middle-market companies a single source for their IT and digitization needs.

 Business Strategy

 The Company is dedicated to providing solutions to meet its clients' business needs by delivering specialty health care, engineering, life sciences and information technology services. The Company's objective is to remain a recognized leader of specialized professional staffing, consulting services and solutions in major markets throughout North America. The Company adapts operating strategies to achieve this objective. The following is a discussion of the key elements of its growth and operating strategies:

 Growth Strategy

 Promote Full Life Cycle Solution Capability

 The Company promotes a full life cycle solution capability to its customers. The goal of the full life cycle solution strategy is to fully address a client's project implementation cycle at each stage of its design, development and deployment. This entails the Company working with its clients from the initial conceptualization of a project through its design and project execution, and extending into ongoing management and support of the delivered product. RCM's strategy is to build projects and integrated solutions offerings selectively, utilizing its extensive resource base.

 The Company believes that the effective execution of this strategy will generate improved margins on its existing resources. The completion of this service-offering continuum is intended to afford the Company the opportunity to strengthen long-term client relationships that will further contribute to a more predictable revenue stream.

 In addition to a full life cycle solution offering, the Company continues to focus on transitioning into higher value oriented services in an effort to increase its margins on its various service lines and generate revenue that is more sustainable. The Company believes this transition is accomplished by pursuing additional vertical market specific solutions in conjunction or combination with longer-term based solutions, through expansion of its global client relationships and by pursuing strategic alliances and partnerships.

 Achieve Internal Growth

 The Company continues to promote its internal growth strategies which it designed to better serve the Company's customers, generate higher revenue and achieve greater operating efficiencies. Every division of the Company continuously focuses on services and client portfolio diversification. Business units are collaborating on penetrating and servicing accounts as sales teams are increasing their activity levels. This enables clients to be supported by specialists in their areas of need while RCM productivity increases.

 RCM provides an orientation program in which sales managers and professionals receive relevant information about Company operations.

 RCM has adopted an industry-centric approach to sales and marketing. This initiative contemplates that clients within the same industry sectors tend to have common business challenges. It therefore allows the Company to present and deliver enhanced value to those clients in the vertical markets in which RCM has assembled the greatest work experience. RCM's consultants continue to acquire project experience that offers differentiated awareness of the business challenges that clients in that industry are facing. This alignment also facilitates and creates additional innovative cross-selling opportunities. The Company believes this strategy will lead to greater account penetration, strategic partnerships, and enhanced client relationships.

 Operational strategies contributing to RCM's internal productivity include the delineation of certain new solutions practice areas in markets where its clients had historically known the Company as a contract service provider. The formation of these new practice areas facilitates the flow of project opportunities and the delivery of project-based solutions.

 Growth Strategy (Continued)

 Pursue Selective Strategic Acquisitions

 The industries in which the Company operates continue to be highly fragmented, and the Company plans to continue to selectively assess opportunities to make strategic acquisitions as such opportunities are presented to the Company. The Company's acquisition strategy is designed to broaden the scope of services and technical competencies and grow its full life cycle solution capabilities. In considering acquisition opportunities, the Company focuses principally on companies with (i) technologies or market segments RCM has targeted for strategic value enhancement, (ii) margins that are accretive to existing margins, (iii) experienced management personnel, (iv) substantial growth prospects and (v) sellers who desire to join the Company's management team. To retain and provide incentives for management of its acquired companies, the Company has generally structured a significant portion of the acquisition price in the form of multi-tiered consideration based on growth of operating profitability of the acquired company over a two-to-four-year period.

 Operating Strategy

 Develop and Maintain Strong Customer Relationships

 The Company seeks to develop and maintain strong cross-functional customer relationships by anticipating and focusing on its customers' needs. The Company emphasizes a relationship-oriented and partnership-based approach to business, rather than the transaction or assignment-oriented approach that the Company believes is used by many of its competitors. This industry-centric strategy is designed to allow RCM to expand further its relationships with clients in RCM's targeted sectors.

 To develop close customer relationships, the Company's practice managers and/or salespeople regularly meet with both existing and prospective clients to identify areas of need and help design solutions and identify the resources needed to execute their strategies. The Company's managers also maintain close communications with their customers during each project and on an ongoing basis after its completion. The Company believes that this relationship-oriented approach can result in greater customer satisfaction. Additionally, the Company believes that by collaborating with its customers in designing business solutions, it can generate new opportunities to cross-sell additional services that the Company has to offer. The Company focuses on providing customers with qualified individuals or teams of experts compatible with the business needs of its customers and makes a concerted effort to follow the progress of such relationships to ensure their continued success.

 Attract and Retain Highly Qualified Consultants and Technical Resources

 The Company believes it has been successful in attracting and retaining highly qualified consultants and contractors by (i) providing stimulating and challenging work assignments while fostering a culture of innovation, (ii) offering competitive wages, (iii) effectively communicating with its candidates, (iv) providing selective training to maintain and upgrade skills and (v) aligning the needs of its customers with appropriately skilled personnel. The Company believes it has been successful in retaining these personnel due in part to its use of practice managers who are dedicated to maintaining contact with, and monitoring the satisfaction levels of, the Company's consultants and contractors while they are on assignment.

 Specialty Health Care

 The Company's Specialty Health Care Group specializes in long-term and short-term staffing of medical professionals as well as executive search, international recruitment, and placement solutions for many of the largest healthcare institutions and school districts across the United States. The segment's portfolio of services includes, but is not limited to, the following fields:

 Allied and Therapy Staffing: Specializes in recruiting outstanding professionals across the health care industry. Our allied health care professionals and therapists work in schools, health systems, hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities.

 Correctional Healthcare Staffing: Staffing services for local, state and federal correctional facilities and provide screening, onboarding, and employee assessments as well as employee and inmate vaccination and treatment services.

 Health Information Management: Provide healthcare organizations with experienced medical coding professionals that manage staffing shortages, backlogs, vacation coverage and long-term coding support.

 Nursing Services: Provides nurse placement and staffing services in healthcare facilities, schools, hospitals and correctional facilities.

 Physicians and Advanced Practice: Our national locum tenens (temporary practitioner) practice specializes in placing physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

 School Staffing and Recruitment: Provides full-time and part-time nurse employment services for school districts across the country. The Company also offers other health care professionals to perform school evaluations and treat students, including occupational and physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, as well as special education support services and registered behavioral technicians to support students' individualized education plan and behavioral health needs.

 Telepractice: The Company's teletherapy solution is an evidence-based service delivery option for students to receive Special Education services such as Speech-Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Behavioral and Mental Health services and other healthcare services through an online platform.

 Maintaining the utilization of telemedicine has become and remains critical to providing necessary access to care. Expanding access to behavioral health and mental wellness services is also a priority for many public health officials. The Company's School Services and Telepractice offerings are well positioned to provide solutions in these areas of priority as the market opportunity for these services is expected to continue to grow.

 As of December 30, 2023, the Company assigned approximately 2,780 specialty health care services personnel to its customers.

 RCM provides a full range of Engineering services including Project Management Engineering & Design, Engineering Analysis, Engineering-Procurement-Construction, Configuration Management, Hardware/Software Validation & Verification, Quality Assurance, Technical Writing & Publications, Manufacturing Process Planning & Improvement and 3D/BIM Integrated Design. Engineering services are provided at the site of the client or at the Company's own facilities.

 The Company's Engineering segment consists of three business units – Energy Services, Aerospace Services and Process & Industrial Services.

 Energy Services: Provides solutions to the utility industry, including power generation and transmission and distribution. The group has highly technical project experience that encompasses multi-disciplined engineering and design services as well as providing technical support during design, construction and plant operational phases. The Company believes that the deregulation of the utilities industry and the aging of nuclear power plants offer the Company an opportunity to capture a greater share of professional services and project management requirements of the utilities industry. Electric utilities have prioritized transitioning their power generation assets to cleaner sources of energy and grid modernization initiatives. This expansion requires large-scale investment in the nation's transmission infrastructure to interconnect these renewable resources to the energy grid.

 Aerospace Services: Provides engineering and technical services to the aerospace & defense industry. According to the Congressional Budget Office ("CBO"), the Department of Defense plans to spend over $1 trillion in procurement-related aviation expenditures over the next three decades. Given RCM's customer account relationships with several of the largest defense prime contractors, the Company believes there is ample opportunity for engineering services and technical publication work, including production and procurement engineering services as well as the need for sustainment and development program publication services, data management and digital solutions.

 Process & Industrial Services: Provides engineering services to the industrial, chemical, commercial and oil and gas industries in the United States, Europe and Canada. With many companies in the chemical industry reprioritizing spending towards decarbonization technologies, many U.S. chemical companies are expected to place an emphasis on renewable feedstocks and new carbon recycling technologies. The Company believes its process engineering services and specialized hydrogen capabilities can play a vital role across this multibillion-dollar opportunity.

 The Company provides its engineering services through a number of delivery methods. These include managed tasks and resources, complete project services, outsourcing, both on and off-site, and a full complement of resourcing alternatives.

 As of December 30, 2023, the Company assigned approximately 440 engineering and technical personnel to its customers.

 Life Sciences and Information Technology

 The Company's Life Sciences and Information Technology segment is an integrated group of business units providing staff supplementation services and project solutions with physical locations in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico primarily supporting Financial, Technical, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Distribution applications. Specialization in project solutions include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

 Life Sciences: Specializes in providing innovative options to pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology companies in need of guidance, support or remediation of quality, compliance or business challenges. The group assists in staffing, solution planning and remediation needs in the areas of automation, compliance, data analytics, technical quality assurance and management, and validation and verification.

 IT Services & Solutions: Global provider of business and technology solutions designed to improve the operational performance of our clients. Specialties include software development, infrastructure services, data management, and managed IT solutions. The Company has a 40-year history of providing qualified IT candidates to customers in a timely and cost-effective manner to address their specific business needs. The Company offers scalable solutions that can provide emerging growth companies with a single qualified resource or an entire project team along with RCM's project management oversight to Fortune 100 clients.

 RCM's sector knowledge coupled with technical and business process experience enable the Company to provide strategic planning, project execution and management and support services throughout the entire project life cycle. RCM has successfully completed multimillion-dollar projects in a variety of industry verticals using time-tested methodologies that manage strict budgets, timelines and quality metrics.

 The Company believes that its ability to deliver life sciences and information technology solutions across a wide range of technical platforms provides an important competitive advantage. RCM ensures that its consultants have the expertise and skills needed to keep pace with rapidly evolving information technologies. The Company's strategy is to maintain expertise and acquire knowledge in multiple technologies so it can offer its clients non-biased technology solutions best suited to their business needs.

 The Company provides its life sciences and information technology services through a number of flexible delivery methods. These include management consulting engagements, project management of client efforts, project implementation of client initiatives, recruiting process outsourcing, both on and off site, and a full complement of human capital management solutions and resourcing alternatives.

 As of December 30, 2023, the Company assigned approximately 270 Life Sciences and Information Technology personnel to its customers.

 Branch Offices

 The Company's organization consists of 29 branch offices located in the United States, Canada, Germany, Puerto Rico and Serbia. The locations and services of each of the branch offices are set forth in the table below.

 LOCATION

 NUMBER OF
 OFFICES

 SERVICES
 PROVIDED(1)

 UNITED STATES

 Arizona

 HC

 California

 HC

 Connecticut

 E

 Florida

 HC, E

 Hawaii

 HC

 Illinois

 HC

 Massachusetts

 HC

 Michigan

 HC

 New Jersey

 E, LS&IT

 New York

 E, HC, LS&IT

 North Carolina

 HC

 Rhode Island

 E

 Tennessee

 HC

 Texas

 HC

 CANADA

 E

 GERMANY

 E

 PUERTO RICO

 E, LS&IT

 SERBIA

 E, LS&IT

 (1) Services provided are abbreviated as follows:

 E

 - Engineering

 HC

 - Specialty Health Care

 LS&IT

 - Life Sciences and Information Technology

 The Company is domiciled in the United States and its segments operate in the United States, Canada, Germany, Puerto Rico and Serbia.

 International Operations

 The Company operates its business in Canada and, to a less significant extent, in Germany, Puerto Rico and Serbia. For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, approximately 6.3% of the Company's revenue were generated outside the United States. There are certain risks inherent in conducting business internationally including: the imposition of trade barriers, foreign exchange restrictions, longer payment cycles, greater difficulties in accounts receivables collection, difficulties in complying with a variety of foreign laws (including without limitation the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act), changes in legal or regulatory requirements, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, complex and uncertain employment environments, political instability and potentially adverse tax consequences. Our operations in Serbia could be adversely affected by the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with which Serbia has substantial ties. Should sanctions against Russia affect Russia in a way that causes adverse economic consequences to Serbia, or if such sanctions were to be extended to countries that might be considered to be in alignment with Russia, thus could have a negative impact on our employees or operations both within and outside Serbia. To the extent the Company experiences these risks, the business and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 From its headquarters locations in New Jersey, the Company provides its branch offices with centralized administrative, marketing, finance, MIS, human resources and legal support. Centralized administrative functions and shared services minimize the administrative burdens on branch office managers and allow them to spend more time focusing on sales and marketing, client relations and practice development activities.

 Branch offices are primarily located in markets that the Company believes have strong growth prospects for the Company's services. The Company's branches are operated in a decentralized, entrepreneurial manner with most offices operating as independent profit centers.

 Sales and Marketing

 Sales and marketing efforts are conducted at the local and national level through the Company's network of branch offices. Business development and sales activities and productivity are tracked and rankings established and published. Sales between business units are recognized and financially encouraged. The Company emphasizes long-term relationships and partnerships with customers that are developed through regular assessment of customer requirements and proactive monitoring of service performance. The Company's sales and account management personnel make regular visits to existing and prospective customers. New customers are obtained through active sales programs and referrals. The Company encourages its employees to participate in and support national and regional trade associations, economic development agencies, local chambers of commerce and other civic associations. The Company seeks to develop strategic partnering relationships with its customers by providing comprehensive solutions for all aspects of a customer's engineering, life sciences, information technology and other professional services needs. The Company concentrates on providing carefully screened professionals with a range of highly specialized and technical skills in a timely manner and at competitive prices. The Company regularly monitors the quality of the services provided by its personnel and obtains feedback from its customers as to their satisfaction with the services provided.

 The Company serves Fortune 1000 companies and many middle market clients, competing on a national and global scale. The Company's relationships with these customers are typically formed at the customers' local or regional level and from time to time, when appropriate, at the corporate level for national accounts.

 Key Customers

 The Company has established long-term relationships with many of its customers across each of its business segments. The Company's emphasis on client retention has resulted in repeat business from many of its largest strategic accounts. During the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, the Company had two customers exceed 10% of consolidated revenue, representing 17.1% and 10.1% of consolidated revenue. The Company's five, ten and twenty largest customers accounted for approximately 39.1%, 50.4% and 62.7%, respectively, of the Company's revenue for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023.

 Other Information

 Safeguards - Business, Disaster and Contingency Planning

 The Company has implemented a number of safeguards to protect the Company from various system-related risks including Redundant Telecommunications and server systems architecture, multi-tiered server and desktop backup infrastructure, and data center physical and environmental controls. In addition, the Company has developed disaster recovery / business continuity procedures for all offices.

 Given the significant amount of data generated in the Company's key processes including recruiting, sales, payroll and customer invoicing, the Company has established redundant procedures, functioning on a daily basis, within the Company's primary data center, which is a third-party Internet Data Center ("IDC"). This redundancy should mitigate the risks related to hardware, application and data loss by utilizing the concept of live differential backups of servers and desktops to Storage Area Network (SAN) devices on its backup LAN, culminating in offsite tape storage at an independent facility. Controls within the data center environment ensure that all systems are proactively monitored and data is properly archived.

 Additionally, the Company has contracted and brokered strategic relationships with third-party vendors to meet its recovery objectives in the event of a system disruption. For example, comprehensive service level agreements for the Company's data circuits and network devices guarantee minimal outages as well as network redundancy and scalability.

 The Company's ability to protect its data assets against damage from fire, power loss, telecommunications failures, and facility violations is critical. To address potential cyber security threats, the Company uses a third-party mail management service to filter all emails destined for the RCMT domain before being delivered to the corporate mail servers. The service has also been deployed to safeguard the enterprise from malicious internet content. The deployment of virus, spam, and patch management controls extends from the perimeter network to all desktops and is centrally monitored and managed. In addition to the virus and malware controls, an Intrusion Protection System (IPS) monitors and alerts on changes in network traffic patterns as well as known hostile signatures.

 The Company maintains a disaster recovery plan that outlines the recovery time / point objectives (RTO / RPO), organization structure, roles and procedures, including site addendum disaster plans for all of its key operating offices. Corporate IT personnel regulate the maintenance and integrity of backed-up data throughout the Company.

 The IDC provides the Company with a robust data center environment with redundant HVAC, commercial power feeds, ten 2000kW diesel generator sets with five 10,000-gallon, above-ground fuel oil storage tanks to provide standby power and dry pipe fire suppression. In addition, the IDC provides 24x7 security staffing, closed-circuit monitors, secure-card key access, biometrics scanners, man traps, and alarmed doors.

 Competition

 The market for engineering and Life Sciences and IT services is highly competitive and is subject to rapid change. As the market demand has shifted, many software companies have adopted tactics to pursue services and consulting offerings making them direct competitors when in the past they may have been alliance partners. Primary competitors include participants from a variety of market segments, including publicly and privately held firms, systems consulting and implementation firms, application software firms, service groups of computer equipment companies, facilities management companies, general management consulting firms and staffing companies. In addition, the Company competes with its clients' internal resources, particularly where these resources represent a fixed cost to the client. Such competition may impose additional pricing pressures on the Company.

 The Company believes its principal competitive advantages in the engineering and life sciences and information technology services market include: strong relationships with existing clients, a long-term track record with over 1,000 clients, a broad range of services, technical expertise, knowledge and experience in multiple industry sectors, quality and flexibility of service, responsiveness to client needs and speed in delivering life sciences and information technology solutions.

 Additionally, the Company competes for suitable acquisition candidates based on its differentiated acquisition model, its entrepreneurial and decentralized operating philosophy, and its strong corporate-level support and resources.

 Seasonality

 The Company's operating results can be affected by the seasonal fluctuations in client expenditures. Expenditures in the Engineering, Life Sciences and Information Technology segments can be negatively impacted during the first quarter of the year when clients are finalizing their budgets. Quarterly results generally fluctuate depending on, among other things, the number of billing days in a quarter and the seasonality of clients' businesses. The business is also affected by the timing of holidays and seasonal vacation patterns, generally resulting in lower revenue and gross profit in the fourth quarter of each year, not considering any non-seasonal impact. Extreme weather conditions may also affect demand in the first and fourth quarters of the year as certain clients' facilities are located in geographic areas subject to closure or reduced hours due to inclement weather. The Company generally experiences an increase in its cost of sales and a corresponding decrease in gross profit and gross margin percentage in the first and second fiscal quarters of each year as a result of resetting certain state and federal employment tax rates and related salary limitations. Also, the Company's Specialty Health Care segment typically experiences a significant decline in revenue due to the substantial closure of one of its largest customers, the New York City Department of Education, and other educational institution clients during the third quarter due to their summer recess.

 Government Regulations

 The Company is a consulting firm and employment service provider and is generally subject to one or more of the following types of government regulation: (1) regulation of the employer/employee relationship between a firm and its employees, including tax withholding or reporting, social security or retirement, benefits, workplace compliance, wage and hour, anti-discrimination, immigration and workers' compensation, (2) registration, licensing, record keeping and reporting requirements, and (3) federal contractor compliance. The Company believes it is in material compliance with all employee related statutes.

 Intellectual Property

 Management believes the RCM Technologies, Inc. name is extremely valuable and important to its business. The Company endeavors to protect its intellectual property rights and maintain certain trademarks, trade names, service marks and other intellectual property rights, including The Source of Smart Solutions and Industries of Tomorrow, Today with a trademark application submitted for the use of the latter. The Company is not currently aware of any infringing uses or other conditions that would be reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect the Company's use of its proprietary rights.

 Human Capital

 Our employees and contractors (together, our "workforce") are the Company's most valuable resource for current and future success. We promote an environment that ensures safety, encourages diversity and inclusion, fosters growth and self-development, and provides meaningful work. All employees participate in our success through attractive and aligned rewards. Notable programs we offer to our full-time employees include:

 Compensation packages that are market competitive, taking into account the location and responsibilities of the role;

 The majority of full-time, salaried employees are eligible for incentive-based compensation such as performance bonuses and commissions;

 High-quality employer-sponsored health insurance;

 Access to numerous other employer-sponsored and employee-sponsored benefit plans;

 Employer 401(k) matching contributions;

 Employee stock purchase plan (at least a 15% discount to market value at the time of purchase)

 Our recruiting teams use internal and external resources to recruit highly skilled and talented workers, and we encourage and reward workforce referrals for open positions.

 In addition to our comprehensive investment in our workforce success, we strive to maintain an inclusive environment that values and leverages the uniqueness of each person to the benefit of all our stakeholders. We view the combination of diverse perspectives and backgrounds as a powerful force for innovation. To promote diversity and our core principles, we emphasize dignity, value, and equality of all members, regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, or sexual orientation, through our actions and the workplace training programs we provide. We continually strive to harness the diversity of our global workforce by cultivating a climate that permits all of our workforce to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

 The health and safety of our workforce are also a top priority. We have implemented appropriate procedures and precautions to ensure our workforce's continued safety and well-being. We strive to comply with all federal and local workplace laws and regulations where we do business. We are always looking for ways to exceed compliance standards by utilizing continuous improvement discipline to eliminate risks in the workplace proactively.

 The Company believes promoting engagement and empowering its workforce drives better business results. As a result, the Company believes it has an "open door" culture whereby every member of its workforce is comfortable expressing their ideas on improving the Company and its performance. Our culture has resulted in action plans at all levels of the organization and drives continuous conversations on the things that matter most to our workforce and their teams.

 The Company's employees and contractors are generally divided into four groups: 1) Nonbillable employees; 2) Billable salaried employees; 3) Billable hourly long-term employees; 4) Billable hourly short-term employees and contractors.

 Nonbillable employees are primarily full-time and salaried. These positions include but are not limited to executives, managers, general administration, finance, accounting, account managers, recruiters, credentialers, etcetera. These employees are not billed to clients. As of December 30, 2023, the Company employed approximately 300 nonbillable employees. The expense for these employees is included in the Company's selling, general, and administrative expense in its income statements.

 Billable salaried employees primarily include senior-level employees whose time is often billed to clients. These employees tend to be long-term in nature. Many are intended to produce high utilization rates (representing the percentage of their time billed to clients), often in the 90% to 100% range. However, some have nonbillable responsibilities such as account management, client proposal preparation, general strategy formulation, expert content generation, project controls, overseeing projects where their time is not billable, supervising billable personnel, etcetera. These employees' utilization rates generally range from 20% to 90%. Most of the expense for billable salaried employees are included in the Company's direct costs in its income statements.

 Billable hourly long-term employees have very high utilization, typically in the 90% to 100%. For most of these employees, our goal is near 100% utilization. They are hired with the idea that we want them to work on multiple assignments, either in succession or simultaneously. Billable hourly short-term employees have near 100% utilization. They are typically hired for one assignment, and upon completion, they terminate.

 As of December 30, 2023, our billable workforce comprised approximately 2,780 Specialty Health Care services personnel, 440 Engineering and Technical personnel, and 270 Life Sciences and Information Technology personnel assigned by the Company to work on client projects or assignments for various periods. None of the Company's employees are party to a collective bargaining agreement.

 The Company conducts business globally but is principally concentrated in North America and Europe. As of December 30, 2023, the Company's workforce breaks out as follows:

 United States and Puerto Rico: approximately 235 nonbillable and 3,375 billable

 International (primarily Canada and Europe): approximately 45 nonbillable and 115 billable

 Access to Company Information

 The Company is a Nevada corporation organized in 1971. The address of its principal executive office is 2500 McClellan Avenue, Suite 350, Pennsauken, NJ 08109-4613.

 The Company electronically files its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The SEC maintains an Internet site (  that contains reports, proxies, information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically.

 The Company makes available on its website or by responding free of charge to requests addressed to the Company's Corporate Secretary, its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports filed by the Company with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. The Company's website is ht tp://www.rcmt.com. The information contained on the Company's website, or on other websites linked to the Company's website, is not part of this document. Reference herein to the Company's website is an inactive text reference only.

 The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct applicable to all of its directors, officers and employees. In addition, the Company has adopted a Code of Ethics, within the meaning of applicable SEC rules, applicable to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller. Both the Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics are available, free of charge, by sending a written request to the Company's Corporate Secretary. If the Company makes any amendments to either of these Codes (other than technical, administrative, or other non-substantive amendments), or waives (explicitly or implicitly) any provision of the Code of Ethics to the benefit of its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Controller, it intends to disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver, its effective date and to whom it applies in the investor relations portion of the website, or in a report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC.

 ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 The Company ' s business involves a number of risks, some of which are beyond its control. The risk and uncertainties described below are not the only ones the Company faces. Set forth below is a discussion of the risks and uncertainties that management believes to be material to the Company.

 Economic Trends

 Adverse global economic conditions, when they occur, may create conditions such as increases in inflation, higher interest rates, a general tightening in the credit markets, lower levels of liquidity, increases in the rates of default and bankruptcy, and volatility in credit, equity and fixed income markets. Any or all of these developments can negatively affect the Company's business, operating results or financial condition in a number of ways. For example, current or potential customers may be unable to fund capital spending programs, new product launches of other similar endeavors whereby they might procure services from the Company, and therefore delay, decrease or cancel purchases of services or not pay or delay paying for previously purchased services. In addition, these conditions may cause the Company to incur increased expenses or make it more difficult either to utilize existing debt capacity or otherwise obtain financing for operations, investing activities (including the financing of any future acquisitions), or financing activities, all of which could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

 Government Regulations

 Staffing firms and employment service providers are generally subject to one or more of the following types of government regulation: (1) regulation of the employer/employee relationship between a firm and its employees, including tax withholding or reporting, social security or retirement, benefits, workplace compliance, wage and hour, anti-discrimination, immigration and workers' compensation; (2) registration, licensing, record keeping and reporting requirements; and (3) federal contractor compliance. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in the Company incurring penalties and other liabilities, monetary and otherwise.

 Highly Competitive Business

 The staffing services and outsourcing markets are highly competitive and have limited barriers to entry. The Company competes in global, national, regional, and local markets with numerous temporary staffing and permanent placement companies. Price competition in the staffing industry is significant and pricing pressures from competitors and customers are increasing. In addition, there is increasing pressure on companies to outsource certain areas of their business to low cost offshore outsourcing firms. The Company expects that the level of competition will remain high in the future, which could limit the Company's ability to maintain or increase its market share or profitability. Our inability to compete successfully with our competitors could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

 Seasonality of Business

 As described in "Item 1. Business," our operating results are subject to seasonal fluctuations, with reduced demand often occurring during the first quarter of the year when clients are finalizing their engineering and Life Sciences and IT budgets, and also during periods in which there are a substantial amount of holidays and season vacations. In particular, one of the largest customers in our Specialty Health Care group, the New York City Department of Education, significantly reduces activity during the third quarter, when schools are closed for summer recess. Our operating results for any given period may fluctuate as a result of the timing of holidays, vacations and other events, and if we were to experience unfavorable performance during periods in which we would otherwise expect to have high seasonal demand, we may have limited ability to make up for such performance during periods of seasonally lower demand.

 Events Affecting Significant Customers

 As disclosed in "Item 1. Business," during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, the Company had two customers exceed 10% of consolidated revenue, representing 17.1% and 10.1% of consolidated revenue. The Company's five, ten and twenty largest customers accounted for approximately 39.1%, 50.4% and 62.7%, respectively, of the Company's revenue for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023. The Company's customers may be affected by the current state of the economy or developments in the credit markets or may engage in mergers or similar transactions. In addition, customers may choose to reduce the business they do with the Company for other reasons or no reason. The Company could also be materially impacted by actions of prime contractors whereby the Company derives revenue through a subcontractor relationship. Should any significant customers experience a downturn in their business that weakens their financial condition or merge with another company or otherwise cease independent operation, or limit their relationship with us, it is possible that the business that the customer does with the Company would be reduced or eliminated, which could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

 Subcontractors, Transit Accounts Receivable and Transit Accounts Payables Related to Construction Management Contracts

 The Company's Engineering segment has entered into arrangements to provide construction management and engineering services to customers under which arrangements the Company then engages subcontractors to provide the construction services. Ultimately, as a primary contractor, the Company is responsible for the nonperformance or negligence of its subcontractors, whom the Company requires to be adequately insured and to issue performance bonds for their assignment. Should a subcontractor not perform or act negligently and should there be inadequate insurance or performance bonds in place, the Company might not be able to mitigate its primary liability to the customer, and the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In addition, while payments to subcontractors typically are due from the Company only after the Company receives payment from the ultimate customer, the Company faces the risk that, should a customer not pay the Company, or should a subcontractor demand payment from the Company prior to the Company's receipt of payment from its customer, the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 Dependence Upon Personnel

 The Company's operations depend on the continued efforts of its officers and other executive management. The loss of key officers and members of executive management may cause a significant disruption to the Company's business.

 The Company also depends on the performance and productivity of its local managers and field personnel. The Company's ability to attract and retain new business is significantly affected by local relationships and the quality of service rendered. The loss of key managers and field personnel may also jeopardize existing client relationships with businesses that continue to use the Company's services based upon past relationships with local managers and field personnel. In order to fulfill the requirements of the Company's customers, the Company must be able to recruit and retain appropriate personnel for client assignments.

 Revolving Credit Facility and Liquidity

 If the Company were unable to borrow under its Revolving Credit Facility (see "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Financing Activities"), it may adversely affect liquidity, results of operations and financial condition. The Company's liquidity depends on its ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations and, from time to time, borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility with the Company's agent lender Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. The Company believes that Citizens Bank is liquid and is not aware of any current risk that they will become illiquid. At December 30, 2023, the Company had $30.9 million in borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility outstanding and $2.0 million outstanding under letters of credit, with availability for additional borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility of $12.1 million.

 Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at one of two alternative rates, as selected by the Company at each incremental borrowing. These alternatives are: (i) SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate), plus applicable margin or (ii) the agent bank's prime rate generally borrowed over shorter durations. The Company also pays unused line fees based on the amount of the Revolving Credit Facility that is not drawn. Unused line fees are recorded as interest expense.

 All borrowings under the Fourth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement remain collateralized with substantially all of the Company's assets, as well as the capital stock of its subsidiaries. The Revolving Credit Facility also contains various financial and non-financial covenants, such as a covenant that restricts the Company's ability to borrow in order to pay dividends. As of December 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company believes that it will maintain compliance with its financial covenants for the foreseeable future.

 Foreign Currency Fluctuations and Changes in Exchange Rates

 The Company is exposed to risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations and changes in exchange rates. The Company's exposure to foreign currency fluctuations relates to operations in Canada, Germany and Serbia, principally conducted through its Canadian, German and Serbian subsidiaries. Exchange rate fluctuations affect the United States dollar value of reported earnings derived from the foreign operations as well as the carrying value of the Company's investment in the net assets related to these operations. The Company does not engage in hedging activities with respect to foreign operations.

 Changes in Tax Laws

 At any time, United States federal tax laws or the administrative interpretations of those laws may be changed. As a result, changes in United States federal tax laws could negatively impact our operating results, financial condition and business operations, and adversely impact the Company's shareholders. At any time, tax laws in the Company's other jurisdictions, Canada, Germany, Puerto Rico and Serbia, may also change. These tax law changes may have a material impact on the Company's income tax expense.

 Workers ' Compensation and Employee Medical Insurance

 The Company self-insures a portion of the exposure for losses related to workers' compensation and employees' medical insurance. The Company has established reserves for workers' compensation and employee medical insurance claims based on historical loss statistics and periodic independent actuarial valuations. Significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions may materially affect the Company's future financial results.

 Improper Activities of Temporary Professionals Could Result in Damage to Business Reputation, Discontinuation of Client Relationships and Exposure to Liability

 The Company may be subject to claims by clients related to errors and omissions, misuse of proprietary information, discrimination and harassment, theft and other criminal activity, malpractice, and other claims stemming from the improper activities or alleged activities of temporary professionals. There can be no assurance that current liability insurance coverage will be adequate or will continue to be available in sufficient amounts to cover damages or other costs associated with such claims.

 Claims raised by clients stemming from the improper actions of temporary professionals, even if without merit, could cause the Company to incur significant expense associated with rework costs or other damages related to such claims. Furthermore, such claims by clients could damage the Company's business reputation and result in the discontinuation of client relationships.

 Acquisitions May Not Succeed

 The Company reviews prospective acquisitions as an element of its growth strategy. The failure of any acquisition to meet the Company's expectations, whether due to a failure to successfully integrate any future acquisition or otherwise, may result in damage to the Company's financial performance and/or divert management's attention from its core operations or could negatively affect the Company's ability to meet the needs of its customers promptly.

 International Operations

 The Company operates its business in Canada and, to a less significant extent, in Germany, Puerto Rico and Serbia. For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, approximately 6.3% of the Company's revenue were generated outside the United States. There are certain risks inherent in conducting business internationally including: the imposition of trade barriers, foreign exchange restrictions, longer payment cycles, greater difficulties in accounts receivables collection, difficulties in complying with a variety of foreign laws (including without limitation the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act), changes in legal or regulatory requirements, difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, complex and uncertain employment environments, political instability and potentially adverse tax consequences. Our operations in Serbia could be adversely affected by the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with which Serbia has substantial ties. Should sanctions against Russia affect Russia in a way that causes adverse economic consequences to Serbia, or if such sanctions were to be extended to countries that might be considered to be in alignment with Russia, this could have a negative impact on our employees or operations both within and outside Serbia. To the extent the Company experiences these risks, the business and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 Global Epidemics

 As was the case with the COVID-19 pandemic and endemic, and associated initiatives to reduce its spread, any other global pandemics or endemics that may occur in the future could adversely affect the Company's business and financial position. For example, public and private sector policies and initiatives to reduce the transmission of a highly transmissible disease, such as closures of schools, businesses and manufacturing facilities, the promotion of social distancing, the adoption of working from home by companies and institutions, and travel restrictions could adversely affect demand for our services and present challenges to us in delivering these services. These impacts on our business could have an adverse effect on our liquidity position and access to capital, including our ability to access our line of credit.

 Global Epidemics (Continued)

 These factors, in addition to delays in payment, could continue result in significant bad debts in the near future. Additionally, our operating results would be adversely affected if unexpected increases in the costs of labor and labor related costs, materials, supplies and equipment used in performing services could not be passed on to our clients. In addition, we believe that to maintain or improve our financial performance we must continue to obtain service agreements with new clients, retain and provide new services to existing clients, achieve modest price increases on current service agreements with existing clients and/or maintain internal cost reduction strategies at our various operational levels. Furthermore, we believe that our ability to sustain the internal development of managerial personnel is an important factor impacting future operating results and the successful execution of our projected growth strategies. A future pandemic could make these objective more difficult to attain.

 Trademarks

 Management believes the RCM Technologies, Inc. name is extremely valuable and important to its business. The Company endeavors to protect its intellectual property rights and maintain certain trademarks, trade names, service marks and other intellectual property rights, including The Source of Smart Solutions and Industries of Tomorrow, Today with a trademark application submitted for the use of the latter. The Company is not currently aware of any infringing uses or other conditions that would be reasonably likely to materially and adversely affect the Company's use of its proprietary rights. The Company's success depends on its ability to successfully obtain and maintain, and prevent misappropriation or infringement of, its intellectual property, maintain trade secret protection, and conduct operations without violating or infringing on the intellectual property rights of third parties. Intellectual property litigation is expensive and time-consuming, and it is often difficult, if not impossible, to predict the outcome of such litigation. If the Company is involved in intellectual property litigation, its business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 Data Center Capacity and Telecommunication Links

 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), card key access, fire suppression, and environmental control systems protect the Company's datacenter. All systems are monitored on a 24/7 basis with alerting capabilities via voice or email. The telecommunications architecture at the Company utilizes managed private circuits from AT&T, which encompasses provisioning redundancy and diversity.

 The Company's ability to protect its data center against damage from fire, power loss, telecommunications failure and other disasters is critical to business operations. In order to provide many of its services, the Company must be able to store, retrieve, process and manage large databases and periodically expand and upgrade its capabilities. Any damage to the Company's data centers or any failure of the Company's telecommunication links that interrupts its operations or results in an inadvertent loss of data could adversely affect the Company's ability to meet its customers' needs and their confidence in utilizing the Company for future services.

 The Company's ability to protect its data, provide services and safeguard its installations, as it relates to the IT infrastructure, is in part dependent on several outside vendors with whom the Company maintains service level agreements.

 Cyber Security

 We are highly dependent on information technology systems to operate our business. A breakdown, invasion, corruption, destruction or interruption of critical information technology systems by employees, others with authorized access to our systems or unauthorized persons could negatively impact operations. In the ordinary course of business, we collect, store and transmit confidential information and it is critical that we do so in a secure manner to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of such information. Additionally, we outsource certain elements of our information technology systems to third parties. As a result of this outsourcing, our third party vendors may or could have access to our confidential information making such systems vulnerable. Data breaches of our information technology systems, or those of our third party vendors, may pose a risk that sensitive data may be exposed to unauthorized persons or to the public. While we believe that we have taken appropriate security measures to protect our data and information technology systems and have been informed by our third party vendors that they have as well, there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent breakdowns or breaches in our systems, or those of our third party vendors, that could adversely affect our business.

 Environmental Matters and Climate Change

 The Company and many of its customers are subject to regulation by federal, state and international environmental laws, including those relating to climate change, that are subject to rapid change, which could result in regulatory uncertainty as well as potential significant increases in compliance costs. There can be no assurance that the steps we take to abide by applicable requirements will meet all current and future regulatory. Any failures to do so could result in governmental enforcement actions, fines, and other penalties, or other liabilities, that could adversely affect our business.

 Data Privacy

 We control, process, or have access to personal information regarding our own employees or employment candidates, as well as that of many of our customers or other third parties. Information concerning these individuals may also reside in systems controlled by third party vendors with whom we do business. The legal and regulatory environment concerning data privacy is becoming more complex and challenging, and the potential consequences of non-compliance have become more severe. The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation, the California Consumer Privacy Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and similar laws impose additional compliance requirements related to the collection, use, processing, transfer, disclosure, and retention of personal information, which can increase operating costs and resources to accomplish. Any failure to abide by these regulations or to protect such personal information from inappropriate access or disclosure, whether through social engineering or by accident or other cause, could have severe consequences including fines, litigation, regulatory sanctions, reputational damage, and loss of customers or employees. There can be no assurance that the steps we take to abide by applicable requirements and protect information will meet all current and future regulatory requirements, anticipate all potential methods of unauthorized access, or prevent all inappropriate disclosures. Any failures to do so could result in governmental enforcement actions, fines, and other penalties, or other liabilities, that could adversely affect our business.

 ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 Not applicable.

 ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY

 Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy

 The Company has developed and implemented a cybersecurity risk management program intended to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its critical systems and information. The Company's cybersecurity risk management program includes a cybersecurity incident response plan and is integrated with the Company's overall enterprise risk management program, sharing common methodologies, reporting channels and governance processes that apply across the enterprise risk management program to other legal, compliance, strategic, operational and financial risk areas. While the Company may not meet any particular standard, specification or requirement of the Center for Internet Security Critical Security Controls, the Company utilizes such controls as a guide to help identify, assess and manage cybersecurity risks relevant to the business. The Company has implemented cybersecurity policies and frameworks based on industry and governmental standards to align closely with requirements, instructions, and guidance from ISO 27001, NIST, CMMC, GDPR, HIPAA, SOC and SOX Compliance.

 Our cybersecurity risk management program includes, among other things:

 risk assessments designed to help identify material cybersecurity risks to critical systems and information services;

 a team comprising information technology (IT) security, IT infrastructure, and IT compliance personnel principally responsible for directing (i) cybersecurity risk assessment processes, (ii) security processes and (iii) planned responses to cybersecurity incidents;

 the use of external cybersecurity service providers, where appropriate, to assess, test or otherwise assist with aspects of security processes;

 cybersecurity awareness training of employees with access to IT systems;

 a cybersecurity incident response plan and Security Operations Center to respond to cybersecurity incidents; and

 a third-party risk management process for service providers.

 During the year ended December 30, 2023, the Company has not identified risks from known cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any prior cybersecurity incidents, that have materially affected operations, business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. However, the Company expects to continue to face certain risks from ongoing cybersecurity threats that, if realized, are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including our operations, business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. See Risk Factors – Cyber Security, Data Privacy and Data Center Capacity and Telecommunication Links.

 ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY (CONTINUED)

 Cybersecurity Governance

 The Company's Board considers cybersecurity risk as part of its risk oversight function and considers cybersecurity and IT risks as key strategic risks of the Company. The Board oversees management's implementation of the Company's cybersecurity risk management program, receiving at least annual updates from management (including our Chief Information Officer) on cybersecurity risks, including briefings on the Company's cyber risk management program and cybersecurity incidents, and reviewing cybersecurity topics impacting companies with management and external experts.

 The Company's Chief Information Officer leads the IT and cybersecurity functions and has primary responsibility for leading the Company's overall cybersecurity risk management program, supervising both internal cybersecurity personnel and external cybersecurity service providers. The Company's cybersecurity function is responsible for assessing and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats, as well as informing management about and monitoring the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity risks and incidents through various means, which include briefings with internal security personnel, threat intelligence and other information obtained from governmental, public or private sources, including external cybersecurity service providers and alerts and reports produced by security tools deployed in the IT environment.

 The Company's Chief Information Officer and Vice President of IT security and Compliance have significant experience in managing and leading information systems and deploying cybersecurity technologies and have extensive cybersecurity training and knowledge. The Company's Vice President of IT security and Compliance has several industry certifications, including CISSP (Certified Information Security System Professional), CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) and CCSK (Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge). The Company's Chief Information Officer reports to the Chief Executive Officer, and the Company's Vice President of IT Security and Compliance reports to the Company's Chief Information Officer.

 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

 The Company provides specialty professional consulting services, principally performed at various client locations, through 29 administrative and sales offices located in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Germany and Serbia. The majority of the Company's offices typically consist of 1,000 to 15,000 square feet and are typically leased by the Company for terms of one to five years. Offices in larger or smaller markets may vary in size from the typical office. The Company does not expect that it will be difficult to maintain or find suitable lease space at reasonable rates in its markets or in areas where the Company contemplates expansion.

 The Company's executive office is located at 2500 McClellan Avenue, Suite 350, Pennsauken, New Jersey 08109-4613. These premises consist of approximately 3,500 square feet and are leased at a rate of approximately $15.00 per square foot per annum for a term ending on November 30, 2025.

 The Company's operational office is located at 20 Waterview Boulevard, 4 th Floor, Parsippany, NJ 07054-1271. These premises consist of approximately 9,200 square feet and are leased at a rate of approximately $25.50 per square foot per annum for a term ending on April 30, 2024.

 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 From time to time, the Company is a defendant in various legal actions that arise in the ordinary business course. These matters may relate to professional liability, tax, compensation, contract, competitor disputes, and employee-related matters and include individual and class action lawsuits, as well as inquiries and investigations by governmental agencies regarding the Company's employment and compensation practices. Additionally, some of the Company's clients may also become subject to claims, governmental inquiries and investigations, and legal actions relating to the Company's professional services. Depending upon the particular facts and circumstances, the Company may also be subject to indemnification obligations under its contracts with such clients relating to these matters.

 As such, the Company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of losses and possible recoveries. The Company may not be covered by insurance as it pertains to some or all of these matters. A determination of the amount of the provision required for these commitments and contingencies, if any, which would be charged to earnings, is made after careful analysis of each matter. The Company records a liability when management believes an adverse outcome from a loss contingency is both probable and the amount, or a range, can be reasonably estimated. From time to time, the Company must estimate the potential loss even though the party adverse to the Company has not asserted any specific amounts. Significant judgment is required to determine both the probability of loss and the estimated amount. The Company reviews its loss contingencies at least quarterly and it adjusts its accruals and/or disclosures to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, or other new information, as deemed necessary. Once established, a provision may change in the future due to new developments or changes in circumstances. The Company could increase or decrease its earnings in the period that the changes are made.

 The Company is exposed to various asserted claims as of December 30, 2023, where the Company believes it has a probability of loss. Additionally, the Company is exposed to other asserted claims whereby an amount of loss has not been declared, and the Company cannot determine the potential loss. Any of these various claims could result in an unfavorable outcome or settlement that exceeds the accrued amounts. However, the Company believes that such matters will not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. As of December 30, 2023, the Company has accrued $2.9 million for asserted claims.

 In April 2022, a client of the Company's Industrial Processing Group alleged that a system partially designed by the Company is not operating as intended and that the Company is responsible. The Company has not determined if it has any liability. In the event of liability, the Company believes its damages are contractually limited to an amount no higher than $3.3 million. Furthermore, the Company believes that if it were found liable, any damages would be covered by insurance, subject to a deductible of $0.5 million and maximum coverage of $5.0 million. While the Company attempts to find a mutually agreeable solution, the Company has reserved $0.5 million for this project. The Company can give no assurance that its liability is limited to $3.3 million or that liability over $0.5 million, if any, will be covered by insurance.

 The Company is also subject to other pending legal proceedings and claims that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business, which may not be covered by insurance.

 ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 Not applicable.

 ITEM 5.

 MARKET FOR REGISTRANT ' S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER

 MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 Shares of the Company's common stock are traded on The NASDAQ Global Market under the Symbol "RCMT."

 Holders

 As of February 20, 2024, the approximate number of holders of record of the Company's Common Stock was 247 and the number of beneficial owners of its Common Stock was approximately 7,650.

 Dividends

 No dividends were declared in fiscal 2022 or fiscal 2023. All restricted share awards contain a dividend equivalent provision entitling holders to dividends paid between the restricted stock award grant date and ultimate share distribution date. As of December 30, 2023, there were no accrued dividends.

 While the Company, at this time, has no plans to issue any future dividends, any future payment of dividends will depend upon, among other things, the Company's earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions, and other factors that the Board of Directors deems relevant. The Revolving Credit Facility (as discussed in Item 7 hereof) prohibits the payment of any dividends or distributions on account of the Company's capital stock without the prior consent of the majority of the Company's lenders.

 Stock Repurchase by Issuer

 On April 25, 2023, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase shares of its common stock up to an amount not to exceed $25.0 million. This program succeeds the Company's prior repurchase program authorized in November 2021, which was substantially completed in April 2023. The program is designed to provide the Company with enhanced flexibility over the long term to optimize its capital structure. Shares of the Common Stock may be repurchased in the open market or through negotiated transactions. The program may be terminated or suspended at any time at the discretion of the Company. The Company may enter into a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan to effect a portion of the authorized purchases if the criteria set forth in the plan are met. Such a plan would enable the Company to repurchase its shares during periods outside of its normal trading windows when the Company typically would not be active in the market.

 ITEM 5.

 MARKET FOR REGISTRANT ' S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER

 MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES (CONT ' D)

 Stock Repurchase by Issuer (Continued)

 The following table provides information relating to the shares we purchased during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023:

 Period

 Total Number
 of Shares
 Purchased

 Weighted Average
 Price Paid
 per Share

 Total Number of
 Shares Purchased as
 Part of Publicly
 Announced Program

 Approximate Dollar
 Value of Shares that
 May Yet Be
 Purchased Under
 the Program

 October 1, 2023 –
 October 31, 2023

 53,837

 $

 19.23

 53,837

 $

 13,905,000

 November 1, 2023 –
 November 30, 2023

 13,960

 $

 19.29

 13,960

 $

 13,635,000

 December 1, 2023 –
 December 30, 2023

 -

 -

 -

 Total

 67,797

 $

 19.24

 67,797

 ITEM 6.

 RESERVED

 The following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements relating to our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and resources. Such forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with our disclosures under " Item 1A. Risk Factors " of this Form 10-K.

 This section of the Form 10-K generally discusses matters relating to the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and year-to-year comparisons between such fiscal years. Discussions of matters relating to the fiscal year ended January 1, 2022 and year-to-year comparison between that year and the year ended December 31, 2022 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in " Management ' s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations " in Part II, Item 7 of the Company ' s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

 Overview

 The Company participates in a market that is cyclical in nature and sensitive to economic changes. As a result, the impact of economic changes on revenue and operations can be substantial, resulting in significant volatility in the Company's financial performance.

 The Company believes it has developed and assembled an attractive portfolio of capabilities, established a proven record of performance and credibility and built an efficient pricing structure. The Company is committed to optimizing its business model as a single-source premier provider of business and technology solutions with a strong vertical focus offering an integrated suite of services through a global delivery platform.

 The Company believes that most companies recognize the importance of advanced technologies and business processes to compete in today's business climate. However, the process of designing, developing and implementing business and technology solutions is becoming increasingly complex. The Company believes that many businesses today are focused on return on investment analysis in prioritizing their initiatives. This has had an adverse impact on spending by current and prospective clients for many emerging new solutions.

 Nonetheless, the Company continues to believe that businesses must implement more advanced life sciences, information technology and engineering solutions to upgrade their systems, applications and processes so that they can maximize their productivity and optimize their performance in order to maintain a competitive advantage. Although working under budgetary, personnel and expertise constraints, companies are driven to support increasingly complex systems, applications and processes of significant strategic value. This has given rise to a demand for outsourcing. The Company believes that its current and prospective clients are continuing to evaluate the potential for outsourcing business critical systems, applications and processes.

 The Company provides project management and consulting services, which are billed based on either agreed-upon fixed fees or hourly rates, or a combination of both. The billing rates and profit margins for project management and solutions services are generally higher than those for professional consulting services. The Company generally endeavors to expand its sales of higher margin solutions and project management services. The Company also realizes revenue from client engagements that range from the placement of contract and temporary technical consultants to project assignments that entail the delivery of end-to-end solutions. These services are primarily provided to the client at hourly rates that are established for each of the Company's consultants based upon their skill level, experience and the type of work performed.

 Overview (Continued)

 The majority of the Company's services are provided under purchase orders. Contracts are utilized on certain of the more complex assignments where the engagements are for longer terms or where precise documentation on the nature and scope of the assignment is necessary. Although contracts normally relate to longer-term and more complex engagements, they do not obligate the customer to purchase a minimum level of services and are generally terminable by the customer on 60 to 90 days' notice. The Company, from time to time, enters into contracts requiring the completion of specific deliverables. Typically, these contracts are for less than one year. The Company recognizes revenue on these deliverables at the time the client accepts and approves the deliverables.

 Costs of services consist primarily of salaries and compensation-related expenses for billable consultants and employees, including payroll taxes, employee benefits and insurance. Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits of personnel responsible for business development, recruiting, operating activities, and training, and include corporate overhead expenses. Corporate overhead expenses relate to salaries and benefits of personnel responsible for corporate activities, including the Company's corporate marketing, administrative and financial reporting responsibilities and acquisition program. The Company records these expenses when incurred. Corporate overhead expenses are allocated to the segments based on revenue for the purpose of segment financial reporting.

 Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

 This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP"). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us 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 financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. In our consolidated financial statements, estimates are used for, but not limited to, accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts, goodwill, long-lived intangible assets, accounting for stock options and restricted stock awards, insurance liabilities, accounting for income taxes and accrued bonuses.

 Revenue Recognition

 The Company records revenue under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Revenue is recognized when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring services promised in a contract to a customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those services. Performance obligations in our contracts represent distinct or separate service streams that we provide to our customers.

 We evaluate our revenue contracts with customers based on the five-step model under ASC 606: (1) Identify the contract with the customer; (2) Identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) Determine the transaction price; (4) Allocate the transaction price to separate performance obligations; and (5) Recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied.

 The Company derives its revenue from several sources. The Company's Engineering Services and Life Sciences and Information Technology segments perform consulting and project solution services. The Healthcare segment specializes in long-term and short-term staffing and placement services to hospitals, schools and long-term care facilities amongst others. All of the Company's segments perform staff augmentation services and derive revenue from permanent placement fees. The majority of the Company's revenue is invoiced on a time and materials basis.

 Revenue Recognition (Continued)

 The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by revenue source for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

 2023

 2022

 Specialty Health Care:

 $

 134,941

 $

 158,001

 1,300

 1,447

 Total Specialty Health Care

 $

 136,241

 $

 159,448

 Engineering:

 $

 42,443

 $

 44,915

 42,232

 41,021

 -

 Total Engineering

 $

 84,675

 $

 85,937

 Life Sciences and Information Technology:

 $

 35,368

 $

 35,473

 6,551

 3,022

 Total Life Sciences and Information Technology

 $

 42,321

 $

 39,295

 $

 $

 The Company's Health Care segment predominantly recognizes revenue through time and material work while its Engineering and Life Sciences and Information Technology segments recognize revenue through both time and material and fixed fee work. The Company's time and material contracts are typically based on the number of hours worked at contractually agreed upon rates, therefore revenue associated with these time and materials contracts are recognized based on hours worked at contracted rates.

 From time to time and predominantly in our Engineering segment, the Company will enter into contracts requiring the completion of specific deliverables. The Company has master services agreements with many of its customers that broadly define terms and conditions. Actual services performed under fixed fee arrangements are typically delivered under purchase orders that more specifically define terms and conditions related to that fixed fee project. While these master services agreements can often span several years, the Company's fixed fee purchase orders are typically performed over six to nine month periods. In instances where project services are provided on a fixed-price basis, revenue is recorded in accordance with the terms of each contract. In certain instances, revenue is invoiced at the time certain milestones are reached, as defined in the contract. Revenue under these arrangements are recognized as the costs on these contracts are incurred. From time-to-time, amounts paid in excess of revenue earned and recognized are recorded as deferred revenue, included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, some contracts contain "Performance Fees" (bonuses) for completing a contract under budget. Performance Fees, if any, are recorded when earned. Some contracts also limit revenue and billings to specified maximum amounts. Provisions for contract losses, if any, are made in the period such losses are determined. For contracts where there is a specific deliverable and the work is not complete and the revenue is not recognized, the costs incurred are deferred as a prepaid asset. The associated costs are expensed when the related revenue is recognized.

 Revenue Recognition (Continued)

 The Company earns permanent placement fees from providing permanent placement services. These fees are typically based on a percentage of the compensation paid to the person placed with the Company's client. The Company guarantees its permanent placements on a prorated basis for 90 days. In the event a candidate is not retained for the 90-day period, the Company will provide a suitable replacement candidate. In the event a replacement candidate cannot be located, the Company will provide a prorated refund to the client. An allowance for refunds, based upon the Company's historical experience, is recorded in the financial statements.

 Deferred Revenue

 There was $1.9 million of deferred revenue as of December 30, 2023. Deferred revenue was $1.1 million as of December 31, 2022. Revenue is recognized when the service has been performed. Deferred revenue may be recognized over a period exceeding one year from the time it was recorded on the balance sheet, although this is an infrequent occurrence. In the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company recognized revenue of $1.1 million and $3.4 million, respectively, that was included in deferred revenue at the beginning of the reporting period.

 Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 The Company's accounts receivable are primarily due from trade customers. Credit is extended based on evaluation of customers' financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Accounts receivable payment terms vary and are stated in the financial statements at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than the payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company's previous loss history, the customer's current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables previously written off are credited to bad debt expense.

 Goodwill

 Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to periodic testing for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 350 " Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment " ("ASC Topic 350"). The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of the last day of the Company's fiscal December each year or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change indicating that the fair value of the goodwill may be below its carrying amount. The Company has three reporting units. The Company uses a market-based approach to determine the fair value of the reporting units. This approach uses earnings/revenue multiples of similar companies recently completing acquisitions and the ability of our reporting units to generate cash flows as measures of fair value of our reporting units. The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-04, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" effective December 29, 2018 which has eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under this update, an entity should perform its goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount.

 There was no goodwill impairment in fiscal 2023 or 2022. During all periods presented, the Company determined that the existing qualitative factors did not suggest that an impairment of goodwill exists. There can be no assurance that future indicators of impairment and tests of goodwill impairment will not result in impairment charges for both its Engineering and Specialty Healthcare segments.

 Long-Lived and Intangible Assets

 The Company evaluates long-lived assets and intangible assets with definite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. When the Company determines that it is probable that undiscounted future cash flows will not be sufficient to recover an asset's carrying amount, the asset is written down to its fair value. Assets to be disposed of by sale, if any, are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.

 Accounting for Restricted Stock Awards

 The Company uses restricted stock awards to attract, retain and reward employees for long-term service. The Company follows Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 718 "Compensation – Stock Compensation" which requires that the compensation cost relating to stock-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements. This compensation cost is measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. The Company measures stock-based compensation cost using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for stock options and the fair value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant for restricted stock awards.

 Insurance Liabilities

 The Company has risk participation arrangements with respect to workers compensation and health care insurance. The Company establishes loss provisions based on historical experience and in the case of expected losses from workers compensation, considers input from third parties. The amounts included in the Company's costs related to this risk participation are estimated and can vary based on changes in assumptions, the Company's claims experience or the providers included in the associated insurance programs.

 Accounting for Income Taxes

 In establishing the provision for income taxes and deferred income tax assets and liabilities and valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, the Company makes judgments and interpretations based on enacted tax laws, published tax guidance and estimates of future earnings. As of December 30, 2023, the Company had both domestic and foreign net deferred tax liabilities of $1.7 million. The domestic long term net deferred tax liability of $1.6 million includes $4.3 million in deferred liabilities offset by $2.7 million in deferred tax assets. The deferred tax liabilities consist of acquisition amortization of $1.8 million, prepaid expenses of $1.0 million, advance depreciation deductions of $0.7 million and right of use assets of $0.7 million. The domestic deferred tax assets consist of lease liabilities of $0.8 million, reserves and accruals of $0.8 million, compensation of $0.7 million and allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.4 million. The realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the likelihood that future taxable income will be sufficient to realize these benefits over time, and the effectiveness of tax planning strategies in the relevant tax jurisdictions. If actual results differ from these estimates and assessments, valuation allowances may be required. As of December 30, 2023, the Company had $0.1 million in foreign net deferred tax liabilities associated with its Canadian operations and a small deferred tax asset associated with its German operations.

 The Company conducts its operations in multiple tax jurisdictions in the United States, Canada, Germany, Puerto Rico and Serbia. The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated United States Federal income tax return and file in various states. The Company has no open Federal audits as of December 30, 2023. Except for limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to audits by state and local tax authorities for tax years prior to 2019. The Company is no longer subject to audit in Canada for the tax years prior to tax year 2019. The Company is no longer subject to audit in Puerto Rico for the tax years prior to tax year 2018.

 The Company's future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in the valuation of its deferred tax assets or liabilities or changes in tax laws or interpretations thereof. In addition, the Company is subject to the examination of its income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of its provision for income taxes.

 Accrued Bonuses

 The Company pays bonuses to certain executive management, field management and corporate employees based on, or after giving consideration to, a variety of financial performance measures. Bonuses for executive management, field management and certain corporate employees are accrued throughout the year for payment during the first quarter of the following year, based in part upon anticipated annual results compared to annual budgets. In addition, the Company pays discretionary bonuses to certain employees, which are not related to budget performance. Variances in actual results versus budgeted amounts can have a significant impact on the calculations and therefore on the estimates of the required accruals. Accordingly, the actual earned bonuses may be materially different from the estimates used to determine the quarterly accruals.

 Performance-Based Restricted Stock and Stock Unit Awards

 From time-to-time the Company issues performance-based restricted stock and stock unit awards to its executives. Performance-based restricted stock and stock unit awards are typically vested based on certain multi-year performance metrics as determined by the Board of Directors Compensation Committee. The Company will reassess at each reporting date whether achievement of any performance condition is probable and would begin recognizing additional compensation cost if and when achievement of the performance condition becomes probable. The Company will then recognize the appropriate expense cumulatively in the year performance becomes probable and recognize the remaining compensation cost over the remaining requisite service period. If at a later measurement date the Company determines that performance-based restricted stock or stock unit awards deemed as likely to vest are deemed as unlikely to vest, the expense recognized will be reversed. These performance-based restricted stock and stock unit awards typically include dividend accrual equivalents, which means that any dividends paid by the Company during the vesting period become due and payable after the vesting period on any stock and stock unit awards that actually vest, if any. Dividends for these grants are accrued on the dividend payment dates and included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Dividends for performance-based restricted stock and stock unit awards that ultimately do not vest are forfeited.

 Forward-looking Information

 The Company's growth prospects are influenced by broad economic trends. The pace of customer capital spending programs, new product launches and similar activities have a direct impact on the need for engineering, life sciences and information technology services. When the U.S., Canadian or global economies decline, the Company's operating performance could be adversely impacted. In addition, global events such as international conflicts or health pandemics and endemics also have a substantial impact on our operations and financial results. The Company believes that its fiscal discipline, strategic focus on targeted vertical markets and diversification of service offerings provides some insulation from adverse trends. However, general economic declines could result in the need for future cost reductions or changes in strategy.

 Additionally, changes in government regulations could result in prohibition or restriction of certain types of employment services or the imposition of new or additional employee benefits, licensing or tax requirements with respect to the provision of employment services that may reduce the Company's future earnings. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to increase the fees charged to its clients in a timely manner and in a sufficient amount to cover increased costs as a result of any of the foregoing.

 The consulting and employment services market is highly competitive with limited barriers to entry. The Company competes in global, national, regional and local markets with numerous competitors in all of the Company's service lines. Price competition in the industries the Company serves is significant, and pricing pressures from competitors and customers are increasing. The Company expects that the level of competition will remain high in the future, which could limit the Company's ability to maintain or increase its market share or profitability.

 Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2023 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022

 A summary of operating results for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is as follows (in thousands):

 December 30, 2023

 December 31, 2022

 Amount

 % of

 Amount

 % of

 $

 100.0

 $

 100.0

 186,541

 70.9

 201,753

 70.9

 76,696

 29.1

 82,927

 29.1

 52,185

 19.8

 53,395

 18.8

 Depreciation and amortization of property and
 equipment

 1,032

 0.4

 0.3

 0.1

 0.0

 (395

)

 (0.2

)

 (219

)

 (0.1

)

 Remeasurement of acquisition-related

 -

 -

 (88

)

 -

 Operating costs and expenses

 53,004

 20.1

 54,129

 19.0

 23,692

 9.0

 28,798

 10.1

 Other expense, net

 1,497

 0.6

 0.1

 Income before income taxes

 22,195

 8.4

 28,480

 10.0

 Income tax expense

 5,364

 2.0

 7,591

 2.7

 $

 6.4

 $

 7.3

 The Company follows a 52/53 week fiscal reporting calendar ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. The fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 (fiscal 2023) and December 31, 2022 (fiscal 2022) consisted of fifty-two weeks each.

 Revenue. Revenue decreased 7.5%, or $21.4 million, for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022 (the "comparable prior year period"). Revenue decreased $23.2 million in the Specialty Health Care segment, decreased $1.2 million in the Engineering segment and increased $3.0 million in the Life Sciences and Information Technology segment. See Segment Discussion for further information on revenue changes.

 Cost of Services and Gross Profit. Cost of services decreased 7.5%, or $15.2 million, for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 as compared to the comparable prior year period. Cost of services decreased primarily due to the decrease in revenue. Cost of services as a percentage of revenue for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and the comparable prior year period was 70.9%. See Segment Discussion for further information regarding changes in cost of services and gross profit.

 Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2023 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 (Continued)

 Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative ("SGA") expenses were $52.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 as compared to $53.4 million for the comparable prior year period. As a percentage of revenue, SGA expenses were 19.8% for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 and 18.8% for the comparable prior year period. See Segment Discussion for further information on SGA expense changes.

 Gain on sale of assets. On July 30, 2021, the Company sold the principal assets and certain liabilities of its Pickering and Kincardine offices, located in Ontario, Canada. These two offices were often referred to as Canada Power Systems and principally provided engineering services to two major nuclear power providers in Canada. The two Canada Power Systems offices were part of a reporting unit within the Company's Engineering segment. For the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a gain of $0.4 and $0.2 million, respectively, which was due to receiving escrow funds associated with the sale of Canada Power Systems in fiscal 2021.

 Remeasurement of acquisition related contingent consideration. The Company adjusted the forecasted contingent consideration for active acquisition agreements, which created a discreet gain of $0.1 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. There was no remeasurement in the current fiscal year ended December 30, 2023.

 Other Expense, Net. Other expense, net consists of interest expense, unused line fees and amortized loan costs on the Company's line of credit, net of interest income and gains and losses on foreign currency transactions. Other expense, net increased by $1.1 million as compared to the comparable prior year period, primarily due to an increase in interest expense, net. Interest expense increased due to increased borrowing. Borrowings increased primarily to fund treasury stock purchases.

 Income Tax Expense. The Company recognized $5.4 million of income tax expense for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, as compared to $7.6 million for the comparable prior-year period. The consolidated effective income tax rate for the current period was 24.2% as compared to 26.7% for the comparable prior-year period. The effective fiscal 2023 income tax rates as of December 30, 2023, were approximately 24.5%, 23.9% and 10.5% in the United States, Canada, and Europe, respectively. The relative income or loss generated in each jurisdiction can materially impact the overall effective income tax rate of the Company, particularly the ratio of Canadian and European pretax income versus U.S. pretax income. The effective income tax rate can also be impacted by discrete permanent differences affecting any period presented. The primary reason for the decrease in the consolidated effective rate in the current period was due to a permanent tax difference associated with the tax deduction for equity grants in the United States that vested during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023.

 Differences between the effective tax rate and the applicable U.S. federal statutory rate may arise, primarily from the effect of state and local income taxes, and share-based compensation. The actual effective tax rate may vary in future years depending on the actual operating income earned in various jurisdictions, the potential availability of tax credits, and the exercise of stock options and vesting of share-based awards.

 Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2023 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 (Continued)

 Segment Discussion

 Specialty Health Care

 Specialty Health Care revenue of $136.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 decreased 14.6%, or $23.2 million, as compared to the comparable prior-year period. The decrease in revenue was driven by both the Company's school and non-school clients. Revenue from school clients for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 was $103.0 million as compared to $114.2 million for the comparable prior-year period. Revenue from non-school clients for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 was $33.2 million as compared to $45.2 million for the comparable prior-year period. Revenue decreases were primarily due to decreased demand associated with COVID-19 transitioning from a high level of activity relating during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 to a lesser level of activity associated with the change of COVID-19 to an endemic during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023. The Specialty Health Care segment's gross profit decreased by 16.6%, or $8.0 million, to $39.9 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, as compared to $47.9 million for the prior-year period. The decrease in gross profit was primarily driven by the decrease in revenue. Gross profit margin for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 decreased to 29.3% as compared to 30.0% for the comparable prior-year period. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to a mix shift for certain lower margin services. Specialty Health Care experienced operating income of $13.5 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, as compared to $19.8 million for the comparable prior-year period. The primary reason for the decrease in operating income was the decrease in gross profit, offset by a decrease in SGA expense. SGA expense decreased by $1.7 million to $26.0 million, as compared to $27.7 million in the comparable prior-year period. The decrease in SGA expense was primarily due to a decrease in expenses associated with lower revenue and a lower allocation of corporate SGA expenses.

 The Company believes that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic helped to increase Specialty Health Care revenue and gross margin in the first half of fiscal 2022, which impact did not materially affect any portion of fiscal 2023. However, the Company also believes that the demand for its Healthcare services is greater than it had been before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company believes that, except for seasonality, it is well positioned for growth in revenue going forward.

 Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2023 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2022 (Continued)

 Segment Discussion (Continued)

 Engineering revenue of $84.7 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 decreased by 1.5%, or $1.2 million, compared to the comparable prior-year period. The decrease in revenue comprised the following: decreases in Aerospace revenue of $4.9 million and Industrial Processing revenue of $4.8 million, offset by an increase to Energy Services revenue of $8.5 million. The decrease in Aerospace revenue was primarily due to a contract reduction for the Company's major outsourcing client. The Company believes the decrease in Industrial Processing revenue was primarily due to the irregular timing of large contracts with its Industrial Processing clients. Gross profit decreased by 5.1%, or $1.1 million, as compared to the comparable prior-year period. Gross profit decreased because of the decrease in revenue and a decrease in gross profit margin. Gross profit margin of 24.3% for the current period decreased from 25.3% for the comparable prior-year period. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to lower utilization resulting from an increase in staff associated with lower revenue as the Company absorbed fixed salaried costs over lower revenue. The Engineering segment experienced operating income of $3.5 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, as compared to $4.3 million for the comparable prior-year period. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to the decrease in gross profit, offset by a $0.3 million decrease in SGA expense.

 Life Sciences and Information Technology

 Life Sciences and Information Technology revenue of $42.3 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 increased by 7.7%, or $3.0 million, as compared to $39.3 million for the comparable prior-year period. Gross profit of $16.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 increased 21.5%, or $2.9 million, as compared to $13.3 million for the comparable prior-year period. The increase in gross profit was due to the increase in revenue and an increase in gross profit margin. The Life Sciences and Information Technology gross profit margin for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 was 38.2% as compared to 33.9% for the comparable prior-year period. The Company attributes the gross profit margin increase to a concerted effort to increase gross profit margin through its managed service offerings. The Life Sciences and Information Technology segment experienced operating income of $6.6 million as compared to $4.7 million for the comparable prior-year period. The increase in operating income was primarily due to an increase in gross profit, offset by an increase to SGA expense. SGA expense increased to $9.2 million as compared to $8.5 million in the comparable prior-year period. The increase in SGA expense was primarily due to the acquisition of TalentHerder in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 and a higher allocation of corporate SGA expenses.

 Supplemental Operating Results on a Non-GAAP Basis

 The following non-GAAP measures, which adjust for the categories of expenses described below, are non-GAAP financial measures. Our management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures ("Adjusted operating income", "EBITDA", "Adjusted EBITDA", "Adjusted net income", and "Adjusted diluted net earnings per share") are useful information for investors, shareholders and other stakeholders of our company in gauging our results of operations on an ongoing basis and to enhance investors' overall understanding of our current financial performance and period-to-period comparisons. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are performance measures and not liquidity measures. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to net income or operating income as indicators of performance. In addition, neither EBITDA nor Adjusted EBITDA takes into account changes in certain assets and liabilities as well as interest and income taxes that can affect cash flows. We do not intend the presentation of these non-GAAP measures to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 The following unaudited tables present the Company's GAAP net income and GAAP operating income and the corresponding adjustments used to calculate Adjusted operating income, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted diluted net earnings per share for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 2023

 2022

 GAAP operating income

 $

 23,692

 $

 28,798

 Adjustments

 (395

)

 (219

)

 Remeasurement of acquisition related

 -

 (88

)

 Equity compensation

 2,092

 1,582

 Adjusted operating income (non-GAAP)

 $

 25,389

 $

 30,073

 GAAP net income

 $

 $

 Income tax expense

 5,364

 7,591

 Interest expense, net

 1,399

 Depreciation of property and equipment

 1,032

 EBITDA (non-GAAP)

 $

 24,808

 $

 29,891

 Adjustments

 (395

)

 (219

)

 Remeasurement of acquisition related

 -

 (88

)

 Loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions

 (52

)

 Equity compensation

 2,092

 1,582

 Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)

 $

 26,603

 $

 31,114

 Supplemental Operating Results on a Non-GAAP Basis (Continued)

 2023

 2022

 GAAP net income

 $

 $

 Adjustments

 (395

)

 (219

)

 Remeasurement of acquisition related

 -

 (88

)

 Loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions

 (52

)

 Equity compensation

 2,092

 1,582

 Tax impact from normalized rate

 (467

)

 (356

)

 Adjusted net income (non-GAAP)

 $

 18,159

 $

 21,756

 GAAP diluted net earnings per share

 $

 1.96

 $

 2.00

 Adjustments

 $

 (0.05

)

 $

 (0.02

)

 Remeasurement of acquisition related

 -

 $

 (0.01

)

 Loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions

 $

 0.01

 $

 (0.01

)

 Equity compensation

 $

 0.24

 $

 0.15

 Tax impact from normalized rate

 $

 (0.05

)

 $

 (0.03

)

 Adjusted diluted net earnings per share (non-GAAP)

 $

 2.11

 $

 2.08

 Liquidity and Capital Resources

 The following table summarizes the major captions from the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 ($ in thousands):

 2023

 2022

 Cash provided by (used in):

 Operating activities

 $

 12,482

 $

 28,283

 Investing activities

 $

 (2,536

)

 $

 (4,820

)

 Financing activities

 $

 (3,855

)

 $

 (23,127

)

 Operating Activities

 Operating activities provided $12.5 million of cash for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 as compared to $28.3 million in the comparable prior year period. The major components of cash used in or provided by operating activities in the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 and the comparable prior year period are as follows: net income and changes in accounts receivable, the net of transit accounts payable and transit accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses and accrued payroll and related costs, and deferred revenue.

 For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, the Company experienced net income of $16.8 million as compared to $20.9 million for the comparable prior year period. An increase in accounts receivables in the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, used $20.6 million of cash as compared to $1.5 million in the comparable prior year period. The Company primarily attributes this increase in accounts receivables for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 to normal fluctuations in accounts receivable relative to revenue.

 While highly variable, the Company's transit accounts payable typically exceeds the Company's transit accounts receivable, but absolute amounts and differences fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter in the normal course of business. The net of transit accounts payable and transit accounts receivable was a net payable of $22.2 million as of December 30, 2023 as compared to a net payable of $6.5 million as of December 31, 2022, providing $15.7 million of cash during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023. The increase to net transit payable as of December 30, 2023 was due to several large, multiyear EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) projects starting in the Company's second fiscal quarter. In a typical EPC contract, the Company receives significant cash upfront to fund equipment procurement and construction subcontractors throughout the project.

 Prepaid expenses and other current assets provided negligible cash for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 as compared to using $2.4 million of cash for the comparable prior year period. The Company attributes changes to prepaid expenses and other current assets, if any, to general timing of payments in the normal course of business. Since certain expenses are paid before a fiscal year concludes and are amortized over the next fiscal year, prepaid expenses and other current assets generally tend to increase at the end of a fiscal year and decrease during the first three quarters of the following fiscal year.

 A decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses used cash of $1.5 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 as compared to providing $4.9 million for the comparable prior year period. The Company attributes these changes to typical fluctuations in the normal course of business.

 Operating Activities (Continued)

 Changes in accrued payroll and related costs used $1.3 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 as compared to negligible cash for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. There are four primary factors that generally impact accrued payroll and related costs: 1) there is a general correlation to operating expenses as payroll and related costs is the Company's largest expense group, so as operating costs increase or decrease, absent all other factors, so will the accrued payroll and related costs; 2) the Company pays the majority of its payroll every two weeks and normally has thirty-nine weeks in a fiscal quarter, which means that the Company normally has a major payroll on the last business day of every other quarter; 3) the timing of various payroll related payments varies in the normal course of business; and 4) most of the Company's senior management participate in annual incentive plans and while progress advances are sometimes made during the fiscal year, these accrued bonus balances, to the extent they are projected to be achieved, generally accumulate throughout the year. A significant portion of these incentive plan accruals are typically paid at the beginning of one fiscal year, pertaining to the prior fiscal year. The Company's last major payroll for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 was paid on December 29, 2023.

 Historically, the Company has experienced small deferred revenue balances. In fiscal 2023 and 2022, the Company's Industrial Processing group secured several contracts with significant front-loaded payments, thereby generating larger deferred revenue balances than typically generated. As a result, the Company's deferred revenue balance as of December 30, 2023 was $0.3 million, compared to $1.1 million as of December 31, 2022, using cash from operations of $0.8 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023. While the Company expects to receive future upfront payments from its Industrial Processing clients, the Company cannot reasonably forecast deferred revenue balances as the timing of contract wins and front-loaded payments are typically irregular.

 Investing Activities

 Investing activities used $2.5 million of cash for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 and $4.8 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Investing activities used $2.9 million for the purchase of property and equipment in the current period as compared to $0.9 million in the prior year comparable period. The fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 both included discrete gains associated with the Company's sale of its Canada Power Systems business unit. The prior year period used $4.2 million for the acquisition of TalentHerder.

 Financing Activities

 Financing activities used $3.9 million of cash for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 and $23.1 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. The Company made net borrowings under its line of credit of $22.0 million during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 as compared to net payments of $5.4 million in the comparable prior year period. The Company used $25.8 million to repurchase shares of its common stock in the current period as compared to $17.6 million in the comparable prior year period. The Company generated cash of $0.7 million and $0.4 million from sales of shares from its equity plans for the current period and the comparable prior year period, respectively. The Company paid contingent consideration of $0.3 million in the current period as compared to $0.1 million in the comparable prior year period.

 Financing Activities (Continued)

 Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at one of two alternative rates, as selected by the Company at each incremental borrowing. These alternatives are: (i) SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate), plus applicable margin, typically borrowed in fixed 30-day increments, plus applicable margin, typically borrowed in fixed 30-day increments or (ii) the agent bank's prime rate generally borrowed over shorter durations. The Company also pays unused line fees based on the amount of the Revolving Credit Facility that is not drawn. Unused line fees are recorded as interest expense. The effective weighted average interest rate, including unused line fees, for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were 6.5% and 2.2%, respectively. However, during the Company's fiscal fourth quarter of 2023, it experienced a weighted average interest rate of 6.8%, including unused line. The Company believes its fourth quarter interest rate is more reflective of rates expected in the near term.

 All borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are collateralized by all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries and a pledge of the stock of its subsidiaries. The Revolving Credit Facility also contains various financial and non-financial covenants, such as a covenant that restricts the Company's ability to borrow in order to pay dividends. As of December 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company believes that it will maintain compliance with its financial covenants for the foreseeable future.

 Borrowings under the line of credit as of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $30.9 million and $8.8 million, respectively. At December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were letters of credit outstanding for $2.0 and $1.9 million, respectively. At December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had availability for additional borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility of $12.1 million and $34.3 million, respectively.

 In addition to borrowings and sales of shares from its equity plans, the Company may raise capital through sales of shares of common stock under its at-the-market issuance program (the "ATM Program") established under its May 2021 At Market Issuance Sales Agreement with B. Riley Securities, Inc., as the agent (the "Agent"). The ATM Program allows the Company to offer and sell shares of the common stock having an aggregate sales price of up to $25.0 million from time to time through the Agent. To date, the Company has not sold any shares under the ATM Program.

 Current Liquidity and Revolving Credit Facility

 Liquidity is a measure of our ability to meet potential cash requirements, maintain our assets, fund our operations, and meet the other general cash needs of our business. Our liquidity is impacted by general economic, financial, competitive, and other factors beyond our control. Our liquidity requirements consist primarily of funds necessary to pay our expenses, principally labor costs, and other related expenditures. We generally satisfy our liquidity needs through cash provided by operations and, when necessary, our revolving line of credit from Citizens Bank. The Company believes it has a great deal of flexibility to reduce its costs if it becomes necessary. The Company believes that it can satisfy its liquidity needs for at least the next twelve months.

 The Company's liquidity and capital resources as of December 30, 2023, included accounts receivable and total current asset balances of $70.7 million and $90.5 million, respectively. Current liabilities were $58.2 million as of December 30, 2023 and were exceeded by total current assets by $32.3 million.

 Current Liquidity and Revolving Credit Facility (Continued)

 The Company experiences volatility in its daily cash flow and, at times, relies on the revolving line of credit to provide daily liquidity for the Company's financial operations. As of December 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company believes that it will maintain compliance with its financial covenants for the foreseeable future.

 Dividends

 All restricted share awards contain a dividend equivalent provision entitling holders to dividends paid between the restricted stock award grant date and ultimate share distribution date. As of December 30, 2023, there were no accrued dividends.

 While the Company, at this time, has no plans to issue any future dividends, any future payment of dividends will depend upon, among other things, the Company's earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions, and other factors that the Board of Directors deems relevant. The Revolving Credit Facility (as discussed above) prohibits the payment of any dividends or distributions on account of the Company's capital stock without the prior consent of the majority of the Company's lenders.

 Commitments and Contingencies

 The Company anticipates that its primary uses of capital in future periods will be for working capital purposes. Funding for any long-term and short-term capital requirements as well as future acquisitions will be derived from one or more of the Revolving Credit Facility (or a replacement thereof), funds generated through operations or future financing transactions. The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business, which may or may not be covered by insurance. Were an unfavorable final outcome to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our financial position, liquidity, and the results of operations.

 The Company's business strategy is to achieve growth both internally through operations and externally through strategic acquisitions. The Company from time to time engages in discussions with potential acquisition candidates. The Company has acquired numerous companies throughout its history and those acquisitions have generally included significant future contingent consideration. As the size of the Company and its financial resources increase however, acquisition opportunities requiring significant commitments of capital may arise. In order to pursue such opportunities, the Company may be required to incur debt or issue potentially dilutive securities in the future. No assurance can be given as to the Company's future acquisition and expansion opportunities or how such opportunities will be financed.

 The Company is exposed to various asserted claims as of December 30, 2023, where the Company believes it has a probability of loss. Additionally, the Company is exposed to other asserted claims whereby an amount of loss has not been declared, and the Company cannot determine the potential loss. Any of these various claims could result in an unfavorable outcome or settlement that exceeds the accrued amounts. However, the Company believes that such matters will not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. As of December 30, 2023, the Company has accrued $2.9 million for asserted claims.

 MANAGEMENT ' S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

 Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

 In April 2022, a client of the Company's Industrial Processing Group alleged that a system partially designed by the Company is not operating as intended and that the Company is responsible. The Company has not determined if it has any liability. In the event of liability, the Company believes its damages are contractually limited to an amount no higher than $3.3 million. Furthermore, the Company believes that if it were found liable, any damages would be covered by insurance, subject to a deductible of $0.5 million and maximum coverage of $5.0 million. While the Company attempts to find a mutually agreeable solution, the Company has reserved $0.5 million for this project. The Company can give no assurance that its liability is limited to $3.3 million or that liability over $0.5 million, if any, will be covered by insurance.

 The Company is also subject to other pending legal proceedings and claims that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business, which may not be covered by insurance.

 The Company utilizes SAP software for its financial reporting and accounting system which was implemented in 1999 and has not undergone significant upgrades since its initial implementation. The Company is currently implementing an upgrade of its current system and expects to go live in 2024. The Company estimates this upgrade or replacement of its financial reporting and accounting system will cost between $0.5 million and $1.0 million. These estimates are subject to material change.

 The Company's current commitments consist primarily of lease obligations for office space. The Company believes that its capital resources are sufficient to meet its present obligations and those to be incurred in the normal course of business for at least the next 12 months.

 The Company leases office facilities and various equipment under non-cancelable leases expiring at various dates through October 2029. Certain leases are subject to escalation clauses based upon changes in various factors.

 Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:

 Fiscal Year

 Operating

 Finance

 2024

 $

 $

 2025

 -

 2026

 -

 2027

 -

 2028

 -

 Thereafter

 1,311

 -

 Total lease payments

 $

 3,443

 $

 Less: imputed interest

 (482

)

 -

 Total

 $

 2,961

 $

 Future Contingent Payments

 As of December 30, 2023, the Company had two acquisition agreements whereby additional contingent consideration may be earned by the sellers: 1) effective September 30, 2018, the Company acquired certain assets of Thermal Kinetics Engineering, PLLC and Thermal Kinetics Systems, LLC, and 2) effective October 2, 2022, the Company acquired certain assets of TalentHerder LLC. The Company estimates future contingent payments at December 30, 2023 as follows:

 Fiscal Years Ending

 Total

 The four quarters following December 30, 2023

 $

 Thereafter

 1,671

 Estimated future contingent consideration payments

 $

 1,971

 Estimates of future contingent payments are subject to significant judgment and actual payments may materially differ from estimates. The Company estimates future contingent consideration payments based on forecasted performance and recorded the fair value of those expected payments as of December 30, 2023. Contingent consideration related to acquisitions is recorded at fair value (level 3) with changes in fair value recorded in other (expense) income, net.

 Significant employment agreements are as follows:

 Executive Severance Agreements

 The Company is a party to an Executive Severance Agreement (the "Executive Severance Agreement") with each of Bradley S. Vizi, the Company's Executive Chairman and President (dated as of June 1, 2018), and Kevin D. Miller, the Company's Chief Financial Officer (dated as of February 28, 2014, as amended), which set forth the terms and conditions of certain payments to be made by the Company to the executive in the event, while employed by the Company, such executive experiences (a) a termination of employment unrelated to a "Change in Control" (as defined therein) or (b) there occurs a Change in Control and either (i) the executive's employment is terminated for a reason related to the Change in Control or (ii) in the case of Mr. Miller, the executive remains continuously employed with the Company for a period of three months following the Change in Control.

 Under the terms of the Executive Severance Agreement, if either (a) the executive is involuntarily terminated by the Company for any reason other than "Cause" (as defined therein), "Disability" (as defined therein) or death, or (b) the executive resigns for "Good Reason" (as defined therein), and, in each case, the termination is not a "Termination Related to a Change in Control" (as defined below), the executive will receive the following severance payments: (i) an amount equal to 1.5 times the sum of (a) the executive's annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to the termination date (before taking into account any reduction that constitutes Good Reason) ("Annual Base Salary") and (b) the highest annual bonus paid to the executive in any of the three fiscal years immediately preceding the executive's termination date ("Bonus"), to be paid in installments over the twelve month period following the executive's termination date; and (ii) for a period of eighteen months following the executive's termination date, a monthly payment equal to the monthly COBRA premium that the executive is required to pay to continue medical, vision, and dental coverage, for himself and, where applicable, his spouse and eligible dependents.

 Notwithstanding the above, if the executive has a termination as described above and can reasonably demonstrate that such termination would constitute a Termination Related to a Change in Control, and a Change in Control occurs within 120 days following the executive's termination date, the executive will be entitled to receive the payments set forth below for a Termination Related to a Change in Control, less any amounts already paid to the executive, upon consummation of the Change in Control.

 Future Contingent Payments (Continued)

 Executive Severance Agreements (Continued)

 Under the terms of the Executive Severance Agreement, if a Change in Control occurs and (a) the executive experiences a Termination Related to a Change in Control on account of (i) an involuntary termination by the Company for any reason other than Cause, death, or Disability, (ii) an involuntary termination by the Company within a specified period of time following a Change in Control (12 months for Mr. Vizi and three months for Mr. Miller) on account of Disability or death, or (iii) a resignation by the executive with Good Reason; or (b) in the case of Mr. Miller, the executive resigns, with or without Good Reason, which results in a termination date that is the last day of the three month period following the Change in Control, then the executive will receive the following severance payments: (1) a lump sum payment equal to two times the sum of the executive's (a) Annual Base Salary and (b) Bonus; and (2) a lump sum payment equal to 24 multiplied by the monthly COBRA premium cost, as in effect immediately prior to the executive's termination date, for the executive to continue medical, dental and vision coverage, as applicable, in such Company plans for himself and, if applicable, his spouse and eligible dependents. Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Company shall establish an irrevocable rabbi trust and contribute to the rabbi trust the applicable amounts due under the Executive Severance Agreement. If Mr. Miller receives the Change in Control Payment following his resignation at the end of the three month period following the Change in Control, he will not be eligible to receive any severance payments under his Executive Severance Agreement.

 Mr. Miller's Executive Severance Agreement provides that if Mr. Miller remains continuously employed for three months following a Change in Control and is employed by the Company on the last day of such specified period, Mr. Miller will receive a lump sum payment equal to two times the sum of his (a) Annual Base Salary and (b) Bonus (the "Change in Control Payment"). If Mr. Miller receives the Change in Control Payment, he will not be eligible to receive any severance payments under his Executive Severance Agreement.

 Michael Saks, our Division President, Health Care Services, as well as several other members of the Company's senior management (not including Mr. Vizi and Mr. Miller), are covered by our Change in Control Plan for Selected Executive Management (the "CIC Plan").

 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 None.

 Impact of Inflation

 Consulting, staffing, and project services are generally priced based on mark-ups on prevailing rates of pay, and as a result are able to generally maintain their relationship to direct labor costs. Permanent placement services are priced as a function of salary levels of the job candidates.

 The Company's business is labor intensive; therefore, the Company has a high exposure to increasing health care benefit costs. The Company attempts to compensate for these escalating costs in its business cost models and customer pricing by passing along some of these increased health care benefit costs to its customers and employees, however, the Company has not been able to pass on all increases. The Company is continuing to review its options to further control these costs, which the Company does not believe are representative of general inflationary trends. Otherwise, inflation has not been a meaningful factor in the Company's operations.

 New Accounting Standards

 In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). The new standard amends guidance on reporting credit losses for assets held at amortized cost basis and available-for-sale debt securities. In February 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842) - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which amends the effective date of the original pronouncement for smaller reporting companies. ASU 2016-13 and its amendments will be effective for the Company for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. CECL estimates of expected credit losses on trade receivables over their life will be required to be recorded at inception, based on historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The Company adopted the standard in its first quarter of 2023. There was no material impact on the results of operations.

 In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This standard only applies to contracts and other transactions that reference London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. This guidance provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to accounting guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease entities' financial reporting burdens as the market transitions from the LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-06, Deferral of the sunset date of Topic 848. This update defers the sunset date from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The Company may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) issued ASU 2023-07, "Segment reporting (Topic 280)", which is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments require disclosure of significant segment expenses regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM) as well as other segment items, extend certain annual disclosures to interim periods, clarify the applicability to single reportable segment entities, permit more than one measure of profit or loss to be reported under certain conditions, and require disclosure of the title and position of the CODM. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Adoption of the ASU should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is also permitted. We are currently evaluating the provisions of this ASU and expect to adopt them for the fiscal year ending December 28, 2024.

 In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires the annual financial statements to include consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation, and income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. ASU 2023-09 is effective for the Company's annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied on a prospective basis, with a retrospective option. We are currently evaluating the effect that adoption of ASU 2023-09 will have on our disclosures.

 ITEM 7A.

 QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 The Company's exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the Company's investment portfolio and debt instruments, which primarily consist of the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company does not have any derivative financial instruments in its portfolio. The Company places its investments in instruments that meet high credit quality standards. The Company is adverse to principal loss and ensures the safety and preservation of its invested funds by limiting default risk, market risk and reinvestment risk. As of December 30, 2023, the Company's investments consisted of cash and money market funds. The Company does not use interest rate derivative instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate changes. Based on the Company's variable-rate line of credit balances during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, if the interest rate on the Company's variable-rate line of credit (using an incremental borrowing rate) during the period had been 1.0% higher, the Company's interest expense on an annualized basis would have increased by $0.2 million. The Company does not expect any material loss with respect to its investment portfolio.

 ITEM 8.

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 The financial statements, together with the report of the Company's Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, begins on page F-1.

 ITEM 9.

 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND

 FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 None.

 ITEM 9A.

 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")). Based on our evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule(s) 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were not effective as of December 31, 2023, because of the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting described below.

 Material Weaknesses in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 The Company previously disclosed, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. As previously stated in such annual report, the Company did not design and maintain information technology controls relevant to preparing its financial statements, specifically concerning (i) separation of duties to the SAP ERP and General Ledger. (ii) adequate restriction of administrator-type access to SAP (iii) program change management controls, and (iv) user access controls that ensure appropriate segregation of duties and adequately restrict user access to financial applications, programs, and data. As a result, the Company's related process-level IT-dependent manual and automated controls that rely upon the affected ITGCs, or information coming from IT systems with affected ITGCs, were also deemed ineffective.

 As part of the December 31, 2022, assessment, management designed a remediation action plan to address the deficiencies described above. This plan included: (i) investments to upgrade or replace existing systems that do not support an appropriate internal control framework; (ii) expand company resources to address identified issues; (iii) assess segregation of duties and implement an annual user access review, including role design and process transformation to appropriately mitigate significant risks associated with conflicting responsibilities in financial systems; (iv) install an IT Change Management process and (v) internal training of key employees and third-party providers.

 Although significant progress has been made in addressing the material weakness noted above, as of December 31, 2023, the Company has still not designed and maintained information technology controls relevant to preparing its financial statements, specifically concerning (i) separation of duties to the SAP ERP and General Ledger and (ii) user access controls that ensure appropriate segregation of duties and adequately restrict user access to financial applications, programs, and data. As a result, there continues to be a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023.

 This material weakness did not result in a misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements. However, the material weakness could result in a misstatement of substantially all account balances or disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to our annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Notwithstanding the above-identified material weaknesses, management believes the consolidated financial statements, as included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, present the Company's financial condition and results of operations fairly, in all material respects.

 ITEM 9A.

 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES (CONTINUED)

 Planned Material Weakness Remediation Activities

 To address these material weaknesses, we have commenced actions to formalize the Company's framework and policies to maintain evidence in the operation of control procedures and improve our IT general controls.

 Remaining remediation efforts related to the above-identified material weaknesses include:

 Planned fiscal year 2024 upgrade of SAP to achieve the appropriate internal control framework infrastructure;

 Expand the available resources at the Company with experience designing and implementing control activities, including information technology general controls, through hiring and use of third-party consultants and specialists;

 Assess segregation of duties within the GL and revenue system applications and implement an annual user access review, including role design and process transformation to appropriately mitigate significant risks associated with conflicting responsibilities in financial systems;

 Perform additional training to ensure a clear understanding of risk assessment, controls, and monitoring activities related to automated processes, systems, and ITGCs related to financial reporting.

 We will continue to assess the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and take steps to remediate the known material weaknesses expeditiously. The implementation of these remediation efforts is in progress, may require additional expenditures to implement, and will require validation and testing of the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over a sustained period of financial reporting cycles, and as a result, the timing of when we will be able to remediate the material weaknesses fully is uncertain. We may also conclude that additional measures may be required to remediate the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, which may necessitate further implementation and evaluation time.

 Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 Other than the material weaknesses and remediation efforts described above, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended December 30, 2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 ITEM 9B.

 OTHER INFORMATION

 Rule 10b5 - 1 Trading Plans

 Pursuant to Item 408 (a) of Regulation S-K, the Company's directors and officers (as defined in Rule 16a - 1 (f) under the Exchange Act) adopted, terminated, or modified a "Rule 10b5 - 1 trading arrangement" in the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 as follows:

 Name

 Position

 Action

 Adoption Date

 Expiration Date

 Aggregate
 Numbers of
 Common Stock to
 be Purchased/Sold

 Bradley S. Vizi

 Executive
 Chairman &
 President

 Adopted

 December 7, 2023

 March 7, 2026

 650,000
 ( 1)

 Michael Saks

 Division
 President, Health
 Care Services

 Adopted

 December 5, 2023

 December 1, 2024

 18,000

 ___________________

 ( 1) The aggregate number of shares that can be sold under the plan is allocated into a series of tranches that would be sold at laddered prices as outlined in the plan.

 Other than as disclosed above, no other officer or director of the Company adopted, terminated, or modified a "Rule 10b5 - 1 trading arrangement" or "non-Rule 10b5 - 1 trading arrangement," as each term is defined in Item 408 (a) of Regulation S-K.

 ITEM 9C.

 DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

 None.

 ITEM 10.

 DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 The information required by Item 10 shall be included in the 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 ITEM 11.

 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 The information required by Item 11 shall be included in the 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 ITEM 12.

 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

 Except as set forth below, the information required by Item 12 shall be included in the 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 The table below presents certain information as of December 30, 2023 concerning securities issuable in connection with equity compensation plans that have been approved by the Company's shareholders and that have not been approved by the Company's shareholders.

 Plan category

 Number of securities to
 be potentially issued
 upon realization of
 restricted stock awards

 Weighted-average
 exercise price of
 outstanding options,
 warrants and rights

 Number of securities
 remaining available for
 issuance under equity
 compensation plans,
 excluding securities
 reflected in column (a)

 (a)

 (b)

 (c)

 Equity compensation plans
 approved by security
 holders

 476,618 (1)

 N/A

 603,044

 Equity compensation plans
 not approved by
 security holders

 ____________________

 ____________________

 ____________________

 Total

 476,618 (1)

 N/A

 603,044

 (1) Includes time-based restricted stock awards of 376,618 and performance-based restricted stock awards of 100,000, none of which have an exercise price.

 ITEM 13.

 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR

 INDEPENDENCE

 The information required by Item 13 shall be included in the 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 ITEM 14.

 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 The information required by Item 14 shall be included in the 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

 ITEM 15.

 EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 (a)

 1. and 2. Financial Statement Schedules -- See "Index to Financial Statements and Schedules" on F-1.

 3. See Item (b) below.

 (b)

 Exhibits

 The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this report (unless otherwise
 indicated, the file number with respect to each filed document is 1-10245):

 @+

 (2)(a)

 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 7, 2022, by and among RCM Technologies (USA), Inc., TalentHerder LLC and Christopher G. Adams; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 13, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 13, 2022.

 (3)(a)

 Articles of Incorporation, as amended; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1994, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 4, 1995.

 (3)(b)

 Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation; incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Registrant's Proxy Statement, dated February 6, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, 1996.

 ( 3)(c)

 Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation; incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Registrant's Proxy Statement, dated February 6, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, 1996.

 (3) (d)

 Amended and Restated Bylaws; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 23, 2014.

 (3) (e)

 Certificate of Designation of Series A-3 Junior Participating Preferred Stock of RCM Technologies, Inc.; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 22, 2020.

 ( 4)(a)

 Description of Capital Stock; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 4, 2022.

 *

 ( 10)(a)

 RCM Technologies, Inc. 2000 Employee Stock Incentive Plan, dated January 6, 2000; incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Registrant's Proxy Statement, dated March 3, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2000.

 *

 (1 0)(b)

 The RCM Technologies, Inc. 2007 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan; incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Registrant's Proxy Statement, dated April 20, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 19, 2007.

 *

 (10)(c)

 Executive Severance Agreement between RCM Technologies, Inc. and Kevin Miller dated December 27, 2012; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 27, 2012, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 28, 2012.

 ITEM 15.

 EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (CONTINUED)

 (b)

 Exhibits (Continued)

 *

 (10)( d)

 Amendment No. 1 to Executive Severance Agreement between RCM Technologies, Inc. and Kevin Miller dated December 26, 2017; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(x) to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for this fiscal year ended January 1, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2018.

 *

 (10)(e)

 RCM Technologies, Inc. Amended and Restated 2014 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (as amended through December 17, 2020); incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 18, 2020.

 *

 ( 10)(f)

 Amendment to RCM Technologies, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 15, 2021.

 *

 (10) (g)

 Amendment 2022-1 to RCM Technologies, Inc. 2014 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2022.

 *

 (10) (h)

 Form of Stock Unit Agreement; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 16, 2014.

 *

 ( 10)(i)

 RCM Technologies, Inc. Change in Control Plan for Selected Executive Management; incorporated by reference to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2015.

 *

 (1 0)(j)

 Amendment 2015-3 to the RCM Technologies, Inc. 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 30, 2015.

 *

 (1 0)(k)

 Amendment 2018-4 to the RCM Technologies, Inc. 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 18, 2018.

 *

 (10)( l)

 Amendment 2021-5 to the RCM Technologies, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan; incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 12, 2021.

 *

 (1 0)(m)

 Executive Severance Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2018, by and between the Company and Bradley S. Vizi; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 7, 2018.

 (1 0)(n)

 Third Amended & Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2018, by and among the Company and all of its subsidiaries, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, a Pennsylvania state chartered bank, in its capacity as administrative agent and arranger, and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, as lender; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(d) to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for this fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2018, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14, 2018.

 ITEM 15.

 EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (CONTINUED)

 (b)

 Exhibits (Continued)

 (10)(o)

 First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2018, by and among the Company and all of its subsidiaries, and Citizens Bank, N.A., a national banking association (as successor by merger to Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania), in its capacities as lender and as administrative agent and arranger; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 22, 2019.

 (1 0)(p)

 Amendment No. 2 to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of June 2, 2020, by and among the Company and all of its subsidiaries, and Citizens Bank, N.A., a national banking association (as successor by merger to Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania), in its capacities as lender and as administrative agent and arranger; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 2, 2020.

 (10) (q)

 Amendment No. 3 to Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2020, by and among the Company and all of its subsidiaries, and Citizens Bank, N.A., a national banking association (as successor by merger to Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania), in its capacities as lender and as administrative agent and arranger; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 2020.

 (10)(r)

 Fourth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of April 24, 2023, by and among the Company and all of its subsidiaries, Citizens Bank, N.A., as lender and as administrative agent and arranger; incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2023.

 (21)

 Subsidiaries of the Registrant. (Filed herewith)

 (23.1)

 Consent of WithumSmith+Brown, PC. (Filed herewith)

 (23.2)

 Consent of Macias, Gini & O'Connell, LLP. (Filed herewith)

 (31.1)

 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (Filed herewith)

 (31.2)

 Certifications of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (Filed herewith)

 (32.1)

 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (This exhibit shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Further, this exhibit shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.) (Furnished herewith)

 (32.2)

 Certifications of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (This exhibit shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Further, this exhibit shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.) (Furnished herewith)

 ITEM 15.

 EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (CONTINUED)

 (b)

 Exhibits (Continued)

 *

 (97)

 RCM Technologies, Inc. Compensation Recoupment Policy (Filed herewith)

 *

 101.INS

 *

 101.SCH

 *

 101.CAL

 *

 101.LAB

 *

 101.PRE

 *

 101.DEF

 *

 Constitutes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 +

 The Registrant will furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

 @

 Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulation S-K.

 ITEM 16.

 FORM 10-K SUMMARY

 None.

 SIGNATURES

 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 RCM Technologies, Inc.

 By:

 /s/ Bradley S. Vizi

 Bradley S. Vizi

 Executive Chairman and President

 By:

 /s/ Kevin D. Miller

 Kevin D. Miller

 Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary

 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 By:

 /s/ Bradley S. Vizi

 Bradley S. Vizi

 Executive Chairman and President

 By:

 /s/ Kevin D. Miller

 Kevin D. Miller

 Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary
 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 By:

 /s/ Chigozie O. Amadi

 Chigozie O. Amadi

 Director

 By:

 /s/ Swarna Kakodkar

 Swarna Kakodkar

 Director

 By:

 /s/ Jayanth S. Komarneni

 Jayanth S. Komarneni

 Director

 RCM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 FORM 10-K

 INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULES

 Page

 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm –
 WithumSmith+Brown, PC - Consolidated Financial Statements,
 December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022

 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm –
 WithumSmith+Brown, PC- Opinion on Internal Controls over
 Financial Reporting

 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm –
 Macias, Gini & O'Connell, LLP. January 1, 2022

 Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022
 and January 1, 2022

 Consolidated Statements of Operations, Fiscal Years Ended

 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), Fiscal Years Ended

 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, Fiscal Years Ended

 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Fiscal Years Ended

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

 RCM Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 Opinion on the Financial Statements

 We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of RCM Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 14, 2024, expressed an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 Basis for Opinion

 The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that responds to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 Critical Audit Matter

 The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

 Revenue Recognition – Fixed-Price Contracts

 Description of the Matter

 As disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company generally recognizes revenue over time as performance obligations are satisfied. For fixed price contracts, the Company generally measures its progress to completion using an input measure of total costs incurred divided by total costs expected to be incurred. Recognition of revenue and profit over time as performance obligations are satisfied is highly judgmental as it required the Company to prepare estimates of total contract revenue and total contract costs, including costs to complete contracts that are in process. These estimates are dependent on a number of subjective factors and involve judgment as changes in these assumptions could have an impact on the amount of revenue recognized.

 Audit Response

 We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of the controls over the timing of revenue recognition, including testing the internal controls over the proper accumulation of labor costs by contract as well as the approval of monthly and weekly invoices for accuracy and completeness and reviewing key provisions and deliverables within customer contracts. We evaluated management's application of their revenue recognition policies in the determination of revenue recognition conclusions. Our audit procedures included, among others, selecting a sample of revenue transactions and performing the following procedures: we reviewed the signed contract; we reviewed the recorded timesheet data related to the selected invoices, which corroborated management's assessment towards the completion of the performance obligation; and we reviewed the signed contract related to the selected invoice, noting each task has an agreed upon unit price per contract and the unit price matched what was shown on the invoice. We also tested for proper revenue recognition cut off.

 /s/ WithumSmith+Brown, PC

 We have served as the Company's auditor since 2022.

 Red Bank, New Jersey

 March 14, 2024

 PCAOB ID Number 100

 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

 RCM Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 We have audited RCM Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries' (the "Company") internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2023, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness described below on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company has not maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2023, based on the COSO criteria.

 A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has been identified and included in management's assessment in section "Item 9A" Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Management has identified that the Company did not design and maintain information technology controls relevant to preparing its financial statements, specifically concerning (i). separation of duties to their SAP ERP and General Ledger and (ii) user access controls that ensure appropriate segregation of duties and adequately restrict user access to financial applications, programs, and data. As a result, the Company's related process-level IT-dependent manual and automated controls that rely upon the affected ITGCs, or information coming from IT systems with affected ITGCs, were also deemed ineffective.

 We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and the related notes. This material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2023 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report, dated March 14, 2024, on the consolidated financial statements, which expressed an unqualified opinion.

 Basis for Opinion

 The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

 Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 /s/ WithumSmith+Brown, PC

 Red Bank, New Jersey

 March 14, 2024

 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

 RCM Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 Opinion on the Financial Statements

 We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of RCM Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company") as of January 1, 2022 and the related consolidated statement of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year ended January 1, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of January 1, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended January 1, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 Basis for Opinion

 These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 /s/ Macias Gini & O'Connell LLP

 We have served as the Company's auditor since 2019.

 San Diego, California

 April 4, 2022

 PCAOB ID Number 324

 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 2023

 2022

 2022

 Current assets:

 Cash and cash equivalents

 $
 6,284

 $

 $

 Accounts receivable, net

 70,690

 50,762

 48,240

 Transit accounts receivable

 8,891

 3,280

 1,010

 Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 4,637

 4,636

 2,486

 Total current assets

 90,502

 59,017

 51,971

 Property and equipment, net

 4,005

 2,098

 1,939

 Other assets:

 Deposits

 Deferred tax assets, net, domestic

 -

 -

 Deferred tax assets, foreign

 -

 -

 Goodwill

 22,147

 22,147

 16,354

 Operating right of use asset

 2,779

 3,665

 1,877

 Intangible assets, net

 -

 Total other assets

 25,977

 26,849

 18,942

 Total assets

 $
 120,484

 $
 87,964

 $
 72,852

 Current liabilities:

 Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 $
 12,454

 $
 14,147

 $
 9,306

 Transit accounts payable

 31,102

 9,767

 2,064

 Accrued payroll and related costs

 11,203

 13,023

 13,027

 Finance lease payable

 Income taxes payable

 -

 Operating right of use liability

 1,349

 1,502

 Contingent consideration from acquisitions

 Deferred liabilities

 1,881

 1,119

 3,418

 Total current liabilities

 58,196

 40,424

 29,857

 Deferred income taxes, net, foreign

 Deferred income taxes, net, domestic

 1,568

 1,495

 -

 Finance lease payable

 -

 Contingent consideration from acquisitions, net of current portion

 1,671

 1,970

 Operating right of use liability, net of current portion

 2,268

 2,932

 1,631

 Borrowings under line of credit

 30,804

 8,783

 14,151

 Total liabilities

 94,694

 56,002

 46,883

 Contingencies (note 16) and Commitments (note 18)

 Stockholders' equity:

 Preferred stock, $ 1.00 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized;

 no shares issued or outstanding

 -

 -

 -

 Common stock, $ 0.05 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized;

 17,673,427 shares issued and 7,844,821 shares outstanding at
 December 30, 2023, 17,287,967 shares issued and 9,285,318 shares outstanding at
 December 31, 2022 and 16,903,157 shares issued and 10,290,935 shares
 outstanding at January 1, 2022

 Additional paid-in capital

 116,579

 113,878

 111,068

 Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 ( 2,813
)

 ( 2,863
)

 ( 2,699
)

 Accumulated deficit

 ( 19,265
)

 ( 36,096
)

 ( 56,985
)

 Treasury stock, 9,828,606 shares at December 30, 2023,
 8,002,649 shares at December 31, 2022 and 6,612,222 shares at January 1, 2022

 ( 69,593
)

 ( 43,820
)

 ( 26,260
)

 Stockholders' equity

 25,790

 31,962

 25,969

 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 $
 120,484

 $
 87,964

 $
 72,852

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 2023

 2022

 2022

 $

 $

 $
 203,875

 186,541

 201,753

 150,751

 76,696

 82,927

 53,124

 Operating costs and expenses

 52,185

 53,395

 42,019

 Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment

 1,032

 1,007

 ( 395
)

 ( 219
)

 ( 2,420
)

 Remeasurement of acquisition-related

 -

 ( 88
)

)

 Operating costs and expenses

 53,004

 54,129

 38,988

 23,692

 28,798

 14,136

 Other expense (income)

 Interest expense and other, net

 1,399

 Change in fair value of contingent consideration

 -

 -

 Loss (gain) on foreign currency transactions

 ( 52
)

 ( 195
)

 Other expense, net

 1,497

 Income before income taxes

 22,195

 28,480

 13,914

 Income tax expense

 5,364

 7,591

 2,925

 $

 $

 $

 Basic net earnings per share

 $
 2.03

 $
 2.08

 $
 1.00

 Diluted net earnings per share

 $
 1.96

 $
 2.00

 $
 0.95

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
 (Dollars in thousands unless otherwise indicated)

 2023

 2022

 2022

 $

 $

 $

 Other comprehensive income (loss)

 ( 164
)

 ( 149
)

 Total comprehensive income

 $
 16,881

 $
 20,725

 $
 10,840

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS ' EQUITY
 (Amounts in thousands, except share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 Common Stock

 Stock
 Subscription
 Receivable

 Additional
 Paid-in
 Capital

 Accumulated
 Other
 Comprehensive
 Loss

 Accumulated
 Deficit

 Treasury Stock

 Total

 Issued
 Shares

 Amount

 Shares

 Amount

 Balance, January 2, 2021

 16,224,191

 $

 $
 ( 420
)
 $
 109,588

 $
 ( 2,550
)
 $
 ( 67,974
)

 4,681,311

 $
 ( 17,217
)
 $
 22,238

 Issuance of stock under
 employee stock purchase plan

 101,784

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Stock subscription receivable

 250,000

 ( 13
)

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Equity compensation expense from
 awards issued

 -

 -

 -

 1,358

 -

 -

 -

 -

 1,358

 Issuance of stock upon vesting
 of restricted share awards

 327,182

 -

 ( 16
)

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Effect of excess tax deduction
 over book expense associated with
 exercise of equity awards

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Purchase of treasury stock

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 1,930,911

 ( 9,043
)

 ( 9,043
)

 Foreign currency translation
 adjustment

 -

 -

 -

 -

 ( 149
)

 -

 -

 -

 ( 149
)

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Balance, January 1, 2022

 16,903,157

 $

 $
 -

 $
 111,068

 $
 ( 2,699
)
 $
 ( 56,985
)

 6,612,222

 $
 ( 26,260
)
 $
 25,969

 Issuance of stock under
 employee stock purchase plan

 83,879

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Equity compensation expense from
 awards issued

 -

 -

 -

 1,582

 -

 -

 -

 -

 1,582

 Issuance of stock upon vesting
 of restricted share awards

 262,931

 -

 ( 12
)

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Effect of excess tax deduction
 over book expense associated with
 exercise of equity awards

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Common stock issued for
 acquisition

 38,000

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Purchase of treasury stock

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 1,390,427

 ( 17,560
)
 $
 ( 17,560
)

 Foreign currency translation
 adjustment

 -

 -

 -

 -

 ( 164
)

 -

 -

 -

 ( 164
)

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Balance, December 31, 2022

 17,287,967

 $

 $
 -

 $
 113,878

 $
 ( 2,863
)
 $
 ( 36,096
)

 8,002,649

 $
 ( 43,820
)
 $
 31,962

 Issuance of stock under
 employee stock purchase plan

 66,501

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Equity compensation expense from
 awards issued

 -

 -

 -

 2,092

 -

 -

 -

 -

 2,092

 Issuance of stock upon vesting
 of restricted share awards

 310,959

 -

 ( 16
)

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Effect of excess tax deduction
 over book expense associated with
 exercise of equity awards

 -

 -

 -

 ( 206

)

 -

 -

 -

 -

 ( 206
)

 Common stock issued for
 acquisition

 8,000

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Purchase of treasury stock

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 1,825,957

 ( 25,773
)

 ( 25,773
)

 Foreign currency translation
 adjustment

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Balance, December 30, 2023

 17,673,427

 $

 $
 -

 $
 116,579

 $
 ( 2,813
)
 $
 ( 19,265
)

 9,828,606

 $
 ( 69,593
)
 $
 25,790

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 (Dollars in thousands unless otherwise indicated)

 2023

 2022

 2022

 Cash flows from operating activities:

 $

 $

 $

 Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
 operating activities:

 Depreciation and amortization

 1,214

 1,041

 1,102

 ( 395
)

 ( 219
)

 ( 2,420
)

 Remeasurement of acquisition-related contingent consideration

 -

 ( 88
)

)

 Change in fair value of contingent consideration

 -

 -

 Equity compensation expense from awards issued

 2,092

 1,582

 1,358

 Effect of excess tax deduction on equity awards

 ( 206
)

 Provision for losses on accounts receivable

 ( 1,038
)

 ( 208
)

 Deferred income tax expense

 2,054

 2,542

 Change in operating right of use assets

 1,001

 1,057

 Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 Accounts receivable

 ( 20,576
)

 ( 1,509
)

 ( 14,710
)

 Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 ( 2,350
)

 1,838

 Net of transit accounts receivable and payable

 15,724

 5,433

 ( 1,317
)

 Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 ( 1,506
)

 4,919

 1,518

 Accrued payroll and related costs

 ( 1,825
)

 Right of use liabilities

 ( 1,353
)

 ( 1,642
)

 ( 1,919
)

 Income taxes payable

 ( 436
)

 Deferred revenue

 ( 2,299
)

 3,020

 Deposits

 ( 141
)

 ( 7
)

 Total adjustments and changes in operating assets and liabilities

 ( 4,349
)

 7,394

 ( 10,074
)

 Net cash provided by operating activities

 12,482

 28,283

 Cash flows from investing activities:

 Property and equipment acquired

 ( 2,931
)

 ( 889
)

 ( 568
)

 Payments for business acquired

 -

 ( 4,150
)

 -

 Proceeds from sale of assets

 6,859

 Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 ( 2,536
)

 ( 4,820
)

 6,291

 Cash flows from financing activities:

 Borrowings under line of credit

 148,957

 105,184

 110,481

 Repayments under line of credit

 ( 126,936
)

 ( 110,552
)

 ( 108,220
)

 Issuance of stock for employee stock purchase plan

 Changes in finance lease obligations

 ( 463
)

 ( 508
)

 ( 415
)

 Contingent consideration paid

 ( 339
)

 ( 99
)

 ( 494
)

 Common stock repurchase

 ( 25,773
)

 ( 17,560
)

 ( 9,043
)

 Net cash used in financing activities

 ( 3,852
)

 ( 23,127
)

 ( 7,554
)

 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 ( 149
)

 ( 232
)

 ( 151
)

 Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 5,945

 ( 499
)

 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $
 6,284

 $

 $

 Supplemental cash flow information:

 Cash paid for:

 Interest

 $
 1,192

 $

 $

 Income taxes

 $
 4,447

 $
 5,095

 $
 1,010

 Non-cash investing activities:

 Contingent consideration relating to acquisitions

 $
 -

 $
 1,927

 $
 -

 Value of shares issued pursuant to acquisitions

 $
 -

 $

 $
 -

 Fixed assets acquired in acquisitions

 $
 -

 $

 $
 -

 Non-cash financing activities:

 Issuance of accrued share-based compensation

 $
 -

 $
 -

 $

 Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations

 $

 $
 3,047

 $
 1,832

 Value of shares issued as contingent consideration

 $

 $
 -

 $
 -

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

 RCM Technologies, Inc. (the "Company" or "RCM") is a premier provider of business and technology solutions designed to enhance and maximize the operational performance of its customers through the adaptation and deployment of advanced engineering, life sciences and information technology services. Additionally, the Company provides specialty health care staffing services through its Specialty Health Care Services group. RCM's offices are primarily located in major metropolitan centers throughout North America, with additional offices in the Netherlands, Serbia and Germany.

 The consolidated financial statements are comprised of the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 Cash and Cash Equivalents

 The Company considers its holdings of highly liquid money-market instruments and certificates of deposit to be cash equivalents if the securities mature within 90 days from the date of acquisition. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company has significant cash balances at financial institutions, which, throughout the year, regularly exceed the federally insured limit of $250. Any loss incurred or lack of access to uninsured funds could have a significant adverse impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 The Company held $ 103, $ 79 and $ 21 of cash and cash equivalents in Canadian banks as of December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively, which was held principally in Canadian dollars. The Company held $ 638, $ 203 and $ 169 of cash and cash equivalents in Serbian banks as of December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively, which was held in various currencies. The Company held $ 54 of cash and cash equivalents in German banks as of December 30, 2023, which was held primarily in Euros. The office in Germany was opened in April 2023. The Company held $ 4, $ 16 and $ 2 of cash and cash equivalents in Netherlands banks as of December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively, which was held in various currencies.

 Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 The Company's carrying value of financial instruments, consisting primarily of accounts receivable, transit accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, transit accounts payable and borrowings under line of credit approximates fair value due to their liquidity or their short-term nature and the line of credit's variable interest rate. The Company does not have derivative products in place to manage risks related to foreign currency fluctuations for its foreign operations or for interest rate changes.

 Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 The Company's accounts receivable are primarily due from trade customers. Credit is extended based on evaluation of customers' financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Accounts receivable payment terms vary and are stated in the financial statements at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company adopted ASU 2016 - 13 in the first quarter of 2023. There was no material impact on the results of operation. The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company's previous loss history, the customer's current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables previously written off are credited to bad debt expense.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 Unbilled Accounts Receivable and Work-in-Process

 Unbilled receivables primarily represent revenue earned whereby those services are ready to be billed as of the balance sheet ending date. Work-in-process primarily represents revenue earned under contracts which the Company is contractually precluded from invoicing until future dates as project milestones are realized. The Company follows Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers when recording revenue on unbilled accounts receivable and work-in-process. See Note 4 for further details.

 Transit Accounts Receivable and Transit Accounts Payable

 From time to time, the Company's Engineering segment enters into agreements to provide, among other things, construction management and engineering services. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company a) may purchase equipment on behalf of the Company's customer or engage subcontractors to provide construction or other services; b) typically earns a fixed percentage of the total project value; and c) assumes no ownership or risks of inventory. In such situations, the Company acts as an agent under the provisions of FASB ASC 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and therefore recognizes revenue on a "net-basis." The Company records revenue on a "net" basis on relevant engineering and construction management projects, which require subcontractor/procurement costs or transit costs. In those situations, the Company charges the client a negotiated fee, which is reported as net revenue when earned.

 Under the terms of the agreements, the Company is typically not required to pay the subcontractor until after the corresponding payment from the Company's end-client is received. Upon invoicing the end-client on behalf of the subcontractor or staffing agency, the Company records this amount simultaneously as both a "transit account receivable" and "transit account payable," as the amount when paid to the Company is due to and generally paid to the subcontractor within a few days. The Company typically does not pay a given transit account payable until the related transit account receivable is collected. The Company is typically obligated to pay the subcontractor or staffing agency whether or not the client pays the Company. The Company's transit accounts payable generally exceeds the Company's transit accounts receivable but absolute amounts and spreads fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter in the normal course of business.

 Property and Equipment

 Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, and are depreciated or amortized on the straight-line method at rates calculated to provide for retirement of assets at the end of their estimated useful lives. Computer hardware and software, and furniture and office equipment are typically depreciated over five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated life of the asset or the lease term.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 Intangible Assets

 The Company's intangible assets have been generated through acquisitions. The Company maintains responsibility for valuing and determining the useful life of intangible assets. As a general rule, the Company amortizes restricted covenants over four years and customer relationships over six years. However, circumstances may dictate other amortization terms as determined by the Company and assisted by their third party advisors.

 Canadian Sales Tax

 The Company is required to charge and collect sales tax for all Canadian clients and remits invoiced sales tax monthly to the Canadian taxing authorities whether collected or not. The Company does not collect the sales tax from its clients until they have paid their respective invoices. The Company includes uncollected Canadian sales tax invoiced to clients in its prepaid and other current assets.

 Goodwill

 Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to periodic testing for impairment in accordance with FASB ASC 350 " Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. " The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of the last day of the Company's fiscal December each year or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change indicating that the fair value of the goodwill may be below its carrying amount. The Company has three reporting units. The Company uses a market-based approach to determine the fair value of the reporting units. This approach uses earnings/revenue multiples of similar companies recently completing acquisitions and the ability of our reporting units to generate cash flows as measures of fair value of our reporting units. The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017 - 04, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" effective December 30, 2017 which has eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under this update, an entity should perform its goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. To satisfy the "Step 0 Test", the Company reviewed industry and market conditions, reporting unit specific events as well as overall financial performance and found no impairment of goodwill.

 The Company did not record a goodwill impairment charge in fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022. There can be no assurance that future indicators of impairment and tests of goodwill impairment will not result in an impairment charge.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 Long-Lived and Intangible Assets

 The Company evaluates long-lived assets and intangible assets with definite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. When the Company determines that it is probable that undiscounted future cash flows will not be sufficient to recover an asset's carrying amount, the asset is written down to its fair value. Assets to be disposed of by sale, if any, are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. The Company's intangible assets consist of customer relationships and non-compete agreements.

 Software

 In accordance with FASB ASC 350 - 40 "Accounting for Internal Use Software," certain costs related to the development or purchase of internal-use software are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software. During the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, the Company capitalized $ 1,947, $ 282 and $ 1,256, respectively, for software costs. The net balance after accumulated depreciation for all software costs capitalized as of December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 was $ 2,325, $ 977 and $ 1,350, respectively.

 Income Taxes

 The Company makes judgments and interpretations based on enacted tax laws, published tax guidance, as well as estimates of future earnings. These judgments and interpretations affect the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and the valuation allowance. The Company evaluated the deferred tax assets and determined on the basis of objective factors that the net assets will be realized through future years' taxable income. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates and assessments, additional valuation allowances may be required. The Company did not have any valuation allowance as of December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022.

 The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with FASB ACS 740 "Income Taxes" (FASB ASC 740) which requires an asset and liability approach of accounting for income taxes. FASB ASC 740 requires assessment of the likelihood of realizing benefits associated with deferred tax assets for purposes of determining whether a valuation allowance is needed for such deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that such tax rate changes are enacted. The Company measures its deferred tax assets and liabilities using the tax rates that the Company believes will apply in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or paid. The Company and its wholly owned United States subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. The Company also files tax returns in Canada, Germany, Puerto Rico and Serbia.

 The Company also follows the provisions of FASB ASC 740 which prescribes a model for the recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, disclosure and transition. The Company's policy is to record interest and penalty, if any, as interest expense.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 Revenue Recognition

 The Company records revenue under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Revenue is recognized when we satisfy a performance obligation by transferring services promised in a contract to a customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those services. Performance obligations in our contracts represent distinct or separate service streams that we provide to our customers.

 We evaluate our revenue contracts with customers based on the five -step model under ASC 606: ( 1) Identify the contract with the customer; ( 2) Identify the performance obligations in the contract; ( 3) Determine the transaction price; ( 4) Allocate the transaction price to separate performance obligations; and ( 5) Recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied.

 The Company derives its revenue from several sources. The Company's Engineering Services, Life Sciences and Information Technology segments perform consulting and project solution services. The Healthcare segment specializes in long-term and short-term staffing and placement services to hospitals, schools and long-term care facilities amongst others. All of the Company's segments perform staff augmentation services and derive revenue from permanent placement fees. The majority of the Company's revenue is invoiced on a time and materials basis.

 The following table presents our revenue disaggregated by revenue source for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022:

 2023

 2022

 2022

 Specialty Health Care:

 $
 134,941

 $
 158,001

 $
 97,363

 1,300

 1,447

 1,132

 Total Specialty Health Care

 $
 136,241

 $
 159,448

 $
 98,495

 Engineering:

 $
 42,443

 $
 44,915

 $
 33,937

 42,232

 41,021

 32,168

 -

 Total Engineering

 $
 84,675

 $
 85,937

 $
 66,172

 Life Sciences and Information Technology:

 $
 35,368

 $
 35,473

 $
 37,181

 6,551

 3,022

 1,390

 Total Life Sciences and Information Technology

 $
 42,321

 $
 39,295

 $
 39,208

 $

 $

 $
 203,875

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 Revenue Recognition (Continued)

 The Company's Health Care segment predominantly recognizes revenue through time and material work while its Engineering and Life Sciences and Information Technology segments recognize revenue through both time and material and fixed fee work. The Company's time and material contracts are typically based on the number of hours worked at contractually agreed upon rates, therefore revenue associated with these time and materials contracts are recognized based on hours worked at contracted rates.

 From time to time and predominantly in our Engineering segment, the Company enters into contracts requiring the completion of specific deliverables. The Company has master services agreements with many of its customers that broadly define terms and conditions. Actual services performed under fixed fee arrangements are typically delivered under purchase orders that more specifically define terms and conditions related to that fixed fee project. While these master services agreements can often span several years, the Company's fixed fee purchase orders are typically performed over six to nine month periods. In instances where project services are provided on a fixed-price basis, revenue is recorded in accordance with the terms of each contract. In certain instances, revenue is invoiced at the time certain milestones are reached, as defined in the contract. Revenue under these arrangements are recognized as the costs on these contracts are incurred. From time-to-time, amounts paid in excess of revenue earned and recognized are recorded as deferred revenue, included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, some contracts contain "Performance Fees" (bonuses) for completing a contract under budget. Performance Fees, if any, are recorded when earned. Some contracts also limit revenue and billings to specified maximum amounts. Provisions for contract losses, if any, are made in the period such losses are determined. For contracts where there is a specific deliverable and the work is not complete and the revenue is not recognized, the costs incurred are deferred as a prepaid asset. The associated costs are expensed when the related revenue is recognized.

 The Company earns permanent placement fees from providing permanent placement services. These fees are typically based on a percentage of the compensation paid to the person placed with the Company's client. The Company guarantees its permanent placements on a prorated basis for 90 days. In the event a candidate is not retained for the 90 -day period, the Company will provide a suitable replacement candidate. In the event a replacement candidate cannot be located, the Company will provide a prorated refund to the client. An allowance for refunds, based upon the Company's historical experience, is recorded in the financial statements. Permanent placement revenue was $ 1.7 million, $ 2.2 million and $ 1.8 million for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively.

 The deferred revenue balance as of December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 was $ 1.9 million, $ 1.1 million and $ 3.4 million, respectively. Revenue is recognized when the service has been performed. Deferred revenue may be recognized over a period exceeding one year from the time it was recorded on the balance sheet, although this is an infrequent occurrence. In fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, the Company recognized revenue of $ 1.1 million, $ 3.4 million and $ 0.4 million, respectively, that was included in deferred revenue at the beginning of the period.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 Revenue Recognition (Continued)

 Transit Receivables and Transit Payables
 From time to time, the Company's Engineering segment enters into agreements to provide, among other things, construction management and engineering services. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company a) may purchase equipment on behalf of the Company's customer or engage subcontractors to provide construction or other services; b) typically earns a fixed percentage of the total project value; and c) assumes no ownership or risks of inventory. Under the terms of the agreements, the Company is typically not required to pay the subcontractor until after the corresponding payment from the Company's end-client is received. Upon invoicing the end-client on behalf of the subcontractor or staffing agency, the Company records this amount simultaneously as both a "transit account receivable" and "transit account payable," as the amount when paid to the Company is due to and generally paid to the subcontractor within a few days. The Company typically does not pay a given transit account payable until the related transit account receivable is collected. The Company is typically obligated to pay the subcontractor or staffing agency whether or not the client pays the Company. The Company's transit accounts payable generally exceeds the Company's transit accounts receivable but absolute amounts and spreads fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter in the normal course of business. The transit accounts receivable was $ 8.9 million and related transit accounts payable was $ 31.1 million, for a net payable of $ 22.2 million, as of December 30, 2023. The transit accounts receivable was $ 3.3 million and related transit accounts payable was $ 9.8 million, for a net payable of $ 6.5 million, as of December 31, 2022. The transit accounts receivable was $ 1.0 million and related transit accounts payable was $ 2.1 million, for a net payable of $ 1.1 million, as of January 1, 2022.

 Concentrations

 During the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, the Company had two customers exceed 10% of consolidated revenue, representing 17.1 % and 10.1 % of consolidated revenue, respectively. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company had two customers exceed 10% of consolidated revenue, representing 13.2 % and 12.7 % of consolidated revenue, respectively. During the fiscal year ended January 1, 2022, no client accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenue. All customers exceeding 10% of consolidated revenue during the periods presented are included in the Company's Specialty Health Care segment.

 The Company's five, ten and twenty largest customers accounted for approximately 39.1 %, 50.4 % and 62.7 %, respectively, of the Company's revenue for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023. The Company's five, ten and twenty largest customers accounted for approximately 43.0 %, 53.7 % and 67.0 %, respectively, of the Company's revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. The Company's five, ten and twenty largest customers accounted for approximately 35.8 %, 52.5 % and 65.1%, respectively, of the Company's revenue for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2022.

 As of December 30, 2023, two clients represented more than 10% of the Company's accounts receivable, net, representing 21.2 % and 14.7 %, respectively. As of December 31, 2022, two clients represented more than 10% of the Company's accounts receivable, net, representing 16.1 % and 12.5 %, respectively. As of January 1, 2022, two clients represented more than 10% of the Company's accounts receivable, net, representing 15.3 % and 14.2 %.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 Foreign Currency Translation

 The functional currency of the Company's Canadian, Serbian and German subsidiaries is the local currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at period-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at weighted average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Any translation adjustments are included in the accumulated other comprehensive income account in stockholders' equity. Transactions executed in different currencies resulting in exchange adjustments are translated at spot rates and resulting foreign exchange transaction gains and losses are included in the results of operations.

 Comprehensive Income

 Comprehensive income consists of net income and foreign currency translation adjustments.

 Per Share Data

 Basic net income per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is calculated using the weighted-average number of common shares plus dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential dilutive common shares consist of stock options and other stock-based awards under the Company's stock compensation plans, when their impact is dilutive. Because of the Company's capital structure, all reported earnings pertain to common shareholders and no other adjustments are necessary.

 Share - Based Compensation

 The Company recognizes share-based compensation over the vesting period of an award based on fair value at the grant date determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Certain assumptions are used to determine the fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant and require subjective judgment. Because employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the existing models may not provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the employee stock options. Management assesses the assumptions and methodologies used to calculate estimated fair value of stock-based compensation when share-based awards are granted. Circumstances may change and additional data may become available over time, which could result in changes to these assumptions and methodologies and thereby materially impact our fair value determination. If an employee leaves the firm before the vesting period has been met, those shares are forfeited and removed from the share – based compensation expense calculation. See Note 11 for additional share-based compensation information.

 Restricted share and share unit awards are recognized at their fair value. The amount of compensation cost is measured on the grant date fair value of the equity instrument issued. The compensation cost of the restricted share and share unit awards is recognized over the vesting period of the restricted share and share unit awards on a straight-line basis. Restricted share and share unit awards typically include dividend accrual equivalents, which means that any dividends paid by the Company during the vesting period become due and payable after the vesting period assuming the grantee's restricted share or share unit award fully vests. Dividends for these grants are accrued on the dividend payment dates and included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Dividends for restricted share and share unit awards that ultimately do not vest are forfeited.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 Advertising Costs

 Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Total advertising expense was $ 781, $ 925 and $ 914 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively.

 Fair Value Measurements

 The Company values its financial assets and liabilities based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In order to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, a fair value hierarchy was established that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, which are described below:

 Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.

 Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in inactive markets; or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated with observable market data.

 Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.

 In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value.

 Reclassification

 Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. These classifications had no effect on the previously reported results of operations.

 2.

 FISCAL YEAR

 The Company follows a 52/53 week fiscal reporting calendar ending on the Saturday closest to December 31. The fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 ( fiscal 2023), December 31, 2022 ( fiscal 2022) and January 1, 2022 ( fiscal 2021) consisted of fifty-two weeks each.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 3.

 USE OF ESTIMATES AND UNCERTAINTIES

 The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 The Company uses estimates to determine an allowance for doubtful accounts on its accounts receivable, litigation, medical claims, vacation, goodwill impairment, if any, equity compensation, the tax rate applied and the valuation of certain assets and liability accounts. In addition, the Company reviews its estimated costs to complete a contract and adjusts those costs when necessary. These estimates can be significant to the operating results and financial position of the Company. The estimates are based upon various factors including current and historical trends, as well as other pertinent industry and regulatory authority information. Management regularly evaluates this information to determine if it is necessary to update the basis for its estimates and to adjust for known changes.

 The Company has risk participation arrangements with respect to workers compensation and health care insurance. The amounts included in the Company's costs related to this risk participation are estimated and can vary based on changes in assumptions, the Company's claims experience or the providers included in the associated insurance programs.

 The Company can be affected by a variety of factors including uncertainty relating to the performance of the general economy, competition, demand for the Company's services, adverse litigation and claims and the hiring, training and retention of key employees.

 Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 The Company's carrying value of financial instruments, consisting primarily of accounts receivable, transit accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, transit accounts payable and borrowings under line of credit approximates fair value due to their liquidity or their short-term nature and the line of credit's variable interest rate. The Company does not have derivative products in place to manage risks related to foreign currency fluctuations for its foreign operations or for interest rate changes.

 The Company re-measures the fair value of the contingent consideration at each reporting period and any change in the fair value from either the passage of time or events occurring after the acquisition date, is recorded in earnings in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, TRANSIT ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND TRANSIT ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

 The Company's accounts receivable are comprised as follows:

 2023

 2022

 2022

 Billed

 $
 51,111

 $
 40,256

 $
 37,396

 Unbilled

 14,737

 6,615

 10,231

 Work-in-progress

 6,442

 4,991

 1,810

 Allowance for sales discounts and doubtful accounts

 ( 1,600
)

 ( 1,100
)

 ( 1,197
)

 Accounts receivable, net

 $
 70,690

 $
 50,762

 $
 48,240

 Unbilled receivables primarily represent revenue earned whereby those services are ready to be billed as of the balance sheet ending date. Work-in-progress primarily represents revenue earned under contracts which the Company contractually invoices at future dates.

 5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 Property and equipment are comprised of the following:

 2023

 2022

 2022

 Computers and systems

 $
 5,513

 $
 4,077

 $
 4,133

 Equipment and furniture

 Leasehold improvements

 Laboratory equipment

 -

 6,360

 4,630

 4,378

 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

 2,355

 2,532

 2,439

 Property and equipment, net

 $
 4,005

 $
 2,098

 $
 1,939

 The Company periodically writes off fully depreciated and amortized assets. The Company wrote off fully depreciated and amortized assets of $ 1,201, $ 901 and $ 1,671 during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively. For the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, depreciation and amortization expense for property and equipment was $ 1,052, $ 995 and $ 1,007, respectively.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 6. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

 The purchase method of accounting in accordance with FASB ASC 805, "Business Combination," was applied for all acquisitions. This requires the cost of an acquisition to be allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values at the date of acquisition with the excess cost accounted for as goodwill. Goodwill arising from the acquisitions is attributable to expected sales synergies from combining the operations of the acquired business with those of the Company.

 TalentHerder Acquisition

 Effective October 2, 2022, the Company acquired the business operations of TalentHerder, LLC, a California limited liability company. TalentHerder is a leading talent acquisition services company. TalentHerder's business bridges the gap between in-house and external recruiting, specializing in high-growth companies. It works with clients to help identify and hire top-quality talent across all critical functions, enabling companies to scale teams quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. TalentHerder's proven recruitment processes can help scale both in-person and remote working environments for companies across the globe. The acquisition will bolster the Company's existing capabilities by expanding its recruitment process outsourcing ("RPO") service footprint, enhancing the Company's candidate sourcing reach, and enabling the Company's in-house recruiting team to respond more rapidly to client needs.

 The consideration and estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows:

 Cash

 $
 4,150

 Common stock of the Company

 Contingent consideration, at fair value

 1,927

 Total consideration

 $
 6,708

 The seller of TalentHerder is eligible to receive post-closing contingent consideration upon the business exceeding certain base levels of operating income, potentially earned over five years. The amount recorded for the contingent consideration represents the acquisition date fair value of expected consideration to be paid based on TalentHerder's forecasted operating income during the five year period. Expected consideration was valued based on different possible scenarios for projected operating income. Each case was assigned a probability which was used to calculate an estimate of the forecasted future payments. Then a discount rate was applied to these forecasted future payments to determine the acquisition date fair value to be recorded. The preliminary estimated purchase price has been allocated as follows:

 Property and equipment, net

 $

 Customer relationships

 Goodwill (a)

 5,793

 Total consideration

 $
 6,708

 (a)

 The goodwill is expected to be fully deductible for tax purposes over a period of 15 years, except for the portion of contingent consideration which is deductible only when paid.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 6. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (CONTINUED)

 In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company remeasured the value of its contingent consideration. The primary driver for remeasuring the contingent consideration was the performance by TKE. This remeasurement led to a $ 1.7 million reduction to the contingent consideration liability relating to the TKE acquisition. TKE had high yearly performance targets to achieve earn-out consideration. Two factors primarily contributed to TKE not hitting its performance targets. The first was the COVID- 19 pandemic which overlapped earn-out years two and three. TKE had numerous projects in its pipeline that were delayed or eliminated by prospective clients. The second factor relates to a specific client in earn-out year three. This client was dissatisfied with the product output, and TKE agreed to fix the equipment. The additional cost caused TKE to miss its earn-out target. Based on these factors, the Company determined to amend its asset purchase agreement with TKE, whereby TKE could receive maximum contingent consideration of $ 0.4 million in 2022 and $ 0.3 million in 2023. TKE earned $ 0.3 million in 2022, so the Company recorded a remeasurement of contingent consideration for $ 0.1 million in 2022.

 Potential future contingent payments to be made to all active acquisitions after December 30, 2023 are capped at a cumulative maximum of $ 9.6 million. The Company paid contingent consideration of $ 0.3 million, $ 0.1 million and $ 0.5 million during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively.

 The changes in the liability for contingent consideration from acquisitions for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 are as follows:

 Balance as of January 2, 2021

 $
 2,858

 Contingent payments made

 ( 494
)

 Changes in fair value of contingent consideration

 Remeasurement of contingent consideration

)

 Balance as of January 1, 2022

 $

 Contingent payments made

 ( 99
)

 Remeasurement of contingent consideration

 ( 88
)

 Acquisition of TalentHerder

 1,926

 Balance as of December 31, 2022

 $
 2,442

 Contingent payments - cash

 ( 339
)

 Contingent payments - stock

 ( 132
)

 Balance as of December 30, 2023

 $
 1,971

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 6. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (CONTINUED)

 Future Contingent Payments

 As of December 30, 2023, the Company had two acquisition agreements whereby additional contingent consideration may be earned by the sellers: 1) effective September 30, 2018, the Company acquired certain assets of Thermal Kinetics Engineering, PLLC and Thermal Kinetics Systems, LLC, and 2) effective October 2, 2022, the Company acquired certain assets of TalentHerder LLC. The Company estimates future contingent payments at December 30, 2023 as follows:

 Total

 The four quarters following December 30, 2023

 $

 Thereafter

 1,671

 Estimated future contingent consideration payments

 $
 1,971

 For acquisitions that involve contingent consideration, the Company records a liability equal to the fair value of the estimated contingent consideration obligation as of the acquisition date. The Company determines the acquisition date fair value of the contingent consideration based on the likelihood of paying the additional consideration. The fair value is estimated using projected future operating results and the corresponding future earn-out payments that can be earned upon the achievement of specified operating objectives and financial results by acquired companies using Level 3 inputs and the amounts are then discounted to present value. These liabilities are measured quarterly at fair value, and any change in the fair value of the contingent consideration liability is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. During the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, the Company records adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding adjustment to goodwill. Upon the conclusion of the measurement period or final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed, whichever comes first, any subsequent adjustments are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.

 Estimates of future contingent payments are subject to significant judgment and actual payments may materially differ from estimates. The Company estimates future contingent consideration payments based on forecasted performance and recorded the fair value of those expected payments as of December 30, 2023. Contingent consideration related to acquisitions is recorded at fair value (level 3) with changes in fair value recorded in other (expense) income, net.

 Divestiture of Assets

 On July 30, 2021, the Company sold the principal assets and certain liabilities of its Pickering and Kincardine offices in Ontario, Canada. These two offices were often called Canada Power Systems and principally provided engineering services to two major nuclear power providers in Canada. The two Canada Power Systems offices were part of a reporting unit within the Company's Engineering segment. The Company will continue to offer other engineering services in Canada and similar services in the United States. The Company evaluated this transaction under ASC 205 - 20, discontinued operations, and determined it did not meet the requirements to be treated as such. The transaction netted a gain on sale of assets of $ 2.4 million for the year ended January 1, 2022. The purchase agreement provided for a typical indemnity escrow held by an independent escrow agent. The net proceeds released from the escrow account generated a gain on sale of assets of $ 0.4 million and $ 0.2 million for the years ended December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, respectively. For the fiscal year ended January 1, 2022, these two offices generated revenue of $ 4.9 million.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 7. GOODWILL

 Goodwill represents the premium paid over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired in business combinations. The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of the last day of the Company's fiscal year or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change indicating that the fair value of goodwill may be below the carrying amount. The Company reviewed industry and market conditions, reporting unit specific events as well as overall financial performance and determined that no indicators of impairment of goodwill existed during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022. As such, no impairment loss on the Company's goodwill during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 or January 1, 2022 was recorded as a result of such review.

 The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 are as follows:

 Specialty
 Health Care

 Information
 Technology

 Total

 Balance as of January 2, 2021

 $
 11,918

 $
 2,398

 $
 2,038

 $
 16,354

 No change in fiscal 2021

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Balance as of January 1, 2022

 $
 11,918

 $
 2,398

 $
 2,038

 $
 16,354

 Acquisition of TalentHerder

 -

 -

 5,793

 5,793

 Balance as of December 31, 2022

 $
 11,918

 $
 2,398

 $
 7,831

 $
 22,147

 No change in fiscal 2023

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Balance as of December 30, 2023

 $
 11,918

 $
 2,398

 $
 7,831

 $
 22,147

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 The Company evaluates long-lived assets and intangible assets with definite lives for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. When the Company determines that it is probable that undiscounted future cash flows will not be sufficient to recover an asset's carrying amount, the asset is written down to its fair value. Assets to be disposed of by sale, if any, are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. The Company's intangible assets consist of customer relationships and non-compete agreements. During all periods presented, the Company determined that no impairment of intangible assets exists.

 All of the Company's intangible assets are associated with the Engineering segment. Intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their useful lives. Intangible assets are carried at cost, less accumulated amortization.

 Details of intangible assets by class at December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022:

 2023

 2022

 2022

 Customer relationships

 $

 $

 $
 -

 Total intangible assets

 $

 $

 $
 -

 Amortization of acquired intangible assets for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 was $ 182, $ 46 and $ 95, respectively. The remaining intangible asset balance will be amortized through fiscal 2027.

 Estimated future amortization expense, by fiscal years, for these intangibles assets are as follows:

 2024

 $

 2025

 2026

 2027

 Total

 $

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 9. LINE OF CREDIT

 On April 24, 2023, the Company entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the "Fourth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement") with Citizens Bank, N.A., as lender (in such capacity, the "Lender") and as administrative agent and arranger (in such capacity, the "Administrative Agent"), to amend and restate in its entirety that certain Third Amended and Restated Agreement dated as of the August 9, 2018 ( as the same has been amended and modified prior to the date hereof, the "Existing Loan Agreement").

 The Fourth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement provides for a $ 45.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"), has no limitation for letters of credit, and expires on April 24, 2026.

 Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at one of two alternative rates, as selected by the Company at each incremental borrowing. These alternatives are: (i) SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate), plus applicable margin or (ii) the agent bank's prime rate generally borrowed over shorter durations. The Company also pays unused line fees based on the amount of the Revolving Credit Facility that is not drawn. Unused line fees are recorded as interest expense. The effective weighted average interest rate, including unused line fees, for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 were 6.5 %, 2.2 % and 2.0 %, respectively.

 All borrowings under the Fourth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement remain collateralized with substantially all of the Company's assets, as well as the capital stock of its subsidiaries. The Revolving Credit Facility also contains various financial and non-financial covenants, such as a covenant that restricts the Company's ability to borrow in order to pay dividends. As of December 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company believes that it will maintain compliance with its financial covenants for the foreseeable future.

 Borrowings under the line of credit as of December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 were $ 30.8 million, $ 8.8 million and $ 14.2 million, respectively. At December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, there were letters of credit outstanding for $ 2.0 million, $ 1.9 million, and $1.9 million, respectively. At December 30, 2023, the Company had availability for additional borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility of $ 12.1 million.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 10. PER SHARE DATA

 The Company uses the treasury stock method to calculate the weighted-average shares outstanding used for diluted earnings per share. The number of weighted-average shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 was determined as follows:

 2023

 2022

 2022

 Basic weighted average shares outstanding

 8,308,867

 10,051,688

 11,035,361

 Dilutive effect of outstanding restricted share awards

 283,705

 390,488

 589,740

 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

 8,592,572

 10,442,176

 11,625,101

 For the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, there were no anti-dilutive shares included in the calculation of common stock equivalents as there were no stock options outstanding.

 Unissued shares of common stock were reserved for the following purposes:

 2023

 2022

 2022

 Time-based restricted stock awards outstanding

 376,618

 274,939

 420,628

 Performance-based restricted stock awards outstanding

 100,000

 225,000

 125,000

 Future grants of options or shares

 603,044

 890,682

 107,924

 Shares reserved for employee stock purchase plan

 297,730

 364,231

 448,110

 Total

 1,377,392

 1,754,852

 1,101,662

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 11. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION

 At December 30, 2023, the Company had two share-based employee compensation plans, the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the 2014 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan.

 The Company measures the fair value of share-based awards, if and when granted, based on the Black-Scholes method and using the closing market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. Awards typically vest over periods ranging from one to five years and expire within 10 years of issuance. The Company may also issue immediately vested equity awards. Share-based compensation expense related to time-based awards is amortized in accordance with applicable vesting periods using the straight-line method. The Company expenses performance-based awards only when the performance metrics are likely to be achieved and the associated awards are therefore likely to vest. Performance-based share awards that are likely to vest are also expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period but may vest on a retroactive basis or be reversed, depending on when it is determined that they are likely to vest, or in the case of a reversal when they are later determined to be unlikely to vest or forfeited. Discussion of share and share-based awards herein references awards of shares and share units.

 Share-based compensation expense of $ 2.1 million, $ 1.6 million, and $ 1.4 million was recognized for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively. Share-based compensation for performance-based equity agreements were $ 0.7 million, $ 0.8 million and $ 0.4 million for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively. As of December 30, 2023, there were 100,000 performance-based restricted stock awards outstanding. Share-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expense in the Company's statement of operations.

 As of December 30, 2023, the Company had $ 3.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, with nearly all of the unrecognized compensation cost related to time-based non-vested share-based awards outstanding. The Company expects to recognize the expense associated with time-based non-vested share-based awards through fiscal 2027. These amounts do not include a) the cost of any additional share-based awards granted after December 30, 2023 or b) the impact of any potential changes in the Company's forfeiture rate.

 Incentive Share-Based Plans

 Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 The Company implemented the 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan") with shareholder approval, effective January 1, 2001. Under the Purchase Plan, employees meeting certain specific employment qualifications are eligible to participate and can purchase shares of common stock semi-annually through payroll deductions at the lower of 85 % of the fair market value of the stock at the commencement or end of the offering period. The purchase plan permits eligible employees to purchase shares of common stock through payroll deductions for up to 10 % of qualified compensation, subject to maximum purchases in any one fiscal year of 3,000 shares.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 11. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)

 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Continued)

 In fiscal 2015, the Company amended the Purchase Plan with shareholder approval to increase the aggregate number of shares of stock reserved for issuance or transfer under the Purchase Plan by an additional 300,000 shares so that the total number of shares of stock reserved for issuance or transfer under the Plan shall be 1,100,000 shares and to extend the expiration date of the Purchase Plan to December 31, 2025. In fiscal 2018, the Company amended the Purchase Plan with shareholder approval to increase the aggregate number of shares of stock reserved for issuance or transfer under the Purchase Plan by an additional 300,000 shares so that the total number of shares of stock reserved for issuance or transfer under the Plan shall be 1,400,000 shares. In fiscal 2021, the Company amended the Purchase Plan with shareholder approval to increase the aggregate number of shares of stock reserved for issuance or transfer under the Purchase Plan by an additional 400,000 shares so that the total number of shares of stock reserved for issuance or transfer under the Plan shall be 1,800,000 shares and the termination date of the Purchase Plan was extended to December 31, 2030.

 The Company has two offering periods in the Purchase Plan coinciding with the Company's first two fiscal quarters and the last two fiscal quarters. Actual shares are issued on the first business day of the subsequent offering period for the prior offering period payroll deductions. During the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, there were 66,501, 83,879 and 101,784 shares issued under the Purchase Plan for net proceeds of $ 0.7 million, $ 0.4 million and $ 0.1 million, respectively. As of December 30, 2023, there were 297,730 shares available for issuance under the Purchase Plan. Compensation expense, representing the discount to the quoted market price, for the Purchase Plan for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 was $ 0.3 million, $ 0.3 million and $ 0.1 million, respectively.

 2014 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (the 2014 Plan)

 The 2014 Plan, approved by the Company's shareholders in December 2014, initially provided for the issuance of up to 625,000 shares of the Company's common stock to officers, non-employee directors, employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, or consultants and advisors utilized by the Company. In fiscal 2016, fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2022, the Company amended, or amended and restated, the 2014 Plan with shareholder approval to increase the aggregate number of shares of stock reserved for issuance under the Plan by an additional 500,000, 850,000 and 1,000,000 shares, respectively, so that the total number of shares of stock reserved for issuance under the Plan is 2,975,000 shares. The expiration date of the Plan is December 17, 2030, unless the 2014 Plan is terminated earlier by the Board or is extended by the Board with the approval of the stockholders. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors determines the vesting period at the time of grant.

 All stock awards typically include dividend accrual equivalents, which means that any dividends paid by the Company during the vesting period become due and payable after the vesting period assuming the grantee's stock award fully vests. Dividends for these grants are accrued on the dividend payment dates and included in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. As of December 30, 2023, there were no accrued dividends. Dividends for stock awards that ultimately do not vest are forfeited.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 11. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)

 2014 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (the 2014 Plan) (Continued)

 As of December 30, 2023, under the 2014 Plan, 376,618 time-based shares were outstanding, 100,000 performance-based restricted stock awards were outstanding and 603,044 shares were available for awards thereunder.

 The intrinsic value of all equity grants for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 was $ 13.8 million, $ 3.5 million and $ 2.9 million, respectively. These amounts are based on the equity price on the last trading day in the period presented.

 Time-Based Restricted Stock Awards

 From time-to-time the Company issues time-based restricted stock awards. The following summarizes the activity in the time-based restricted stock awards under the 2014 Plan during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023:

 Number of
 Time-Based
 Restricted
 Stock Awards

 Weighted
 Average
 Grant Date Fair
 Value per Share

 Outstanding non-vested at January 1, 2022

 420,628

 $
 2.69

 Granted

 56,500

 $
 8.07

 ( 136,931
)

 $
 3.46

 ( 65,258
)

 $
 1.95

 Outstanding non-vested at December 31, 2022

 274,939

 $
 3.59

 Granted

 293,978

 $
 13.23

 ( 181,197
)

 $
 2.83

 ( 11,102
)

 $
 2.23

 Outstanding non-vested at December 30, 2023

 376,618

 $
 11.53

 Based on the closing price of the Company's common stock of $ 29.04 per share on December 29, 2023 ( the last trading day prior to December 30, 2023), the intrinsic value of the time-based non-vested restricted stock awards at December 30, 2023 was approximately $ 10.9 million. As of December 30, 2023, there was approximately $ 3.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to time-based restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over the average weighted remaining vesting period of the restricted stock awards through fiscal 2028.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 11. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)

 Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards

 From time-to-time the Company issues performance-based restricted stock awards to its executives. Performance-based restricted stock awards are typically vested based on certain multi-year performance metrics as determined by the Board of Directors Compensation Committee.

 The following summarizes the activity in the performance-based restricted stock awards during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023:

 Number of
 Performance-Based
 Restricted
 Stock Awards

 Weighted
 Average
 Grant Date Fair
 Value per Share

 Outstanding non-vested at January 1, 2022

 125,000

 $
 3.26

 Granted

 225,000

 $
 8.73

 ( 125,000
)

 $
 3.26

 -

 -

 Outstanding non-vested at December 31, 2022

 225,000

 $
 8.73

 Granted

 -

 -

 ( 125,000
)

 $
 6.15

 -

 -

 Outstanding non-vested at December 30, 2023

 100,000

 $
 11.96

 As of December 30, 2023, there was one outstanding grant for performance-based restricted stock awards issued to Bradley Vizi, the Company's Chief Executive Officer. In December 2022, the Company issued a performance-based restricted stock unit grant of 100,000 shares, subject to increase up to 125,000 shares, based on fiscal 2023 performance (the "2023 Grant"). The Company has not made a determination as to how many shares it expects to issue under the 2023 Grant.

 The Company assesses at each reporting date whether achievement of any performance condition is probable and recognizes the expense when achievement of the performance condition becomes probable. The Company will then recognize the appropriate expense cumulatively in the year performance becomes probable and recognize the remaining compensation cost over the remaining requisite service period. If at a later measurement date, the Company determines that performance-based restricted stock awards deemed as likely to vest are deemed as unlikely to vest, the expense recognized will be reversed.

 Share-based compensation for performance-based equity agreement was $ 0.7 million, $ 0.8 million and $ 0.4 million for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, respectively.

 During the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, the Company awarded 4,762 immediately vested share awards at an average price of $ 10.50. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company awarded 1,000 immediately vested share awards at an average price of $ 18.48. During the fiscal year ended January 1, 2022, the Company awarded 125,000 immediately vested share awards at an average price of $ 2.17.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 11. SHARE BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)

 Number of Restricted
 Stock Awards

 Weighted Average
 Grant Date Fair
 Value per Share

 Outstanding non-vested at January 2, 2021

 709,805

 $
 1.92

 Granted – time-based vesting

 163,005

 $
 3.81

 Granted – performance-based vesting

 125,000

 $
 3.26

 ( 452,182
)

 $
 1.89

 -

 -

 Outstanding non-vested at January 1, 2022

 545,628

 $
 2.82

 Granted – time-based vesting

 56,500

 $
 8.07

 Granted – performance-based vesting

 100,000

 $
 11.96

 ( 136,931
)

 $
 3.46

 ( 65,258
)

 $
 1.95

 Outstanding non-vested at December 31, 2022

 499,939

 $
 5.91

 Granted – time-based vesting

 293,978

 $
 13.23

 Granted – performance-based vesting

 -

 -

 ( 306,197
)

 $
 4.18

 ( 11,102
)

 $
 2.23

 Outstanding non-vested at December 30, 2023

 476,618

 $
 11.62

 Based on the closing price of the Company's common stock of $ 29.04 per share on December 29, 2023, the intrinsic value of all outstanding unvested equity awards at December 30, 2023 was $ 13.8 million.

 12. TREASURY STOCK TRANSACTIONS

 On April 25, 2023, the Board authorized a program to repurchase shares of its common stock up to an amount not to exceed $ 25.0 million. This program succeeds the Company's prior repurchase program authorized in November 2021, which was substantially completed in April 2023. The program is designed to provide the Company with enhanced flexibility over the long term to optimize its capital structure. Shares of the Common Stock may be repurchased in the open market or through negotiated transactions. The program may be terminated or suspended at any time at the discretion of the Company. The Company may enter into a Rule 10b5 - 1 trading plan to effect a portion of the authorized purchases if the criteria set forth in the plan are met. Such a plan would enable the Company to repurchase its shares during periods outside of its normal trading windows when the Company typically would not be active in the market.

 On April 24, 2023, the Company agreed to repurchase, in a private transaction approved by the Board, 333,686 shares of common stock at a per-share price of $ 11.91 per share.

 During the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023, the Company purchased 1,825,957 shares at an average price of $ 14.00 per share. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, the Company purchased 1,309,427 shares at an average price of $ 12.63 per share. During the fiscal year ended January 1, 2022, the Company purchased 1,930,911 shares at an average price of $ 4.68 per share. As of December 30, 2023, the Company has $ 13.6 million available for future treasury stock purchases.

 The Company accrued $ 0.2 million in excise tax associated with its Treasury Stock Repurchase Plan during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 13. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016 - 13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). The new standard amends guidance on reporting credit losses for assets held at amortized cost basis and available-for-sale debt securities. In February 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020 - 02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326) and Leases (Topic 842) - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 119 and Update to SEC Section on Effective Date Related to Accounting Standards Update No. 2016 - 02, Leases (Topic 842), which amends the effective date of the original pronouncement for smaller reporting companies. ASU 2016 - 13 and its amendments will be effective for the Company for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. CECL estimates of expected credit losses on trade receivables over their life will be required to be recorded at inception, based on historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The Company adopted the standard in its first quarter of 2023. There was no material impact on the results of operations.

 In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020 - 04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This standard only applies to contracts and other transactions that reference London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or another reference rate expected to be discontinued due to reference rate reform. This guidance provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to accounting guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease entities' financial reporting burdens as the market transitions from the LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022 - 06, Deferral of the sunset date of Topic 848. This update defers the sunset date from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The Company may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) issued ASU 2023 - 07, "Segment reporting (Topic 280)", which is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments require disclosure of significant segment expenses regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM) as well as other segment items, extend certain annual disclosures to interim periods, clarify the applicability to single reportable segment entities, permit more than one measure of profit or loss to be reported under certain conditions, and require disclosure of the title and position of the CODM. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Adoption of the ASU should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is also permitted. We are currently evaluating the provisions of this ASU and expect to adopt them for the fiscal year ending December 28, 2024.

 In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023 - 09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires the annual financial statements to include consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation, and income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. ASU 2023 - 09 is effective for the Company's annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and should be applied on a prospective basis, with a retrospective option. We are currently evaluating the effect that adoption of ASU 2023 - 09 will have on our disclosures.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 14. SEGMENT INFORMATION

 The Company follows ASC280, "Segment Reporting," which establishes standards for companies to report information about operating segments, geographic areas and major customers. The accounting policies of each reportable segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements).

 Segment operating income (loss) includes selling, general and administrative expenses directly attributable to that segment as well as charges for allocating corporate costs to each of the operating segments. The following tables reflect the results of the reportable segments consistent with the Company's management system:

 December 30, 2023

 Specialty
 Health Care

 Life Sciences
 and IT

 Corporate

 Total

 $
 136,241

 $
 84,675

 $
 42,321

 $
 -

 $

 96,309

 64,071

 26,161

 -

 186,541

 39,932

 20,604

 16,160

 -

 76,696

 26,010

 16,964

 9,211

 -

 52,185

 Depreciation and amortization of
 property and equipment

 -

 1,032

 -

 -

 -

 -

 ( 395
)

 -

 -

 ( 395
)

 $
 13,539

 $
 3,531

 $
 6,622

 $
 -

 $
 23,692

 Total assets as of December 30, 2023

 $
 43,769

 $
 46,425

 $
 18,586

 $
 11,704

 $
 120,484

 Property and equipment acquired

 $

 $

 $

 $
 1,943

 $
 2,931

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 14. SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

 December 31, 2022

 Specialty
 Health Care

 Life Sciences
 and IT

 Corporate

 Total

 $
 159,448

 $
 85,937

 $
 39,295

 $
 -

 $

 111,543

 64,218

 25,992

 -

 201,753

 47,905

 21,719

 13,303

 -

 82,927

 27,661

 17,272

 8,462

 -

 53,395

 Depreciation and amortization of
 property and equipment

 -

 -

 -

 -

 Remeasurement of acquisition-related

 -

 ( 88
)

 -

 -

 ( 88
)

 -

 ( 219
)

 -

 -

 ( 219
)

 $
 19,818

 $
 4,299

 $
 4,681

 $
 -

 $
 28,798

 Total assets as of December 31, 2022

 $
 34,062

 $
 33,447

 $
 15,778

 $
 4,677

 $
 87,964

 Property and equipment acquired

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $
 1,152

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 14. SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

 January 1, 2022

 Specialty Health Care

 Life Sciences and IT

 Corporate

 Total

 $
 98,495

 $
 66,172

 $
 39,208

 $
 -

 $
 203,875

 73,177

 50,109

 27,465

 -

 150,751

 25,318

 16,063

 11,743

 -

 53,124

 19,491

 14,210

 8,318

 -

 42,019

 Depreciation and amortization of
 property and equipment

 -

 1,007

 -

 -

 -

 Remeasurement of acquisition-related

 -

)

 -

 -

)

 -

 ( 2,420
)

 -

 -

 ( 2,420
)

 $
 5,454

 $
 5,370

 $
 3,312

 $
 -

 $
 14,136

 Total assets as of January 1, 2022

 $
 32,809

 $
 28,343

 $
 8,676

 $
 3,024

 $
 72,852

 Property and equipment acquired

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $
 1,576

 The Company derives a majority of its revenue from offices in the United States. Revenue reported for each operating segment are all from external customers. The Company is domiciled in the United States and its segments operate in the United States, Canada, Germany, Puerto Rico and Serbia. Revenue by geographic area for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 are as follows:

 2023

 2022

 2022

 United States

 $
 246,578

 $
 272,342

 $
 186,169

 Canada

 6,480

 4,708

 9,578

 Puerto Rico

 6,515

 5,180

 5,237

 Europe

 3,664

 2,630

 2,891

 $

 $

 $
 203,875

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 14. SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

 Total assets by geographic area as of the reported periods are as follows:

 2023

 2022

 2022

 Total Assets

 United States

 $
 110,781

 $
 81,558

 $
 67,296

 Canada

 1,880

 1,640

 1,327

 Puerto Rico

 3,476

 1,401

 Europe

 4,347

 3,365

 3,266

 $
 120,484

 $
 87,964

 $
 72,852

 15. INCOME TAXES

 Generally, the Company's relative income or loss generated in each of its jurisdictions can materially impact the consolidated effective income tax rate of the Company, particularly the ratio of Canadian and Serbian pretax income, versus United States pretax income. The consolidated effective income tax rate for fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 were 24.2 %, 26.7 % and 21.0 %, respectively. The Company's United States Federal statutory tax rate for fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, before any adjustments, was 21.0%. The income tax provisions reconciled to the tax computed at the United States Federal statutory rate for fiscal years 2023, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:

 December 30, 2023

 December 31, 2022

 2022

 Federal statutory rate

 21.0
 %

 21.0
 %

 21.0
 %

 Tax expense on taxable
 income at federal statutory rate

 $
 4,661

 $
 5,981

 $
 2,922

 State and Puerto Rico income taxes,
 net of Federal income tax benefit

 1,082

 1,373

 Permanent differences domestic and foreign

 ( 269
)

 ( 771
)

 Foreign income tax rates

 Other

 ( 135
)

 ( 166
)

 Total income tax expense

 $
 5,364

 $
 7,591

 $
 2,925

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 15. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

 The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:

 2023

 2022

 2022

 Current

 Federal

 $
 3,055

 $
 2,962

 $

 State and local

 1,608

 1,020

 Foreign

 5,323

 4,341

 Deferred

 Federal

 2,507

 2,152

 State

 ( 143
)

 Foreign

 ( 33
)

 ( 223
)

 3,250

 2,541

 Total

 $
 5,364

 $
 7,591

 $
 2,925

 The components of earnings before income taxes by United States and foreign jurisdictions were as follows:

 2023

 2022

 2022

 United States and Puerto Rico

 $
 19,333

 $
 26,722

 $
 10,880

 Foreign jurisdictions

 2,862

 1,758

 3,034

 $
 22,195

 $
 28,480

 $
 13,914

 A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits for the year December 30, 2023:

 Unrecognized Tax Benefits

 Balance as of January 2, 2021

 $
 -

 Gross increases: tax positions in prior period

 -

 Gross increases: tax positions in current period

 1,196

 Balance as of January 1, 2022

 $
 1,196

 Gross increases: tax positions in prior period

 -

 Gross increases: tax positions in current period

 -

 Balance as of December 31, 2022

 $
 1,196

 Gross increases: tax positions in prior period

 -

 Gross increases: tax positions in current period

 -

 Balance as of December 30, 2023

 $
 1,196

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 15. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

 The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits relating to the Company's tax positions is subject to change based on future events including, but not limited to, the settlements of ongoing audits and/or the expiration of applicable statutes of limitations. Although the outcomes and timing of such events are highly uncertain, it is reasonably possible that the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits will not change during the next 12 months. However, changes in the occurrence, expected outcomes and timing of those events could cause the Company's current estimate to change materially in the future.

 The Company accounts for penalties or interest related to uncertain tax positions as part of its provision for income taxes and records such amounts to tax expense. The Company recorded no expense for penalties or interest in the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022.

 At December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022, deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:

 2023

 2022

 2022

 Deferred tax assets:

 Allowance for doubtful accounts

 $

 $

 $

 Federal and state net operating loss carryforward

 -

 1,153

 Compensation

 Reserves, accruals, and other

 Lease liability

 1,118

 Net operating loss carryforward, Germany

 -

 -

 Total deferred tax assets

 2,808

 2,459

 3,408

 Deferred tax liabilities:

 Intangible assets, net of amortization

 ( 1,860
)

 ( 1,696
)

 ( 1,428
)

 Prepaid expense deferral

 ( 1,044
)

 ( 872
)

 ( 552
)

 Fixed assets, net of depreciation

 ( 689
)

 ( 433
)

 ( 392
)

 Right of use assets

 ( 728
)

 ( 953
)

 ( 501
)

 Deferred tax liability, net, Canada

 ( 187
)

 ( 166
)

 ( 142
)

 Total deferred tax liabilities

 ( 4,508
)

 ( 4,120
)

 ( 3,015
)

 Total deferred tax (liabilities) assets, net

 $
 ( 1,700
)

 $
 ( 1,661
)

 $

 The Company has gross state net operating losses of $ 0.6 million and foreign net operating losses of $ 0.1 million to be applied to the net income of future tax returns, respectively. The state net operating losses are subject to various expiration periods. The foreign net operating losses have an indefinite carryforward period.

 The Company conducts its operations in multiple tax jurisdictions in the United States, Canada, Germany, Puerto Rico and Serbia. The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated United States Federal income tax return and file in various states. The Company has no open federal or state audits as of December 30, 2023. The Company is no longer subject to audits by state and local tax authorities for tax years prior to 2019. The Company is no longer subject to audit in Canada for the tax years prior to tax year 2019. The Company is no longer subject to audit in Puerto Rico for the tax years prior to tax year 2018.

 Differences between the effective tax rate and the applicable U.S. federal statutory rate may arise, primarily from the effect of state and local income taxes, and share-based compensation. The actual 2023 effective tax rate may vary from the estimate depending on the actual operating income earned in various jurisdictions, and the exercise of stock options and vesting of share-based awards.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 15. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

 Under APB 23, foreign earnings are generally not subject to U.S. tax until repatriated or deemed repatriated under the anti-deferral rules. The Company has determined that as of December 30, 2023, all current and future earnings in its foreign subsidiaries will be permanently reinvested. Based on this determination, the anti-deferral rules have no material impact on the Company.

 16.

 CONTINGENCIES

 From time to time, the Company is a defendant in various legal actions that arise in the ordinary business course. These matters may relate to professional liability, tax, compensation, contract, competitor disputes, and employee-related matters and include individual and class action lawsuits, as well as inquiries and investigations by governmental agencies regarding the Company's employment and compensation practices. Additionally, some of the Company's clients may also become subject to claims, governmental inquiries and investigations, and legal actions relating to the Company's professional services. Depending upon the particular facts and circumstances, the Company may also be subject to indemnification obligations under its contracts with such clients relating to these matters.

 As such, the Company is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of losses and possible recoveries. The Company may not be covered by insurance as it pertains to some or all of these matters. A determination of the amount of the provision required for these commitments and contingencies, if any, which would be charged to earnings, is made after careful analysis of each matter. The Company records a liability when management believes an adverse outcome from a loss contingency is both probable and the amount, or a range, can be reasonably estimated. From time to time, the Company must estimate the potential loss even though the party adverse to the Company has not asserted any specific amounts. Significant judgment is required to determine both the probability of loss and the estimated amount. The Company reviews its loss contingencies at least quarterly and it adjusts its accruals and/or disclosures to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, or other new information, as deemed necessary. Once established, a provision may change in the future due to new developments or changes in circumstances. The Company could increase or decrease its earnings in the period that the changes are made.

 The Company is exposed to various asserted claims as of December 30, 2023, where the Company believes it has a probability of loss. Additionally, the Company is exposed to other asserted claims whereby an amount of loss has not been declared, and the Company cannot determine the potential loss. Any of these various claims could result in an unfavorable outcome or settlement that exceeds the accrued amounts. However, the Company believes that such matters will not, either individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its business, consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. As of December 30, 2023, the Company has accrued $ 2.9 million for asserted claims.

 In April 2022, a client of the Company's Industrial Processing Group alleged that a system partially designed by the Company is not operating as intended and that the Company is responsible. The Company has not determined if it has any liability. In the event of liability, the Company believes its damages are contractually limited to an amount no higher than $ 3.3 million. Furthermore, the Company believes that if it were found liable, any damages would be covered by insurance, subject to a deductible of $ 0.5 million and maximum coverage of $ 5.0 million. While the Company attempts to find a mutually agreeable solution, the Company has reserved $0.5 million for this project. The Company can give no assurance that its liability is limited to $3.3 million or that liability over $0.5 million, if any, will be covered by insurance.

 The Company is also subject to other pending legal proceedings and claims that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business, which may not be covered by insurance.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 17. RETIREMENT PLANS

 Profit Sharing Plans

 The Company maintains a 401 (k) profit sharing plan for the benefit of eligible employees in the United States and other similar plans in Canada, Puerto Rico and Serbia (the "Retirement Plans"). The 401 (k) plan includes a cash or deferred arrangement pursuant to Section 401 (k) of the Internal Revenue Code sponsored by the Company to provide eligible employees an opportunity to defer compensation and have such deferred amounts contributed to the 401 (k) plan on a pre-tax basis, subject to certain limitations. The Company, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, may make contributions of cash to match deferrals of compensation by participants in the Retirement Plans. Contributions to the Retirement Plans charged to operations by the Company for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 were $ 698, $ 626 and $ 721, respectively.

 18. COMMITMENTS

 Executive Severance Agreements

 The Company is a party to an Executive Severance Agreement (the "Executive Severance Agreement") with each of Bradley S. Vizi, the Company's Executive Chairman and President (dated as of June 1, 2018), and Kevin D. Miller, the Company's Chief Financial Officer (dated as of February 28, 2014, as amended), which set forth the terms and conditions of certain payments to be made by the Company to the executive in the event, while employed by the Company, such executive experiences (a) a termination of employment unrelated to a "Change in Control" (as defined therein) or (b) there occurs a Change in Control and either (i) the executive's employment is terminated for a reason related to the Change in Control or (ii) in the case of Mr. Miller, the executive remains continuously employed with the Company for a period of three months following the Change in Control. Each Executive Severance Agreement also provide for certain payments, if either (a) the executive is involuntarily terminated by the Company for any reason other than "Cause" (as defined therein), "Disability" (as defined therein) or death, or (b) the executive resigns for "Good Reason" (as defined therein), and, in each case, the termination is not a "Termination Related to a Change in Control" (as defined therein).

 Leases are recorded in accordance with FASB ASC 842, Leases which requires lessees to recognize a right of use ("ROU") asset and an operating right of use liability for all leases with terms greater than 12 months and requires disclosures by lessees and lessors about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases.

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 18. COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED)

 Leases (Continued)

 The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. For leases where the Company is the lessee, right of use assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent an obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Right of use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The right of use asset also consists of any lease incentives received. The lease terms used to calculate the right of use asset and related lease liability include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term as an operating expense while the expense for finance leases is recognized as depreciation expense and interest expense using the accelerated interest method of recognition. The Company has lease agreements which require payments for lease and non-lease components. The Company has elected to account for these as a single lease component with the exception of its real estate leases.

 The components of lease expense were as follows:

 2023

 2022

 2022

 Operating lease cost

 $
 1,428

 $
 1,598

 $
 1,891

 Finance lease cost

 Amortization of right of use assets

 $

 $

 $

 Interest on lease liabilities

 Total finance lease cost

 $

 $

 $

 Supplemental Cash Flow information related to leases was as follows:

 2023

 2022

 2022

 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement
 of lease liabilities

 Operating cash flows from operating leases

 $
 1,464

 $
 1,633

 $
 1,957

 Operating cash flows from finance leases

 $

 $

 $

 Financing cash flows from finance leases

 $

 $

 $

 Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations

 Operating leases

 $

 $
 2,790

 $

 Finance leases

 -

 $

 $
 1,002

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 18. COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED)

 Leases (Continued)

 Supplemental Balance Sheet information as of December 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and January 1, 2022 related to leases was as follows:

 2023

 2022

 2022

 Operating leases

 Operating lease right of use assets

 $
 2,779

 $
 3,665

 $
 1,877

 Operating right of use liability - current

 $
 ( 693
)

 $
 ( 1,349
)

 $
 ( 1,502
)

 Operating right of use liability - non-current

 ( 2,268
)

 ( 2,932
)

 ( 1,631
)

 Total operating lease liabilities

 $
 ( 2,961
)

 $
 ( 4,281
)

 $
 ( 3,133
)

 Finance leases

 Property and equipment - (right of use assets)

 $

 $
 1,177

 $
 1,367

 Accumulated depreciation

 ( 695
)

 ( 461
)

 ( 375
)

 Property and equipment, net

 $

 $

 $

 Finance lease liability - current

 $
 ( 233
)

 $
 ( 462
)

 $
 ( 437
)

 Finance lease liability - non-current

 -

 ( 232
)

 ( 502
)

 Total finance lease liabilities

 $
 ( 233
)

 $
 ( 694
)

 $
 ( 939
)

 Weighted average remaining lease term in years

 Operating leases

 8.61

 6.78

 1.80

 Finance leases

.50

 1.50

 2.34

 Weighted average discount rate

 Operating leases

 3.15
 %

 3.10
 %

 3.32
 %

 Finance leases

 0.87
 %

 0.87
 %

 1.15
 %

 F-

 (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

 18. COMMITMENTS (CONTINUED)

 Leases (Continued)

 Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows:

 Fiscal Year

 Operating

 Finance

 2024

 $

 $

 2025

 -

 2026

 -

 2027

 -

 2028

 -

 Thereafter

 1,311

 -

 Total lease payments

 $
 3,443

 $

 Less: imputed interest

 ( 482
)

 -

 Total

 $
 2,961

 $

 19. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 There have been no related party transactions during the periods presented.