Dycom Industries
Annual Report 2012

Plain-text annual report

2 0 1 2 A N N U A L R E P O R T CORPORATE PROFILE Dycom Industries, Inc. is a leading provider of specialty contracting services. These services are provided throughout the United States and in Canada and include engineering, construction, maintenance and installation services to telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services to various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services to electric and gas utilities and other customers. Founded in 1969, Dycom has grown to become one of North America’s largest specialty contracting services companies. Its 31 operating subsidiaries serve customers in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and on a limited basis in Canada. Headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Dycom employs a workforce of more than 8,100 employees in approximately 400 locations. Specialty Contracting Services Engineering. Dycom provides outside plant engineers and drafters to telecommunication providers. These personnel design aerial, underground and buried fiber optic, copper, and coaxial cable systems that extend from the telephone company central office, or cable operator headend, to the consumer’s home or business. The engineering services Dycom provides to telephone companies include: the design of service area concept boxes, terminals, buried and aerial drops, transmission and central office equipment, the proper administration of feeder and distribution cable pairs, and fiber cable routing and design. For cable television multiple system operators, Dycom performs make-ready studies, strand mapping, field walk-out, computer-aided radio frequency design and drafting, and fiber cable routing and design. Dycom obtains rights of way and permits in support of its engineering activities and those of our customers, and provides construction management and inspection personnel in conjunction with engineering services or on a stand-alone basis. Construction, Maintenance, and Installation. Dycom places and splices fiber, copper, and coaxial cables. In addition, Dycom excavates trenches in which to place these cables; places related structures such as poles, anchors, conduits, manholes, cabinets and closures; places drop lines from main distribution lines to the consumer’s home or business; and maintains and removes these facilities. These services are provided to both telephone companies and cable television multiple system operators in connection with the deployment of new networks and the expansion or maintenance of existing networks. Dycom provides civil and tower construction, lines and antenna installation, and foundation and equipment pad construction for wireless carriers, as well as equipment and material fabrication and site testing services. For cable television system operators, Dycom installs and maintains customer premise equipment, such as digital video recorders, set top boxes and modems. Premise Wiring. Dycom’s premise wiring services are provided to various companies, as well as state and local governments. These services include the installation, repair and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure within improved structures. Underground Facility Locating Services. Dycom provides underground facility locating services to a variety of utility companies, including telecommunication providers. Under various state laws, excavators are required, prior to excavating, to request from utility companies the location of their underground facilities in order to prevent utility network outages and to safeguard the general public from the consequences of damages to underground utilities. Utility companies are required to respond within specified time periods to these requests to mark underground and buried facilities. Dycom’s underground facility locating services include locating telephone, cable television, power, water, sewer, and gas lines for these utility companies. Electric and Gas Utilities and Other Construction and Maintenance Services. Dycom performs construction and maintenance services for electric and gas utilities and other customers. These services are performed primarily on a stand-alone basis and typically include installing and maintaining overhead and underground power distribution lines. In addition, Dycom periodically provides these services for the combined projects of telecommunication providers and electric utility companies, primarily in joint trenching situations, in which services are being delivered to new housing subdivisions. Dycom also maintains and installs underground natural gas transmission and distribution systems for gas utilities. Dycom Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS The following financial information has been derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements. This information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained in this Annual Report, as well as the section of this Annual Report entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 In thousands, except per common share amounts and number of employees $1,201,119 $1,035,868 $988,623 $1,106,900 $1,229,956 $39,378 $16,107 $5,849 $(53,094) $24,404 Revenues from continuing operations Income (loss) from continuing operations Net income (loss) $39,378 $16,107 $5,849 $(53,180) $21,678 Earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations - diluted Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted Weighted average number of common shares – diluted Total assets Long-term obligations Stockholders’ equity Number of employees $1.14 $1.14 $0.45 $0.45 $0.15 $0.15 34,482 35,754 38,997 $772,193 $264,699 $392,931 8,111 $724,755 $254,391 $351,851 8,320 $679,556 $187,798 $394,555 8,897 $(1.35) $(1.35) 39,255 $693,457 $192,804 $390,623 9,231 $0.60 $0.53 40,602 $801,272 $225,715 $444,093 10,746 DYCOM’S NATIONWIDE PRE S E NCE October 2012 DEAR FELLOW SHAREHOL DE RS : As fiscal 2013 begins, we look back on an outstanding year of substantially improved performance. Organic growth accelerated, margins expanded and we continued to modestly repurchase the Company’s shares. All of these factors produced annual earnings per share which increased dramatically over fiscal 2011, an absolute level unmatched in eight years. Looking ahead, we remain prudently aware of the tests presented by a slowly growing economy and overall economic uncertainty, but are confident in our continued ability to address those challenges. Earnings for fiscal 2012 were the culmination of a focused and consistent approach to industry and economic recovery. This approach emphasized organic growth, in part through market share gains, and margin expansion. It was built upon the solid foundation established during the prior two fiscal years through acquisitions which extended the company’s footprint and capabilities, and share repurchases which increased the Company’s sensitivity to improving performance. Organic revenue* growth, excluding storm Looking ahead, these developments continue to present opportunities and accordingly I have updated restoration services, totaled over $150 million for the each below: fiscal year. It was positive in all four quarters for the first time in eight years and at fifteen percent for the year, the highest annual organic growth percentage since fiscal 2004. This organic growth reflected a significantly improved industry environment and our careful execution against industry opportunities. As we grew during the year, earnings improved dramatically as non- GAAP net income (excluding refinancing costs and certain other charges)* increased from $21.9 million in fiscal 2011 to $39.4 million in fiscal 2012, an increase of eighty percent. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (excluding refinancing costs and certain other charges)* grew to $1.14 from $0.61, an increase of eighty seven percent. This year’s growth was in large part the result of our solid execution against the five key industry developments which were outlined in last year’s letter. 1. Fiber to the cell site. Beginning three years ago, our customers began to aggressively provide fiber optic cable connections to cell sites. These connections were required because, as wireless carriers began to contend with the vast amount of wireless data being generated by smart phone and other wireless devices, existing copper connections were unable to keep up with that growth. Since that time, fiber optic cable connections have become the standard for connecting large wireless macro cells to the wireline network. Telephone companies, cable companies, competitive local exchange carriers and others continue to provision cell sites throughout the country. In a related development, wireless carriers have begun to require outside distributed antennae systems (DAS) to supplement their traditional networks of large macro cells. Outside distributed antennae systems consist of networks of large numbers of small cells connected to one another generally through fiber optic cable. These antennas may be mounted on poles, street lights or roof tops. They are particularly beneficial in urban and suburban areas where zoning and permitting issues can hinder the quick deployment of large macro cells to expand wireless network capacity. In addition, they can also be used in geographies where the physical terrain impedes satisfactory wireless service from macro cells. As traffic on wireless networks continues to explode, we expect DAS deployments to increase, creating opportunities for our core fiber optic cable engineering and construction capabilities. 2. Rural fiber networks. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 provided significant funding to construct rural fiber networks throughout the country. While initially slow to commence, we saw increasing activity throughout fiscal 2012. Today we are performing rural projects in seventeen states, funded in part by ARRA appropriations and in part through traditional Rural Utilities Services (RUS) funding mechanisms. While we expect activity associated with ARRA funding to decline during the course of fiscal 2013, we foresee many additional opportunities as ARRA recipients and others continue with projects funded through more traditional sources. In addition, during our last fiscal year the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) undertook reforms to its Universal Service Fund. This fund had previously subsidized basic voice service for consumers in rural, hard to serve, portions of the county. The FCC has transitioned this fund to subsidize the provision of basic high speed data service with the new Connect America Fund (CAF). The CAF has already begun disbursing funds to several of our customers and we expect these funds to support continued rural network construction for the next several years. 3. Cable company services to small and medium businesses. Increasingly, cable companies are building out their networks to serve small and medium enterprises for data and voice services. These services are generally provided over fiber optic cables using “metro Ethernet” technology. Each of our major cable company customers have stated their intention to grow this area of their businesses as fast as physically possible, building on tremendous growth over the last year. We continue to see opportunities in this area as the commercial geographies where cable companies are targeting network deployments generally possess little existing fiber optic cable infrastructure. Generally, we see an improving environment for cable construction services, not only in services to small and medium businesses, but in general improvements to their networks. While not of the magnitude of the network upgrades which expanded bandwidth from 1994 through 2004, these opportunities are encouraging as they arise from customers we have served for many years. 4. Upgrades to wireless networks. Historically, we had performed very little in the way of construction or technical services for the wireless industry. This changed with our December 2010 acquisition of NeoCom Solutions (NeoCom), a wireless construction and technical services provider focused on the southeast United States. NeoCom enabled our profitable entry into a dynamic growing market. Wireless carriers are aggressively spending on their networks to respond to the explosion in wireless data traffic, upgrade network technologies to improve performance and efficiency and consolidate disparate technology platforms. In a very significant development this year, we were able to build upon both our experience with NeoCom and our relationship with a long term customer, and secure an initial turf agreement with a major wireless carrier. Under this agreement we are providing full scope wireless services including site acquisition, construction, testing, maintenance continued and decommissioning. While we are in the early stages of this opportunity, we are encouraged with our progress and the potential it presents for growth. 5. Vendor consolidation. Last year the telephone and cable industries continued to consolidate as major mergers occurred in both industries. In both instances we worked for all of the parties involved. As in the past, when our customers have become larger they have streamlined their internal management organizations and improved their processes. In fact, consolidation of vendor and field operations management systems is often cited as a part of the synergies supporting a transaction. This can present opportunities for growth. Generally, these consolidations favor the use of fewer and larger suppliers such as us. Using fewer but larger suppliers may ensure higher levels of supplier performance through improved quality and timeliness as well as reduced internal costs. Our continued tight focus on the cable and telephone industries has placed us at the forefront of these consolidation opportunities. This year that resulted in growth opportunities from one telephone company which awarded us expanded responsibilities for construction and maintenance activities for the entirety of its territory in one state and a significant majority of another state. We expect this trend towards vendor consolidation to continue. Clearly, we continue to see significant opportunities for growth. However, as noted at the beginning of this letter, the overall economic climate is not without its challenges. With a number of federal spending and tax policies currently scheduled to change dramatically at the end of this calendar year, we remain vigilant regarding the strength of our balance sheet and the depth of our liquidity. We have no debt maturing until 2021 and over $239 million of cash and availability on our bank credit facility as of July 28, 2012. More importantly our time tested financial model helps ensure that in the event of a decline in the economy we would expect to generate robust free cash flow. It is with confidence based on that financial model that we continue to address profitable growth opportunities whenever available. We have done our best to position the company where we never have to choose between profitable growth and balance sheet strength. In guiding our company through interesting times, we remain keenly focused on the fundamentals of success. Adept industry positioning, talented employees ably led, strong customer service, valuable long term relationships and prudent financial strength are absolutely crucial. These are not easily nor quickly gained. They result from consistent approaches to industry opportunities and challenges that in many instances have been nurtured for decades. In the ebb and flow of the markets, it is easy to become distracted. We cannot let that occur. To all of our employees, thanks for your hard work which produced dramatically improved results. Together, I am confident we will continue to please our customers and perform to their expectations. To our shareholders and directors, thanks for your support and patience through the difficult times which preceded this year’s outstanding performance. Your constant vigilance ensures that we remain focused on the fundamentals of success. Sincerely, Steven Nielsen President and Chief Executive Officer *Organic revenue, non-GAAP net income (excluding refinancing costs and certain other charges) and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (excluding refinancing costs and certain other charges) are non- GAAP financial measures. See the last pages of this annual report for a reconciliation of these financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) [ X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended July 28, 2012 [ ] 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 001-10613 DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) ( State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization ) Florida 59-1277135 I.R.S. Employer Identification No. ) ( 11770 US Highway 1, Suite 101, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida ( Address of principal executive offices ) 33408 ( Zip Code ) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (561) 627-7171 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of Each Class Common Stock, par value $0.33 1/3 per share Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered New York Stock Exchange 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 [X] 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 [X] 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 [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large accelerated filer [X] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company [ ] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X] The aggregate market value of the common stock, par value $0.33 1/3 per share, held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price of such stock on the New York Stock Exchange on January 27,2012, was $734,294,688. There were 33,609,200 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.33 1/3 outstanding at August 29, 2012. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Document Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement to be filed by November 25, 2012 Part of Form 10-K into which incorporated Parts II and III Such Proxy Statement, except for the portions thereof which have been specifically incorporated by reference, shall not be deemed “filed” as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Dycom Industries, Inc. Table of Contents Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Available Information Business Risk Factors Unresolved Staff Comments Properties Legal Proceedings Mine Safety Disclosures PART I PART II Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Selected Financial Data Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures Controls and Procedures Other Information PART III Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Executive Compensation Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence Principal Accounting Fees and Services Item 1. Item 1A. Item 1B. Item 2. Item 3. Item 4. Item 5. Item 6. Item 7. Item 7A. Item 8. Item 9. Item 9A. Item 9B. Item 10. Item 11. Item 12. Item 13. Item 14. Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules Signatures PART IV 3 3 3 8 13 13 13 13 13 16 17 32 32 64 64 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 69 2 Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including any documents incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein, contains “forward-looking statements,” which are statement relating to future events, future financial performance, strategies, expectations, and competitive environment. Words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “forecast,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “project” and similar expressions, as well as statements in future tense, identify forward-looking statements. You should not read forward-looking statements as a guarantee of future performance or results. They will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or at what time such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management’s good faith belief at that time with respect to future events. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● anticipated outcomes of contingent events, including litigation; projections of revenues, income or loss, or capital expenditures; whether the carrying value of our assets is impaired; plans for future operations, growth and acquisitions, dispositions, or financial needs; availability of financing; the outcome of our plans for future operations, growth and services, including contract backlog; restrictions imposed by our credit agreement and the indenture governing our senior subordinated notes; the use of our cash flow to service our debt; future economic conditions and trends in the industries we serve; assumptions relating to any of foregoing; and other factors discussed within Item 1, Business, Item 1A, Risk Factors and Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and other risks outlined in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Our forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Our forward-looking statements are only made as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and we undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise. Available Information We maintain a website at www.dycomind.com where investors and other interested parties may access, free of charge, a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as amended, as soon as is reasonably practicable after we file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. All references to www.dycomind.com in this report are inactive textual references only and the information on our website is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Item 1. Business. PART I Dycom Industries, Inc., incorporated in the State of Florida in 1969, is a leading provider of specialty contracting services. These services, which are provided throughout the United States and in Canada, include engineering, construction, maintenance and installation services to telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services to various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services to electric and gas utilities and others. For the fiscal year ended July 28, 2012, the percentage of our revenue by customer type from telecommunications, underground facility locating, and electric and gas utilities and other customers, was approximately 84.5%, 10.9%, and 4.6%, respectively. Additional financial information for each of the years ended July 28, 2012, July 30, 2011, and July 31, 2010 is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto within Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The terms “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” mean Dycom Industries, Inc. and all subsidiaries included in the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K unless the context indicates otherwise. 3 We have established relationships with many leading telephone companies, cable television multiple system operators, and electric and gas utilities and others. These companies include AT&T Inc. (“AT&T”), CenturyLink, Inc. (“CenturyLink”), Comcast Corporation (“Comcast”), Verizon Communications Inc. (“Verizon”), Windstream Corporation (“Windstream”), Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”), Time Warner Cable Inc. (“Time Warner Cable”), Cablevision Systems Corporation (“Cablevision”), Frontier Communications Corporation (“Frontier”), Ericsson Inc. (“Ericsson”), Crown Castle International Corp. (“Crown Castle”), as well as numerous rural service providers. Specialty Contracting Services Engineering. We provide outside plant engineers and drafters to telecommunication providers. These personnel design aerial, underground and buried fiber optic, copper, and coaxial cable systems that extend from the telephone company central office, or cable operator headend, to the consumer’s home or business. The engineering services we provide to telephone companies include: the design of service area concept boxes, terminals, buried and aerial drops, transmission and central office equipment, the proper administration of feeder and distribution cable pairs, and fiber cable routing and design. For cable television multiple system operators, we perform make-ready studies, strand mapping, field walk-out, computer-aided radio frequency design and drafting, and fiber cable routing and design. We obtain rights of way and permits in support of our engineering activities and those of our customers, and provide construction management and inspection personnel in conjunction with engineering services or on a stand-alone basis. Construction, Maintenance, and Installation. We place and splice fiber, copper, and coaxial cables. In addition, we excavate trenches in which to place these cables; place related structures such as poles, anchors, conduits, manholes, cabinets and closures; place drop lines from main distribution lines to the consumer’s home or business; and maintain and remove these facilities. These services are provided to both telephone companies and cable television multiple system operators in connection with the deployment of new networks and the expansion or maintenance of existing networks. We provide civil and tower construction, lines and antenna installation, and foundation and equipment pad construction for wireless carriers, as well as equipment and material fabrication and site testing services. For cable television system operators, we install and maintain customer premise equipment such as digital video recorders, set top boxes and modems. Premise Wiring. Premise wiring services are provided to various companies, as well as state and local governments. These services include the installation, repair and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure within improved structures. Underground Facility Locating Services. We provide underground facility locating services to a variety of utility companies, including telecommunication providers. Under various state laws excavators are required, prior to excavating, to request from utility companies the location of their underground facilities in order to prevent utility network outages and to safeguard the general public from the consequences of damages to underground utilities. Utility companies are required to respond within specified time periods to these requests to mark underground and buried facilities. Our underground facility locating services include locating telephone, cable television, power, water, sewer, and gas lines. Electric and Gas Utilities and Other Construction and Maintenance Services. We perform construction and maintenance services for electric and gas utilities and other customers. These services are performed primarily on a stand-alone basis and typically include installing and maintaining overhead and underground power distribution lines. In addition, we periodically provide these services for the combined projects of telecommunication providers and electric utility companies, primarily in joint trenching situations, in which services are being delivered to new housing subdivisions. We also maintain and install underground natural gas transmission and distribution systems for gas utilities. Revenues by Type of Customer The following table represents the percentage of total contract revenues by type of customer: Telecommunications Underground facility locating Electric and gas utilities and other customers Total contract revenues 2012 Fiscal Year Ended 2011 2010 84.5% 82.1% 79.2% 10.9 14.0 17.8 4.6 3.9 3.0 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 4 Business Strategy Capitalize on Long-Term Growth Drivers. We are well positioned to benefit from increased demand for reliable video, voice, and data services. As telecommunications networks experience increased demand for services, our customers must expand the capacity and improve the performance of their existing networks and, in certain instances, deploy new networks. This is increasingly important to our customers as the service offerings of telephone and cable companies converge, with each offering reliable, competitively priced voice, video, and data services to consumers. Additionally, there is a significant increase in demand for mobile broadband driven by the proliferation of smart phones and other wireless data devices. Our customers’ networks, both wireline and wireless, are increasingly facing demands for greater capacity and reliability which increases the demand for the services we provide. Selectively Increase Market Share. We believe our reputation for high quality service and our ability to provide services nationally create opportunities for expanding our market share. Our decentralized operating structure and numerous points of contact within customer organizations position us favorably to win new opportunities with existing customers. Our significant financial resources enable us to address larger opportunities which some of our relatively capital-constrained competitors may be unable to perform. However, we do not intend to increase market share by pursuing unprofitable work. Pursue Disciplined Financial and Operating Strategies. We manage the financial aspects of our business by centralizing certain activities which allow us to reduce costs through leveraging our scope and scale. Functions such as treasury, tax and risk management, the approval of capital equipment procurements, the design of employee benefit plans, as well as the review and promulgation of “best practices” in certain other aspects of our operations, are centralized. Additionally, we centralize efforts in information technology that are designed to support and enhance our operating efficiency. In contrast, we decentralize the recording of transactions and the financial reporting necessary for timely operational decisions. This decentralization provides greater accountability for business outcomes from our local decision makers. We also maintain a decentralized approach to marketing, field operations and ongoing customer service, empowering local managers to capture new business and execute contracts on a timely and cost-effective basis. This approach enables us to utilize our capital resources effectively and efficiently while retaining the organizational agility necessary to compete with our predominantly small, privately owned local competitors. Pursue Selective Acquisitions. We selectively pursue acquisitions when we believe doing so is operationally and financially beneficial, although we do not rely on acquisitions solely for growth. In particular, we pursue acquisitions that we believe will provide us with incremental revenue and geographic diversification while complementing our existing operations. We generally target companies for acquisition that have defensible leadership positions in their market niches, profitability which meets or exceeds industry averages, proven operating histories, sound management and certain clearly identifiable cost synergies. Customer Relationships Our current customers include leading telephone companies such as AT&T, CenturyLink, Verizon, Windstream, and Frontier, as well as telecommunication equipment and infrastructure providers such as Ericsson and Crown Castle. We also provide telecommunications engineering, construction, installation and maintenance services to a number of cable television multiple system operators, including Comcast, Charter, Time Warner Cable, Cablevision, and Bright House Networks. Premise wiring services are provided to various companies, as well as state and local governments. Our underground facility locating services are provided to telecommunication providers and to a variety of utility and gas companies, including AGL Services Company, Edison International, and Washington Gas Light Company. We also provide construction and maintenance services to a number of electric and gas utility companies, including Xcel Energy Inc. and Questar Gas. Our customer base is highly concentrated. The top five customers accounted for approximately 59.6%, 61.9% and 66.3% of our total revenues in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. During fiscal 2012, approximately 13.7% of our total revenues was derived from AT&T, 13.6% from CenturyLink, 12.6% from Comcast, 11.3% from Verizon, and 8.4% from Windstream. We believe that a substantial portion of our total revenues and operating income will continue to be derived from a concentrated group of customers. A significant portion of our services are performed under master service agreements and other arrangements with customers that extend for periods of one or more years. We are currently a party to numerous master service agreements, generally having multiple agreements with each of our customers. Master service agreements generally contain customer-specified service requirements, such as discrete pricing for individual tasks. To the extent that such contracts specify exclusivity, there are often a number of exceptions, including the ability of the customer to issue work orders valued above a specified dollar amount to other service providers, perform work with the customer’s own employees, and use other service providers when jointly placing facilities with another utility. In most cases, a customer may terminate an agreement for convenience with written notice. 5 A customer’s decision to engage us with respect to a specific construction or maintenance project is often made by local customer management working with our subsidiaries. As a result, although our project work is concentrated among relatively few customers, our relationships with these customers are generally broad and extend deeply into their organizations. Historically, master service agreements have been awarded primarily through a competitive bidding process; however, we have been able to extend some of these agreements on a negotiated basis. We also enter into both long-term and short-term single project contracts with our customers. Our markets are served locally by dedicated and experienced personnel. Management personnel of our subsidiaries possess intimate knowledge of their particular markets, and we believe our decentralized operations allow us to be more responsive in addressing customer needs. Our sales and marketing efforts are the responsibility of management, including management of our subsidiaries. These marketing efforts tend to focus on contacts with managers within our customers’ organizations. Backlog Our backlog consists of the uncompleted portion of services to be performed under job-specific contracts and the estimated value of future services that we expect to provide under master service agreements and other long-term requirements contracts. Many of our contracts are multi-year agreements, and we include in our backlog the amount of services projected to be performed over the terms of the contracts based on our historical experience with customers and, more generally our experience in procurements of this type. In many instances, our customers are not contractually committed to procure specific volumes of services under a contract. Our estimates of a customer’s requirements during a particular future period may not prove to be accurate. Our backlog totaled $1.565 billion and $1.412 billion at July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively. We expect to complete 58% of the July 28, 2012 backlog during fiscal 2013. Safety and Risk Management We are committed to ensuring that our employees perform their work safely, and we regularly communicate with our employees to reinforce that commitment and instill safe work habits. The safety directors of our subsidiaries review accidents and claims for our operations, examine trends and implement changes in procedures to address safety issues. Claims arising in our business generally include workers’ compensation claims, various general liability and damage claims, and claims related to vehicle accidents, including personal injury and property damage. We insure against the risk of loss arising from our operations up to certain deductible limits in substantially all of the states in which we operate. In addition, we retain risk of loss, up to certain limits, under our employee group health plan. We carefully monitor claims and actively participate with our insurers in determining claims estimates and adjustments. The estimated costs of claims are accrued as liabilities, and include estimates for claims incurred but not reported. Due to fluctuations in our loss experience from year to year, insurance accruals have varied and can affect the consistency of our operating margins. If we experience insurance claims in excess of our umbrella coverage limit, our business could be materially and adversely affected. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Competition The specialty contracting services industry in which we operate is highly fragmented. It is characterized by a large number of participants, including several large companies as well as a significant number of small, privately owned, local competitors. We also face competition from the in-house service organizations of our existing and prospective customers, particularly telecommunications providers that employ personnel who perform some of the same services that we provide. Although a significant portion of these services is currently outsourced by our customers and we have been performing specialty contracting services for over 25 years, our existing and prospective customers may elect to discontinue outsourcing specialty contracting services in the future. In addition, there are relatively few barriers to entry into the markets in which we operate. As a result, any organization that has adequate financial resources and access to technical expertise may become a competitor. A significant portion of our revenue is currently derived from master service agreements, and price is often an important factor in awarding such agreements. Accordingly, we may be underbid by our competitors if they elect to price their services lower to procure business. Our competitors may also have or develop the expertise, experience and resources to provide services that are equal or superior in both price and quality to our services, and we may not be able to maintain or enhance our competitive position. The principal competitive factors for our services include geographic presence, breadth of service offerings, worker and general public safety, price, quality of service, and industry reputation. We believe that we compete favorably with our competitors on the basis of these factors. Employees As of July 28, 2012, we employed 8,111 persons. Approximately 225 of our employees are employed subject to a collective-bargaining agreement. The number of our employees varies according to the level of our work in progress. We maintain a nucleus of technical and managerial personnel to supervise all projects and add employees as needed to complete specific projects. 6 Materials and Subcontractors For a majority of the contract services we perform, our customers provide all materials required while we provide the necessary personnel, tools, and equipment. Materials supplied by our customers, for which the customer retains financial and performance risk, are not included in our revenue or costs of sales. Under contracts where we are required to supply part or all of the materials, we are not generally dependent upon any one source for the materials that we customarily use to complete projects. We do not manufacture material for resale. We use independent subcontractors to help manage fluctuations in work volumes and reduce the amount that we may otherwise be required to spend on fixed assets and working capital. These independent subcontractors typically are small locally owned companies. Independent subcontractors provide their own employees, vehicles, tools, and insurance coverage. We do not rely on any single independent subcontractor. Seasonality Our revenues are affected by seasonality as a significant portion of the work we perform is outdoors. Consequently, our operations are impacted by extended periods of inclement weather. Generally, inclement weather is more likely to occur during the winter season, which falls during our second and third fiscal quarters. Also, a disproportionate percentage of total paid holidays fall within our second quarter, which decreases the number of available workdays. Additionally, our customer premise equipment installation activities for cable providers historically decrease around calendar year end holidays as their customers generally require less activity during this period. As a result of these factors, we may experience reduced revenue in the second or third quarters of our fiscal year. Environmental Matters A significant portion of the work we perform is associated with the underground networks of our customers. As a result, we are potentially subject to material liabilities related to encountering underground objects which may cause the release of hazardous substances. Additionally, environmental laws and regulations which relate to our business include those regarding the removal and remediation of hazardous substances. These laws and regulations can impose significant fines and criminal sanctions for violations. Costs associated with the discharge of hazardous substances may include clean-up costs and related damages or liabilities. These costs could be significant and could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. Executive Officers of the Registrant The following table sets forth certain information concerning the Company’s executive officers, all of whom serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Name Age Office Executive Officer Since Steven E. Nielsen Timothy R. Estes H. Andrew DeFerrari Richard B. Vilsoet 49 58 43 59 Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary February 26, 1996 September 1, 2001 November 22, 2005 June 11, 2005 There are no arrangements or understandings between any executive officer of the Company and any other person pursuant to which any executive officer was selected as an officer of the Company. There are no family relationships among the Company’s executive officers. Steven E. Nielsen has been the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer since March 1999. Prior to that, Mr. Nielsen was President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from August 1996 to March 1999, and Vice President from February 1996 to August 1996. Timothy R. Estes has been the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since September 2001. Prior to that, Mr. Estes was the President of Ansco & Associates, Inc., one of the Company’s subsidiaries, from 1997 until 2001 and Vice President from 1994 until 1997. H. Andrew DeFerrari has been the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since April 2008. Prior to that, Mr. DeFerrari was the Company’s Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer since November 2005 and was the Company’s Financial Controller from July 2004 through November 2005. Mr. DeFerrari was previously a senior audit manager with Ernst & Young LLP. Richard B. Vilsoet has been the Company’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since June 2005 and Vice President since November 2005. Before joining the Company, Mr. Vilsoet was a partner with Shearman & Sterling LLP. Mr. Vilsoet was with Shearman & Sterling LLP for over 15 years. 7 Item 1A. Risk Factors. Our business is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described below. If any of the risks described below, or elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, or the Company’s other SEC filings, were to occur, our financial condition and results of operations could suffer and the trading price of our common stock could decline. Additionally, if other risks not presently known to us, or that we do not currently believe to be significant, occur or become significant, our financial condition and results of operations could suffer and the trading price of our common stock could decline. Uncertain economic conditions and/or challenges in the financial and credit markets may adversely impact our customers’ future spending. The U.S. economy is still recovering from the recent recession, and growth in U.S. economic activity has remained slow. It is uncertain when these conditions will significantly improve. Economic downturns adversely impact the demand for our services and potentially result in the delay or cancellation of projects by our customers. This makes it difficult to estimate our customers’ requirements for our services and adds uncertainty to the determination of our backlog. In addition, our customers generally finance their projects though cash flow from operations, the issuance of debt, or the issuance of equity. As a result, reduced cash flow from operations or volatility in the credit and equity markets could reduce the availability of debt or equity financing for our customers. This may result in a reduction in our customers’ spending for our services, which could adversely affect our operations as a result of less demand for our services or lower margins. Demand for our services is cyclical and vulnerable to downturns affecting the industries we serve. Demand for our services by telecommunications customers has been, and will likely continue to be, cyclical in nature and vulnerable to downturns in the economy and telecommunications industry. Our results for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010 were impacted by customer reductions in near-term spending plans. Although we experienced an improved operating environment in fiscal 2012 and 2011, there is no guarantee that future downturns will not occur. During times of slowing economic conditions, our customers often reduce their capital expenditures and defer or cancel pending projects. In addition, our underground facility locating services are influenced by the level of overall economic activity. As a result of the foregoing, demand for our services may decline during periods of economic weakness adversely affecting our operations, cash flows and liquidity. We derive a significant portion of our revenues from master service agreements which may be cancelled by our customers upon notice or which we may be unable to renew on negotiated terms. During fiscal 2012, we derived approximately 70.3% of our revenues from master service agreements and long-term contracts. By their terms, the majority of these contracts may be cancelled by our customers upon notice, regardless of whether or not we are in default. In addition, our customers generally have no obligation to assign a specific amount of work to us under these agreements. Consequently, projected expenditures by customers are not assured until a definitive work order is placed with us and the work completed. Furthermore, our customers generally require competitive bidding of these contracts. As a result, we could be underbid by our competitors or required to lower the price charged under a contract being rebid. The loss of work obtained through master service agreements and long-term contracts or the reduced profitability of such work could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. The industries we serve have experienced and may continue to experience rapid technological, structural and competitive changes that could reduce the need for our services and adversely affect our revenues. The telecommunications industry is characterized by rapid technological change, intense competition and changing consumer demands. We generate a significant portion of our revenues from customers in the telecommunications industry. New technologies, or upgrades to existing technologies by customers, could reduce the need for our services and adversely affect our revenues and profitability. New, developing, or existing services, such as wireless applications, could displace the wireline systems that we install and that are used by our customers to deliver services to consumers and businesses. In addition, improvements in existing technology may allow telecommunication companies to improve their networks without physically upgrading them. Reduced demand for our services or a loss of a significant customer could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. We derive a significant portion of our revenues from a limited number of customers, and the loss of one or more of these customers could adversely impact our revenues and profitability. Our customer base is highly concentrated. The top five customers accounted for approximately 59.6%, 61.9% and 66.3% of our total revenues in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. If we were to lose one or more of our significant customers, our revenue may significantly decline. In addition, revenues under our contracts with significant customers may vary from period-to-period depending on the timing or volume of work which those customers order or perform with their in-house service organizations. Additionally, the consolidation, merger or acquisition of an existing customer may result in a change in procurement strategies employed by the surviving entity which could reduce the amount of work we receive. The loss of work from a significant customer could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. The specialty contracting services industry in which we operate is highly competitive. We compete with other specialty contractors, including numerous small, privately owned companies, as well as several companies that may have financial, technical and marketing resources that exceed our own. Relatively few barriers to entry exist in the markets in which we operate and, as a result, any organization with adequate financial resources and access to technical expertise may become a competitor. Additionally, our competitors may develop the expertise, experience and resources to provide services that are equal or superior in both price and quality to our services, and we may not be able to maintain or enhance our competitive position. We also face competition from the in-house service organizations of our customers whose personnel perform some of the services that we provide. Although our customers currently outsource a significant portion of these services to us and our industry competitors, we can offer no assurance that our existing or prospective customers will continue to outsource specialty contracting services in the future. 8 Our financial results are based on estimates and assumptions that may differ from actual results. In preparing our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, a number of estimates and assumptions are made by management that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. These estimates and assumptions must be made because certain information that is used in the preparation of our financial statements is either dependent on future events or cannot be calculated with a high degree of precision from available data. In some instances, these estimates are particularly uncertain and we must exercise significant judgment. Estimates are primarily used in our assessment of the recognition of revenue for costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, the fair value of reporting units for goodwill impairment analysis, the assessment of impairment of intangibles and other long-lived assets, income taxes, accrued insurance claims, asset lives used in computing depreciation and amortization, allowance for doubtful accounts, stock-based compensation expense for performance-based stock awards, and accruals for contingencies, including legal matters. At the time they are made, we believe that such estimates are fair based on the information available. However, actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences may be material to our financial statements. Our profitability is based on our delivering services within the estimated costs established when pricing our contracts. We recognize revenues under the percentage of completion method of accounting using the units-of-delivery or cost-to-cost measures. A significant majority of our contracts are based on units-of-delivery and revenue is recognized as each unit is completed. As the price for each of the units is fixed by the contract, our profitability could decline if our actual cost to complete each unit exceeds our original estimates. Revenues from contracts using the cost-to-cost measures of completion are recognized based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to date to total estimated contract costs. Application of the percentage of completion method of accounting requires that we estimate the costs to be incurred in performing the contract. Our process for estimating costs is based on the knowledge and experience of our project managers and financial professionals. Any changes in original cost estimates, or the assumptions underpinning such estimates, may result in changes to costs and income. These changes would be recognized in the period in which they are determined and could result in significant changes to previously reported profits. We have a significant amount of accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings. We extend credit to our customers as a result of performing work under contract prior to billing our customers for that work. These customers include telephone companies, cable television multiple system operators, and gas and electric utilities and others. At July 28, 2012, we had net accounts receivable of $141.8 million and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of $127.3 million. We periodically assess the credit risk of our customers and continuously monitor the timeliness of payments. Slowing conditions in the industries we serve may impair the financial condition of one or more of our customers and hinder their ability to pay us on a timely basis or at all. Furthermore, bankruptcies or financial difficulties within the telecommunications sector could hinder the ability of our customers to pay us on a timely basis or at all. The failure or delay in payment by our customers could reduce our cash flows and adversely impact our liquidity and profitability. We retain the risk of loss for certain insurance related liabilities. We retain the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for claims related to automobile liability, general liability, workers’ compensation, employee group health, and locate damages. We estimate and develop our accrual for these claims based on facts, circumstances and historical evidence. However, the estimate for accrued insurance claims remains subject to uncertainty as it depends in part on factors that cannot be known with precision. These factors include the frequency of future claims, the payment pattern of claims which have been incurred, changes in the medical condition of claimants, and other factors such as inflation, tort reform or other legislative changes, unfavorable jury decisions and court interpretations. Should a greater number of claims occur compared to what we have estimated, or should the dollar amount or cost of actual claims exceed what we have anticipated, our recorded reserves may not be sufficient, and we could incur substantial additional unanticipated charges. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies — Accrued Insurance Claims” and Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our backlog is subject to reduction and/or cancellation. Our backlog consists of the uncompleted portion of services to be performed under job-specific contracts and the estimated value of future services that we expect to provide under master service agreements and other long-term requirements contracts. Many of our contracts are multi-year agreements, and we include in our backlog the services projected to be performed over the terms of the contracts based on our historical experience with customers and, more generally our experience in procurements of this type. In many instances, our customers are not contractually committed to procure specific volumes of services. Our estimates of a customer’s requirements during a particular future period may not prove to be accurate. If our estimated backlog is significantly inaccurate or does not result in future profits, this could adversely affect our future earnings and the price of our common stock. 9 We may incur impairment charges on goodwill or other intangible assets. We account for goodwill in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC Topic 350”). Our reporting units and related indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually during the fourth fiscal quarter of each year in order to determine whether their carrying value exceeds their fair value. In addition, they are tested on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce their fair value below carrying value. If we determine the fair value of the goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than their carrying value as a result of the tests, an impairment loss is recognized. Any such write-down could adversely affect our results of operations. The UtiliQuest reporting unit, having a goodwill balance of approximately $35.6 million and an indefinite-lived trade name of $4.7 million as of July 28, 2012, has recently been at lower operating levels compared to historical levels. The estimated fair value of the UtiliQuest reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, but the margin of excess has declined to less than 30.0%. The UtiliQuest reporting unit provides services to a broad range of customers, including utilities and telecommunication providers. These services are required prior to underground excavation and are influenced by overall economic activity, including construction activity. The goodwill balance of this reporting unit may have an increased likelihood of impairment if a downturn in the current level of customer demand were to occur, or if the reporting unit were not able to execute against customer opportunities, and the long-term outlook for their cash flows were adversely impacted. Furthermore, changes in the long-term outlook may result in changes to other valuation assumptions. As a result of the fiscal 2012 annual impairment analysis, the Company concluded that no impairment of goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset was indicated at any reporting unit. However, we recognized non-cash charges of $94.4 million, $9.7 million, $14.8 million and $29.0 million, respectively, as a result of the Company’s impairment analyses during fiscal 2009, 2008, 2006 and 2005. The impairment charges reduced the carrying value of goodwill related to these reporting units. Our goodwill resides in multiple reporting units. The profitability of individual reporting units may suffer periodically from downturns in customer demand and other factors resulting from the cyclical nature of our business, the high level of competition existing within our industry, the concentration of our revenues from a limited number of customers, and the level of overall economic activity. Individual reporting units may be relatively more impacted by these factors than the company as a whole. Specifically, during times of slowing economic conditions, our customers may reduce capital expenditures and defer or cancel pending projects. As a result, demand for the services of one or more of the reporting units could decline which could adversely affect our operations, cash flow, and liquidity, and could result in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets. We may be subject to periodic litigation and regulatory proceedings, including Fair Labor Standards Act and state wage and hour class action lawsuits, which may adversely affect our business and financial performance. From time to time, we may be involved in lawsuits and regulatory actions, including class action lawsuits, that are brought or threatened against us in the ordinary course of business. These actions may seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, workers’ compensation, violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and state wage and hour laws, employment discrimination, breach of contract, property damage, punitive damages, civil penalties, consequential damages or other losses, or injunctive or declaratory relief. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings. The ultimate resolution of these matters through settlement, mediation or court judgment could have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. In addition, regardless of the outcome, these proceedings could result in substantial cost and may require us to devote substantial resources to defend ourselves. For a description of current legal proceedings, see “Legal Proceedings” and Note 17 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The loss of certain key managers could adversely affect our business. We depend on the services of our executive officers and the senior management of our subsidiaries. Our senior management team has many years of experience in our industry, and the loss of any one of them could negatively affect our ability to execute our business strategy and adversely affect our operations. Although we have entered into employment agreements with our executive officers and certain other key employees, we cannot guarantee that any of them or other key management personnel will remain employed by us for any length of time. We do not carry significant “key-person” life insurance on any of our employees. Our business is labor intensive, and we may be unable to attract and retain qualified employees. Our ability to maintain our productivity and profitability is limited by our ability to employ, train and retain the skilled personnel necessary to operate our business. We cannot be certain that we will be able to maintain the skilled labor force necessary to operate efficiently and support our growth strategy. Our ability to do so depends on a number of factors, such as general rates of employment, competitive demands for employees possessing the skills we need and the level of compensation required to hire and retain qualified employees. In addition, our labor costs may increase when there is a shortage in the supply of skilled personnel. We may be unable to secure sufficient independent subcontractors to fulfill our obligations, or our independent subcontractors may fail to satisfy their obligations. We utilize independent subcontractors to complete work on a portion of our projects. If we are unable to secure independent subcontractors at a reasonable cost or at all, we may be delayed in completing work under a contract or the cost of completing the work may increase. In addition, we may have disputes with these independent subcontractors arising from, among other things, the quality and timeliness of the work they performed. Any of these factors could adversely affect the quality of our service, our ability to perform under certain contracts and the relationship with our customers, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. 10 Higher fuel prices may increase our cost of doing business, and we may not be able to pass along added costs to customers. Fuel prices fluctuate based on market events outside of our control. Most of our contracts do not allow us to adjust our pricing for higher fuel costs during a contract term and we may be unable to secure price increases reflecting rising costs when renewing or bidding contracts. As a result, higher fuel costs may negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations. Although we may hedge our anticipated fuel purchases with the use of financial instruments, underlying commodity costs have been volatile in recent periods. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that, at any given time, we will have financial instruments in place to hedge against the impact of increased fuel costs. To the extent we enter into hedge transactions, declines in fuel prices below the levels established in the financial instruments may require us to make payments which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Our results of operations fluctuate seasonally. Our revenues are affected by seasonality as a significant portion of the work we perform is outdoors. Consequently, our operations are impacted by extended periods of inclement weather. Generally, inclement weather is more likely to occur during the winter season which falls during our second and third fiscal quarters. Also, a disproportionate percentage of total paid holidays fall within our second quarter, which decreases the number of available workdays. Additionally, our customer premise equipment installation activities historically decrease around calendar year end holidays as their customers generally require less activity during this period. As a result of these factors, we may experience reduced revenue in the second or third quarters of our fiscal year. We may be unable to generate internal growth. Our internal growth may be affected by, among other factors, our ability to offer the services our existing customers require, attract new customers, and hire and retain qualified employees or independent subcontractors. Many of the factors affecting our ability to generate internal growth, such as the capital budgets of our customers and the availability of qualified employees, may be beyond our control. Should one or more of these factors occur, we may not be able to achieve internal growth, expand our operations or grow our business. Failure to integrate future acquisitions successfully could adversely affect our business and results of operations. As part of our growth strategy, we may acquire companies that expand, complement or diversify our business. We regularly review various opportunities and periodically engage in discussions regarding possible acquisitions. Future acquisitions may expose us to operational challenges and risks, including the diversion of management’s attention from our existing business, the failure to retain key personnel or customers of an acquired business, the assumption of unknown liabilities of the acquired business for which there are inadequate reserves; and the potential impairment of acquired intangible assets. Our ability to grow and maintain our competitive position may be adversely affected by our ability to successfully integrate any businesses acquired. Unanticipated changes in our tax rates or exposure to additional income and other tax liabilities could affect our profitability. We are subject to income taxes in many different jurisdictions of the United States and Canada and certain of our tax liabilities are subject to the apportionment of income to different jurisdictions. Our effective tax rates could be adversely affected by changes in the mix of earnings in locations with differing tax rates, the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities or tax laws. An increase to our effective tax rate would reduce our profitability. In addition, the amount of income and other taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits in various jurisdictions, and a material assessment by a governing tax authority could affect our profitability. During fiscal 2012 we were notified by the Internal Revenue Service that our federal income tax return for a recent period was selected for examination. We believe our provision for income taxes is adequate; however, any significant assessment could affect our results of operations and cash flows. Our senior subordinated notes and revolving credit facility impose restrictions on us which may prevent us from engaging in beneficial transactions. At July 28, 2012, we had $187.5 million in senior subordinated notes (the “Notes”) outstanding due 2021. We also have a revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks, which provides for a maximum borrowing of $225.0 million, including a sublimit of $100.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit. At July 28, 2012, we had no outstanding borrowings and $38.5 million of outstanding letters of credit issued under the Credit Agreement. The terms of our indebtedness contain covenants that restrict our ability to, among other things: make certain payments, including the payment of dividends; redeem or repurchase our capital stock; incur additional indebtedness and issue preferred stock; make investments or create liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; merge or consolidate with another entity; sell certain assets; and enter into transactions with affiliates. In addition, the Credit Agreement requires us to comply with a consolidated leverage ratio and a consolidated interest coverage ratio. A default under our Credit Agreement or the indenture governing the Notes could result in the acceleration of our obligations under either or both of those agreements as a result of cross acceleration and cross default provisions. In addition, these covenants may prevent us from engaging in transactions that benefit us, including responding to changing business and economic conditions or securing additional financing, if needed. Many of our telecommunications customers are highly regulated, and new regulations or changes to existing regulations may adversely impact their demand for and the profitability of our specialty contracting service. Many of our telecommunications customers are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”). The FCC may alter the application of its current regulations and may impose additional regulations. If existing or new regulations have an adverse affect on our telecommunications customers and adversely impact the profitability of the services they provide, our customers may reduce expenditures which could impact the demand for specialty contracting services. 11 We may incur liabilities or suffer negative financial impact relating to occupational health and safety matters. Our operations are subject to stringent laws and regulations governing workplace safety. Our workers frequently operate heavy machinery and work near high voltage lines. As a result, they and others are subject to potential injury. If any of our workers or any other persons are injured or killed in the course of our operations, we could be found to have violated relevant safety regulations, which could result in a fine or, in extreme cases, criminal sanction. In addition, if our safety record were to substantially deteriorate over time, customers could decide to cancel our contracts or not award to us future business. Our failure to comply with environmental laws could result in significant liabilities. A significant portion of the work we perform is associated with the underground networks of our customers. As a result, we are potentially subject to material liabilities related to encountering underground objects which may cause the release of hazardous substances. Additionally, the environmental laws and regulations which relate to our business include those regarding the removal and remediation of hazardous substances. These laws and regulations can impose significant fines and criminal sanctions for violations. Costs associated with the discharge of hazardous substances may include clean-up costs and related damages or liabilities. These costs could be significant and could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. In addition, new laws and regulations, altered enforcement of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or leaks, or the imposition of new clean-up requirements could require us to incur significant costs or create new or increased liabilities that could harm our financial condition and results of operations. We may not have access in the future to sufficient funding to finance desired growth. Using cash for operational growth, capital expenditures, share repurchases, or acquisitions may limit our financial flexibility and make us more likely to seek additional capital through future debt or equity financings. Our existing debt agreements contain significant restrictions on our operational and financial flexibility, including our ability to incur additional debt. Also, if we seek to incur more debt, we may be required to agree to additional covenants that further limit our operational and financial flexibility. If we pursue additional debt or equity financings, we cannot be certain that such funding will be available to us on terms acceptable to us or at all. Our capital expenditures may fluctuate as a result of changes in business requirements. Our anticipated capital expenditure requirements may vary from time to time as a result of changes in our business. Increased capital expenditures will use cash flow and may increase our borrowing costs if cash for capital expenditures is not available from operations. Increases in our health insurance costs could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows. The costs of employee health care insurance have been increasing in recent years due to rising health care costs, legislative changes, and general economic conditions. Additionally, we may incur additional costs as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Health Care Reform Laws”) that were signed into law in March 2010. A continued increase in health care costs or additional costs incurred as a result of the Health Care Reform Laws could have a negative impact on our financial position and results of operations. The market price of our common stock has been, and may continue to be, highly volatile. During fiscal 2012, our common stock fluctuated from a high of $23.79 per share to a low of $12.59 per share. We may continue to experience significant volatility in the market price of our common stock due to numerous factors, including, but not limited to: ● fluctuations in our operating results or the operating results of one or more of our competitors; ● announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions or capital commitments; ● changes in recommendations or earnings estimates by securities analysts; and ● the impact of economic conditions on the credit and stock markets and on our customers’ demand for our services. In addition, factors unrelated to our operating performance, such as market disruptions, industry outlook, general economic conditions, and political events, could decrease the market price of our common stock and, as a result, investors could lose some or all of their investments. Anti-takeover provisions of Florida law and provisions in our articles of incorporation and by-laws could make it more difficult to effect an acquisition of our company or a change in our control. Certain provisions of our articles of incorporation and by-laws could delay or prevent an acquisition or change in control and the replacement of our incumbent directors and management. For example, our board of directors is divided into three classes. At any annual meeting of our shareholders, our shareholders only have the right to appoint approximately one-third of the directors on our board of directors. In addition, our articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors, without further shareholder approval, to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock on such terms and with such rights as our board of directors may determine. The issuance of preferred stock could dilute the voting power of the holders of common stock, including by the grant of voting control to others. Our by-laws also restrict the right of stockholders to call a special meeting of stockholders. Lastly, we are subject to certain anti-takeover provisions of the Florida Business Corporation Act. These anti-takeover provisions could discourage or prevent a change in control. 12 Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments. None Item 2. Properties. We lease our executive offices located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Our subsidiaries operate from owned or leased administrative offices, district field offices, equipment yards, shop facilities, and temporary storage locations throughout the United States and Western Canada. Our leased properties operate under both non-cancellable and cancellable leases. We believe that our facilities are adequate for our current operations and additional facilities would be available on commercially reasonable terms, if necessary. Item 3. Legal Proceedings. On May 13, 2011, a proposed settlement was reached with respect to two wage and hour class action lawsuits. In connection with an agreement to settle the two lawsuits entered into by the Company, Prince Telecom, LLC (“Prince”), Cavo Broadband Communications, LLC, Broadband Express, LLC (“BBX”) and the plaintiffs’ attorneys, the Company recorded $0.6 million in other accrued liabilities during the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The first of the two lawsuits, which commenced on June 17, 2010, was brought by a former employee of Prince against Prince, the Company and certain unnamed U.S. affiliates of Prince and the Company (the “Affiliates”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit alleged that Prince, the Company and the Affiliates violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing to comply with applicable overtime pay requirements. The plaintiff sought unspecified damages and other relief on behalf of himself and a putative class of similarly situated current and former employees of Prince, the Company and/or the Affiliates. The second of the lawsuits, which commenced on September 10, 2010, was brought by two former employees of BBX against BBX in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit alleged that BBX violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing to comply with applicable overtime pay requirements. The plaintiffs sought unspecified damages and other relief on behalf of themselves and a putative class of similarly situated current and former employees of BBX. On August 12, 2011, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York issued an Order approving the consolidation of the two lawsuits and approving the terms of the settlement, which was paid in December 2011. As part of our insurance program, we retain the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for claims related to automobile liability, general liability, workers’ compensation, employee group health, and locate damages, and we have established reserves that we believe to be adequate based on current evaluations and experience with these types of claims. For these claims, the effect on our financial statements is generally limited to the amount needed to satisfy our insurance deductibles or retentions. From time to time, we and our subsidiaries are parties to various other claims and legal proceedings. It is the opinion our management, based on information available at this time, that such other pending claims or proceedings will not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures. Not Applicable PART II Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. Market Information for Our Common Stock Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “DY.” The following table shows the range of the high and low closing sales prices for each quarter within the last two fiscal years as reported on the NYSE. First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2012 Fiscal 2011 High Low High Low $ $ $ $ 20.20 $ 22.18 $ 23.79 $ 23.58 $ 12.59 $ 17.86 $ 21.28 $ 16.75 $ 11.32 $ 16.79 $ 17.51 $ 18.56 $ 7.45 10.84 14.40 14.27 As of August 17, 2012, there were approximately 490 holders of record of our $0.33 1/3 par value per share common stock. 13 Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities During the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2012 The following table summarizes our purchases of common stock during the three months ended July 28, 2012: Period April 29, 2012 - May 26, 2012 May 27, 2012 - June 23, 2012 June 24, 2012 - July 28, 2012 Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid Per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs 52,100 $ 50,100 $ - $ 19.53 19.98 - 52,100 50,100 - (a) (a) (a) (a) On March 15, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized $40.0 million to repurchase shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock to be made over the next eighteen months in open market or private transactions. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased 102,200 shares for $2.0 million at an average price of $19.75 per share under the authorized share repurchase program. We have made the following repurchases under our current and previously authorized share repurchase programs during fiscal 2010, 2011 and 2012: Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2010 July 30, 2011 July 28, 2012 Number of Shares Repurchased Total Consideration (Dollars in thousands) Average Price Per Share 475,602 $ 5,389,500 $ $ 597,700 4,489 64,548 12,960 $ $ $ 9.44 11.98 21.68 All shares repurchased have been subsequently cancelled. As of July 28, 2012, approximately $38.0 million remained authorized for repurchases through September 15, 2013. 14 Performance Graph The performance graph below compares the cumulative total returns for our common stock against the cumulative total return (including reinvestment of dividends) of the Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500 Composite Stock Index and a peer group index for the last five fiscal years, assuming an investment of $100 in our common stock and each of the respective indices noted on July 28, 2007. For comparing total returns on our common stock, a peer group consisting of MasTec, Inc., Quanta Services, Inc., Pike Electric Corporation, MYR Group, Inc. and Willbros Group, Inc. was selected. The comparisons in the graph are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission and are not intended to be forecast or be indicative of possible future performance of our common stock. COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN* Among Dycom Industries, Inc., the S&P 500 Index and a Peer Group _____________ *$100 invested on 7/31/07 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending July 31. Copyright © 2012 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved. Dividend Policy We have not paid cash dividends since 1982. Our board of directors regularly evaluates our dividend policy based on our financial condition, profitability, cash flow, capital requirements, and the outlook of our business. We currently intend to retain any earnings for use in the business, including for investment in acquisitions, and consequently we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Additionally, the indenture governing our senior subordinated notes contains covenants that restrict our ability to make certain payments, including the payment of dividends. Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans The information required by this item is hereby incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A. 15 Item 6. Selected Financial Data. We use a fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in July. Fiscal 2012, 2011, 2009, and 2008 consisted of 52 weeks while fiscal 2010 consisted of 53 weeks. The following selected financial data is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements for the applicable fiscal year. Amounts set forth in our selected financial data include the results and balances of acquired companies from their respective date of acquisition. This data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, and with Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Operating Data: Revenues Income (loss) from continuing operations Net income (loss) Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share From Continuing Operations: Basic Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share: Basic Diluted Balance Sheet Data (at end of period): Total assets Long-term liabilities (5) Stockholders’ equity (6) 2012 1,201,119 39,378 39,378 1.17 1.14 1.17 1.14 772,193 264,699 392,931 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 2011 (1) Fiscal Year 2009 (3) 2010 (2) (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2008 (4) 1,035,868 16,107 16,107 0.46 0.45 0.46 0.45 724,755 254,391 351,851 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 988,623 5,849 5,849 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 679,556 187,798 394,555 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,106,900 (53,094) (53,180) (1.35) (1.35) (1.35) (1.35) 693,457 192,804 390,623 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,229,956 24,404 21,678 0.60 0.60 0.54 0.53 801,272 225,715 444,093 ______________ (1)Includes the results of Communication Services, Inc. (“Communication Services”) (acquired November 2010) and NeoCom Solutions, Inc. (“NeoCom”) (acquired December 2010) since their acquisition dates. Additionally, during fiscal 2011, the Company recognized debt extinguishment costs consisting of (a) $6.0 million in tender premiums and legal and professional fees associated with the tender offer to purchase the $135.35 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of its 8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2015 (the “2015 Notes”) and the subsequent redemption of the remaining balance of the 2015 Notes not tendered for purchase; and (b) $2.3 million in deferred debt issuance costs that were written off as a result of the completion of such tender offer and redemption. See Note 9 in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. (2)During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, we recognized a non-cash income tax charge of $1.1 million for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset associated with an investment that became impaired for tax purposes. See Note 10 in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. (3)During fiscal 2009, we recognized a goodwill impairment charge of $94.4 million as a result of an interim impairment test of goodwill that included impairments at the following reporting units: Broadband Installation Services for $14.8 million, C-2 Utility Contractors for $9.2 million, Ervin Cable Construction for $15.7 million, Nichols Construction for $2.0 million, Stevens Communications for $2.4 million and UtiliQuest for $50.5 million. (4)During fiscal 2008, we incurred charges of approximately $8.2 million for amounts to be paid to current and former employees of our UtiliQuest, S.T.S., and Locating subsidiaries in connection with the settlement of litigation and charges of approximately $1.2 million in discontinued operations for the settlement of litigation at our Apex Digital, LLC subsidiary. Fiscal 2008 results also include goodwill impairment charges of $5.9 million and $3.8 million related to our Stevens Communications reporting unit and our Nichols Construction reporting unit, respectively, as a result of our annual assessment of goodwill. (5)During fiscal 2011, we issued $187.5 million aggregate principal amount of 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”) in a private placement. A portion of the net proceeds was used to fund a tender offer and redemption of $135.35 million aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2015 Notes. In March 2011, we filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC to exchange the 2021 Notes for registered notes with substantially similar terms. The registration statement became effective on June 23, 2011. During fiscal 2009, the Company repurchased a principal amount of $14.65 million of its 2015 Notes for $11.3 million. (6)We purchased 597,700 shares of our common stock in fiscal 2012 for $13.0 million at an average price of $21.68 per share, 5,389,500 shares of our common stock in fiscal 2011 for $64.5 million at an average price of $11.98 per share, 475,602 shares of our common stock in fiscal 2010 for $4.5 million at an average price of $9.44 per share, 450,000 shares of our common stock in fiscal 2009 for $2.9 million at an average price of $6.48 per share, and 1,693,500 shares of our common stock in fiscal 2008 for $25.2 million at an average price of $14.83 per share. 16 Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto, as well as the “Business” and “Risk Factors” sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Overview We are a leading provider of specialty contracting services. These services, which are provided throughout the United States and in Canada, include engineering, construction, maintenance and installation services to telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services to various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services to electric and gas utilities and others. For the fiscal year ended July 28, 2012, the percentage of our revenue by customer type from telecommunications, underground facility locating, and electric and gas utilities and other customers, was approximately 84.5%, 10.9%, and 4.6%, respectively. We conduct operations through our subsidiaries. Our revenues may fluctuate as a result of changes in the capital expenditure and maintenance budgets of our customers, changes in the general level of construction activity, as well as overall economic conditions. The capital expenditures and maintenance budgets of our telecommunications customers may be impacted by consumer demands on telecommunications providers, the introduction of new communication technologies, the physical maintenance needs of their infrastructure, the actions of our government and the Federal Communications Commission, and general economic conditions. A significant portion of our services are performed under master service agreements and other arrangements with customers that extend for periods of one or more years. We are currently party to numerous master service agreements, generally having multiple agreements with each of our customers. Master service agreements generally contain customer-specified service requirements, such as discrete pricing for individual tasks. To the extent that such contracts specify exclusivity, there are often a number of exceptions, including the ability of the customer to issue work orders valued above a specified dollar amount to other service providers, perform work with the customer’s own employees, and use other service providers when jointly placing facilities with another utility. In most cases, a customer may terminate an agreement for convenience with written notice. The remainder of our services are provided pursuant to contracts for specific projects. Long- term contracts relate to specific projects with terms in excess of one year from the contract date. Short-term contracts for specific projects are generally of three to four months in duration. A portion of our contracts include retainage provisions under which 5% to 10% of the contract invoicing may be withheld by the customer pending project completion. We recognize revenues under the percentage of completion method of accounting using the units-of-delivery or cost-to-cost measures. A significant majority of our contracts are based on units-of-delivery and revenue is recognized as each unit is completed. Revenues from contracts using the cost-to-cost measures of completion are recognized based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to date to total estimated contract costs. Revenues from services provided under time and materials based contracts are recognized as the services are performed. The following table summarizes our revenues from multi-year master service agreements and other long-term contracts, as a percentage of contract revenues: Multi-year master service agreements Other long-term contracts Total long-term contracts 2012 Fiscal Year Ended 2011 2010 70.3% 75.5% 76.0% 10.3 10.4 14.6 80.6% 85.9% 90.6% The percentage of revenue from long-term contracts varies between periods depending on the mix of work performed under our contracts. During fiscal 2012, a higher percentage of revenue was earned for services performed under short-term contracts than in either of the prior two fiscal years, including work performed for certain rural broadband customers. A significant portion of our revenue comes from several large customers. The following table reflects the percentage of total revenue from those customers who contributed at least 2.5% of our total revenue in fiscal 2012, 2011 or 2010: AT&T Inc. CenturyLink* Comcast Corporation Verizon Communications Inc. Windstream Corporation* Charter Communications, Inc. Time Warner Cable Inc.* 17 Fiscal Year Ended 2011 21.1% 10.8% 14.3% 8.9% 5.7% 6.8% 5.9% 2012 13.7% 13.6% 12.6% 11.3% 8.4% 6.5% 4.6% 2010 20.4% 11.6% 14.3% 11.5% 3.5% 6.2% 8.5% *For comparison purposes, revenues from CenturyLink, Inc. and Qwest Communications International, Inc. have been combined for periods prior to their April 2011 merger. Additionally, revenues from Windstream Corporation and Kentucky Data Link, Inc. have been combined for periods prior to their December 2010 merger and revenues from Time Warner Cable Inc. and Insight Communications Company, Inc. have been combined for periods prior to their February 2012 merger. Cost of earned revenues includes all direct costs of providing services under our contracts, including costs for direct labor provided by employees, services by independent subcontractors, operation of capital equipment (excluding depreciation and amortization), direct materials, insurance claims and other direct costs. We retain the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for claims related to automobile liability, general liability, workers’ compensation, employee group health, and locate damages. Locate damage claims result from property and other damages arising in connection with our underground facility locating services. A change in claims experience or actuarial assumptions related to these risks could materially affect our results of operations. For a majority of the contract services we perform, our customers provide all required materials while we provide the necessary personnel, tools, and equipment. Materials supplied by our customers, for which the customer retains financial and performance risk, are not included in our revenue or costs of sales. General and administrative expenses include costs of management personnel and administrative overhead at our subsidiaries, as well as our corporate costs. These costs primarily consist of employee compensation and related expenses, including stock-based compensation, legal, consulting and professional fees, information technology and development costs, provision for or recoveries of bad debt expense, and other costs that are not directly related to performance of our services under customer contracts. Our senior management, including the senior managers of our subsidiaries, perform substantially all of our sales and marketing functions as part of their management responsibilities and, accordingly, we have not incurred material sales and marketing expenses. Information technology and development costs included in general and administrative expenses are primarily incurred to support and to enhance our operating efficiency. To protect our rights, we have filed for patents on certain of our innovations. We are subject to concentrations of credit risk relating primarily to our cash and equivalents, trade accounts receivable, other receivables and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings. Cash and equivalents primarily include balances on deposit in banks. We maintain substantially all of our cash and equivalents at financial institutions we believe to be of high credit quality. To date we have not experienced any loss or lack of access to cash in our operating accounts. We grant credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to our customers. These customers primarily consist of telephone companies, cable television multiple system operators, and electric and gas utilities. With respect to a portion of the services provided to these customers, we have certain statutory lien rights which may, in certain circumstances, enhance our collection efforts. Adverse changes in overall business and economic factors may impact our customers and increase potential credit risks. These risks may be heightened as a result of economic uncertainty and market volatility. In the past, some of our customers have experienced significant financial difficulties and likewise, some may experience financial difficulties in the future. These difficulties expose us to increased risks related to the collectability of amounts due for services performed. We believe that none of our significant customers were experiencing financial difficulties that would materially impact the collectability of our trade accounts receivable and costs in excess of billings as of July 28, 2012. On May 13, 2011, a proposed settlement was reached with respect to two wage and hour class action lawsuits. In connection with an agreement to settle the two lawsuits entered into by the Company, Prince Telecom, LLC (“Prince”), Cavo Broadband Communications, LLC, Broadband Express, LLC (“BBX”) and the plaintiffs’ attorneys, the Company recorded $0.6 million in other accrued liabilities during the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The first of the two lawsuits, which commenced on June 17, 2010, was brought by a former employee of Prince against Prince, the Company and certain unnamed U.S. affiliates of Prince and the Company (the “Affiliates”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit alleged that Prince, the Company and the Affiliates violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing to comply with applicable overtime pay requirements. The plaintiff sought unspecified damages and other relief on behalf of himself and a putative class of similarly situated current and former employees of Prince, the Company and/or the Affiliates. The second of the lawsuits, which commenced on September 10, 2010, was brought by two former employees of BBX against BBX in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit alleged that BBX violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing to comply with applicable overtime pay requirements. The plaintiffs sought unspecified damages and other relief on behalf of themselves and a putative class of similarly situated current and former employees of BBX. On August 12, 2011, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York issued an Order approving the consolidation of the two lawsuits and approving the terms of the settlement, which was paid in December 2011. As part of our insurance program, we retain the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for claims related to automobile liability, general liability, workers’ compensation, employee group health, and locate damages, and we have established reserves that we believe to be adequate based on current evaluations and our experience with these types of claims. For these claims, the effect on our financial statements is generally limited to the amount needed to satisfy our insurance deductibles or retentions. From time to time, we and our subsidiaries are parties to various other claims and legal proceedings. It is the opinion of our management, based on information available at this time, that such other pending claims or proceedings will not have a material effect on our financial statements. 18 Acquisitions As part of our growth strategy, we may acquire companies that expand, complement or diversify our business. We regularly review opportunities and periodically engage in discussions regarding possible acquisitions. Our ability to sustain our growth and maintain our competitive position may be affected by our ability to identify, acquire, and successfully integrate companies. On November 19, 2010, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Communication Services, Inc. (“Communication Services”), a provider of outside plant construction services to telecommunications companies in the Southeastern and South Central United States. The purchase price for Communication Services was $9.0 million paid from cash on hand and the assumption of approximately $0.9 million in capital lease obligations. Approximately $0.9 million of the purchase price has been placed in escrow until November 2012 and will be used to satisfy indemnification obligations of the sellers that may arise. On December 23, 2010, we acquired NeoCom Solutions, Inc. (“NeoCom”), based in Woodstock, Georgia. NeoCom provides services to construct, install, optimize and maintain wireless communication facilities in the Southeastern United States. The purchase price for NeoCom was $27.5 million paid from cash on hand. The acquisitions were not material to the Company. Outlook The telecommunications industry has undergone and continues to undergo significant changes due to advances in technology, increased competition as the telephone and cable companies converge, growing consumer demand for enhanced and bundled services, and governmental broadband stimulus funding. As a result of these factors, the networks of our customers increasingly face demands for more capacity and greater reliability. Telecommunications providers continue to outsource a significant portion of their engineering, construction and maintenance requirements in order to reduce their investment in capital equipment, provide flexibility in workforce sizing, expand product offerings without large increases in incremental hiring and focus on those competencies they consider core to their business success. These factors drive customer demand for our services. Telecommunications network operators are increasingly relying on the deployment of fiber optic cable technology deeper into their networks and closer to consumers in order to respond to demands for capacity, reliability, and product bundles of voice, video, and high speed data services. Fiber deployments have enabled an increasing number of cable companies to offer voice services in addition to their traditional video and data services. These voice services require the installation of customer premise equipment and at times the upgrade of in-home wiring. Additionally, fiber deployments are also facilitating the provisioning of video services by local telephone companies in addition to their traditional voice and high speed data services. Several large telephone companies have pursued fiber-to-the-premise and fiber-to-the-node initiatives to compete actively with cable operators. These long-term initiatives and the likelihood that other telephone companies pursue similar strategies present opportunities for us. Cable companies are continuing to target the provision of data and voice services to residential customers and have expanded their service offerings to business customers. Often times these services are provided over fiber optic cables using “metro Ethernet” technology. The commercial geographies that cable companies are targeting for network deployments generally require incremental fiber optic cable deployment and, as a result, require the type of engineering and construction services that we provide. There are also significant opportunities to construct rural fiber networks throughout the country as a result of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”). ARRA originally allocated $7.2 billion in funding to accelerate broadband deployment in rural areas of the country that have been without broadband infrastructure. This funding included awards to many of our current and former customers. These projects require engineering and construction resources and have meaningfully increased industry activity during fiscal 2012 and are expected to continue into fiscal 2014. In addition to projects specifically funded by the ARRA, a number of rural customers have continued to access funding provided by the Rural Utilities Service to expand fiber networks in rural geographies. These rural fiber deployments are expected to continue to drive demand for services in our industry. There is significant demand for mobile broadband driven by the proliferation of smart phones and other wireless data devices. This demand and other advances in technology have created the need for wireless carriers to upgrade their networks. Wireless carriers are actively spending on their networks to respond to the explosion in wireless data traffic, upgrade network technologies to improve performance and efficiency and consolidate disparate technology platforms. These customer initiatives present long-term opportunities for us for the wireless services we provide. Further, the demand for mobile broadband has increased bandwidth requirements on the wired networks of our customers. As the demand for mobile broadband grows, the amount of cellular traffic that must be “backhauled” over customers’ fiber and coaxial networks increases and, as a result, carriers are accelerating the deployment of fiber optic cables to cellular sites. These trends are increasing the demand for the types of services we provide. Additionally, we provide underground facility locating services to a variety of utility companies, including telecommunication providers. Underground facility locating is required prior to underground excavation and is impacted by overall economic activity. Underground excavation is required for the construction and maintenance of telephone, cable television, power, water, sewer, and gas utility networks, the construction and maintenance of roads and highways as well as the construction of new and existing commercial and residential projects. As a result, the level of outsourcing of this requirement, along with the pace of overall economic activity influence the demand for underground facility locating services. Within the context of a slowly growing economy and the current volatility in the credit and equity markets, we believe the latest trends and developments support our steady industry outlook. We will continue to closely monitor the effects that changes in economic and market conditions may have on our customers and our business and we will continue to manage those areas of the business we can control. 19 Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported therein and accompanying notes. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate these estimates and assumptions, including those related to recognition of revenue for costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, the fair value of reporting units for goodwill impairment analysis, the assessment of impairment of intangibles and other long-lived assets, income taxes, accrued insurance claims, asset lives used in computing depreciation and amortization, allowance for doubtful accounts, stock-based compensation expense for performance-based stock awards, and accruals for contingencies, including legal matters. These estimates and assumptions require the use of judgment as to the likelihood of various future outcomes and, as a result, actual results could differ materially from these estimates. We have identified the accounting policies below as critical to the accounting for our business operations and the understanding of our results of operations because they involve making significant judgments and estimates that are used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. The impact of these policies affect our reported and expected financial results and are discussed in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below. We have discussed the development, selection and application of our critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee has reviewed the disclosure relating to our critical accounting policies in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Other significant accounting policies, primarily those with lower levels of uncertainty than those discussed below, are also important to understanding our consolidated financial statements. The Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain additional information related to our accounting policies, including the critical accounting policies described herein, and should be read in conjunction with this discussion. Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenues under the percentage of completion method of accounting using the units-of-delivery or cost-to-cost measures. A significant majority of our contracts are based on units-of-delivery and revenue is recognized as each unit is completed. Revenues from contracts using the cost-to-cost measures of completion are recognized based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to date to total estimated contract costs. Revenues from services provided under time and materials based contracts are recognized when the services are performed. The current asset “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings” represents revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed. The current liability “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings” represents billings in excess of revenues recognized. Application of the percentage of completion method of accounting requires the use of estimates of costs to be incurred for the performance of the contract. The cost estimation process is based on the knowledge and experience of our project managers and financial professionals. Factors that we consider in estimating the work to be completed and ultimate contract recovery include the availability and productivity of labor, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, the effect of change orders, the availability of materials, the effect of any delays in performance and the recoverability of any claims. Changes in job performance, job conditions, estimated profitability and final contract settlements may result in changes to costs and income and their effects are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. At the time a loss on a contract becomes known, the entire amount of the estimated ultimate loss is accrued. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the failure of our customers to make required payments. Management analyzes the collectability of accounts receivable balances each period. This analysis considers the aging of account balances, historical bad debt experience, changes in customer creditworthiness, current economic trends, customer payment activity and other relevant factors. Should any of these factors change, the estimate made by management may also change, which could affect the level of our future provision for doubtful accounts. We recognize an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts when it is probable that a receivable is not collectable and the loss can be reasonably estimated. Any increase in the allowance account has a corresponding negative effect on our results of operations. We believe that none of our significant customers were experiencing financial difficulties that would materially impact our trade accounts receivable or allowance for doubtful accounts as of July 28, 2012. Goodwill and Intangible Assets. As of July 28, 2012, we had $174.8 million of goodwill, $4.7 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets and $45.1 million of finite-lived intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization. As of July 30, 2011, we had $174.8 million of goodwill, $4.7 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets and $51.6 million of finite-lived intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization. There was no goodwill impairment during fiscal 2012, 2011 or 2010. We account for goodwill in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC Topic 350”). Our reporting units and related indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually during the fourth fiscal quarter of each year in accordance with ASC Topic 350 in order to determine whether their carrying value exceeds their fair value. In addition, they are tested on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce their fair value below carrying value. If we determine the fair value of goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than their carrying value as a result of the tests, an impairment loss is recognized. Impairment losses, if any, are reflected in operating income or loss in the consolidated statements of operations during the period incurred. 20 In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we review finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever an event occurs or circumstances change which indicates that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability is determined based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of an asset and its eventual disposition. An impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying value. If we determine the fair value of an asset is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is incurred. Impairment losses, if any, are reflected in operating income or loss in the consolidated statements of operations during the period incurred. We use judgment in assessing if goodwill and intangible assets are impaired. Estimates of fair value are based on our projection of revenues, operating costs, and cash flows taking into consideration historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, as well as the impact of planned business or operational strategies. To measure fair value, we employ a combination of present value techniques which reflect market factors. Changes in our judgments and projections could result in significantly different estimates of fair value potentially resulting in additional impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets. Our goodwill resides in multiple reporting units. The profitability of individual reporting units may suffer periodically from downturns in customer demand and other factors resulting from the cyclical nature of our business, the high level of competition existing within our industry, the concentration of our revenues from a limited number of customers, and the level of overall economic activity. During times of slowing economic conditions, our customers may reduce capital expenditures and defer or cancel pending projects. Individual reporting units may be relatively more impacted by these factors than the Company as a whole. As a result, demand for the services of one or more of our reporting units could decline resulting in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets. We performed our annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of each of fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010. The key valuation assumptions contributing to the fair value estimates of our reporting units were (a) a discount rate based on our best estimate of the weighted average cost of capital adjusted for risks associated with the reporting units; (b) terminal value based on terminal growth rates; and (c) seven expected years of cash flow before the terminal value for each annual test. The table below outlines the key assumptions in each of our fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 annual impairment analyses: Terminal growth rate range Discount rate 2012 2011 2010 1.5% - 3.0% 13.0% 1.5% - 3.0% 13.5% 1.0% - 3.0% 15.0% The discount rate reflects risks inherent within each reporting unit operating individually, which is greater than the risks inherent in the Company as a whole. The discount rate used in the fiscal 2012 analysis decreased compared to the rate used in the fiscal 2011 analysis as a result of reduced risk relative to industry conditions. The discount rate used in the fiscal 2011 analysis decreased compared to the rate used in the fiscal 2010 analysis as a result of reduced risk relative to industry conditions and a lower interest rate environment. We believe the assumptions used in the impairment analysis each year are reflective of the risks inherent in the business models of our reporting units and within our industry. For fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 none of the reporting units incurred operating losses which would impact our financial position in a material manner. Current operating results, including any losses, are evaluated by us in the assessment of goodwill and other intangible assets. The estimates and assumptions used in assessing the fair value of the reporting units and the valuation of the underlying assets and liabilities are inherently subject to significant uncertainties. Changes in judgments and estimates could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair value of the reporting units and could result in impairments of goodwill or intangible assets at additional reporting units. Additionally, adverse conditions in the economy and future volatility in the equity and credit markets could impact the valuation of our reporting units. We can provide no assurances that, if such conditions occur, they will not trigger impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets in future periods. As a result of the fiscal 2012 annual impairment analysis, we concluded that no impairment of goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset was indicated at any reporting unit. However, the UtiliQuest reporting unit, having a goodwill balance of approximately $35.6 million and an indefinite-lived trade name of $4.7 million, has recently been at lower operating levels as compared to historical levels. The estimated fair value of the UtiliQuest reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, but the margin of excess has declined to less than 30%. The UtiliQuest reporting unit provides services to a broad range of customers including utilities and telecommunication providers. These services are required prior to underground excavation and are influenced by overall economic activity, including construction activity. The goodwill balance of this reporting unit may have an increased likelihood of impairment if a downturn in customer demand were to occur, or if the reporting unit were not able to execute against customer opportunities, and the long-term outlook for their cash flows were adversely impacted. Furthermore, changes in the long-term outlook may result in changes to other valuation assumptions. If the discount rate applied in the fiscal 2012 impairment analysis had been 100 basis points higher than estimated for each reporting unit and all other assumptions were held constant, the conclusion would remain unchanged and there would be no impairment of goodwill or the indefinite lived intangible- intangible asset. As of July 28, 2012, we believe the goodwill is recoverable for all of the reporting units; however, there can be no assurances that the goodwill will not be impaired in future periods. Certain of our reporting units also have other intangible assets including customer relationships, trade names, and non-compete intangibles. As of July 28, 2012, we believe that the carrying amounts of these intangible assets are recoverable. However, if adverse events were to occur or circumstances were to change indicating that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable, the assets would be reviewed for impairment and the assets could be impaired. 21 Accrued Insurance Claims. We retain the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for claims related to automobile liability, general liability, workers’ compensation, employee group health, and locate damages. Locate damage claims result from property and other damages arising in connection with our underground facility locating services. A liability for unpaid claims and the associated claim expenses, including incurred but not reported losses, is determined with the assistance of an actuary and reflected in the consolidated financial statements as accrued insurance claims. The liability for accrued claims and related accrued processing costs was $48.8 million and $49.4 million at July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively. Based on payment patterns of similar prior claims, we expect $25.2 million of the amount accrued at July 28, 2012 to be paid within the next twelve months. We estimate the liability for claims based on facts, circumstances and historical evidence. When loss reserves are recorded they are not discounted, even though they will not be paid until sometime in the future. Factors affecting the determination of the expected cost for existing and incurred but not reported claims include, but are not limited to, the frequency of future claims, the payment pattern of claims which have been incurred, changes in the medical condition of claimants, and other factors such as inflation, tort reform or other legislative changes, unfavorable jury decisions and court interpretations. With regard to losses occurring in fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013, we have retained the risk of loss of up to $1.0 million on a per occurrence basis for automobile liability, general liability and workers’ compensation. These retention amounts are applicable to all of the states in which we operate, except with respect to workers’ compensation insurance in two states in which we participate in a state sponsored insurance fund. Aggregate stop loss coverage for automobile liability, general liability and workers’ compensation claims is $38.7 million for fiscal 2012 and $41.8 million for fiscal 2013. For losses under our employee health plan, we are party to a stop-loss agreement under which we retain the risk of loss, on an annual basis, of the first $250,000 of claims per participant. In addition, we retain the risk of loss for the first $550,000 of claim amounts that aggregate across all participants that exceed $250,000. Income Taxes. We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC Topic 740”) prescribes a two-step process for the financial statement recognition and measurement of income tax positions taken or expected to be taken in an income tax return. The first step evaluates an income tax position in order to determine whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. The second step measures the benefit to be recognized in the financial statements for those income tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold. ASC Topic 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, recognition and classification of interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Under ASC Topic 740, companies may recognize a previously unrecognized tax benefit if the tax position is effectively (as opposed to “ultimately”) settled through examination, negotiation or litigation. Stock-Based Compensation. Our stock-based award programs are intended to attract, retain and reward talented employees, officers and directors, and to align stockholder and employee interests. We have granted stock-based awards under our 2003 Long-term Incentive Plan (“2003 Plan”) and the 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan (“2007 Directors Plan” and, together with the 2003 Plan, the “Plans”). We also have several other plans, both expired and current, under which awards are outstanding but under which no further awards will be granted. Our policy is to issue new shares to satisfy equity awards under the Plans. The Plans provide for the grants of stock options, time-based restricted share units (“RSUs”), and performance-based restricted share units (“Performance RSUs”). The total number of shares available for grant under the Plans as of July 28, 2012 was 914,180. Compensation expense for stock-based awards is based on the fair value at the measurement date and is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of stock option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on certain assumptions including: expected volatility based on the historical price of our stock over the expected life of the option; the risk free rate of return based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the option; the expected life based on the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding using historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination; and dividend yield based on our history and expectation of dividend payments. Stock options generally vest ratably over a four-year period and are exercisable over a period of up to ten years. The fair value of restricted share units is estimated on the date of grant and is generally equal to the closing stock price on that date. RSUs vest ratably over a period of four years and are settled in one share of our common stock on the vesting date. Performance RSU’s vest over a three-year period from the date of grant if certain performance goals are achieved. The performance targets are based on our fiscal year operating earnings (adjusted for certain amounts) as a percentage of contract revenues and our fiscal year operating cash flow level. Additionally, the awards include three year performance goals having similar measures as the fiscal year targets which, if met, result in supplemental shares awarded. For Performance RSUs, we evaluate compensation expense quarterly and recognize expense for performance- based awards if we determine it is probable that the performance criteria for the awards will be met. The total amount of stock-based compensation expense ultimately recognized is based on the number of awards that actually vest and fluctuates as a result of performance criteria, as well as the vesting period of all stock-based awards. Accordingly, the amount of compensation expense recognized during any fiscal year may not be representative of future stock-based compensation expense. In accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, compensation costs for performance-based awards are recognized over the requisite service period if it is probable that the performance goal will be satisfied. We use our best judgment to determine probability of achieving the performance goals at each reporting period and recognize compensation costs based on the estimate of the shares that are expected to vest. 22 Contingencies and Litigation. In the ordinary course of our business, we are involved in certain legal proceedings. ASC Topic 450, Contingencies (“ASC Topic 450”) requires that an estimated loss from a loss contingency should be accrued by a charge to income if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In determining whether a loss should be accrued, we evaluate, among other factors, the probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss. If only a range of probable loss can be determined, we accrue for our best estimate within the range for the contingency. In those cases where none of the estimates within the range is better than another, we accrue for the amount representing the low end of the range in accordance with ASC Topic 450. As additional information becomes available, we reassess the potential liability related to our pending contingencies and litigation and revise our estimates. Revisions of our estimates of the potential liability could materially impact our results of operations. Additionally, if the final outcome of such litigation and contingencies differs adversely from that currently expected, it would result in a charge to earnings when determined. Results of Operations The Company uses a fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in July. Fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 consisted of 52 weeks while fiscal 2010 consisted of 53 weeks, with its fourth quarter having 14 weeks of operations. The following table sets forth, as a percentage of revenues earned, our consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated (totals may not add due to rounding): Revenues Expenses: Cost of earned revenue, excluding depreciation and amortization General and administrative Depreciation and amortization Total Interest expense, net Loss on debt extinguishment Other income, net Income before income taxes Provision for income taxes Net income 2012 Fiscal Year Ended 2011 (Dollars in millions) 2010 $ 1,201.1 100.0 % $ 1,035.9 100.0% $ 988.6 100.0% 968.9 104.0 62.7 1,135.7 (16.7) - 15.8 64.6 25.2 39.4 $ 80.7 8.7 5.2 94.6 (1.4) - 1.3 5.4 2.1 3.3% $ 837.1 94.6 62.5 994.3 (15.9) (8.3) 11.1 28.5 12.4 16.1 80.8 9.1 6.0 96.0 (1.5) (0.8) 1.1 2.7 1.2 1.6% $ 810.1 98.1 63.6 971.8 (14.2) - 8.1 10.7 4.9 5.8 81.9 9.9 6.4 98.3 (1.4) - 0.8 1.1 0.5 0.6% Year Ended July 28, 2012 Compared to Year Ended July 30, 2011 Revenues. The following table presents information regarding total revenues by type of customer for the fiscal years ended July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011 (totals may not add due to rounding): Fiscal Year Ended 2012 2011 Revenue % of Total Revenue % of Total (Dollars in millions) Increase (decrease) % Increase (decrease) Telecommunications Underground facility locating Electric and gas utilities and other customers Total contract revenues $ $ 1,014.6 131.3 55.2 1,201.1 84.5% $ 10.9 4.6 100.0% $ 850.5 144.7 40.7 1,035.9 82.1% $ 14.0 3.9 100.0% $ 164.1 (13.4) 14.5 165.3 19.3% (9.2) 35.6 16.0% Revenues increased $165.3 million, or 16.0%, during fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011. Businesses acquired during the second quarter of fiscal 2011 generated $54.5 million of revenues during fiscal 2012 compared to $33.8 million during fiscal 2011. 23 Revenues from specialty construction services provided to telecommunications companies increased 19.3%, or $164.1 million, to $1,014.6 million during fiscal 2012 compared to $850.5 million during fiscal 2011. Businesses acquired during the second quarter of fiscal 2011 generated $20.7 million of this increase. Revenue increased $50.5 million for a significant telephone customer for services provided under existing contracts, including fiber to the cell site activity, and for services provided under new contracts which expanded our geographic service area. For another significant telecommunications customer revenue increased $41.4 million for services provided under new contracts entered into during fiscal 2011 which expanded our geographic service area. Additionally, we had incremental revenue of $36.6 million for a telephone customer from services provided under existing contracts and for rural broadband initiatives. For two leading cable multiple system operators, we experienced a $13.0 million increase in revenue for installation, maintenance, and construction services, which included services to provision fiber to cellular sites. Other telecommunications customers had net increases in revenue of $58.0 million for fiscal 2012, including services provided under new contracts for rural broadband initiatives, expanding both our customer base and geographic service areas. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in revenue of $50.6 million for a significant telephone customer compared to the prior year as a result of reduced spending by the customer in the current period and a $5.6 million decline in services provided to another leading cable multiple system operator. Total revenues from underground facility locating customers during fiscal 2012 decreased 9.2% to $131.3 million compared to $144.7 million during fiscal 2011. The decrease resulted from contracts that were terminated during fiscal 2011, reflecting a planned de-emphasis of technician intensive customer contracts. Total revenues from electric and gas utilities and other construction and maintenance customers during fiscal 2012 increased 35.6% to $55.2 million compared to $40.7 million during fiscal 2011. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in work performed for several gas companies and electric utilities during fiscal 2012 as compared to fiscal 2011. Costs of Earned Revenues. Costs of earned revenues increased to $968.9 million during fiscal 2012 compared to $837.1 million during fiscal 2011. The increase was primarily due to a higher level of operations during fiscal 2012, including the operating costs of Communication Services and NeoCom since their acquisitions during the second quarter of fiscal 2011. The primary components of the increase were a $93.0 million aggregate increase in direct labor and independent subcontractor costs, a $28.8 million increase in direct materials costs, a $7.9 million increase in other direct costs, and a $2.1 million increase in fuel costs. Costs of earned revenues as a percentage of contract revenues decreased 0.1% during fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011. Labor and subcontractor costs decreased 0.3% in fiscal 2012 compared to fiscal 2011 as a result of improved operating efficiency and the mix of work performed. Additionally, fuel costs decreased 0.3% as a percentage of total revenue as compared to the prior year. Other direct costs decreased 0.9% as a percentage of total revenue compared to fiscal 2011, primarily as a result of reduced costs for insurance claims during the current period and improved operating cost leverage. Offsetting these decreases, material usage increased 1.4% as a percentage of total revenue based on our mix of work. General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $9.4 million to $104.0 million during fiscal 2012 compared to $94.6 million for fiscal 2011. The increase is partially a result of incremental general and administrative expenses of Communication Services and NeoCom which were acquired during the second quarter of fiscal 2011. Further, the increase in total general and administrative expenses during fiscal 2012 resulted from increased payroll from the growth of operations, higher incentive pay expenses as a result of improved operating results, and increased stock-based compensation expense. Stock-based compensation expense was $7.0 million during fiscal 2012 compared to $4.4 million during fiscal 2011. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of contract revenues were 8.7% and 9.1% for fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively. The decrease in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of contract revenues is the result of improved operating leverage on our increase in revenue. Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased to $62.7 million during fiscal 2012 from $62.5 million during fiscal 2011 and totaled 5.2% and 6.0% as a percentage of contract revenues during the current and prior year, respectively. The decrease in depreciation and amortization as a percentage of contract revenues was primarily the result of our mix of work and greater leverage on depreciable assets as our revenue has grown. Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net was $16.7 million and $15.9 million during fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively. The increase reflects higher debt balances outstanding during the period as a result of the issuance of our 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021, as described below, and the related purchase and redemption of our outstanding 8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2015. However, our overall effective interest rate has been reduced as a result of the issuance of our 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021. 24 Fiscal 2011- Loss on Debt Extinguishment. On January 21, 2011, Dycom Investments, Inc., one of our subsidiaries, issued $187.5 million aggregate principal amount of 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”) in a private placement. A portion of the net proceeds was used to fund the purchase in January 2011 of $86.96 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2015 (the “2015 Notes”) at a price of 104.313% of the principal amount pursuant to a tender offer to purchase, for cash, any and all of our $135.35 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2015 Notes. Additionally, a portion of the net proceeds was used to fund our redemption in February 2011 of the remaining $48.39 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of 2015 Notes at a price of 104.063% of the principal amount. As a result, we recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of approximately $6.0 million during fiscal 2011, comprised of tender premiums and legal and professional fees associated with the tender offer and redemption and $2.3 million for the write off of deferred debt issuance costs for the 2015 Notes redeemed. Other Income, Net. Other income increased to $15.8 million during fiscal 2012 from $11.1 million during fiscal 2011. The increase in other income was primarily a function of assets sold and prices obtained for those assets during fiscal 2012, including approximately $0.6 million for the gain on sale of a non-core cable system asset. Income Taxes. The following table presents our income tax expense and effective income tax rate for continuing operations for fiscal years 2012 and 2011: Income tax provision Effective income tax rate Fiscal Year Ended 2012 2011 (Dollars in millions) $ $ 25.2 39.0% 12.4 43.5% Our effective income tax rates differ from the statutory rate for the tax jurisdictions where we operate. Variations in our effective income tax rate for fiscal 2012 and 2011 are primarily attributable to the impact of non-deductible and non-taxable items, disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock option exercises, and production-related tax credits recognized in relation to our pre-tax results during the period. Non- deductible and non-taxable items will generally have a reduced impact on the effective income tax rate in periods of greater pre-tax results. We had total unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $2.2 million and $2.1 million as of July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively, which would reduce our effective tax rate during the periods recognized if it is determined that those liabilities are no longer required. During fiscal 2012 we were notified by the Internal Revenue Service that our federal income tax return for a recent period was selected for examination. We believe our provision for income taxes is adequate; however, any significant assessment could affect our results of operations and cash flows. Net Income. Net income was $39.4 million for fiscal 2012 as compared to $16.1 million for fiscal 2011. Year Ended July 30, 2011 Compared to Year Ended July 31, 2010 Revenues. As a result of our fiscal year end date, fiscal 2011 had 52 weeks compared to 53 weeks in fiscal 2010. The following table presents information regarding total revenues by type of customer for the fiscal years ended July 30, 2011 and July 31, 2010, including the additional week of operations in fiscal 2010 (totals may not add due to rounding): Fiscal Year Ended 2011 2010 Revenue % of Total Revenue % of Total (Dollars in millions) Increase (decrease) % Increase (decrease) Telecommunications Underground facility locating Electric and gas utilities and other customers Total contract revenues $ $ 850.5 144.7 40.7 1,035.9 82.1% $ 14.0 3.9 100.0% $ 783.6 176.3 28.7 988.6 79.2% $ 17.8 3.0 100.0% $ 66.9 (31.7) 12.0 47.2 8.5% (17.9) 41.8 4.8% Revenues increased $47.2 million, or 4.8%, during fiscal 2011 as compared to fiscal 2010. Of this increase, $33.8 million was generated by businesses acquired during fiscal 2011. 25 Revenues from specialty construction services provided to telecommunications companies increased 8.5% to $850.5 million during fiscal 2011 compared to $783.6 million during fiscal 2010. Of this increase, $33.8 million was generated by businesses acquired during fiscal 2011. Additionally, we experienced a $30.0 million increase for a significant telephone customer deploying fiber within its network, a $18.5 million increase from two leading cable multiple system operators for installation, maintenance and construction services, including services to provision fiber to cellular sites, and a $9.2 million increase for another telephone customer increasing the capabilities of its networks. Other customers had net increases of $15.3 million during fiscal 2011 including the work performed for rural broadband initiatives. Partially offsetting these increases was a $22.1 million decrease from a leading cable multiple system operator for installation, maintenance and construction services. We also experienced a $17.8 million net decrease compared to fiscal 2010 for a significant telephone customer deploying fiber to its network, partially offset by work performed under new contracts with this customer. Total revenues from underground facility locating customers during fiscal 2011 decreased 17.9% to $144.7 million compared to $176.3 million during fiscal 2010. The decrease resulted from contracts that were terminated since fiscal 2010, reflecting a planned de-emphasis of technician intensive customer contracts. Total revenues from electric and gas utilities and other construction and maintenance customers during fiscal 2011 increased 41.8% to $40.7 million compared to $28.7 million during fiscal 2010. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in work performed for several gas companies and electric utilities during fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010. Costs of Earned Revenues. Costs of earned revenues increased to $837.1 million during fiscal 2011 compared to $810.1 million during 2010, which included an additional week required by our fiscal calendar. Included in costs of earned revenues for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 are $0.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively, in charges recorded in connection with the settlement of legal matters. Excluding such charges, there was a $28.0 million increase in costs of earned revenues. The net increase was primarily due to higher level of operations during fiscal 2011, including the operating costs of Communication Services and NeoCom since their acquisitions during the second quarter of fiscal 2011. The primary components of the increase were a $14.9 million increase in direct materials costs, a $9.5 million increase in other direct costs, and a $3.7 million aggregate increase in direct labor and independent subcontractor costs. Costs of earned revenues as a percentage of contract revenues decreased 1.1% for fiscal 2011 as compared to fiscal 2010. Excluding the legal settlement charges referred to above, cost of earned revenues as a percentage of contract revenues decreased 1.0% for fiscal 2011 as compared to fiscal 2010. Labor and subcontractor costs represented a lower percentage of total revenue for fiscal 2011 and decreased 2.4% compared to fiscal 2010 as a result of improved operating efficiency and the mix of work performed. Offsetting this decrease, direct materials costs increased 1.2% as a percentage of total revenue as our mix of work included a higher level of projects where we provided materials to the customer. Additionally, fuel costs increased 0.2% as a percentage of contract revenues as compared to fiscal 2010. Other direct costs remained consistent as a percentage of revenue year over year. General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased $3.5 million to $94.6 million during fiscal 2011 as compared to $98.1 million for fiscal 2010, which included an additional week required by our fiscal calendar. The decrease in total general and administrative expenses resulted from a reduction of payroll expense and reduced legal and professional fees related to certain information technology initiatives that were completed. Partially offsetting these decreases were incremental general and administrative expenses of Communication Services and NeoCom which were acquired during the second quarter of fiscal 2011 and increased incentive pay expenses as a result of improved operating results. Stock-based compensation expense was $4.4 million during fiscal 2011 compared to $3.4 million during fiscal 2010. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of contract revenues were 9.1% and 9.9% for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively. The decrease in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of contract revenues reflects a reduction in payroll expense and legal and professional fees related to certain information technology initiatives that were completed in fiscal 2011, partially offset by increased incentive pay due to improved operating results. Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased to $62.5 million during fiscal 2011 from $63.6 million during fiscal 2010 and totaled 6.0% and 6.4% as a percentage of contract revenues during fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. The decreases for fiscal 2011 as compared to fiscal 2010 was primarily the result of assets becoming fully depreciated during 2011, partially offset by increased replacement activity in the second half of fiscal 2011. These decreases were also offset by the addition of fixed assets and amortizable intangible assets related to the Communication Services and NeoCom acquisitions during the second quarter of fiscal 2011. Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net was $15.9 million and $14.2 million during fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively. The increase reflects higher debt balances outstanding during fiscal 2011. However, the overall effective interest rate on these borrowings has been reduced as a result of the fiscal 2011 issuance of our 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021, as described below, and the related purchase and redemption of our outstanding 8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2015. 26 Loss on Debt Extinguishment. On January 21, 2011, Dycom Investments, Inc., one of our subsidiaries, issued $187.5 million aggregate principal amount of 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 in a private placement. A portion of the net proceeds was used to fund the purchase in January 2011 of $86.96 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding 8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2015 at a price of 104.313% of the principal amount pursuant to a tender offer to purchase, for cash, any and all of the $135.35 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2015 Notes, and to fund our redemption in February 2011 of the remaining $48.39 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of 2015 Notes at a price of 104.063% of the principal amount. As a result, during fiscal 2011 we recognized debt extinguishment costs of $6.0 million comprised of tender premiums and legal and professional fees associated with the tender offer and subsequent redemption and $2.3 million for the write-off of deferred debt issuance costs. Other Income, Net. Other income increased to $11.1 million during fiscal 2011 from $8.1 million during fiscal 2010. The fluctuations in other income were a function of the number of assets sold and prices obtained for those assets during the periods. Income Taxes. The following table presents our income tax expense and effective income tax rate for continuing operations for fiscal years 2011 and 2010: Income tax provision Effective income tax rate Fiscal Year Ended 2011 2010 (Dollars in millions) $ 12.4 $ 43.5% 4.9 45.5% Our effective income tax rates differ from the statutory rate for the tax jurisdictions where we operate as a result of several factors. During fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, the provision for income taxes included the reversal of $0.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of certain income tax liabilities which were no longer required due to the expiration of statutes of limitation. In addition, during the first quarter of fiscal 2010 we recognized a non-cash income tax charge of $1.1 million for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset associated with an investment that became impaired for tax purposes. Excluding the impact of these items, the variations in our effective income tax rate for fiscal 2011 and 2010 are primarily attributable to the impact of non-deductible and non-taxable items and tax credits recognized in relation to our pre-tax results during the period. As a percentage, these tax items will generally have a greater impact on the effective income tax rate in periods of lower pre- tax results. As of July 30, 2011, we had total unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $2.1 million, which would reduce our effective tax rate during the periods recognized if it is determined that those liabilities are not required. Net Income. Net income was $16.1 million for fiscal 2011 as compared to $5.8 million for fiscal 2010. Liquidity and Capital Resources Capital requirements. Historically, our sources of cash have been operating activities, long-term debt, equity offerings, bank borrowings, and proceeds from the sale of idle and surplus equipment and real property. Our working capital needs vary based on our level of operations and generally increase with higher levels of revenue. Our working capital requirements are also impacted by the time it takes us to collect our accounts receivable for work performed for customers. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $52.6 million at July 28, 2012 compared to $44.8 million at July 30, 2011. Cash increased during fiscal 2012 as a result of cash provided by operations offset by capital expenditures, net of the proceeds from the sale of assets, and repurchases of our common stock. Working capital (total current assets less total current liabilities) was $262.4 million at July 28, 2012 compared to $211.8 million at July 30, 2011. The increase in working capital is primarily a result of our growth in operations. Capital resources are primarily used to purchase equipment and maintain sufficient levels of working capital in order to support our contractual commitments to customers. We periodically borrow from and repay our revolving credit facility depending on our cash requirements. Additionally, our capital requirements may increase to the extent we make acquisitions that involve consideration other than our stock, buy back our common stock or repurchase or call our senior subordinated notes. We have not paid cash dividends since 1982. Our board of directors regularly evaluates our dividend policy based on our financial condition, profitability, cash flow, capital requirements, and the outlook of our business. We currently intend to retain any earnings for use in the business, including for investment in acquisitions, and consequently we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Additionally, the indenture governing our senior subordinated notes contains covenants that restrict our ability to make certain payments, including the payment of dividends. We expect capital expenditures, net of disposals, to range from $55 million to $60 million for fiscal 2013. Our level of capital expenditures can vary depending on the customer demand for our services, the replacement cycle we select for our equipment, and overall economic growth. We intend to fund these expenditures primarily from operating cash flows, availability under our credit facility and cash on hand. 27  Net cash flows: Provided by operating activities Used in investing activities Used in financing activities 2012 Fiscal Year Ended 2011 (Dollars in millions) 2010 $ $ $ 65.1 (51.9) (5.4) $ $ $ 43.9 (85.4) (17.0) $ $ $ 54.1 (46.6) (8.9) Cash from operating activities. During fiscal 2012, net cash provided by operating activities was $65.1 million. Non-cash items during fiscal 2012 were primarily depreciation and amortization, gain on sale of assets, stock-based compensation, and deferred income taxes. Changes in working capital (excluding cash) and changes in other long term assets and liabilities used $37.9 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2012. The primary working capital uses during fiscal 2012 were increases in accounts receivable of $3.4 million and increases in net costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of $35.7 million. The increases in accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings are a result of growth in operations during fiscal 2012 and changes to the customer mix compared to fiscal 2011. Other working capital changes that used operating cash flow during fiscal 2012 were increases in other current and other non-current assets combined of $6.3 million, primarily for higher levels of inventory, and decreases in accrued liabilities and accrued insurance claims of $1.2 million. Working capital sources of cash flow during fiscal 2012 were income taxes receivable of $5.7 million used during the period and increases in accounts payable of $3.0 million as a result of timing of higher operating levels and timing of payments. Based on average daily revenue during the applicable quarter, days sales outstanding calculated for accounts receivable, net was 41 days as of July 28, 2012 compared to 42 days of as July 30, 2011. Days sales outstanding calculated for costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net of billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings, were 36 days as of July 28, 2012 and 27 days as of July 30, 2011. These changes resulted from growth in operations during fiscal 2012 and changes to the customer mix compared to fiscal 2011. We believe that none of our major customers were experiencing financial difficulties that would materially affect our cash flows or liquidity as of July 28, 2012. During fiscal 2011, net cash provided by operating activities was $43.9 million. Operating cash flow and net income for fiscal 2011 were reduced by our payment of $6.0 million in consent and other fees related to our repurchase of $135.35 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2015 Notes. Non-cash items during fiscal 2011 were primarily depreciation and amortization, gain on sale of assets, stock-based compensation, deferred income taxes, amortization of debt issuance costs, and the write-off of approximately $2.3 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the tender offer and subsequent redemption of the outstanding 2015 Notes. Changes in working capital (excluding cash) and changes in other long term assets and liabilities used $47.4 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2011. The primary working capital uses during fiscal 2011 were increases in accounts receivable of $21.7 million and increases in net costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of $23.2 million. The increases in accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings are a result of higher revenue levels during the fourth quarter, including storm restoration services. Other uses of working capital included other current and other non-current assets combined of $4.4 million, primarily for higher levels of inventory, and increases in income taxes receivable of $5.0 million as a result of the timing of federal and state income tax payments. Working capital changes that increased operating cash flow during fiscal 2011 were increases in accounts payable of $2.6 million and increases in other accrued liabilities and accrued insurance claims of $4.3 million. These increases were primarily attributable to higher operating levels and the timing of payments. During fiscal 2010, net cash provided by operating activities was $54.1 million. Non-cash items during fiscal 2010 were primarily depreciation and amortization, gain on disposal of assets, stock-based compensation, and deferred income taxes. Changes in working capital (excluding cash) and changes in other long term assets and liabilities contributed $14.2 million of operating cash flow during fiscal 2010. Working capital changes that contributed operating cash flow during fiscal 2010 included decreases in accounts receivable and net costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings of $4.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Based on average daily revenue during the applicable quarter, days sales outstanding calculated for accounts receivable, net was 38 days as of July 31, 2010 compared to 39 days of as July 25, 2009. Days sales outstanding calculated for costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net of billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings, were 23 days as of July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009. The decrease in combined days sales outstanding for accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings is due to overall improvement in billing and collection activities and the payment practices of our customers. Income taxes provided $3.3 million as a result of the receipt of fiscal 2009 income tax refunds. Working capital changes that used operating cash flow during fiscal 2010 were decreases in other accrued liabilities and accrued insurance claims of $14.0 million due to a reduced level of operations. Additionally, we had decreases in accounts payable of $1.6 million due to the timing of payments. Other uses of working capital included net increases in other current and other non-current assets of $7.4 million primarily for increased levels of inventory and other prepaid assets. Cash used in investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $51.9 million during fiscal 2012. During fiscal 2012 capital expenditures of $77.6 million were offset in part by proceeds from the sale of assets of $24.8 million, including approximately $5.5 million related to the sale of non-core cable system assets during the third quarter of fiscal 2012. Capital expenditures of $77.6 million for fiscal 2012 increased from $61.5 million in fiscal 2011 as the result of spending for new work opportunities and for the replacement of certain fleet assets. In addition, we incurred certain capital expenditures to increase the fuel and operating efficiency of our fleet of vehicles. Restricted cash, primarily related to funding provisions of our insurance programs, decreased $0.9 million during fiscal 2012. During fiscal 2011 net cash used in investing activities was $85.4 million, including $9.0 million and $27.5 million paid in connection with the acquisitions of Communication Services and NeoCom, respectively. Capital expenditures of $61.5 million were offset in part by proceeds from the sale of assets of $12.3 million. Capital expenditures increased in fiscal 2011 primarily as a result of the replacement activity of our fleet and due to spending incurred to address new work opportunities and to increase the fuel efficiency of our fleet of vehicles. Restricted cash, primarily related to funding provisions of our insurance program, decreased approximately $0.2 million during fiscal 2011. 28 Net cash used in investing activities was $46.6 million for fiscal 2010. Capital expenditures of $55.4 million were offset in part by proceeds from the sale of assets of $8.8 million, primarily vehicles and equipment. Cash used in financing activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $5.4 million during fiscal 2012. During fiscal 2012, we repurchased 597,700 shares of our common stock in open market transactions, at an average price of $21.68 per share, for approximately $13.0 million. We received $6.5 million from the exercise of stock options and received excess tax benefits of $1.6 million primarily from the vesting of restricted stock units and exercises of stock options during fiscal 2012. During fiscal 2012, we withheld shares of restricted units and paid $0.3 million to tax authorities in order to meet payroll tax withholdings obligations on restricted units that vested to certain officers and employees during those periods. Additionally, we paid approximately $0.2 million during fiscal 2012 for principal payments on capital leases. Net cash used in financing activities was $17.0 million during fiscal 2011. During fiscal 2011 we received $187.5 million in gross proceeds from the issuance of $187.5 million aggregate principal amount of 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 and paid $5.2 million in debt issuance costs. A portion of the net proceeds from the issuance were used in January 2011 to fund the purchase of $86.96 million principal amount of our 2015 Notes pursuant to a concurrent tender offer and to fund the redemption of the remaining $48.39 million outstanding aggregate principal amount in February 2011. Additionally, we paid approximately $0.6 million in principal payments on capital leases. During fiscal 2011 we repurchased 5,389,500 shares of our common stock in open market transactions for $64.5 million, at an average price of $11.98 per share. Additionally, we received $1.3 million from the exercise of stock options during fiscal 2011. Further, during fiscal 2011 we withheld shares of restricted share units and paid $0.2 million to tax authorities in order to meet payroll tax withholding obligations on restricted share units that vested to certain officers and employees during those periods. Net cash used in financing activities was $8.9 million for fiscal 2010. During fiscal 2010, we paid $3.2 million for debt issuance costs in connection with entering into our new five-year $225.0 million Credit Agreement in June 2010. In addition, we paid $1.0 million in principal payments on capital leases. We repurchased 475,602 shares of our common stock in open market transactions for $4.5 million, at an average price of $9.44 per share, during fiscal 2010. In addition, we withheld shares of restricted share units and paid $0.3 million to tax authorities in order to meet payroll tax withholdings obligations on restricted share units that vested to certain officers and employees during those periods. Additionally, we received less than $0.1 million from the exercise of stock options and received excess tax benefits of less than $0.1 million from the vesting of restricted share units. Compliance with Notes and Credit Agreement. On January 21, 2011, Dycom Investments, Inc., one of our subsidiaries, accepted tenders for $86.96 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2015 (the “2015 Notes”) pursuant to our previously announced tender offer to purchase, for cash, any and all of our $135.35 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2015 Notes. Holders of the accepted 2015 Notes received total consideration of $1,043.13 per $1,000 principal amount of 2015 Notes tendered (which included a $20 consent payment per $1,000 principal amount of 2015 Notes tendered). The total cash payment to purchase the tendered 2015 Notes, including accrued and unpaid interest, was approximately $92.6 million. On February 21, 2011, we redeemed the remaining $48.39 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of 2015 Notes not tendered pursuant to the tender offer described above at a redemption price of 104.063% of the principal amount, in addition to accrued and unpaid interest. As a result, during fiscal 2011, we recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of approximately $6.0 million, comprised of tender premiums and legal and professional fees associated with the tender offer and redemption and $2.3 million for the write off of deferred debt issuance costs for the 2015 Notes redeemed. Additionally, on January 21, 2011, we issued and sold $187.5 million aggregate principal amount of 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). The 2021 Notes are guaranteed by certain of our subsidiaries. A portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the 2021 Notes was used to fund our purchase of the 2015 Notes pursuant to the tender offer and redemption described above. The indenture governing the 2021 Notes contains covenants that limit, among other things, our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to incur additional debt and issue preferred stock, make certain restricted payments, consummate specified asset sales, enter into transactions with affiliates, incur liens, impose restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make payments to us or our restricted subsidiaries, merge or consolidate with another person, and dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. As of July 28, 2012, the principal amount outstanding under the 2021 Notes was $187.5 million. On June 4, 2010, we entered into a five-year $225.0 million senior secured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks. The Credit Agreement has an expiration date of June 4, 2015 and provides for maximum borrowings of $225.0 million, including a sublimit of $100.0 million for the issuance of standby letters of credit. Subject to certain conditions, the Credit Agreement provides for the ability to enter into one or more incremental facilities, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $75.0 million, either by increasing the revolving commitments under the Credit Agreement and/or in the form of term loans. In connection with the issuance of the 2021 Notes, we entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The Amendment modified the Credit Agreement to permit the issuance of the 2021 Notes so long as the net cash proceeds of the 2021 Notes were to be used to refinance, prepay, repurchase, redeem, retire and/or defease our 2015 Notes in their entirety within sixty days of issuance. Any remaining net cash proceeds could be used for general corporate purposes. The issuance of the portion of the 2021 Notes in excess of the $175.0 million reduced the amount of other indebtedness permitted by the Credit Agreement by $12.5 million. In addition, the Amendment increased the amount that we are permitted to use to repurchase our common stock by $30.0 million during the period beginning January 5, 2011 through the maturity date of the Credit Agreement, subject to certain conditions. 29 Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries and secured by a pledge of (i) 100% of the equity of our material domestic subsidiaries and (ii) 100% of the non-voting equity and 65% of the voting equity of first-tier material foreign subsidiaries, if any, in each case excluding certain unrestricted subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement replaced our prior credit facility which was due to expire in September 2011. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement (other than swingline loans as defined in the Credit Agreement) bear interest at a rate equal to either (a) the administrative agent’s base rate, described in the Credit Agreement as the highest of (i) the sum of the federal funds rate and 0.50%; (ii) the administrative agent’s prime rate; and (iii) the eurodollar rate (defined in the Credit Agreement as the British Bankers’ Association LIBOR Rate, divided by the aggregate of 1.00% and one (1) less a reserve percentage (as defined in the Credit Agreement), or (b) the eurodollar rate, in addition to an applicable margin based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, in each case. Swingline loans bear interest at a rate equal to the administrative agent’s base rate and a margin based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. Based on our current consolidated leverage ratio, revolving borrowings would be eligible for a margin of 1.25% for borrowings based on the administrative agent’s base rate and 2.25% for borrowings based on the eurodollar rate. We incur fees under the Credit Agreement for the unutilized commitments at rates that range from 0.50% to 0.625% per annum, fees for outstanding standby letters of credit at rates that range from 2.00% to 2.75% per annum and fees for outstanding commercial letters of credit at rates that range from 1.00% to 1.375% per annum, in each case based on our consolidated leverage ratio. As of July 28, 2012, fees for unutilized commitments and outstanding standby letters of credit were at rates per annum of 0.50% and 2.25%, respectively. The Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations with respect to indebtedness, liens, investments, distributions, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, sale-leaseback transactions, transactions with affiliates and capital expenditures. The Credit Agreement contains financial covenants that require us to (i) maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not greater than 3.00 to 1.00, as measured on a trailing four-quarter basis at the end of each fiscal quarter and (ii) maintain a consolidated interest coverage ratio of not less than 2.75 to 1.00 for fiscal quarters ending July 31, 2010 through April 28, 2012 and not less than 3.00 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending July 28, 2012 and each fiscal quarter thereafter, as measured on a trailing four-quarter basis at the end of each fiscal quarter. As of July 28, 2012, we had no outstanding borrowings and $38.5 million of outstanding standby letters of credit issued under the Credit Agreement. The outstanding standby letters of credit are issued as part of our insurance program. At July 28, 2012, we are in compliance with the financial covenants and had additional borrowing availability of up to $186.5 million, as determined by the most restrictive covenants of the Credit Agreement. Contractual Obligations. The following tables set forth our outstanding contractual obligations, including related party leases, as of July 28, 2012: Less than 1 Year Years 1-3 Years 3 - 5 (Dollars in thousands) Greater than 5 Years Total lease obligations 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 Interest payments on debt (excluding capital leases) Capital executory costs) Operating lease obligations Employment agreements Purchase and other contractual obligations (including interest and $ Total $ - $ 13,359 76 8,308 3,224 7,158 32,125 $ - 26,719 $ - $ 26,719 187,500 $ 46,758 - 10,237 2,242 - 39,198 - 4,665 652 - $ 32,036 $ - 2,135 - - 236,393 $ 187,500 113,555 76 25,345 6,118 7,158 339,752 Purchase and other contractual obligations in the above table primarily represent obligations under agreements to purchase undelivered vehicles and equipment. We have excluded contractual obligations under the multiemployer defined pension plan that covers certain of our employees as these obligations are determined based on our future union employee payrolls, which cannot be reliably determined as of July 28, 2012. During fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, our contributions to the multiemployer defined pension plan totaled approximately $2.9 million, $3.8 million, and $5.5 million, respectively. Our consolidated balance sheet as of July 28, 2012 includes a long-term liability of approximately $23.6 million for accrued insurance claims. This liability has been excluded from the above table as the timing of any cash payments is uncertain. See Note 7 of the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding our accrued insurance claims liability. The liability for unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions was $2.2 million and $2.1 million as of July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively, and is included in other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. This amount has been excluded from the contractual obligations table because we are unable to reasonably estimate the timing of the resolution of the underlying tax positions with the relevant tax authorities. 30  Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. Performance Bonds and Guarantees - We have obligations under performance and other surety contract bonds related to certain of our customer contracts. Performance bonds generally provide a customer with the right to obtain payment and/or performance from the issuer of the bond if we fail to perform our obligations under a contract. As of July 28, 2012, we had $224.8 million of outstanding performance and other surety contract bonds and no events have occurred in which customers have exercised their rights under any such bonds. Additionally, we have periodically guaranteed certain obligations of our subsidiaries, including obligations in connection with obtaining state contractor licenses and leasing real property. Letters of Credit - We have standby letters of credit issued under our Credit Agreement as part of our insurance program. These letters of credit collateralize our obligations to our insurance carriers in connection with the settlement of potential claims. As of July 28, 2012, we had $38.5 million outstanding standby letters of credit issued under the Credit Agreement. Sufficiency of Capital Resources. We believe that our capital resources, including existing cash balances and amounts available under our Credit Agreement, are sufficient to meet our financial obligations. These obligations include interest payments required on our senior subordinated notes and borrowings, working capital requirements, and the normal replacement of equipment at our current level of operations for at least the next twelve months. Our future operating results and cash flows may be affected by a number of factors including our success in bidding on future contracts and our ability to manage costs effectively. To the extent we seek to grow by acquisitions that involve consideration other than our stock, or to the extent we buy back our common stock or repurchase or call our senior subordinated notes, our capital requirements may increase. Changes in financial markets or other areas of the economy could adversely impact our ability to access the capital markets, in which case we would expect to rely on a combination of available cash and the Credit Agreement to provide short-term funding. Management continually monitors the financial markets and assesses general economic conditions for any impact on our financial position. If changes in financial markets or other areas of the economy adversely impact our ability to access capital markets, we would expect to rely on a combination of available cash and the existing committed credit facility to provide short-term funding. We believe that our cash investment policies are conservative and we expect that the current volatility in the capital markets will not have a material impact on our cash investments. Backlog. Our backlog consists of the uncompleted portion of services to be performed under job-specific contracts and the estimated value of future services that we expect to provide under master service agreements and other long-term requirements contracts. Many of our contracts are multi-year agreements, and we include in our backlog the amount of services projected to be performed over the terms of the contracts based on our historical experience with customers and, more generally, our experience in procurements of this type. In many instances, our customers are not contractually committed to procure specific volumes of services under a contract. Our estimates of a customer’s requirements during a particular future period may not prove to be accurate. Our backlog totaled $1.565 billion and $1.412 billion at July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively. We expect to complete 58% of the July 28, 2012 backlog during fiscal 2013. Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations Our revenues are affected by seasonality as a significant portion of the work we perform is outdoors. Consequently, our operations are impacted by extended periods of inclement weather. Generally, inclement weather is more likely to occur during the winter season which falls during our second and third fiscal quarters. Also, a disproportionate percentage of total paid holidays fall within our second quarter, which decreases the number of available workdays. Additionally, our customer premise equipment installation activities for cable providers historically decrease around calendar year end holidays as their customers generally require less activity during this period. As a result, we may experience reduced revenue in the second or third quarters of our fiscal year. In addition, we have experienced and expect to continue to experience quarterly variations in revenues and net income as a result of other factors, including: ● our fiscal year which ends on the last Saturday in July, and as a result, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 consisted of 52 weeks while fiscal 2010 consisted of 53 weeks, with its fourth quarter having 14 weeks of operations; ● the timing and volume of customers’ construction and maintenance projects, including possible delays as a result of material procurement; ● seasonal budgetary spending patterns of customers and the timing of their budget approvals; ● the commencement or termination of master service agreements and other long-term agreements with customers; ● costs incurred to support growth internally or through acquisitions; ● fluctuations in results of operations caused by acquisitions; ● fluctuations in the employer portion of payroll taxes as a result of reaching the limitation on payroll withholdings obligations; 31 ● changes in mix of customers, contracts, and business activities; ● fluctuations in insurance expense due to changes in claims experience and actuarial assumptions; ● fluctuations in stock-based compensation expense as a result of performance criteria in performance-based share awards, as well as the timing and vesting period of all stock-based awards; ● fluctuations in incentive pay as a result of operating results; ● fluctuations in interest expense due to levels of debt and related borrowing costs; ● fluctuations in other income as a result of the timing and levels of capital assets sold during the period; and ● fluctuations in income tax expense due to levels of taxable earnings, the impact of non-deductible items and tax credits, and the impact of disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock option expenses. Accordingly, operating results for any fiscal period are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved for any subsequent fiscal period. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Refer to Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting standards and pronouncements. Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. We are exposed to market risks related to interest rates on our cash and equivalents and our debt obligations. We monitor the effects of market changes on interest rates and manage interest rate risks by investing in short-term cash equivalents with market rates of interest and by maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rate debt obligations. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates would result in an increase to annual earnings of approximately $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, if our cash and equivalents held as of July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011 were to be fully invested in interest bearing financial instruments. Our revolving credit facility permits borrowings at a variable rate of interest. We had no outstanding borrowings as of July 28, 2012. Outstanding long-term debt at July 28, 2012 included $187.5 million of our senior subordinated notes due in 2021, which bear a fixed rate of interest of 7.125%. Due to the fixed rate of interest on the notes, changes in interest rates would not have an impact on the related interest expense. The fair value of the outstanding notes totaled approximately $192.0 million as of July 28, 2012, based on quoted market prices. There exists market risk sensitivity on the fair value of the fixed rate notes with respect to changes in interest rates. A hypothetical 50 basis point change in the market interest rates in effect would result in an increase or decrease in the fair value of the notes of approximately $5.9 million, calculated on a discounted cash flow basis. We also have market risk for foreign currency exchange rates related to our operations in Canada. As of July 28, 2012, the market risk for foreign currency exchange rates was not significant as our operations in Canada have not been material. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Our consolidated financial statements and related notes and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm follow on subsequent pages of this report. 32 DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS JULY 28, 2012 AND JULY 30, 2011 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and equivalents Accounts receivable, net Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings Inventories Deferred tax assets, net Income taxes receivable Other current assets Total current assets PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET GOODWILL INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET OTHER TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable Current portion of debt Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings Accrued insurance claims Other accrued liabilities Total current liabilities LONG-TERM DEBT ACCRUED INSURANCE CLAIMS DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES, NET NON-CURRENT OTHER LIABILITIES Total liabilities $ $ $ July 30, July 28, 2012 2011 (Dollars in thousands) 52,581 $ 141,788 127,321 26,274 15,633 4,884 8,466 376,947 158,247 174,849 49,773 12,377 395,246 772,193 $ 36,823 $ 74 1,522 25,218 50,926 114,563 187,500 23,591 49,537 4,071 379,262 44,766 138,552 90,855 20,558 15,957 8,685 10,938 330,311 149,439 174,849 56,279 13,877 394,444 724,755 39,399 232 749 26,092 52,041 118,513 187,574 23,344 39,923 3,550 372,904 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES, Notes 9, 10, and 17 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share: 1,000,000 shares authorized: no shares issued and outstanding Common stock, par value $0.33 1/3 per share: 150,000,000 shares authorized: 33,587,744 and 33,487,640 issued and outstanding, respectively Additional paid-in capital Accumulated other comprehensive income Retained earnings Total stockholders' equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ - - 11,196 114,820 138 266,777 392,931 772,193 $ 11,162 112,991 299 227,399 351,851 724,755 See notes to the consolidated financial statements. 33 DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 28, 2012, JULY 30, 2011, AND JULY 31, 2010 2012 2011 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 2010 REVENUES: Contract revenues EXPENSES: $ 1,201,119 $ 1,035,868 $ 988,623 Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization General and administrative (including stock-based compensation expense of $7.0 million, $4.4 million, and $3.4 million, respectively) Depreciation and amortization Total Interest expense, net Loss on debt extinguishment Other income, net 968,949 837,119 810,064 104,024 62,693 1,135,666 (16,717) - 15,825 94,622 62,533 994,274 (15,911) (8,295) 11,096 98,140 63,607 971,811 (14,175) - 8,093 INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 64,561 28,484 10,730 PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES: Current Deferred Total NET INCOME EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE: Basic earnings per common share Diluted earnings per common share SHARES USED IN COMPUTING EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE: Basic Diluted 15,309 9,874 25,183 (2,351) 14,728 12,377 2,960 1,921 4,881 $ 39,378 $ 16,107 $ 5,849 $ $ 1.17 $ 0.46 $ 1.14 $ 0.45 $ 0.15 0.15 33,653,055 35,306,900 38,931,029 34,481,895 35,754,168 38,996,866 See notes to the consolidated financial statements. 34 DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 28, 2012, JULY 30, 2011, AND JULY 31, 2010 Common Stock Shares Amount Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Retained Earnings Total Equity (Dollars in thousands, except shares) 38,998,513 $ 4,841 12,999 2 $ 172,112 31 $ $ 69 - 205,443 - $ 390,623 33 - - 128,438 (475,602) - - 38,656,190 153,841 - - 43 (159) - - 12,885 51 (603) 3,316 (317) (4,330) - - 170,209 1,270 - - 4,314 67,109 (5,389,500) - - 33,487,640 617,103 5,168 75,533 (597,700) - - - 33,587,744 $ 23 (1,797) - - 11,162 206 2 25 (199) - (51) (62,751) - - 112,991 6,284 6,780 (354) (12,761) - - - 11,196 $ 1,880 - 114,820 $ - - - - 100 - 169 - - - - 130 - 299 - - - - (161) - - 138 $ - - - - - 5,849 211,292 - - - - - 16,107 227,399 - - - - - - 39,378 266,777 $ (603) 3,316 (274) (4,489) 100 5,849 394,555 1,321 4,314 (28) (64,548) 130 16,107 351,851 6,490 6,782 (329) (12,960) (161) 1,880 39,378 392,931 See notes to the consolidated financial statements. Balances at July 25, 2009 Stock options exercised Tax deficit from stock option and restricted stock plans Non-cash stock-based compensation expense Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax withholdings Repurchase of common stock Other comprehensive income Net income Balances at July 31, 2010 Stock options exercised Non-cash stock-based compensation expense Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax withholdings Repurchase of common stock Other comprehensive income Net income Balances at July 30, 2011 Stock options exercised Non-cash stock-based compensation expense Issuance of restricted stock, net of tax withholdings Repurchase of common stock Other comprehensive loss Tax benefits from stock-based compensation Net income Balances at July 28, 2012 35 DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 28, 2012, JULY 30, 2011, AND JULY 31, 2010 OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 2012 2011 (Dollars in thousands) 2010 $ 39,378 $ 16,107 $ 5,849 Depreciation and amortization Bad debt expense (recovery), net Gain on sale of fixed assets Write-off of deferred financing costs Deferred income tax provision Non-cash stock-based compensation Amortization of debt issuance costs Excess tax benefit from share-based awards Other Change in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net Other current assets and inventory Other assets Income taxes receivable Accounts payable Accrued liabilities, insurance claims, and other liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures Proceeds from sale of assets Cash paid for acquisitions Changes in restricted cash Net cash used in investing activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Repurchases of common stock Exercise of stock options and other Restricted stock tax withholdings Excess tax benefit from share-based awards Principal payments on capital lease obligations Debt issuance costs Proceeds from issuance of 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 Purchase of 8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2015 Net cash used in financing activities 62,693 186 (15,430) - 9,874 6,782 1,297 (1,625) (105) (3,421) (35,693) (6,403) 62 5,747 2,978 (1,195) 65,125 (77,612) 24,783 - 926 (51,903) (12,960) 6,490 (329) 1,625 (233) - - - (5,407) 62,533 (23) (10,216) 2,337 14,728 4,409 1,295 - 87 (21,665) (23,157) (5,014) 617 (5,025) 2,580 4,264 43,857 (61,457) 12,305 (36,451) 225 (85,378) (64,548) 1,321 (197) - (582) (5,177) 187,500 (135,350) (17,033) Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents 7,815 (58,554) 63,607 198 (7,677) - 1,921 3,351 1,114 (69) 52 4,617 776 (6,348) (1,004) 3,294 (1,557) (13,986) 54,138 (55,376) 8,768 - - (46,608) (4,489) 33 (274) 69 (1,023) (3,233) - - (8,917) (1,387) CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 44,766 103,320 104,707 CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 52,581 $ 44,766 $ 103,320 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF OTHER CASH FLOW ACTIVITIES AND NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Cash paid during the period for: Interest Income taxes Purchases of capital assets included in accounts payable or other accrued liabilities at period end $ $ $ 15,443 10,722 $ $ 17,296 3,481 $ $ 13,131 6,208 4,593 $ 10,173 $ 885 See notes to the consolidated financial statements. 36 1. Accounting Policies NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Basis of Presentation – Dycom Industries, Inc. (“Dycom” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of specialty contracting services. These services, which are provided throughout the United States and in Canada, include engineering, construction, maintenance and installation services to telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services to various utilities, including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services to electric and gas utilities and others. The consolidated financial statements include the results of Dycom and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated and the financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring accruals that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of such statements. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). On November 19, 2010, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Communication Services, Inc. (“Communication Services”), a provider of outside plant construction services to telecommunications companies in the Southeastern and South Central United States. The purchase price for Communication Services was $9.0 million paid from cash on hand and the assumption of approximately $0.9 million in capital lease obligations. Approximately $0.9 million of the purchase price has been placed in escrow until November 2012 and will be used to satisfy any indemnification obligations of the sellers that may arise. On December 23, 2010, the Company acquired NeoCom Solutions, Inc. (“NeoCom”), based in Woodstock, Georgia. NeoCom provides services to construct, install, optimize and maintain wireless communication facilities in the Southeastern United States. The purchase price for NeoCom was $27.5 million paid from cash on hand. These acquisitions were not material to the Company. Accounting Period – The Company uses a fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in July. Fiscal 2012 and 2011 each consisted of 52 weeks while fiscal 2010 consisted of 53 weeks, with its fourth quarter having 14 weeks of operations. Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. For the Company, key estimates include: recognition of revenue for costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, the fair value of reporting units for goodwill impairment analysis, the assessment of impairment of intangibles and other long-lived assets, income taxes, accrued insurance claims, asset lives used in computing depreciation and amortization, allowance for doubtful accounts, stock-based compensation expense for performance-based stock awards, and accruals for contingencies, including legal matters. At the time they are made, the Company believes that such estimates are fair when considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial position and results of operations taken as a whole. However, actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences may be material to the financial statements. Revenue Recognition – The Company recognizes revenues under the percentage of completion method of accounting using the units-of- delivery or cost-to-cost measures. A significant majority of the Company’s contracts are based on units-of-delivery and revenue is recognized as each unit is completed. Revenues from contracts using the cost-to-cost measures of completion are recognized based on the ratio of contract costs incurred to date to total estimated contract costs. Revenues from services provided under time and materials based contracts are recognized when the services are performed. The current asset “Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings” represents revenues recognized in excess of amounts billed. The current liability “Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings” represents billings in excess of revenues recognized. Application of the percentage of completion method of accounting requires the use of estimates of costs to be incurred for the performance of the contract. This estimation process is based on the knowledge and experience of the Company’s project managers and financial personnel. Factors that the Company considers in estimating the work to be completed and ultimate contract recovery include the availability and productivity of labor, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, the effect of change orders, the availability of materials, the effect of any delays in performance and the recoverability of any claims. Changes in job performance, job conditions, estimated profitability and final contract settlements may result in changes to costs and income and their effects are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. At the time a loss on a contract becomes known, the amount of the estimated loss expected to be incurred is accrued. Cash and Equivalents – Cash and equivalents primarily include balances on deposit in banks. The Company maintains substantially all of its cash and equivalents at financial institutions it believes to be of high credit quality. To date, the Company has not experienced any loss or lack of access to cash in its operating accounts. Restricted Cash – As of July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, the Company had approximately $3.7 million and $4.7 million in restricted cash, respectively, which is held as collateral in support of the Company’s insurance obligations. Restricted cash is included in other current assets and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets and changes in restricted cash are reported in cash flows used in investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. 37 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts – The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. Management analyzes the collectability of accounts receivable balances each period. This analysis considers the aging of account balances, historical bad debt experience, changes in customer creditworthiness, current economic trends, customer payment activity and other relevant factors. Should any of these factors change, the estimate made by management may also change, which could affect the level of the Company’s provision for doubtful accounts. Inventories – Inventories consist of materials and supplies used in the ordinary course of business and are carried at the lower of cost (using the first-in, first-out method) or market. Inventories also include certain job specific materials which are valued using the specific identification method. For contracts where the Company is required to supply part or all of the materials on behalf of the customers, the loss of the customer or declines in contract volumes could result in an impairment of the value of materials purchased. Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (see Note 5 for the range of useful lives). Amortization of capital lease assets is included in depreciation expense. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and major improvements are capitalized. When assets are sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in other income. Capitalized software is accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350-40, Internal Use Software. Capitalized software consists primarily of costs to purchase and develop internal-use software and is amortized over its useful life as a component of depreciation expense. Property and equipment included internally developed capitalized computer software gross cost and net book value of $11.6 million and $7.4 million, respectively, as of July 28, 2012 and gross cost and net book value of $8.0 million and $5.8 million, respectively as of July 30, 2011. Goodwill and Intangible Assets – The Company accounts for goodwill in accordance with ASC Topic 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“ASC Topic 350”). The Company’s reporting units and related indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually during the fourth fiscal quarter of each year in accordance with ASC Topic 350 in order to determine whether their carrying value exceeds their fair value. In addition, they are tested on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change between annual tests that would more likely than not reduce their fair value below carrying value. If the Company determines the fair value of goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets is less than their carrying value as a result of the tests, an impairment loss is recognized. Impairment losses, if any, are reflected in operating income or loss in the consolidated statements of operations during the period incurred. In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the Company reviews finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever an event occurs or circumstances change which indicates that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability is determined based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of an asset and its eventual disposition. An impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying value. If the Company determines the fair value of an asset is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is incurred. Impairment losses, if any, are reflected in operating income or loss in the consolidated statements of operations during the period incurred. The Company uses judgment in assessing if goodwill and intangible assets are impaired. Estimates of fair value are based on the Company’s projection of revenues, operating costs, and cash flows taking into consideration historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, as well as the impact of planned business or operational strategies. To measure fair value, the Company employs a combination of present value techniques which reflect market factors. Changes in the Company’s judgments and projections could result in significantly different estimates of fair value potentially resulting in additional impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets. See Note 6 for further discussion regarding the Company’s goodwill and intangible assets. Long-Lived Tangible Assets – The Company reviews long-lived tangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of an asset group and its eventual disposition. Measurement of an impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset compared to its carrying value. Long-lived tangible assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Accrued Insurance Claims – The Company retains the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for claims related to automobile liability, general liability, workers’ compensation, employee group health, and locate damages. Locate damage claims result from property and other damages arising in connection with the Company’s underground facility locating services. A liability for unpaid claims and the associated claim expenses, including incurred but not reported losses, is determined with the assistance of an actuary and reflected in the consolidated financial statements as accrued insurance claims. The liability for accrued claims and related accrued processing costs was $48.8 million and $49.4 million at July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively, and included incurred but not reported losses of approximately $22.3 million and $22.7 million, respectively. Based on payment patterns of similar prior claims, the Company expects $25.2 million of the amount accrued at July 28, 2012 to be paid within the next 12 months. The Company estimates the liability for claims based on facts, circumstances and historical evidence. When loss reserves are recorded they are not discounted, even though they will not be paid until sometime in the future. Factors affecting the determination of the expected cost for existing claims and incurred but not reported claims include, but are not limited to, the frequency of future claims, the payment pattern of claims which have been incurred, changes in the medical condition of claimants, and other factors such as inflation, tort reform or other legislative changes, unfavorable jury decisions and court interpretations. 38  Income Taxes – The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent it believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the event the Company determines that it would be able to realize its deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, it would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC Topic 740”) prescribes a two-step process for the financial statement recognition and measurement of income tax positions taken or expected to be taken in an income tax return. The first step evaluates an income tax position in order to determine whether it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. The second step measures the benefit to be recognized in the financial statements for those income tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold. ASC Topic 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, recognition and classification of interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Under ASC Topic 740, companies may recognize a previously unrecognized tax benefit if the tax position is effectively (as opposed to “ultimately”) settled through examination, negotiation, or litigation. Per Share Data – Basic earnings per common share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, excluding unvested restricted share units. Diluted earnings per common share includes the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period and dilutive potential common shares, including unvested restricted share units. Performance vesting restricted share units are only included in diluted earnings per common share calculations for the period if all the necessary performance conditions are satisfied and their impact is dilutive. Common stock equivalents related to stock options are excluded from diluted earnings per common share calculations if their effect would be anti-dilutive. Stock-Based Compensation – The Company’s stock-based award programs are intended to attract, retain and reward talented employees, officers and directors, and to align stockholder and employee interests. Stock-based awards are granted by the Company under its 2003 Long- term Incentive Plan (“2003 Plan”) and the 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan (“2007 Directors Plan” and, together with the 2003 Plan, the “Plans”). The Company also has several other plans, both expired and current, under which awards are outstanding but under which no further awards will be granted. The Company’s policy is to issue new shares to satisfy equity awards under the Plans. The Plans provide for the grants of stock options, time based restricted share units (“RSUs”), and performance based restricted share units (“Performance RSUs”). The total number of shares available for grant under the Plans as of July 28, 2012 was 914,180. Compensation expense for stock-based awards is based on the fair value at the measurement date and is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of stock option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on certain assumptions including: expected volatility based on the historical price of the Company’s stock over the expected life of the option; the risk free rate of return based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the option; the expected life based on the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding using historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination; and dividend yield based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payments. Stock options generally vest ratably over a four year period and are exercisable over a period of up to ten years. The fair value of restricted share units is estimated on the date of grant and is generally equal to the closing stock price on that date. RSUs vest ratably over a period of four years and are settled in one share of the Company’s common stock on the vesting date. Performance RSUs vest over a three year period from the date of grant, if certain performance goals are achieved. The performance targets are based on a combination of the Company’s fiscal year operating earnings (adjusted for certain amounts) as a percentage of contract revenues and the Company’s fiscal year operating cash flow level. Additionally, the awards include three year performance goals with similar measures as the fiscal year targets which if met result in supplemental shares awarded. For Performance RSUs, the Company evaluates compensation expense quarterly and recognizes expense for performance based awards only if management determines it is probable that the performance criteria for the awards will be met. The total amount of stock-based compensation expense ultimately recognized is based on the number of awards that actually vest and fluctuates as a result of performance criteria, as well as the timing and vesting period of all stock-based awards. Accordingly, the amount of compensation expense recognized during any fiscal year may not be representative of future stock-based compensation expense. In accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, compensation costs for performance-based awards are recognized by the Company over the requisite service period if it is probable that the performance goal will be satisfied. The Company uses its best judgment to determine probability of achieving the performance goals at each reporting period and recognizes compensation costs based on the estimate of the shares that are expected to vest. Comprehensive Income (Loss) – During fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company did not have any material changes in its equity resulting from non-owner sources. Accordingly, comprehensive income (loss) approximated net income for the respective period’s operations. 39 Fair Value of Financial Instruments – ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC Topic 820”) defines and establishes a measurement framework for fair value and expands disclosure requirements. ASC Topic 820 requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories: (1) Level 1 - Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; (2) Level 2 - Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data; and (3) Level 3 - Unobservable inputs not corroborated by market data which require the reporting entity’s own assumptions. The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and equivalents, restricted cash, accounts and other receivables, income taxes receivable and payable, accounts payable and certain accrued expenses, and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of these items approximate fair value due to their short maturity, except for the Company’s outstanding 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021(the “2021 Notes”). The Company determined that the fair value of the 2021 Notes at July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011 was $192.0 million and $190.5 million, respectively, based on quoted market prices as compared to the carrying value of $187.5 million. During fiscal 2012 and 2011, the Company had no non-recurring fair value measurements of assets or liabilities subsequent to their initial recognition. Taxes Collected from Customers – ASC Topic 605, Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities, addresses the income statement presentation of any tax collected from customers and remitted to a government authority and provides that the presentation of taxes on either a gross basis or a net basis in an accounting policy decision that should be disclosed. The Company’s policy is to present contract revenues net of sales taxes. Segment Information – The Company operates in one reportable segment as a specialty contractor, providing engineering, construction, maintenance and installation services to telecommunications providers, underground facility locating services to various utilities including telecommunications providers, and other construction and maintenance services to electric and gas utilities and others. All of the Company’s operating segments have been aggregated into one reporting segment due to their similar economic characteristics, nature of services and production processes, type of customers, and service distribution methods. The Company’s services are provided by its various subsidiaries throughout the United States and in Canada. One of the Company’s operating segments earned revenues from contracts in Canada of approximately $11.9 million, $7.4 million, and $6.3 million during fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The Company had no material long- lived assets in the Canadian operations at July 28, 2012 or July 30, 2011. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”). ASU 2011-05 requires the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. ASU 2011-05 also requires entities to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income. The amendments of ASU 2011-05 do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Other Comprehensive Income in ASU 2011-05 (“ASU 2011-12”). ASU 2011-12 defers only those provisions in ASU 2011-05 relating to the presentation of the reclassification adjustments. ASU 2011-12 and the remaining provisions of ASU 2011-05 are effective retrospectively for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating the presentation alternatives noted in ASU 2011-05. In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”). ASU 2011-08 permits entities testing for goodwill impairment to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test described in ASC Topic 350. ASU 2011-08 does not change how goodwill is calculated or assigned to reporting units, nor does it revise the requirement to assess goodwill at least annually for impairment. ASU 2011-08 is effective for goodwill impairment tests performed in interim and annual periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In July 2012, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite- Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment ("ASU 2012-02"). ASU 2012-02 amends Topic 350 by establishing an optional two-step analysis for impairment testing of indefinite-lived intangibles other than goodwill. This update allows an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. Under that option, an entity no longer would be required to calculate the fair value of the intangible asset unless the entity determines, based on that qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. ASU 2012-02 is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012 and early adoption is permitted. The company is currently evaluating the impact this update may have on its indefinite-lived intangibles impairment testing. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 40 2. Computation of Earnings Per Common Share The following is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per common share computation as required by ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. Fiscal Year Ended 2012 2010 2011 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Net income available to common stockholders (numerator) $ 39,378 $ 16,107 $ 5,849 Weighted-average number of common shares (denominator) 33,653,055 35,306,900 38,931,029 Basic earnings per common share $ 1.17 $ 0.46 $ 0.15 Weighted-average number of common shares Potential common stock arising from stock options, and unvested restricted share units Total shares-diluted (denominator) 33,653,055 828,840 34,481,895 35,306,900 447,268 35,754,168 38,931,029 65,837 38,996,866 Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.14 $ 0.45 $ 0.15 Anti-dilutive weighted shares excluded from the calculation of earnings per share 1,262,964 2,071,254 2,647,975 3. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable consists of the following: Contract billings Retainage and other receivables Total Less: allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts receivable, net July 30, July 28, 2012 2011 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 136,610 5,448 142,058 (270) 141,788 $ $ 136,371 2,549 138,920 (368) 138,552 As of July 28, 2012, the Company expected to collect all retainage balances above within the next twelve months. The allowance for doubtful accounts changed as follows: Allowance for doubtful accounts at beginning of period Bad debt expense (recovery), net Amounts charged against the allowance Allowance for doubtful accounts at end of period Fiscal Year Ended July 28, 2012 July 30, 2011 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 368 $ 186 (284) 270 $ 559 (23) (168) 368 41 4. Costs and Estimated Earnings on Contracts in Excess of Billings Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings, net, consist of the following: Costs incurred on contracts in progress Estimated to date earnings Total costs and estimated earnings Less: billings to date Included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under the captions: Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings July 30, July 28, 2012 2011 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ $ $ 100,766 26,555 127,321 (1,522) 125,799 127,321 (1,522) 125,799 $ $ $ $ 71,685 19,170 90,855 (749) 90,106 90,855 (749) 90,106 The above amounts include revenue for services from contracts based both on the units-of-delivery and the cost-to-cost measures of the percentage of completion method. 5. Property and Equipment Property and equipment, including amounts for assets subject to capital leases, consists of the following: Land Buildings Leasehold improvements Vehicles Computer hardware and software Office furniture and equipment Equipment and machinery Total Less: accumulated depreciation Property and equipment, net General Useful Lives (Years) July 30, July 28, 2012 2011 (Dollars in thousands) -- 15-35 3-15 3-5 3-10 3-5 2-10 $ $ 2,915 10,630 4,674 220,669 57,965 5,552 133,467 435,872 (277,625) 158,247 $ $ 3,165 11,707 4,554 216,648 54,998 5,477 127,412 423,961 (274,522) 149,439 Depreciation expense and repairs and maintenance, including amounts for assets subject to capital leases, were as follows: Depreciation expense Repairs and maintenance expense 2012 Fiscal Year Ended 2011 (Dollars in thousands) 2010 $ $ 56,187 $ 15,623 $ 55,727 $ 15,130 $ 57,177 14,634 42 6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010 are as follows: As of July 31, 2010 Fiscal 2011 Changes Impairment As of As of Losses Acquisitions July 30, 2011 July 28, 2012 (Dollars in thousands) Goodwill Accumulated impairment losses $ $ 353,618 $ (195,767) $ 157,851 - - - $ $ 16,998 - 16,998 $ $ 370,616 (195,767) 174,849 $ $ 370,616 (195,767) 174,849 The Company’s intangible assets consist of the following: Carrying amount: Customer relationships UtiliQuest trade name Trade names Non-compete agreements Accumulated amortization: Customer relationships Trade names Non-compete agreements Net Intangible Assets Weighted Average Remaining Useful Lives (Years) 9.4 -- 8.2 3.4 July 28, 2012 July 30, 2011 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 89,145 4,700 2,860 150 96,855 45,852 1,182 48 49,773 $ $ 89,145 4,700 2,860 150 96,855 39,601 957 18 56,279 Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $6.5 million, $6.8 million and $6.4 million, respectively. Amortization of the Company’s customer relationships is recognized on an accelerated basis related to the expected economic benefit of the intangible asset, while amortization of other finite-lived intangibles is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. Future estimated amortization expense for amortizing intangibles is as follows (dollars in thousands): 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Thereafter $ $ $ $ $ $ 6,364 6,125 6,006 5,625 4,826 16,128 43 The Company’s goodwill resides in multiple reporting units. The profitability of individual reporting units may periodically suffer from downturns in customer demand and other factors resulting from the cyclical nature of the Company’s business, the high level of competition existing within the Company’s industry, the concentration of the Company’s revenues from a limited number of customers, and the level of overall economic activity. During times of slowing economic conditions, the Company’s customers may reduce capital expenditures and defer or cancel pending projects. Individual reporting units may be relatively more impacted by these factors than the Company as a whole. As a result, demand for the services of one or more of the Company’s reporting units could decline resulting in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets. The Company performed its annual impairment test in the fourth quarter of each of fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units based on projections of revenues, operating costs, and cash flows considering historical and anticipated future results, general economic and market conditions, as well as the impact of planned business and operational strategies. The key valuation assumptions contributing to the fair value estimates of the Company’s reporting units were (a) a discount rate based on the Company’s best estimate of the weighted average cost of capital adjusted for risks associated with the reporting units; (b) terminal value based on terminal growth rates; and (c) seven expected years of cash flow before the terminal value for each annual test. The table below outlines the key assumptions in each of the Company’s fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 annual impairment analyses: Terminal growth rate range Discount rate 2012 2011 2010 1.5% - 3.0% 13.0% 1.5% - 3.0% 13.5% 1.0% - 3.0% 15.0% The discount rate reflects risks inherent within each reporting unit operating individually, which is greater than the risks inherent in the Company as a whole. The discount rate used in the fiscal 2012 analysis decreased compared to the rate used in the fiscal 2011 analysis as a result of reduced risk relative to industry conditions. The discount rate used in the fiscal 2011 analysis decreased compared to the rate used in the fiscal 2010 analysis as a result of reduced risk relative to industry conditions and a lower interest rate environment. The Company believes the assumptions used in the impairment analysis each year are reflective of the risks inherent in the business models of its reporting units and within its industry. For fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 none of the reporting units incurred operating losses which would impact the Company’s financial position in a material manner. Current operating results, including any losses, are evaluated by the Company in the assessment of goodwill and other intangible assets. The estimates and assumptions used in assessing the fair value of the reporting units and the valuation of the underlying assets and liabilities are inherently subject to significant uncertainties. Changes in judgments and estimates could result in a significantly different estimate of the fair value of the reporting units and could result in impairments of goodwill or intangible assets at additional reporting units. Additionally, adverse conditions in the economy and future volatility in the equity and credit markets could impact the valuation of the Company’s reporting units. The Company can provide no assurances that, if such conditions occur, they will not trigger impairments of goodwill and other intangible assets in future periods. As a result of the fiscal 2012 annual impairment analysis, the Company concluded that no impairment of goodwill or the indefinite-lived intangible asset was indicated at any reporting unit. However, the UtiliQuest reporting unit, having a goodwill balance of approximately $35.6 million and an indefinite-lived trade name of $4.7 million, has recently been at lower operating levels as compared to historical levels. The estimated fair value of the UtiliQuest reporting unit exceeds its carrying value but the margin of excess has declined to less than 30%. The UtiliQuest reporting unit provides services to a broad range of customers including utilities and telecommunication providers. These services are required prior to underground excavation and are influenced by overall economic activity, including construction activity. The goodwill balance of this reporting unit may have an increased likelihood of impairment if a downturn in customer demand were to occur, or if the reporting unit were not able to execute against customer opportunities, and the long-term outlook for their cash flows were adversely impacted. Furthermore, changes in the long-term outlook may result in changes to other valuation assumptions. As of July 28, 2012, the Company believes the goodwill is recoverable for all of the reporting units; however, there can be no assurances that the goodwill will not be impaired in future periods. Certain of the Company’s reporting units also have other intangible assets including customer relationships, trade names, and non-compete intangibles. As of July 28, 2012, management believes that the carrying amounts of the intangible assets are recoverable. However, if adverse events were to occur or circumstances were to change indicating that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable, the assets would be reviewed for impairment and the assets could be impaired. 44 7. Accrued Insurance Claims The Company retains the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for claims relating to automobile liability, general liability (including locate damages), workers’ compensation, and employee group health. With regard to losses occurring in fiscal 2012 and 2013, the Company has retained the risk of loss up to $1.0 million on a per occurrence basis for automobile liability, general liability and workers’ compensation. These retention amounts are applicable to all of the states in which the Company operates, except with respect to workers’ compensation insurance in two states in which the Company participates in a state-sponsored insurance fund. Aggregate stop loss coverage for automobile liability, general liability and workers’ compensation claims is $38.7 million for fiscal 2012 and $41.8 million for fiscal 2013. For losses under the Company's employee health plan, the Company is party to a stop-loss agreement under which it retains the risk of loss, on an annual basis, of the first $250,000 of claims per participant. In addition, the Company retains the risk of loss for the first $550,000 of claim amounts that aggregate across all participants that exceed $250,000. Accrued insurance claims consist of the following: Amounts expected to be paid within one year: Accrued auto, general liability and workers' compensation Accrued employee group health Accrued damage claims Amounts expected to be paid beyond one year: Accrued auto, general liability and workers' compensation Accrued damage claims Total accrued insurance claims 8. Other Accrued Liabilities Other accrued liabilities consist of the following: Accrued payroll and related taxes Accrued employee benefit and incentive plan costs Accrued construction costs Other current liabilities Total other accrued liabilities 9. Debt The Company’s outstanding indebtedness consists of the following: 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 Capital leases Less: current portion Long-term debt 45 July 30, July 28, 2012 2011 (Dollars in thousands) 16,514 2,867 5,837 25,218 21,423 2,168 23,591 48,809 $ $ 16,708 2,728 6,656 26,092 20,539 2,805 23,344 49,436 July 28, July 30, 2011 2012 (Dollars in thousands) 19,248 12,488 11,515 7,675 50,926 $ $ 18,959 9,683 11,743 11,656 52,041 July 30, July 28, 2012 2011 (Dollars in thousands) 187,500 74 187,574 (74) 187,500 $ $ 187,500 306 187,806 (232) 187,574 $ $ $ $ $ $  On January 21, 2011, Dycom Investments, Inc. (“Issuer”) accepted tenders for $86.96 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2015 (the “2015 Notes”) pursuant to its previously announced tender offer to purchase, for cash, any and all of its $135.35 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2015 Notes. Holders of the accepted 2015 Notes received total consideration of $1,043.13 per $1,000 principal amount of 2015 Notes tendered (which included a $20 consent payment per $1,000 principal amount of 2015 Notes tendered). The total cash payment to purchase the tendered 2015 Notes, including accrued and unpaid interest, was approximately $92.6 million. On February 21, 2011, the Issuer redeemed the remaining $48.39 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of 2015 Notes not tendered pursuant to the tender offer described above at a redemption price of 104.063% of the principal amount, in addition to accrued and unpaid interest. As a result, during fiscal 2011, the Company recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of approximately $6.0 million, comprised of tender premiums and legal and professional fees associated with the tender offer and redemption and $2.3 million for the write off of deferred debt issuance costs for the 2015 Notes redeemed. Additionally, on January 21, 2011, the Issuer issued and sold $187.5 million aggregate principal amount of 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). The 2021 Notes are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries. A portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the 2021 Notes was used to fund the Company’s purchase of the 2015 Notes pursuant to the tender offer and redemption described above. The indenture governing the 2021 Notes contains covenants that limit, among other things, the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur additional debt and issue preferred stock, make certain restricted payments, consummate specified asset sales, enter into transactions with affiliates, incur liens, impose restrictions on the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries to pay dividends or make payments to the Company and its restricted subsidiaries, merge or consolidate with another person, and dispose of all or substantially all of its assets. As of July 28, 2012, the principal amount outstanding under the 2021 Notes was $187.5 million. On June 4, 2010, the Company entered into a five-year $225.0 million senior secured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks. The Credit Agreement has an expiration date of June 4, 2015 and provides for maximum borrowings of $225.0 million, including a sublimit of $100.0 million for the issuance of standby letters of credit. Subject to certain conditions, the Credit Agreement provides for the ability to enter into one or more incremental facilities, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $75.0 million, either by increasing the revolving commitments under the Credit Agreement and/or in the form of term loans. In connection with the issuance of the 2021 Notes, the Company entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Credit Agreement. The Amendment modified the Credit Agreement to permit the issuance of the 2021 Notes so long as the net cash proceeds of the 2021 Notes were to be used to refinance, prepay, repurchase, redeem, retire and/or defease the Company’s 2015 Notes in their entirety within sixty days of issuance. Any remaining net cash proceeds could be used for general corporate purposes. The issuance of the portion of the 2021 Notes in excess of the $175.0 million reduced the amount of other indebtedness permitted by the Credit Agreement by $12.5 million. In addition, the Amendment increased the amount that the Company is permitted to use to repurchase the Company’s common stock by $30.0 million during the period beginning January 5, 2011 through the maturity date of the Credit Agreement, subject to certain conditions. The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries and secured by a pledge of (i) 100% of the equity of the Company’s material domestic subsidiaries and (ii) 100% of the non-voting equity and 65% of the voting equity of first-tier material foreign subsidiaries, if any, in each case excluding certain unrestricted subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement replaced the Company’s prior credit facility which was due to expire in September 2011. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement (other than swingline loans as defined in the Credit Agreement) bear interest at a rate equal to either (a) the administrative agent’s base rate, described in the Credit Agreement as the highest of (i) the sum of the federal funds rate and 0.50%; (ii) the administrative agent’s prime rate; and (iii) the eurodollar rate (defined in the Credit Agreement as the British Bankers’ Association LIBOR Rate, divided by the aggregate of 1.00% and one (1) less a reserve percentage (as defined in the Credit Agreement), or (b) the eurodollar rate, in addition to an applicable margin based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, in each case. Swingline loans bear interest at a rate equal to the administrative agent’s base rate and a margin based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. Based on the Company’s current consolidated leverage ratio, revolving borrowings would be eligible for a margin of 1.25% for borrowings based on the administrative agent’s base rate and 2.25% for borrowings based on the eurodollar rate. The Company incurs fees under the Credit Agreement for the unutilized commitments at rates that range from 0.50% to 0.625% per annum, fees for outstanding standby letters of credit at rates that range from 2.00% to 2.75% per annum and fees for outstanding commercial letters of credit at rates that range from 1.00% to 1.375% per annum, in each case based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio. As of July 28, 2012, fees for unutilized commitments and outstanding standby letters of credit were at rates per annum of 0.50% and 2.25%, respectively. The Credit Agreement contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations with respect to indebtedness, liens, investments, distributions, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, sale-leaseback transactions, transactions with affiliates and capital expenditures. The Credit Agreement contains financial covenants that require the Company to (i) maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not greater than 3.00 to 1.00, as measured on a trailing four-quarter basis at the end of each fiscal quarter and (ii) maintain a consolidated interest coverage ratio of not less than 2.75 to 1.00 for fiscal quarters ending July 31, 2010 through April 28, 2012 and not less than 3.00 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending July 28, 2012 and each fiscal quarter thereafter, as measured on a trailing four-quarter basis at the end of each fiscal quarter. As of July 28, 2012, the Company had no outstanding borrowings and $38.5 million of outstanding standby letters of credit issued under the Credit Agreement. The outstanding standby letters of credit are issued as part of the Company’s insurance program. At July 28, 2012, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants and had additional borrowing availability of up to $186.5 million, as determined by the most restrictive covenants of the Credit Agreement. 46 10. Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. The Company’s effective income tax rate differs from the statutory rate for the tax jurisdictions where it operates primarily as the result of the impact of non-deductible and non-taxable items and tax credits recognized in relation to pre-tax results. Measurement of certain aspects of the Company’s tax positions are based on interpretations of tax regulations, federal and state case law and the applicable statutes. The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows: Current: Federal State Deferred: Federal Foreign State Total tax provision 2012 Fiscal Year Ended 2011 (Dollars in thousands) 2010 $ $ 11,831 $ 3,478 15,309 9,392 49 433 9,874 25,183 $ (3,116) $ 765 (2,351) 14,375 107 246 14,728 12,377 $ 2,429 531 2,960 1,895 (40) 66 1,921 4,881 Substantially all of the Company’s pre-tax income is from operations in the United States. There were immaterial amounts of pre-tax income related to foreign operations for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010. The deferred tax provision represents the change in the deferred tax assets and liabilities representing the tax consequences of changes in the amount of temporary differences and changes in tax rates during the year. The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are comprised of the following: Deferred tax assets: Insurance and other reserves Allowance for doubtful accounts and reserves Net operating loss carryforwards Other Total deferred tax assets Valuation allowance Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment Goodwill and intangibles Other Deferred tax liabilities Net deferred tax liabilities July 30, July 28, 2012 2011 (Dollars in thousands) $ $ $ $ $ 22,014 484 1,473 4,378 28,349 (1,696) 26,653 35,832 24,039 686 60,557 $ $ $ $ 23,396 708 6,907 4,333 35,344 (2,097) 33,247 35,935 20,592 686 57,213 (33,904) $ (23,966) The above valuation allowance reduces the deferred tax asset balances to the amount that the Company has determined is more likely than not to be realized. Prior to fiscal 2009, the Company incurred non-cash impairment charges on an investment for financial statement purposes and recorded a deferred tax asset reflecting the tax benefits of those impairment charges. During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the investment became impaired for tax purposes and the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the associated tax benefit would not be realized prior to its eventual expiration. Accordingly, the Company recognized a non-cash income tax charge of $1.1 million for a valuation allowance of the associated deferred tax asset during fiscal 2010. During fiscal 2012, the Company was able to utilize approximately $0.3 million of the underlying tax asset. As a result, there is $0.8 million remaining in the valuation allowance related to the investment that became impaired during fiscal 2010. The remaining valuation allowance was deemed necessary due to the uncertainty of the Company’s ability to benefit from several state deferred tax assets for net operating loss carryforwards. As of July 28, 2012, the Company had immaterial state net operating loss carryforwards, which generally begin to expire in fiscal 2022. 47 The difference between the total tax provision and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rates to pre-tax income is as follows: Statutory rate applied to pre-tax income State taxes, net of federal tax benefit Non-deductible and non-taxable items Change in accruals for uncertain tax positions Valuation allowance of deferred tax asset Other items, net Total tax provision 2012 Fiscal Year Ended 2011 (Dollars in thousands) 2010 $ $ 22,600 2,766 208 93 (313) (171) 25,183 $ $ 9,970 659 1,517 53 - 178 12,377 $ $ 3,756 388 1,064 (823) 1,090 (594) 4,881 The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, multiple state jurisdictions and in Canada. With limited exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and most state and local income tax examinations for fiscal years ended 2008 and prior. During fiscal 2012 the Company was notified by the Internal Revenue Service that its federal income tax return for a recent period was selected for examination. Management believes its provision for income taxes is adequate; however, any significant assessment could affect the Company’s results of operations and cash flows. In the normal course of business, tax positions exist for which the ultimate outcome is uncertain. The Company establishes reserves against some or all of the tax benefit of the Company’s tax positions at the time the Company determines that the ultimate outcome becomes uncertain. For purposes of evaluating whether a tax position is uncertain, management presumes the tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority; the technical merits of a tax position are derived from authorities in the tax law and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position; and each tax position is evaluated without consideration of the possibility of offset or aggregation with other tax positions taken. A number of years may elapse before a particular uncertain tax position is audited and finally resolved or when a tax assessment is raised. The number of years subject to tax assessments varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The tax benefit that has been previously reserved because of a failure to meet the “more likely than not” recognition threshold would be recognized in the Company’s income tax expense in the first interim period when the uncertainty disappears; when the matter is effectively settled; or when the applicable statute of limitations expires. A summary of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (dollars in thousands): Balance at beginning of year Additions based on tax positions related to the fiscal year Additions based on tax positions related to prior years Reductions related to the expiration of statutes of limitation Balance at end of year 2012 Fiscal Year Ended 2011 (Dollars in thousands) 2010 $ $ 2,054 154 6 (20) 2,194 $ $ 1,977 226 36 (185) 2,054 $ $ 2,897 231 74 (1,225) 1,977 During fiscal 2010 the provision for income taxes included the reversal of $1.2 million of certain income tax liabilities which were no longer required due to the expiration of statutes of limitation. These amounts were immaterial during fiscal 2012 and 2011. As of July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, the Company had total unrecognized tax benefits of $2.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively, which would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate during future periods if it is subsequently determined that those liabilities are not required. The Company had approximately $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the payment of interest and penalties accrued at July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, respectively. The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in general and administrative expenses. Interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits was immaterial for each of fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010. 11. Other Income, Net The components of other income, net, are as follows: Gain on sale of fixed assets Miscellaneous income, net Total other income, net 48 2012 Fiscal Year Ended 2011 (Dollars in thousands) 2010 $ $ 15,430 395 15,825 $ $ 10,216 880 11,096 $ $ 7,677 416 8,093 12. Employee Benefit Plans The Company sponsors a defined contribution plan that provides retirement benefits to eligible employees that elect to participate. Under the plan, participating employees may defer up to 15% of their base pre-tax compensation. The Company contributes 30% of the first 5% of base compensation that a participant contributes to the plan. The Company’s contributions were $1.2 million, $1.0 million, and $1.2 million in fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. One of the Company’s subsidiaries participates in a multiemployer defined benefit pension plan (“the Multi-Employer Plan”) under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that covers approximately 225 of its employees. The subsidiary makes periodic contributions to the Multi-Employer Plan to meet the benefit obligations. During fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, the subsidiary contributed approximately $2.9 million, $3.8 million, and $5.5 million, respectively, to the Multi-Employer Plan. The risks of participating in a multiemployer defined benefit pension plan are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects: ● ● ● assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers; if a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be inherited by the remaining participating employers; and if the Company chooses to stop participating in the Multi-Employer Plan, the Company may be required to pay the plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability. The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-09, Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Multiemployer Plans (Subtopic 715-80): Disclosures about an Employer’s Participation in a Multiemployer Plan (“ASU 2011-09”) as of July 28, 2012. In accordance with ASU 2011-09, the Company has assessed and determined that the Multi-Employer Plan to which it contributes is not individually significant. Additionally, the Company does not expect to incur a withdrawal liability or expect to significantly increase its contributions over the remainder of the contract period. 13. Capital Stock On March 15, 2012, the Board of Directors authorized $40.0 million to repurchase shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock to be made over the next eighteen months in open market or private transactions. During fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2012, the Company made the following repurchases under its current and previously authorized share repurchase programs: Fiscal Year Ended July 31, 2010 July 30, 2011 July 28, 2012 Number of Shares Repurchased Total Consideration (Dollars in thousands) Average Price Per Share 475,602 5,389,500 597,700 $ $ $ 4,489 64,548 12,960 $ $ $ 9.44 11.98 21.68 All shares repurchased have been subsequently cancelled. As of July 28, 2012, approximately $38.0 million remained authorized for repurchase through September 15, 2013. 14. Stock-Based Awards Stock-based compensation expense and the related tax benefit recognized during fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows: Stock-based compensation expense Tax benefit recognized in the Statement of Operations $ $ 6,952 2,412 $ $ 4,409 1,284 $ $ 3,351 806 The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deductions from option exercises and stock vestings totaled $2.8 million, $0.7 million and $0.6 million during fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. 2012 Fiscal Year Ended 2011 (Dollars in thousands) 2010 49 As of July 28, 2012, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, RSUs and Performance RSUs was $7.5 million, $2.5 million and $12.9 million, respectively. This expense will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3, 2.7 and 2.1 years, respectively, which is the weighted average remaining contractual term for RSUs and Performance RSUs. For performance based awards, the unrecognized compensation expense is based on the maximum amount of restricted share units that can be earned under outstanding awards. If the performance goals are not met, no compensation expense will be recognized for these share units and compensation expense previously recognized will be reversed. The following table summarizes the significant assumptions and the valuation of stock options and restricted share units granted during fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010: Weighted average fair value of restricted share units granted Weighted average fair value of performance restricted share units granted Weighted average fair value of stock options granted Stock option assumptions: Risk-free interest rate Expected life (years) Expected volatility Expected dividends Stock Options The following table summarizes stock option award activity during fiscal 2012: 2012 Fiscal Year Ended 2011 2010 $ $ $ 19.49 $ 19.47 $ 12.51 $ 1.8% 9.4 56.1% - 13.60 10.60 8.15 $ $ $ 2.3% 6.8 58.6% - 8.56 12.25 5.06 2.7% 6.8 58.4% - Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares $ 3,879,555 124,816 $ (617,103) $ (88,521) $ $ 3,298,747 15.91 19.44 10.52 14.95 17.08 Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (In years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands) 5.7 $ 15,150 Outstanding as of July 30, 2011 Granted Options Exercised Forfeited or cancelled Outstanding as of July 28, 2012 Exercisable options as of July 28, 2012 1,880,936 $ 21.05 4.0 $ 6,636 Options exercisable presented above reflect the approximate amount of options expected to vest after giving effect to estimated forfeitures at an insignificant rate. The aggregate intrinsic values for stock options in the above table are based on the Company’s closing stock price of $17.68 on July 27, 2012. These amounts represent the total intrinsic value that would have been received by the holders of the stock-based awards had the awards been exercised and sold as of that date, before any applicable taxes. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $6.4 million, $1.1 million and less than $0.1 million for fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company received cash from the exercise of stock options of $6.5 million, $1.3 million and less than $0.1 million during fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. RSUs and Performance RSUs RSUs and Performance RSUs will be settled in one share of the Company’s common stock upon vesting. RSUs vest ratably over a period of four years. For RSUs, upon each annual vesting, 50% of the newly vested shares (net of any shares used to satisfy tax withholding obligations) are restricted from sale or transferability (“restricted holdings”). The restrictions on sale or transferability of the restricted holdings will end 90 days after termination of employment of the holder. When the holder has accumulated restricted holdings having a value equal to or greater than the holder’s annual base salary then in effect, future grants will no longer be subject to the restriction on transferability. 50 The following table summarizes RSU and Performance RSU activity during fiscal 2012: Restricted Stock RSUs Weighted Average Grant Price Share Units Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands) Share Units Performance RSUs Weighted Average Grant Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands) Outstanding as of July 30, 2011 Granted Share Units Vested Forfeited or cancelled Outstanding as of July 28, 2012 215,319 $ 95,095 $ (81,340) $ (6,314) $ 222,760 $ 11.56 19.49 12.30 11.88 14.49 $ 3,938 149,552 $ 721,596 $ (17,745) $ (79,139) $ 774,264 $ 10.49 19.47 10.09 11.57 18.76 $ 13,689 The unvested time vesting share units reflect the approximate amount of units expected to vest after giving effect to estimated forfeitures. The Performance RSUs in the above table represent the maximum number of awards that could vest, which is two hundred percent of the target award. Accordingly, the target amount of Performance RSUs outstanding as of July 28, 2012 was 387,132. Approximately 139,000 Performance RSUs outstanding as of July 28, 2012 will be cancelled in December 2012 as a result of the fiscal 2012 performance criteria. The total fair value of restricted share units vested during fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $1.9 million, $1.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic values for restricted share units are based on the Company’s closing stock price of $17.68 on July 27, 2012. These amounts represent the total intrinsic value that would have been received by the holders of the stock-based awards had the awards been exercised and sold as of that date, before any applicable taxes. 15. Related Party Transactions The Company leases administrative offices from entities related to officers of the Company’s subsidiaries. The total expense under these arrangements for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010 was $1.5 million, $1.4 million, and $1.3 million, respectively. The remaining future minimum lease commitments under these arrangements is approximately $0.7 million, $0.6 million, $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.6 million during fiscal 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. There are no significant lease commitments under these arrangements thereafter. Additionally, the Company paid approximately $0.5 million in independent subcontracting services to entities related to officers of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries in fiscal 2012. There was a minimal amount paid in independent subcontracting services to entities related to officers of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries in fiscal 2011 and 2010. 16. Concentration of Credit Risk The Company is subject to concentrations of credit risk relating primarily to its cash and equivalents, trade accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings. The Company grants credit under normal payment terms, generally without collateral, to its customers. These customers primarily consist of telephone companies, cable television multiple system operators, and electric and gas utilities. With respect to a portion of the services provided to these customers, the Company has certain statutory lien rights which may in certain circumstances enhance the Company’s collection efforts. Adverse changes in overall business and economic factors may impact the Company’s customers and increase credit risks. These risks may be heightened as a result of the current economic weakness and market volatility. In the past, some of the Company’s customers have experienced significant financial difficulties and likewise, some may experience financial difficulties in the future. These difficulties expose the Company to increased risks related to the collectability of amounts due for services performed. The Company’s customer base is highly concentrated. The top five customers accounted for approximately 59.6%, 61.9% and 66.3% of its total revenues in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. AT&T Inc. (“AT&T”), CenturyLink, Inc. (“CenturyLink”), Comcast Corporation (“Comcast”), and Verizon Communications, Inc. (“Verizon”) represent a significant portion of the Company’s customer base and were over 10% or more of total revenue during fiscal 2012, 2011, or 2010 as reflected in the following table: AT&T CenturyLink* Comcast Verizon Fiscal Year Ended 2011 2012 2010 13.7% 13.6% 12.6% 11.3% 21.1% 10.8% 14.3% 8.9% 20.4% 11.6% 14.3% 11.5% 51 *For comparison purposes, revenues from CenturyLink, Inc. and Qwest Communications International, Inc. have been combined for periods prior to their April 2011 merger. The Company believes that none of its significant customers were experiencing financial difficulties that would materially impact the collectability of the Company’s trade accounts receivable and costs in excess of billings as of July 28, 2012. Customers representing 10% or more of combined amounts of trade accounts receivable and costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings during fiscal 2012 or 2011 had the following outstanding balances and the related percentage of the Company’s total outstanding balances: CenturyLink Windstream Corporation Verizon AT&T 17. Commitments and Contingencies July 28, 2012 July 30, 2011 Amount % of Total Amount % of Total (Dollars in millions) $ $ $ $ 47.6 35.4 30.5 24.7 17.7% $ 13.2% $ 11.3% $ 9.2% $ 41.4 20.5 26.4 29.2 18.0% 8.9% 11.5% 12.7% On May 13, 2011, a proposed settlement was reached with respect to two wage and hour class action lawsuits. In connection with an agreement to settle the two lawsuits entered into by the Company, Prince Telecom, LLC (“Prince”), Cavo Broadband Communications, LLC, Broadband Express, LLC (“BBX”) and the plaintiffs’ attorneys, the Company recorded $0.6 million in other accrued liabilities during the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The first of the two lawsuits, which commenced on June 17, 2010, was brought by a former employee of Prince against Prince, the Company and certain unnamed U.S. affiliates of Prince and the Company (the “Affiliates”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit alleged that Prince, the Company and the Affiliates violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing to comply with applicable overtime pay requirements. The plaintiff sought unspecified damages and other relief on behalf of himself and a putative class of similarly situated current and former employees of Prince, the Company and/or the Affiliates. The second of the lawsuits, which commenced on September 10, 2010, was brought by two former employees of BBX against BBX in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit alleged that BBX violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing to comply with applicable overtime pay requirements. The plaintiffs sought unspecified damages and other relief on behalf of themselves and a putative class of similarly situated current and former employees of BBX. On August 12, 2011, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York issued an Order approving the consolidation of the two lawsuits and approving the terms of the settlement, which was paid in December 2011. As part of the Company’s insurance program, it retains the risk of loss, up to certain limits, for claims related to automobile liability, general liability, workers’ compensation, employee group health, and locate damages, and the Company has established reserves that it believes to be adequate based on current evaluations and experience with these types of claims. For these claims, the effect on the Company’s financial statements is generally limited to the amount needed to satisfy its insurance deductibles or retentions. From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries are parties to various other claims and legal proceedings. It is the opinion of the Company’s management, based on information available at this time, that such other pending claims or proceedings will not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. In the normal course of business, tax positions exist for which the ultimate outcome is uncertain. The Company establishes reserves against some or all of the tax benefit of the Company’s tax positions at the time the Company determines that it becomes uncertain. For purposes of evaluating whether a tax position is uncertain, management presumes the tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority; the technical merits of a tax position are derived from authorities in the tax law and their applicability to the facts and circumstances of the tax position; and each tax position is evaluated without consideration of the possibility of offset or aggregation with other tax positions taken. A number of years may elapse before a particular uncertain tax position is audited and finally resolved or when a tax assessment is raised. The number of years subject to tax assessments varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. The tax benefit that has been previously reserved because of a failure to meet the “more likely than not” recognition threshold would be recognized in the Company’s income tax expense in the first interim period when the uncertainty disappears; when the matter is effectively settled; or when the applicable statute of limitations expires. The Company and its subsidiaries have operating leases covering office facilities, vehicles, and equipment that have original noncancelable terms in excess of one year. Certain of these leases contain renewal provisions and generally require the Company to pay insurance, maintenance, and other operating expenses. Total expense incurred under these operating lease agreements, excluding the transactions with related parties presented in Note 15, was $10.6 million, $9.4 million, and $10.1 million for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The Company also incurred rental expense of approximately $9.9 million, $6.7 million, and $6.0 million, respectively, related to facilities, vehicles, and equipment which are being leased under original terms that are less than one year. The future minimum obligation under the leases with noncancelable terms in excess of one year, excluding transactions with related parties, is as follows: 52 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Thereafter Total Performance Bonds and Guarantees Future Minimum Lease Payments (Dollars in thousands) $ $ 7,636 5,567 3,661 2,351 1,291 2,109 22,615 The Company has obligations under performance and other surety contract bonds related to certain of its customer contracts. Performance bonds generally provide the Company’s customer with the right to obtain payment and/or performance from the issuer of the bond if the Company fails to perform its contractual obligations. As of July 28, 2012, the Company had $224.8 million of outstanding performance and other surety contract bonds and no events have occurred in which the customers have exercised their rights under the bonds. The Company has periodically guaranteed certain obligations of its subsidiaries, including obligations in connection with obtaining state contractor licenses and leasing real property. Letters of Credit The Company has standby letters of credit issued under its Credit Agreement as part of its insurance program. These standby letters of credit collateralize the Company’s obligations to its insurance carriers in connection with the settlement of potential claims. As of July 28, 2012, the Company had $38.5 million outstanding standby letters of credit issued under the Credit Agreement. 18. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) In the opinion of management, the following unaudited quarterly data for fiscal 2012 and 2011 reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals), which are necessary to present a fair presentation of amounts shown for such periods (the sum of the quarterly results may not equal the reported annual amounts due to rounding). The earnings per common share calculation for each quarter is based on the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding plus the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted share units, if any. Fiscal 2012: Revenues Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization Gross profit Net income Earnings per common share - Basic Earnings per common share - Diluted Fiscal 2011: Revenues Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization Gross profit Net income Earnings per common share - Basic Earnings per common share - Diluted First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) $ $ $ $ $ $ 319,575 $ 255,187 $ 64,388 $ 12,966 $ 0.39 $ 0.38 $ 267,407 $ 220,239 $ 47,168 $ 3,485 $ 0.10 $ 0.10 $ 296,103 $ 241,386 $ 54,717 $ 9,645 $ 0.29 $ 0.28 $ 318,034 252,137 65,897 13,282 0.40 0.39 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) $ $ $ $ $ $ 261,584 $ 209,322 $ 52,262 $ 6,747 $ 0.18 $ 0.18 $ 218,203 $ 181,621 $ 36,582 $ (5,094) $ (0.14) $ (0.14) $ 252,363 $ 207,045 $ 45,318 $ 1,489 $ 0.04 $ 0.04 $ 303,719 239,132 64,587 12,965 0.38 0.38 For fiscal 2011, the quarterly financial data includes the results of Communication Services (acquired November 2010) and NeoCom (acquired December 2010) since their acquisitions during the second quarter of fiscal 2011. Additionally, during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2011, the Company recognized debt extinguishment costs of $4.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively, comprised of tender premiums and legal and professional fees and $1.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively, for the write-off of deferred debt issuance costs related to the tender offer to purchase its $135.35 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2015 Notes and redemption thereof. See Note 9 for further information. Further, during the third quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company incurred $0.6 million in charges related to the settlement of a legal matter. 53 19. Supplemental Consolidating Financial Statements As of July 28, 2012, the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 2021 Notes was $187.5 million. The 2021 Notes were issued by Dycom Investments, Inc. (the “Issuer”) in fiscal 2011 as further discussed in Note 9. The following consolidating financial statements present, in separate columns, financial information for (i) Dycom Industries, Inc. (“Parent”) on a parent only basis, (ii) the Issuer, (iii) the guarantor subsidiaries for the 2021 Notes on a combined basis, (iv) other non-guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis, (v) the eliminations and reclassifications necessary to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis, and (vi) the Company on a consolidated basis. The consolidating financial statements are presented in accordance with the equity method. Under this method, the investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost and adjusted for the Company’s share of subsidiaries’ cumulative results of operations, capital contributions, distributions and other equity changes. Intercompany charges (income) between the Parent and subsidiaries are recognized in the consolidating financial statements during the period incurred and the settlement of intercompany balances is reflected in the consolidating statement of cash flows based on the nature of the underlying transactions. Each guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiary is wholly-owned, directly or indirectly, by the Issuer and the Parent. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by each guarantor subsidiary and Parent. There are no contractual restrictions limiting transfers of cash from guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries to Issuer or Parent, within the meaning of Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. 54 ASSETS $ CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and equivalents Accounts receivable, net Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings Inventories Deferred tax assets, net Income taxes receivable Other current assets Total current assets PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET GOODWILL INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET DEFERRED TAX ASSETS, NET NON- CURRENT INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLES OTHER $ $ TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable Current portion of debt Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings Accrued insurance claims Deferred tax liabilities Other accrued liabilities Total current liabilities LONG-TERM DEBT ACCRUED INSURANCE CLAIMS DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES, NET NON-CURRENT INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES OTHER LIABILITIES Total liabilities Total stockholders' equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET JULY 28, 2012 Parent Issuer Subsidiary Guarantors Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries (Dollars in thousands) Eliminations and Reclassifications Dycom Consolidated - $ - - - 2,390 4,884 2,211 9,485 9,671 - - - $ - 51,563 $ 140,426 - - - - 10 10 - - - 125,869 26,274 13,566 - 5,458 363,156 133,145 174,849 49,773 - 734,451 - 6,075 750,197 759,682 $ 65 1,425,451 - 4,338 1,429,854 1,429,864 $ 9,341 - 860,758 1,731 1,229,597 1,592,753 $ 2,785 $ - - 588 - 5,054 8,427 - $ - 33,441 $ 74 - - 249 565 814 1,522 24,551 84 43,772 103,444 - 708 187,500 - - 22,815 1,020 353,713 2,883 366,751 392,931 - 507,099 - 695,413 734,451 57,140 - 1,185 184,584 1,408,169 1,018 $ 1,362 1,452 - 80 - 787 4,699 15,431 - - 1,085 - 54 233 16,803 21,502 $ 597 $ - - 79 70 1,535 2,281 - 68 1,868 - 3 4,220 17,282 - $ - - - (403) - - (403) - - - (10,491) (2,159,902) (860,812) - (3,031,205) (3,031,608) $ - $ - - - (403) - (403) - - (10,491) (860,812) - (871,706) (2,159,902) 52,581 141,788 127,321 26,274 15,633 4,884 8,466 376,947 158,247 174,849 49,773 - - - 12,377 395,246 772,193 36,823 74 1,522 25,218 - 50,926 114,563 187,500 23,591 49,537 - 4,071 379,262 392,931 $ 759,682 $ 1,429,864 $ 1,592,753 $ 21,502 $ (3,031,608) $ 772,193 55 ASSETS $ CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and equivalents Accounts receivable, net Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings Inventories Deferred tax assets, net Income taxes receivable Other current assets Total current assets PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET GOODWILL INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET DEFERRED TAX ASSETS, NET NON- CURRENT INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES INTERCOMPANY RECEIVABLES OTHER $ $ TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable Current portion of debt Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings Accrued insurance claims Deferred tax liabilities Other accrued liabilities Total current liabilities LONG-TERM DEBT ACCRUED INSURANCE CLAIMS DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES, NET NON-CURRENT INTERCOMPANY PAYABLES OTHER LIABILITIES Total liabilities Total stockholders' equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET JULY 30, 2011 Parent Issuer Subsidiary Guarantors Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries (Dollars in thousands) Eliminations and Reclassifications Dycom Consolidated - $ - - - 1,458 8,685 2,492 12,635 8,880 - - - $ - - - - - 9 9 - - - 44,608 $ 136,168 89,120 20,488 14,596 - 7,505 312,485 119,722 174,849 56,279 - 695,073 - 6,924 710,877 723,512 $ 54 1,373,992 - 4,745 1,378,791 1,378,800 $ 8,067 - 859,629 1,907 1,220,453 1,532,938 $ 159 $ - - 606 - 5,651 6,416 - $ - 38,847 $ 232 - - 193 1,106 1,299 749 25,413 4 43,340 108,585 - 716 187,500 - 74 22,569 737 361,067 2,725 371,661 351,851 - 494,928 - 683,727 695,073 45,123 - 820 177,171 1,355,767 158 $ 2,384 1,735 70 168 - 932 5,447 21,399 - - 179 - - 301 21,879 27,326 $ 393 $ - - 73 68 1,944 2,478 - 59 2,363 3,646 5 8,551 18,775 - $ - - - (265) - - (265) (562) - - (8,300) (2,069,065) (859,629) - (2,937,556) (2,937,821) $ - $ - - - (265) - (265) - - (8,300) (859,641) - (868,206) (2,069,615) 44,766 138,552 90,855 20,558 15,957 8,685 10,938 330,311 149,439 174,849 56,279 - - - 13,877 394,444 724,755 39,399 232 749 26,092 - 52,041 118,513 187,574 23,344 39,923 - 3,550 372,904 351,851 $ 723,512 $ 1,378,800 $ 1,532,938 $ 27,326 $ (2,937,821) $ 724,755 56 DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS YEAR ENDED JULY 28, 2012 Parent Issuer Subsidiary Guarantors Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries (Dollars in thousands) Eliminations and Reclassifications Dycom Consolidated $ - $ - $ 1,186,380 $ 14,739 $ - $ 1,201,119 REVENUES: Contract Revenues EXPENSES: Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization General and administrative Depreciation and amortization Intercompany charges (income), net Total - 28,048 3,137 (34,212) (3,027) - 574 - - 574 957,449 65,185 54,735 33,749 1,111,118 Interest income (expense), net Other income, net (3,049) 22 (13,660) - (8) 15,281 11,500 10,217 4,833 463 27,013 - 522 - - (12) - (12) - - 968,949 104,024 62,693 - 1,135,666 (16,717) 15,825 INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES - - - (14,234) 90,535 (11,752) 12 64,561 (5,550) 35,299 (4,566) - 25,183 (8,684) 55,236 (7,186) 12 39,378 39,378 48,062 - - (87,440) - NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 39,378 $ 39,378 $ 55,236 $ (7,186) $ (87,428) $ 39,378 57 DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS YEAR ENDED JULY 30, 2011 Parent Issuer Subsidiary Guarantors Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries (Dollars in thousands) Eliminations and Reclassifications Dycom Consolidated $ - $ - $ 1,025,484 $ 10,384 $ - $ 1,035,868 - 23,520 3,192 (29,852) (3,140) (3,140) - - - 648 - - 648 (12,852) (8,295) - 827,980 62,174 54,232 29,437 973,823 81 - 10,845 9,139 8,280 5,156 415 22,990 - - 251 - - (47) - (47) - - - 837,119 94,622 62,533 - 994,274 (15,911) (8,295) 11,096 - - - (21,795) 62,587 (12,355) 47 28,484 (9,430) 27,142 (5,335) - 12,377 (12,365) 35,445 (7,020) 47 16,107 16,107 28,472 - - (44,579) - REVENUES: Contract Revenues EXPENSES: Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization General and administrative Depreciation and amortization Intercompany charges (income), net Total Interest income (expense), net Loss on debt extinguishment Other income, net INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 16,107 $ 16,107 $ 35,445 $ (7,020) $ (44,532) $ 16,107 58 DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2010 Parent Issuer Subsidiary Guarantors Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries (Dollars in thousands) Eliminations and Reclassifications Dycom Consolidated $ - $ - $ 980,082 $ 8,541 $ - $ 988,623 REVENUES: Contract revenues EXPENSES: Costs of earned revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization General and administrative Depreciation and amortization Intercompany charges (income), net Total - 21,659 3,293 (27,589) (2,637) - 457 - - 457 802,203 65,058 56,368 27,026 950,655 Interest income (expense), net Other income, net (2,637) - (11,558) - 20 8,007 7,861 10,966 3,991 563 23,381 - 86 - - (45) - (45) - - 810,064 98,140 63,607 - 971,811 (14,175) 8,093 INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF SUBSIDIARIES - (12,015) 37,454 (14,754) 45 10,730 1,092 (5,493) 16,027 (6,745) - 4,881 (1,092) (6,522) 21,427 (8,009) 45 5,849 6,941 13,463 - - (20,404) - NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 5,849 $ 6,941 $ 21,427 $ (8,009) $ (20,359) $ 5,849 59 DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS YEAR ENDED JULY 28, 2012 Parent Issuer Subsidiary Guarantors Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries (Dollars in thousands) Eliminations and Reclassifications Dycom Consolidated Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 6,755 $ (8,774) $ 69,823 $ (2,679) $ - $ 65,125 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures Proceeds from sale of assets Changes in restricted cash Capital contributions to subsidiaries Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Repurchases of common stock Exercise of stock options and other Restricted stock tax withholdings Excess tax benefit from share-based awards Principal payments on capital lease obligations Intercompany funding Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net increase in cash and equivalents CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ (3,685) - 926 - - - - (4,943) (69,362) 19,211 - - (4,565) 5,572 - - - - - 4,943 (77,612) 24,783 926 - (2,759) (4,943) (50,151) 1,007 4,943 (51,903) (12,960) 6,490 (329) 1,625 - 1,178 - - - - - - - - - 13,717 (233) (12,484) (3,996) 13,717 (12,717) - - - $ - - - 6,955 44,608 $ 51,563 $ 1,018 $ - - - - - 2,532 2,532 860 158 - - - - - (4,943) (12,960) 6,490 (329) 1,625 (233) - (4,943) (5,407) - - - 7,815 44,766 $ 52,581 60 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 7,979 $ (12,343) $ 53,611 $ (5,390) $ $ 43,857 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures Proceeds from sale of assets Cash paid for acquisitions Changes in restricted cash Capital contributions to subsidiaries Net used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Repurchases of common stock Exercise of stock options and other Restricted stock tax withholdings Principal payments on capital lease obligations Debt issuance costs Proceeds from issuance of 7.125% senior subordinated notes due 2021 Purchase of 8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2015 Intercompany funding Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net decrease in cash and equivalents CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS YEAR ENDED JULY 30, 2011 Parent Issuer Subsidiary Guarantors Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries (Dollars in thousands) Eliminations and Reclassifications Dycom Consolidated (1,746) - - 25 - (1,721) (64,548) 1,321 (197) - - (27,500) - (52,492) (79,992) (53,346) 11,645 (8,951) 200 - (50,452) (6,365) 660 - - - (5,705) - - - - - - - (456) - (4,721) (582) - - 187,500 - 57,622 (135,350) 44,906 - - (60,827) - - - - - - - 10,791 - - - - - 52,492 52,492 - - - - - - - (52,492) (61,457) 12,305 (36,451) 225 - (85,378) (64,548) 1,321 (197) (582) (5,177) 187,500 (135,350) - (6,258) 92,335 (61,409) 10,791 (52,492) (17,033) - - - $ - - - (58,250) (304) 102,858 462 $ 44,608 $ 158 $ - - - (58,554) 103,320 $ 44,766 61 DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2010 Parent Issuer Subsidiary Guarantors Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries (Dollars in thousands) Eliminations and Reclassifications Dycom Consolidated Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 1,412 $ (6,025) $ 62,857 $ (4,106) $ $ 54,138 - - - 26,615 26,615 - - - - - - (26,615) (55,376) 8,768 - (46,608) (4,489) 33 (274) 69 (1,023) (3,233) - (26,615) (8,917) - - - (1,387) 104,707 $ 103,320 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures Proceeds from sale of assets Capital contributions to subsidiaries Net used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Repurchases of common stock Exercise of stock options and other Restricted stock tax withholdings Excess tax benefit from share-based awards Principal payments on capital lease obligations Debt issuance costs Intercompany funding Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD CASH AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ (3,191) - - (3,191) (4,489) 33 (274) 69 - (3,233) 9,673 - - (26,615) (26,615) (47,248) 8,617 - (38,631) (4,937) 151 - (4,786) - - - - - - - - - - 32,640 (1,023) - (24,927) 1,779 32,640 (25,950) (1,724) 104,582 - - - $ - - - $ 102,858 $ 462 $ - - - - - - 9,229 9,229 337 125 62 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Dycom Industries, Inc. Palm Beach Gardens, Florida We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Dycom Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 28, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dycom Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 28, 2012, 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), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of July 28, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated September 4, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Deloitte & Touche LLP Certified Public Accountants Miami, Florida September 4, 2012 63 Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures. There have been no changes in or disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosures within the meaning of Item 304 of Regulation S-K. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures. Disclosure Controls and Procedures The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of July 28, 2012, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of July 28, 2012, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Management of Dycom Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance that the reported financial information is presented fairly, that disclosures are adequate and that the judgments inherent in the preparation of financial statements are reasonable. There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control, including the possibility of human error and overriding of controls. Consequently, an effective internal control system can only provide reasonable, not absolute assurance, with respect to reporting financial information. Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time. Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of July 28, 2012. The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of July 28, 2012 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, which is set forth in Part II, Item 9 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of July 28, 2012. 64 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Dycom Industries, Inc. Palm Beach Gardens, Florida We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Dycom Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of July 28, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 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 conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 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. A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 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 generally accepted accounting principles, 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 the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of July 28, 2012, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended July 28, 2012 of the Company and our report dated September 4, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. Deloitte & Touche LLP Certified Public Accountants Miami, Florida September 4, 2012 65 Item 9B. Other Information. None Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. PART III Information concerning directors and nominees of the Registrant and other information as required by this item are hereby incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A. The information set forth under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference. Code of Ethics The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers which is a code of ethics as that term is defined in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K and which applies to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and other persons performing similar functions. The Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers is available on the Company’s Internet website at www.dycomind.com . If the Company makes any substantive amendments to, or a waiver from, provisions of the Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, it will disclose the nature of such amendment, or waiver, on its website or in a report on Form 8-K. Information on the Company’s website is not deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Item 11. Executive Compensation. The information required by Item 11 regarding executive compensation is included under the headings “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Compensation Committee Report” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A, and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters. Information concerning the ownership of certain of the Registrant’s beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A. Item 13. Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence. Information concerning relationships and related transactions is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A. Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services. Information concerning principal accounting fees and services is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A. PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. (a) The following documents are filed as a part of this report: 1. Consolidated financial statements: Consolidated balance sheets at July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011 Consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal years ended July 28, 2012, July 30, 2011, and July 31, 2010 Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the fiscal years ended July 28, 2012, July 30, 2011, and July 31, 2010 Consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended July 28, 2012, July 30, 2011, and July 31, 2010 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Page 33 34 35 36 37 63 64 65 66 2. Financial statement schedules: All schedules have been omitted because they are inapplicable, not required, or the information is included in the above referenced consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto. 3. Exhibits furnished pursuant to the requirements of Form 10-K: Exhibit number 3(i) 3(ii) 4.2 4.3 4.4 10.1* 10.2* Restated Articles of Incorporation of Dycom Industries, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on June 11, 2002). Amended and Restated By-laws of Dycom Industries, Inc., as amended on February 24, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2009). Shareholder Rights Agreement, dated April 4, 2001, between Dycom Industries, Inc. and the rights Agent (which includes the Form of Rights Certificate, as Exhibit A, the Summary of Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock, as Exhibit B, and the Form of Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation for Series A Preferred Stock, as Exhibit C), (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 8-A filed with the SEC on April 6, 2001). Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of January 7, 2002, among Dycom Industries, Inc., Troy Acquisition Corp., Arguss Communications, Inc. and certain stockholders of Arguss Communications, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-81268), filed with the SEC on January 23, 2002). Indenture, dated as of January 21, 2011, among Dycom Investments, Inc., Dycom Industries, Inc. and certain subsidiaries of Dycom Industries, Inc., as guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 24, 2011). 1998 Incentive Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Preliminary Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on September 30, 1999). 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, amended and restated effective as of September 19, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 23, 2011). 10.3*+ Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. 10.4*+ Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. 10.5*+ Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. 10.6*+ Form of Performance Unit Agreement under the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated. 10.7*+ Form of Non-Employee Director Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement, under the 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan, as amended and restated. 10.8*+ Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, under the 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan, as amended and restated. 10.9* 10.10* 10.11* 10.12* 2007 Non-Employee Directors Equity Plan, amended and restated effective as of September 19, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 23, 2011). Employment Agreement for Richard B. Vilsoet dated as of May 5, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 9, 2005). Employment Agreement for H. Andrew DeFerrari dated as of July 14, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 23, 2006). Amendment to the Employment Agreement of H. Andrew DeFerrari dated as of August 25, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 31, 2006). 67 10.13* Employment Agreement for Timothy R. Estes dated as of November 25, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on December 2, 2008). 10.14 10.15* 10.16* 10.17 10.18 2009 Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on October 30, 2008). Form of Indemnification Agreement for directors and executive officers of Dycom Industries, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on September 3, 2009). Amendment to the Employment Agreements of H. Andrew DeFerrari and Richard B. Vilsoet dated as of May 28, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 28, 2010). Credit Agreement dated June 4, 2010 by and among Dycom Industries, Inc. and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and L/C Issuer, Banc of America Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Managers, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent, and Branch Banking and Trust Company, RBS Citizens, N.A. and PNC Bank, National Association, as Co-Documentation Agents (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 9, 2010). First Amendment dated as of January 5, 2011 to Credit Agreement dated as of June 4, 2010 with Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and L/C Issuer, Banc of America Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Book Managers, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Syndication Agent, Branch Banking and Trust Company, RBS Citizens, N.A. and PNC Bank, National Association, as Co-Documentation Agents and certain other lenders from time to time party thereto (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 6, 2011). 10.19* Employment Agreement for Steven E. Nielsen dated as of May 1, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Dycom Industries, Inc.’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 2, 2012). 12.1+ Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. 21.1+ Principal subsidiaries of Dycom Industries, Inc. 23.1+ Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. 31.1 + 31.2 + 32.1 + 32.2 + Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002. Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002. Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002. Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002. 101++** The following materials from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 28, 2012 formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. + Filed herewith ++ Furnished herewith *Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. ** Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T that this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for the purposes of section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities and Exchanges Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections. 68 Pursuant to the requirements 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. SIGNATURES Date: September 4, 2012 DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. Registrant /s/ Steven E. Nielsen Name: Steven E. Nielsen Title: President and Chief Executive Officer 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. Name /s/ Steven E. Nielsen Steven E. Nielsen /s/ H. Andrew DeFerrari H. Andrew DeFerrari /s/ Thomas G. Baxter Thomas G. Baxter /s/ Charles M. Brennan, III Charles M. Brennan, III /s/ Charles B. Coe Charles B. Coe /s/ Stephen C. Coley Stephen C. Coley /s/ Dwight B. Duke Dwight B. Duke /s/ Patricia L. Higgins Patricia L. Higgins Position Date Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer September 4, 2012 September 4, 2012 September 4, 2012 September 4, 2012 September 4, 2012 September 4, 2012 September 4, 2012 September 4, 2012 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) Director Director Director Director Director Director 69 DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES (Unaudited) – Not filed in the Form 10-K The shareholder letter included at the beginning of this Annual Report includes the financial measures “organic revenue growth,” “Non-GAAP net income (excluding refinancing costs and certain other charges)” and “Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (excluding refinancing costs and certain other charges)” which are “Non-GAAP financial measures” as defined in Regulation G of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company cautions that Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the Company’s reported GAAP results. The below table presents a reconciliation of Non-GAAP contract revenues and year-over-year growth to GAAP contract revenues and year-over-year growth. The organic revenue change represents the revenue growth excluding revenues from acquired businesses and storm restoration services. The Company believes organic revenue provides the most meaningful comparison of contract revenues on a year-over-year basis. Calculation of Organic Revenue Growth (dollars in thousands): Revenues from businesses acquired in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 Revenues from storm restoration services Contract Revenues - GAAP Contract Revenues - Non-GAAP Revenue Growth – GAAP(a) Organic Revenue Growth – Non-GAAP(a) Twelve Months Ended July 28, 2012 $ 1,201,119 $ (54,529) $ (5,985) $ 1,140,605 16.0% 15.4% Twelve Months Ended July 30, 2011 $ 1,035,868 $ (33,764) $ (14,054) $ 988,050 (a) Year-over-year growth percentage is calculated as follows: (i) revenues in the annual period less (ii) revenues in the comparative prior year annual period; divided by (ii) revenues in the comparative prior year annual period. The following table presents a reconciliation of GAAP net income to Non-GAAP net income (excluding refinancing costs and certain other charges), and presents a reconciliation of GAAP diluted earnings per share to Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (excluding refinancing costs and certain other charges). The Company believes these Non-GAAP financial measures are relevant and useful for investors because they allow investors to better understand the changes in the Company’s performance from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2011 by excluding items in both periods to enhance comparability. The reconciling items are more fully described in the Company’s Fiscal 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K within Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and within the notes to the consolidated financial statements included within Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Twelve Months Ended July 28, 2012 Twelve Months Ended July 30, 2011 Pre-Tax Reconciling Items decreasing net income Loss on debt extinguishment Charge for a wage and hour class action litigation settlement Acquisition related costs Total Reconciling Items GAAP net income Adjustment for Reconciling Items above, net of tax Non-GAAP net income Earnings per common share: Basic earnings per common share - GAAP Adjustment for Reconciling Items above, net of tax Basic earnings per common share - Non-GAAP Diluted earnings per common share – GAAP Adjustment for Reconciling Items above, net of tax Diluted earnings per common share - Non-GAAP (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ - - - - 39,378 - 39,378 1.17 - 1.17 1.14 - 1.14 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ (8,295) (600) (223) (9,118) 16,107 5,776 21,883 0.46 0.16 0.62 0.45 0.16 0.61 Shares used in computing GAAP and Non-GAAP earnings per common share and adjustment for Reconciling Items above: Basic Diluted 33,653,055 34,481,895 35,306,900 35,754,168 CORPORATE DIRECTORY Executive Officers: Annual Meeting: Steven E. Nielsen Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Timothy R. Estes Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer H. Andrew DeFerrari Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Richard B. Vilsoet Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Directors: Thomas G. Baxter 2, 4, 5 Charles M. Brennan, III 1, 4, 5 Charles B. Coe 1, 2, 5 Stephen C. Coley 1, 3, 4 Dwight B. Duke 3 Patricia L. Higgins 1, 2, 3 Steven E. Nielsen 4 Committees: 1 Audit Committee 2 Compensation Committee 3 Corporate Governance Committee 4 Executive Committee 5 Finance Committee Registrar and Transfer Agent: American Stock Transfer & Trust Company New York, New York Independent Auditors: Deloitte & Touche LLP Miami, Florida The 2012 Annual Shareholders Meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at the Corporate offices of Dycom Industries, Inc. 11770 U.S. Highway 1 Suite 402 Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33408 Common Stock: The common stock of Dycom Industries, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “DY.” Shareholder Information: Copies of this report to Shareholders, the Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Form 10-K, and other published reports may be obtained, without charge, by sending a written request to: Secretary Dycom Industries, Inc. 11770 U.S. Highway 1 Suite 101 Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33408 Telephone: (561) 627-7171 Web Site: www.dycomind.com E-mail: info@dycominc.com Documents that Dycom has filed electronically with the SEC can be accessed on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Dycom has filed the certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 of its 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Additionally, in December 2011, Dycom’s Chief Executive Officer submitted to the New York Stock Exchange a certificate stating that he is not aware of any violations by Dycom of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance listing standards.  DYCOM INDUSTRIES, INC. 11770 U.S. Highway 1 Suite 101 Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33408 (561) 627-7171 

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